Chapter 19

unedited

Is it Okay if I Leave it Like This? (4)

I couldn’t beat my proud heart, so my shoulders went up. I put the medicinal herb in a pocket and pulled the string tightly to tie the entrance.

“Now then, let’s bring it to the village chief…….”

Hmm…… ? But for some reason it was dark. I tried rubbing it to see if there was anything in my eyes, but the surroundings were dark.

“Huh…… ?”

Where am I? As I ran frantically, I lost my sense of direction.

Crunch–

Flinch.

As I took one step, I heard a loud rustling of leaves. My shoulders shrugged and a cold sweat broke out.

The moonlight was pouring in here and there, and the surroundings were not very dark, but on the contrary, it created a more frightening atmosphere. A shadow was cast under the thick trees, and something seemed to pop out of that faintly flowing light—

Crash-

“Uwaak!”

What the hell! That scared me, what is that?! I ran for a long time like a bullet bounced off. My legs stopped when I was out of breath. Thinking about it, I think it was the flapping of the wings of a bird. Nobody saw it, right?

I tried to hypnotize myself by saying, ‘It’s nothing,’ thinking funny thoughts, but it didn’t last a minute.

As I was walking alone in the mountains with nowhere to turn, my feet throbbed and hurt. When I stopped under the moonlight for a moment and took off my shoes, my whole foot was swollen.

“Ha…….”

Shall we wait until dawn in this state? But if there is a ghost in the meantime… I shook my head right away.

“There are no ghosts.”

But there is a Demon King…… ?

“Uwaaaaaaaa! Heup!”

As I screamed, I could hear something coming out from under my feet, along with the sound of ‘ssszzz!’ Goosebumps all over my body and my heart beats faster.

I was afraid I wanted to leave this place right away, but my body was so stiff that I couldn’t move even a single step. There were no walls in the way, but I felt like I was alone in a gloomy room closed with a solid lock.

It was the first time. What makes Sezaine feel so unfamiliar?

It was even more so than when I first set foot on Sezaine. It just changed from day to night, and the whole mountain was filled with strange energy.

I was possessed by something (the herb) and went deep into the mountain, and when I came to my senses, the sun was already setting. On top of that, I lost my way.

This formula is very familiar. A death scene from a horror movie. Literally, I made the perfect scene for the ghost to come out and catch me.

I put my trembling hands together. I was not religious, but when people are in a hurry, they find a god they don’t believe in.

“I, I’ve… got a peace like a river! I’ve got a peace like a river!”

Hallelujah! I knew only one sentence of the lyrics, so I repeated the same part infinitely. Damn, I’m scared to death! Please… If there is a ghost near me, just pass by!

I was afraid to close my eyes and to open them, so I fixed my gaze on my toes, but the moonlight flickered.

Gulp-

Strength entered my eyes. I clenched my teeth. The two hands clasped together were trembling to the point that I couldn’t control them.

The sound of rustling leaves was heard from the dark place. The tension in my body rushed towards its peak.

Rustle, rustle.

I wanted to think that I had heard it wrong, but unfortunately, the sound got louder and louder. I felt as if my breath was being squeezed, and my legs lost strength and I sat down. I crouched down, covered my ears, and struggled to escape from the fear.

“I’ve got a peace like a river! I’ve got a peace like my river! I’ve got…….”

Something touched my sensitive back. Whoosh, from the tip of my toes to the top of my head, goosebumps run.

“Eri…… .”

“PEACCEEEEE!!”

The verse of the hymn I was about to sing burst out of my mouth as a scream. Go away! Go away!

I swung my fists without raising my face. But my arms, wriggling in the air, were easily grasped.

“Huh?”

A warm and large embrace wraps around his head. My breathing calmed like magic, and the familiar yet nostalgic embrace held my trembling body firmly.

“Merson?”

I carefully lifted my eyes to look, and saw a warm smile under the terrifying and pale moonlight. Tears welled up as if it was a signal.

Water pooled around my eyes, and Merson’s expression changed dramatically. Not knowing what to do, he kissed my face, which was dripping with tears.

“Who made you cry?”

“You! You’re! Uwaaahhh!”

Merson repeatedly apologized to me. I’m sorry, so don’t be sad. I’ll do well.

As if hanging in his arms, I let go of my neck and wept. The fear that had been suppressed came out like an explosion. Merson did not stop stroking my hair until I calmed down.

I couldn’t walk with my swollen feet, so I had to come down on Merson’s back.

I buried my face comfortably and felt his movement. Merson made his way through the path I had been wandering for a long time.

“Oh right. Merson, what about the party?”

“It has started.”

“The fireworks?! Shouldn’t it be shot?”

“Not yet. A little later.”

“Thank God. I thought Merson came here because of me, so you couldn’t shoot the fireworks.”

“Nothing is more important than Erina.”

What are you talking about? Anyway, I know very well that Merson thinks of me a lot.