38: Suspicious Journey

Povrzete and Voda's home is in Čhervon, and the couple travels 4km, or 1 hour and 5 minutes, to Fu Manču. From there, they board a boat, a 10-minute journey to their destination.

"Is it really that far?" Samuël asked curiously.

"Maybe it is... but that's the fun part about being here. There are lots of crafts and delicious food, so everyone can enjoy the diversity. Don't worry, Voda and I are always here to help," Povrzete said excitedly.

"Okay, okay. By the way, does anyone here know you?" Wendy asked.
"Hmm... I think I know a few people, but I've forgotten..."

As they were about to depart, Samuël, Wendy, and Povrzete stocked up on food for the trip.

"Hey, where are you going?" one of the vendors asked.
"Hey, I'm going to Fu Manču. I'm meeting some friends there."
"Yeah, *hahahaha* that's great. Have fun. Be careful on the way."
"Yeah, thanks for the encouragement. One day I'll buy everything you're selling," said the money-hungry Povrzete.

*What kind of money do you have?* (Wendy and Samuël were confused by Povrzete's unpleasant remark.)

They walked southeast, passing through the farms there. There was still plenty to see: people planting rice, preparing the harvest, picking fresh apples. Many traders gathered here to meet the needs of the surrounding area.

They then reached the border between Chevron and Fu Manchu, but along the way, the border was blocked by a fairly deep stretch of sea.

"Bro."

"Yeah, how was it?"
"How was your trip, bro?"
"Yeah, there's some equipment over there. (Looks at the boat) Looks like there's a boat, come on."
"She's a coward."

Samuel's mind began to wander, and Wendy began to read his thoughts, becoming consumed by strange thoughts that reminded her of something that happened a few days ago.

"Hey, do you want to do that?" Strange thoughts began to form in his mind as he was in a thick fog.
"Do you want to?"
"No, sorry."
"Come here. I'll do it. Don't be scared, I'll figure something out."
"No, let me go."
"Hey, I want to. Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!" Someone tried to rape Wendy on her way home from the market.
"Hey, let go of my wife!!" The man was proud of Wendy, treating her like a married couple.
"What? You want to hit me?"

"I won't let you hurt my wife or let you leave Wendy forever!!!!" He was the Rünga I knew. And then...

*Thud* *Bang* *Clang*

"What... is that?"
"Honey?"

"Are you okay?"
"Um... I'm okay."

"Oh... I'm glad you're safe. Let's go home. I'll buy you something later."
"Really, honey?"

"Yeah, you can pick out whatever you want."

"Thanks, honey. That's really thoughtful."