The Quiet Village Night

Chapter 7 — The Quiet Village Night

The orange glow of sunset brushed the horizon when Ren turned to Takashi.

“You should go with her,” he said calmly. “I took a bit of time before reaching the village.”

Takashi gave a short nod. “Understood.”

Without hesitation, he followed Lina down the narrow path toward her home.

Ren exhaled softly, his gaze falling upon the lifeless body lying before him.

He approached it—one slow, careful step at a time—until he stood just a meter away.

Rubbing his chin, he murmured, “Well, well… this isn’t a normal body at all. Something’s off. Almost like—”

“Ren!” Takashi’s voice echoed from afar. “Don’t stand there too long! The sun’s going down!”

Ren blinked, then chuckled faintly. “Always the worrier.”

He dug a shallow grave nearby and buried the body in silence. Once done, he dusted his hands, turned, and jogged after Takashi.

By the time they reached Lina’s house, twilight had already swallowed the sky.

Takashi stepped forward and knocked. “Is anyone home?”

A trembling voice answered from within, “Y–yes…”

Ren, scanning the surroundings with half-lidded eyes, turned toward the door. “There’s no need to worry,” he said with a gentle smile. “Your daughter’s safe now.”

The door burst open with a loud creak. Two figures rushed out—Lina’s parents.

They threw their arms around their daughter, tears streaming down their faces.

Ren watched them quietly. A faint smile crossed his lips.

“Every parent loves their child,” he said softly.

Takashi folded his arms. “You’re right… this time.”

Ren raised an eyebrow. “This time? I’m always right.”

Lina’s father turned toward them, still holding his daughter. “You’re the ones who saved her, aren’t you?”

Takashi nodded. “Yeah. That’s right.”

“I don’t know how to thank you,” the man said, voice trembling with emotion.

Ren stepped forward, gently moving Takashi aside. “There’s no need for that. We’re just glad she’s safe.”

“You’re too kind,” Lina’s mother said warmly. “Please, stay with us tonight. You’ve traveled far, haven’t you?”

Ren smiled. “That sounds nice. Thank you.”

Inside, the small home was cozy, filled with the scent of burning wood and simmering broth. Dinner was soon served—simple soup and boiled rice.

Lina leaned forward, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Are you two adventurers?”

Ren glanced at her. “It’s not polite to talk while eating,” he said in his usual calm tone.

Takashi sighed. “She’s just a kid, Ren. Don’t scare her.”

Lina’s father chuckled. “No need to be so formal, please relax. Make yourselves at home.”

“How are you so strong if you’re not adventurers?” Lina asked again, turning her attention to Takashi.

“We’re heading to the capital,” Takashi replied. “We plan to register with the Adventurer’s Guild soon.”

“Wow…” Lina’s eyes widened.

Dinner ended soon after. Ren and Takashi were shown to a small guest room with two modest beds.

Ren lay on his back, eyes fixed on the ceiling. “Hey, Takashi. You asleep?”

Takashi groaned, pulling the blanket over his face. “If you let me sleep, then yes.”

“Don’t be so cranky,” Ren said with a faint laugh. “I just want to ask something.”

Takashi sighed. “Fine. One question. Make it quick.”

Ren sat up, his tone suddenly serious. “Did you notice something strange about that man’s body?”

Takashi peeked from under the blanket. “If this is about dead people again, count me out. You don’t need sleep—but I do.”

Ren exhaled through his nose. “You’re no fun.”

The conversation ended there. The room fell silent except for the faint crackle of a lantern flame.

The next morning, both men climbed into a carriage bound for the capital.

Takashi adjusted his cloak and said, “If we want to investigate this freely, we need to join the Adventurer’s Guild. Members can move between the Nine Planets without restriction.”

Ren nodded. “Alright, but—”

Takashi cut him off instantly. “Don’t start again. There’s no difference in that man’s body. Everyone linked to this case looks the same.”

Ren turned to the window, the wind brushing against his hair. His eyes narrowed slightly.

“Maybe,” he said softly. “But I’m not so sure…”

The carriage rolled on, leaving the quiet village behind—its mysteries buried, but not forgotten.

[To be continued…]