The old woman glared at that scary monster with an angry and scornful gaze. The terrifying creature just grinned, revealing its long, jagged teeth.
Don't look at me like that... We both live under the same gods, we were created by their power. Hahahahaha....
Filled with rage, the old woman gripped one of the necklaces hanging around her neck—a diamond sphere shimmering like the moon.
Don't you dare touch Hwaryn again... You've already killed her husband, and now you're trying to kill her new man too?
The scary creature circled around the old woman, taunting her.
What are you talking about... I didn't do anything to that man. But I smell the goddess on him—the bitch who was cast out by the gods for loving a human... Ha....ha...hah!
The monster stopped in front of the old woman—but it turned its back to her. Slowly, its head twisted around, its neck stretching unnaturally...
Heeey... old woman, remember our agreement. And even though I don't like that man... he's got something on him that makes it so I can't touch him. As much as I despise humans, I still remain loyal to the gods.
Humans will become creatures of ruin—the greatest beings gifted with that... what was it called again? Hmm... Ah! 'Intellectual .' And don't worry... when doomsday comes, I'll return to wage war against humanity."
Hope it won't be an apple again.... Hahahahaha... Ha... Ha... Ha.
Its voice faded slowly, and soon, the creature itself vanished into the darkness.
After the monster left, her eyes returned to normal. She closed them for a moment, and when she opened them again, she was back in the real world.
Her knees felt weak, buckling slightly as she nearly collapsed. Hwa quickly steadied her with a hand, preventing her from falling.
Are you okay, Mother? (That was a term of respect, not a familial title.) Sweat covered the old woman's face, making her look like any ordinary human gripped by fear.
I'm fine... Take your husband to your house first. He needs to rest—and make sure to change his clothes. They're tattered and uncomfortable...
Hwa nodded. The crowd that had gathered began to disperse, and they carried the unconscious Fyrel to Hwa's home.
After walking a kilometer, they arrived at Hwaryn's residence—a two-story wooden house with a sliding door. Haru, Hwa's daughter, hurriedly opened the door, and the two men carrying Fyrel brought him inside.
Upon entering, there was a staircase and a narrow hallway with doors on the left and right. To the left were two doors—likely leading to a bathroom and a kitchen—while the right opened into a living room and dining area.
They carefully laid him down in the living room, placing him gently on the wooden floor beside a low table—a kotatsu, with a heater underneath and a thick blanket draped over it.
Then, Hwa took a pillow from the living room cabinet and placed it under Fyrel's head to make him more comfortable as he slept.
The two men asked for permission to leave. As a sign of gratitude, Hwa bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle before them. They both returned a slight bow (as if to say no problem) before exiting the house.
Haru then entered the living room, carrying a set of men's clothes to change Fyrel into.
Mom… we only have Father's old clothes left. Their sizes are about the same.
Hwa took them but froze for a moment, staring blankly. How am I supposed to dress him? she thought, her eyes flickering toward Fyrel's sleeping form.
She stood there so long that Haru grew impatient. Mom, should I be the one to change his clothes?
For no reason, Hwa suddenly shrieked, Nooooo!!
Haru had only been teasing her. She giggled softly. Well then, I'll head upstairs for now. With that, she slid the living room door shut behind her.
Her eyes curved mischievously. Good luck, Mom… kekekeke… Then, the door clicked closed.
Hwa, stiff as a board beside Fyrel, slowly lowered herself to her knees. She just… stared at his body for a long time. Finally, with determination, she tried removing his shirt.
I can do this…
Slowly, she worked from the bottom up—but it was tricky. The fabric was pinned under his body and the floor, making it hard to pull free. She tugged and tugged until, finally, she reached the neckline. The head and neck were easier—she just had to lift his head slightly from the pillow.
Now, with Fyrel's bare upper body exposed, she noticed his skin was slightly reddened—maybe from the thin, rough fabric or from sleeping uncomfortably. The redness spread like a faint flush over his skin.
Flustered, she hurried to the bathroom, grabbing a wooden bucket and ladle. She filled the bucket with water and carried it back to the living room.
She placed the bucket beside Fyrel and took a cloth from the living room cabinet. She dipped the cloth into the water, wrung it out so it wouldn't drip, making sure it was damp but not too wet before starting to wipe Fyrel's body.
Folding the cloth slightly to create enough thickness for easier wiping, she began with his wrists before moving up his arms. She repeated the process on his other arm before moving to his torso. Then with a dry cloth, she patted his entire body dry.
Now came the dilemma - how to remove Fyrel's pants... Her mind raced wondering if he was wearing underwear or not... She stared blankly at the trouser butto...
Okay! I can do this!
Her trembling hand reached for Fyrel's pants, but before she could touch them, someone grabbed her wrist.
It's okay, I can do it myself. Fyrel had woken up, his face flushed red. Their eyes met for an intense moment before Hwa quickly scrambled backward.
Wh-when... when did you wake up?! she stammered.
Fyrel tried to sit up but seemed to struggle. Seeing this, Hwa immediately moved closer to help him up. After some effort, Fyrel finally managed to sit upright.
I just woke up... Sorry for troubling you, he said apologetically. Where am I right now?
Hwa answered shyly, You're... you're at our home now.