After a month of adjusting to village life, Kevin gained some free time. Meanwhile, the village was bustling with the construction of a new sanitary and sewage system, ordered by the countess. Workers from outside the village added to the chaos, with the same project planned for other noble territories.
With newfound free time, Kevin enlisted Jonas to guide him through the entire village and the adjacent forest. Jonas agreed, and to manage the extensive tour, they decided to explore a bit each day during their free time.
After completing his tour through the village, Kevin turned to Jonas and asked, “Hey Jonas, I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Do you know any family members of the deceased guards of the Ravencrest?”
“I know a few, but what do you want with them?”
“Well, after listening to the baroness’s story, I have a few questions I want to ask them. Can you take me to someone who can provide me with some answers?”
“I know a few, but they might not be willing. Because of the actions of the guards, their families are in an awkward position, as some of them used to be arrogant because of them.
“But I know a woman. She is the wife of one of the guards. If you are willing to pay her some money, I think she will give you your answers.”
“Take me to her.”
“But frankly, it’s just a waste of time.”
“Well, I am curious.”
“Fine. Let’s go.”
Copyright © [2023] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved.
****
Wendy was doing her laundry when she heard a knocking sound on her door.
“Who is it?”
“Hi Wendy, how are you?”
“What do you want, Jonas?” Wendy frowned.
“My friend here is the new pastor of the church. He seems to have some questions he wants to ask regarding the Ravencrests. Can you answer him?”
“Get lost.” Wendy blew up in anger, startling Kevin. But Jonas just held his ears indifferently, as if he were trying to avoid damaging his ears.
“Hey, hey, calm down. He will pay you,” Jonas said while rubbing his ears.
Hearing that she would get money, Wendy reined in her anger. “Come in.”
Jonas and Kevin entered the house.
“One rustleo per question. What do you want to learn?”
“Hey, you are asking too much. One breezecent per question.”
“You can leave if you don’t want to pay.”
“It’s fine.”
“But...”
“It’s fine. Madam Wendy, are you angry at the Ravencrests or the Baroness?”
“The Baroness, of course.”
“Why?”
“When the Ravencrests were alive, my husband used to bring home a lot of money. Now I have to work to earn my keep. Damn woman. She should have just killed herself.”
“….”
“Did your husband ever tell you why the Ravencrests abused her so much?”
“No, once I asked the same question. He only said that the Baron’s son mentioned that somehow he can’t seem to stand her.”
“Then why didn’t he just kill her?”
“How would I know?” she rolled her eyes.
“Do you know where the Baroness’s village is?”
“It should be the village in Baron Rolland’s territory. But you won’t be able to find it now.”
“Why?”
“During a monster attack, the entire village was wiped out. Later, adventurers were hired to clear those monsters. If any villagers survived, they are likely scattered.”
“Did Baron Rolland not object when the Baron’s son acted as he pleased in his territory?”
“He complained, but the Ravencrests didn’t care. He lacks the courage to confront them. It’s a known fact that his wife makes decisions in the baronet. She also decided to hire adventurers to deal with the monsters, as they lacked the strength.”
“After the monster attack, she had her husband requested Countess Ravenna to train some guards. Baroness Sera, after taking on responsibilities, sought friendly relations with neighboring nobles, including Baron Rolland and his wife. The idea to request training came from their suggestion when they visited last year,” explained Jonas.
“This is a sensitive question, so please don’t get offended. I heard that when the soldiers escorted Sera to her village, they raped her. Was your husband one of them?”
“Yes,” Wendy squinted her eyes.
“Did he say anything about it? Or anything unusual about it?”
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Wendy glared at Kevin for some time, “he said that he had a fun time. He bragged about it for a week until I kicked him out of the house for a night.”
“You were okay with that?”
“I was annoyed, but as long as he brought money home, I don’t care where he puts his dick in.”
“That’s all. Thank you.”
Kevin paid her one earthcent and left with Jonas.
“What is that all about?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Hey, don’t tell me you are interested in the baroness.”
“W-what? Nothing like that. I was just curious about somethings that’s all. Anyway, let’s go to the forest tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
Copyright © [2023] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved.
****
On the next day, Kevin and Jonas ventured deeper into the forest, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet of fallen leaves. Towering trees cast long shadows, creating an eerie atmosphere with the air heavy with the scent of moss and damp earth. As they followed a narrow trail, Kevin noticed strange markings on tree trunks—twisted symbols etched in a dark substance. Jonas dismissed them as mere scribbles, but Kevin, feeling a sense of unease, bent closer to inspect the symbols. The markings seemed to form a sinister pattern, hinting at something unnatural, and the air around them felt charged with a faint whispering sound echoing through the trees.
"This doesn't look right," Kevin muttered to himself.
“What is it, Kevin?”
“Nothing. Let’s go,” Kevin smiled.
“Do you often see those kinds of symbols?”
“No, it is my first time seeing someone scribble like that. Must be some kids who come to play in the forest. I should make the guards warn them not to venture deep.”
“Hmm.”
****
At the church, “What? You saw traces of witchcraft?”
“Take me there.”
“Okay.”
Kevin led Benedict to the place he had discovered.
“It seems like they tried to set up an altar for a ritual but decided to shift their location. Maybe because it is too near to the village or maybe some other reason.”
“Did something like that happen in this area before?”
“No, this is the first time I am seeing this in this forest.”
“We should take turns to keep watch.”
****
Two months have passed since Sera's request, and the baroness has sent an announcement to all villages under her management.
"Once Every 7 days, Priest Kevin will teach reading, writing, calculations, and general knowledge at the church. Those interested, especially children, are encouraged to attend.”
The people were initially reluctant to embrace education, viewing it as a waste of time. However, due to Sera's persistent persuasion, some parents finally agreed to send their children. This delayed the teaching schedule by two months.
On the designated day, about 20 children of varying ages gathered at the church for classes, accompanied by two adult women, Sarah and Emma, selected by Sera to learn from Kevin. They would later teach in Kevin's stead.
Among the children were Vina and Tia, along with a few kids from the village they often played with. Kevin had set up a blackboard in the lawn behind the church, shaded by trees. The children sat on the ground with slates and chalk provided by the baroness.
Kevin commenced teaching, covering alphabets, numbers, sentence formation, and basic arithmetic operations. One day, before the class began, the children gathered slowly, engaging in conversation.
“Hey Ron, why don’t you sit in the front row?” giggled Olivia, teasing Ron.
“Sh-Shut up. Why should I?” All the children started to laugh, seeing the blush on Ron’s face.
Curious, Kevin approached and bent down, “What is it?”
“Nothing,” Ron replied.
“Ron likes Vina.” Olivia exposed Ron.
“Who likes someone like her?” Denied Ron, but his blush exposed his lies, making everyone laugh even harder.
Amused, Kevin asked, “What do you mean by someone like her?”
Olivia spoke on his behalf, “Ron always liked Vina. She used to play with us more often when we were kids, but when Tia started to come with her to play, all she does is keep her company. She would beat anyone who teases her sister. All she cares about is her sister. Recently, she stopped playing with us and even started to distance herself from Tia too. She would always be serious and don’t know what she is thinking. Sometimes her eyes drift towards Tia when we are talking to her. She goes into a daze when everyone is talking and doesn’t reply properly. Sometimes she shouts and always seems to be angry.”
‘It seems like she is going through puberty. And it seems like she is quite a sis-con,’ Kevin chuckled internally.
"It will be fine. Just give her a few days, and she will start to be normal again."
The children nodded. After some time, everyone gathered including vina and tia, and the class started as usual. After class, as everyone was leaving, Kevin approached Vina and Tia and said, “Vina, can I come to visit your house tomorrow?”
“Sure, teacher. I will tell my mom.”
“Okay.”
****
Copyright © [2023] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved.
The next day, Kevin visited the castle. After some pleasantries, Sera said, “Vina, Tia, take your teacher to look around. Priest Kevin, go along with the kids. I will prepare lunch in the meantime.”
“Okay.”
As Kevin explored the castle, he was joined by Sera's children, Vina and Tia. It’s an ancient castle. Entering through a creaking wooden door, Vina, the elder of the two, led the way with a sense of pride.
Vina said, "Teacher, this is our castle! It's really old, you know."
"It's a magnificent castle indeed."
The children eagerly guided Kevin through narrow stone staircases worn smooth by centuries of use. The echoes of their footsteps resonated through the hollow halls.
As they explored, Kevin asked, “Are there any secret passages?”
Tia replied, "Secret passages? What is that?" while Vina put on a puzzled expression.
“It’s nothing.”
Climbing up the worn stairs, they reached the castle's great hall, where the wooden beams overhead told stories of feasts and gatherings long past. Dust danced in the rays of sunlight streaming through the mullioned windows.
Continuing their journey, they explored the lord's study, a room filled with ancient tomes, maps, and furniture.
Descending into the depths of the castle, they explored the dungeons, where the air was damp, and the flickering torchlight revealed cells that once held prisoners.
Their exploration led them to the castle's chapel, a place of quiet reflection with worn pews and faded frescoes. Climbing towers and walking along the battlements, they discovered that only a few areas of the castle were in use, while the rest gathered dust.
As lunchtime approached, they sought Sera, who was absent from the kitchen and dining hall. While searching, they found Emma, sera’s assistant, standing outside the baroness’s office.
Looking at Kevin, Emma said, “Some merchants have come to meet the baroness unannounced. Please wait for some time; it should be over soon.”
As they waited outside, they overheard the conversation inside the office.
“Now that minor details have been finished, let's get into the more important matter. Madam Sera, have you considered my proposal to marry you?”
“No, I have already rejected your proposal last time.”
“Madam Sera, how long are you going to bear the burden of managing the land? Don’t you want to be free from this burden?”
“Mr. Ethan, please leave.”
Ethan exhaled deeply. “It seems like you don’t understand when people are asking you politely. Madam Sera, do you know that we record all the people who purchased suspicious items from us?”
Sera remained silent.
“Six years ago, your wet nurse came to us to buy some poison. Our staff has recorded it. Don’t you think that you will be in trouble if this news leaks out? What do you think will happen when I take this matter to court?”
Sera narrowed her brows.
“Mr. Ethan, please don’t spout nonsense. My wet nurse is a person of Countess Ravenna. Do you think that I am capable of making her do such tasks on my behalf? Moreover, you are capable of forging such records as much as you want. They don’t have enough strength to hold in a court.”
“Now please leave. Or else, I will have to use force to escort you out.”
“Don’t go overboard bitch.”
“Mind your tongue.”
“Oh please, don’t act like a goody-two shoes. Everyone knows how much of a whore you are. Do I need to remind you how many people have fucked you? I heard that they weren’t able to get enough of you no matter how much they fucked you. How many years has it been? Aren’t you lonely down there?”
“Guards, escort him out.”
“Don’t touch me. Hmph, acting high and mighty now. I'll remind you of your place as a peasant.”
Ethan left the room, encountering Emma and the kids glaring at him, glared back before leaving the castle with his men.