Episode 2
“Riri.”
“Ah, He– Heret ma’am….”
Before she knew it, the sky had grown dark. She had taken a longer route to avoid people, so more time had passed than expected. By the time she reached the temple entrance, the sun had already set long ago.
She looked at the plump woman who awkwardly called her by her nickname. The woman was one of the kitchen maids who mainly prepared meals for the paladins and priests.
“You’re late.”
“Y-Yes… the f-festival… there were so many people.”
“I see. The streets were crowded?”
“Y-Yes…!”
Mrs. Heret let out a sigh and raised her hand to gently pat her. Seeing the hand approaching, Yurie tightly shut her eyes. The woman’s face softened with pity at the sight. Embarrassed, Yurie gave an awkward smile.
“I-I’m sorry….”
“It’s alright. Ah, right. I had something to give you.”
She began rummaging through her handbag and soon pulled out a small pouch. It was decorated with a bright red ribbon and looked quite cute.
“This is…?”
“Chocolate cookies.”
“E-Excuse me?”
“It’s your birthday today.”
Only then did Yurie let out a small gasp. Her cheeks flushed like peaches, full of both embarrassment and gratitude.
‘So the bread and medicine grandfather gave me… those were gifts too.’
Only now did she understand his kindness.
“Th-Thank you… I’ll enjoy them.”
“Good.”
Yurie bowed deeply. Perhaps because she bent too far, her right leg—slightly shorter than the left—throbbed faintly.
“Happy birthday.”
Mrs. Heret said as she patted her shoulder. Yurie nodded shyly.
“Oh! Look at me, I almost forgot,” Mrs. Heret said, taking the herbs Yurie had brought.
“So, is that old man doing well?”
“Ah, yes. He seemed to be doing well.”
“I see.”
“H-He also… seemed to miss you… ma’am.”
“Oh my.”
Everyone called her “Mrs. Heret,” but she wasn’t actually married. Watching her feign irritation out of embarrassment, Yurie let out a small, bashful laugh. Among all people, Mrs. Heret was the only one the so-called eccentric grandfather seemed to care about.
“Well, it’s already this late.”
“Y-Yes… g-goodbye.”
“Alright. See you tomorrow.”
Step by step. The ordinary sound of footsteps somehow felt bright.
‘She must be in a good mood.’
Yurie carefully placed the cookie pouch into her basket and hurried to her room so no one would see.
—
Her room was old and narrow. Through the thin window, the harsh winter wind blew in. In winters like this, her fingers would feel like they were freezing off.
It was hard to believe this was the room of someone about to become an adult—it was so empty. There was only the blanket she slept under, a small wardrobe with a few clothes, and a tiny desk and chair.
‘Oh right, I almost forgot.’
Yurie clasped her hands toward the statue of the goddess on her desk and began to pray, her voice low and solemn like the priests’.
“O goddess who watches over all things.”
She had just begun reciting the prayer when loud noises came from outside the window.
“It’s already starting!”
She took out bread and cookies from her basket. Though the room was cold, cramped, and old, she liked it. More precisely, she liked the view of the village through the small window.
People sang in excitement at the festival, and a clown performed in the plaza. Warm lights shimmered everywhere.
‘Everyone looks happy.’
Lanterns began to float along the river. The sight of people setting them afloat while making wishes was beautiful.
It was her favorite view.
Sitting at her desk, Yurie watched the lanterns drift down the river.
“Thank you for the meal.”
She took a bite of the cookie. A round bite mark formed on the triangular piece. The unfamiliar sweetness lingered on her tongue, and she smiled happily.
“It feels nice.”
A breeze came through the window gap. Just minutes ago it had felt freezing, but now it strangely felt refreshing.
‘It’s beautiful.’
There had been times she thought herself unhappy. But there were always people around her who treated her kindly. She didn’t want to abandon the world just because of a few who mistreated her.
In a voice as sweet as the chocolate cookie, Yurie resumed her unfinished prayer.
“…and with a m-merciful heart.”
Dong. A long, resonant bell rang.
“P-Please… l-love the little ones.”
Bang!
At that moment, a strong wind blew. The candle went out, and the window slammed shut loudly. Darkness filled the room.
“W-Where is it…?”
“Here.”
A voice spoke to her from the darkness.
Startled, Yurie fell backward, pain shooting through her back.
“W-Who are you…?!”
“Hello.”
“W-Who are you?! Where are you?!”
The voice was strangely gentle, yet eerie. She felt something like a hand touch her head.
“You may not remember me, but I remember you. Yurie Slebart.”
“Wh-Who…”
“My child. It’s time for you to be carried by fate.”
“…What?”
A black hand gently stroked her hair.
‘This isn’t human.’
She bit her lip to stay conscious. The hand was covered in something like fur, freezing cold, and wherever its breath touched, frost began to form.
“My child.”
Though she had never heard the voice before, it stirred a strange feeling—nostalgic and sorrowful.
‘I’ve heard this voice somewhere…’
Tears threatened to fall.
“My precious child… how could your hands be so hurt…”
The darkness gently took her hand. Though cold, it felt strangely familiar.
‘This is something unholy.’
She clenched her teeth, resisting.
“My child. Let’s make a bet.”
“I-I have nothing…”
“It’s alright. I’m your old friend. Would I harm you?”
“That’s… a lie.”
The cold arms embraced her, yet she felt an overwhelming desire to remain there forever.
“You’ve been holding so much sadness.”
“N-No, I…”
“Why is my child so sad… such a beautiful child.”
“….”
“You must have suffered greatly.”
At those words, tears began to flow. Pain surged through her like her very insides were being twisted. She cried like a child until no tears remained.
“My child. I want to make you happy.”
“I…”
“I know. It’s been hard.”
“…It’s not…”
“What must it have felt like, waiting for parents who never came, sitting on the snowy streets?”
“….”
“How hard must it have been to be ignored by everyone?”
Her sobbing stopped. Her throat dried. She reached toward the darkness, and it gently held and rocked her.
“My child. Shall we play a game?”
No one had ever treated her this kindly. The emotions she had buried deep inside began to surface.
“…I’ll do it.”
The darkness smiled.
“You will soon marry the greatest person in this country.”
“Marriage…”
“He is your destiny.”
“If you receive a promise of eternity from him, that’s enough. Even if it’s a lie.”
“…Okay.”
“I don’t care about his heart. Just those words.”
“…Ah…”
“If you grant my wish, I will be very happy.”
“I’ll… do it. I can.”
“Such a good child.”
It treated her like a beloved child, gently stroking her cheek.
‘It feels like a mother.’
“If you succeed, I’ll grant all your wishes.”
“It’s okay… really…”
“Stay by my side… please.”
“But if you give up, you must give me everything.”
“I’d give it to you even now.”
“Careful with such words.”
She smiled.
“Then… shall we make the bet?”
“Yes…”
“Sleep well, my child.”
The darkness covered her eyes, and she sank deeper into it. It was no longer cold—only a long-missed quiet remained.
—
Her eyelids felt heavy. It seemed she had a good dream.
But something was strange—she couldn’t move.
“B-Brother…!”
“She’s… she opened her eyes…!”
Voices echoed around her.
“Oh…! O divine one!”
“This must be the goddess’s blessing!”
Priests held her hands.
‘…Are they talking about me?’
Their gazes were filled with kindness.
An unfamiliar world unfolded before her eyes.
