"Never mind, never mind... I'm well aware that anyone catching sight of my appearance would be taken aback. You're far better than others, for you at least show no disdain or fear."

Glen was at a loss for words and remained silent.

Instead, the Black Crow's wife chuckled softly and said, "You've presented the cake a bit prematurely. My birthday is the day after tomorrow."

"Er..." Glen was momentarily stunned.

The other party went on to explain, "Initially, my husband intended to invite you to my birthday celebration the day after tomorrow. However, you seemed to be absent then, and he encountered an elven maiden instead."

"I was over in Dude at that time. But it doesn't matter. When your birthday arrives, I'll personally craft an even more delightful cake for you."

Glen declared with great confidence.

"You can bake cakes? That's wonderful..." The Black Crow's wife's tone was laced with a hint of mirth.

The conversation seemed to reach an awkward impasse at this point, or perhaps it was Glen who felt somewhat awkward.

For he could sense that the person lying on the bed was scrutinizing him intently, yet this scrutiny carried not a trace of malice.

Just as Glen was about to whisper to the Black Crow to inquire about the current situation, the woman on the bed spoke again:

"Could you please draw a bit closer?"

Glen was puzzled but nonetheless took a few steps forward.

An arm, which seemed neither entirely wooden nor entirely human, extended from her jumbled form and rose beside her face in the darkness, as if to brush aside the hair on her forehead.

Whether it was an illusion or not, Glen felt that her eyes seemed to brighten a little at that moment.

"I can discern your uniqueness. My husband and I are honored to have made your acquaintance."

The words left Glen increasingly bewildered, yet he still replied politely:

"The sentiment is mutual, madam."

"All right, I'm feeling drowsy. Let my husband entertain you. I do apologize..."

Her voice grew fainter and fainter, and Glen was certain that she had indeed fallen asleep.

"Come along." The Black Crow stepped out of the room.

Glen followed suit.

Returning to the living room, the two of them seated themselves opposite each other.

No sooner had they sat down than the Black Crow said, "My wife was once exquisitely beautiful and was the object of every man's dreams in her hometown."

"Why is she like this now..." Glen knew that this question might be impolite, but he could glean the intention behind the other's words.

"An evil force originating from beneath the ground attacked her. I vanquished that evil force, and I will safeguard my beloved wife for all eternity."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Still so concise... Glen was accustomed to the other's way of speaking and sincerely said, "I shall offer my heartfelt wishes."

"Then, what is it that you wish to ask?"

"Huh?" Glen took a moment to react before he began to understand the other's somewhat abrupt question.

He knows I still came here with questions today. Fortunately, I can think quickly... After carefully choosing his words, he said:

"My question can be roughly summarized as - how much do you know about this town?"

The Black Crow nodded, as if he had anticipated this. "My wife and I have resided here for a relatively long time, longer than most of the outlying residents.

"When I first arrived, the houses here still retained the most archaic style. Numerous evil creatures roamed around. They dared not approach the heart of the town and only vied for territory in the forest outside the town.

"When I moved in, I witnessed their gradual disappearance. Some perished in mutual battles, while others were slain by the new residents who moved in. Up until now, the last creature I encountered outside the town was a troll named Abu. It was rather adept at hiding, which is why it has survived until now..."

At this point, Glen interjected, "I've already dispatched it..."

"Oh, then there probably aren't any left." The Black Crow continued, "The town is not entirely isolated from the outside world. Every four or five years, a group of individuals dressed in peculiar attire arrive to repair and renovate the town's facilities. This is why, despite the town's long history, the outlying buildings keep pace with the times."

That's precisely what I thought. The Puppet Lady said she has been living here for over a hundred years but is still considered a new resident. So, just how long has this town existed? And the styles of those houses aren't archaic at all. There's even a large villa next to mine...

Deep in thought, Glen nodded and gestured for the Black Crow to continue.

"Over all these years, even though I often venture out, I only have a partial understanding of this town.

"For instance, all the old residents of this town have been cursed. Whether they wish to or not, they are unable to leave their homes and can only remain here with the mayor indefinitely.

"Furthermore, the country's high - ranking officials are aware of this place and have tacitly approved its existence. There are even certain special protections for this place enshrined in the law."

After listening, Glen, combining his own understanding, had already formed a general impression of this place.

Regardless of what the so - called old residents in the town were like, as long as they didn't impinge on him, he could simply pay them no heed.

The Black Crow then informed him that as long as one refrained from causing trouble in the depths of the town, there would generally be no issues.

Having gained sufficient insights from this visit, Glen took his leave. Just before departing, the Black Crow pointed to a three - story house not far from his own and said:

"An old resident resides there. He's extremely talkative and has always been eager to invite me to his abode, but I've always declined."

Glen cast a glance at the house and was on the verge of responding when the window of the house suddenly swung open, and the head of a girl around sixteen or seventeen years old popped out. She waved her hand, looking extremely elated:

"Hi! Are you a new resident? Welcome to Bayek Town. I'm Silly! Would you care to visit my home? I have lots of interesting things! Is that possible?! Is it?!"

Glen clicked his tongue and said, "Thank you for the invitation. Perhaps another time. I promise."

With that, he made a hasty departure.

"Goodbye, new friend. It's a promise, then! Next time for sure!" Silly waved farewell.

When the person vanished into the fog in the distance, she suddenly slapped her forehead. "Oh dear! I forgot to ask his name! Oh well, I'll ask next time."

Subsequently, her form floated back into the house, and the window closed as if propelled by an invisible wind.

...

"Lila, be cautious on the journey. Remember to convey my regards to him."

"All right, Mom."

Lila responded to her mother while trotting up to Bonnie.

"What's with your attire?" Bonnie inquired, looking somewhat perplexed at her friend's appearance today.

Lila was not wearing a dress but a form - fitting blouse for women paired with a pair of brown trousers that accentuated the length of her legs. She appeared exceptionally tall and slender.

"So, how do I look? Attractive?" Lila twirled around and asked.

Bonnie nodded affirmatively but still asked in confusion, "Why are you dressed like this?"

Lila flashed a mischievous smile. "This way, if I encounter danger again, I'll be able to run faster. Skirts are far too inconvenient, don't you think?"

Bonnie widened her eyes, looking enlightened, and then fretted, "I don't have such trousers. Will I be the first to be caught if I encounter danger?"

Lila linked arms with Bonnie and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'll pull you along and we'll run together."

The two of them regarded each other for a moment and then burst into laughter.