The Childish Woman (2)

We continued to walk in silence down the path. The night sky was now dark, and I could see brightly lit capital from behind me.

"Some other time, Daddy will take you around to explore the continent, okay? When we're stronger, and don't have to be afraid of anything..." I murmured into Fiona's ears, poking her cheeks afterwards.

I looked upwards. The woman leading us dropped the childish act and gave off a more distant vibe. I couldn't tell what she was thinking about. I glanced around the surroundings, but couldn't detect any traces of anyone, or anything.

The stillness of the night felt dangerous, but the warmth of Fiona in my arms comforted me. As long as she's okay, I'll be okay.

From afar, I heard a cheerful voice. The woman turned around and made a dramatic hand gesture presenting the town.

"Ta-da! Welcome to Felixistuta Village!" She grabbed my hand. "Come, I'll show you around. The village head should be awake at this time, and he'll find you two somewhere to rest."

I let her drag me into the village. Clusters of wooden houses gathered around a much grander building. 'That's probably where the village head stays,' I'd assumed, glancing around.

The night was ripe so many villagers were not asleep yet. I could even sense some cultivators around from the slight fluctuations in spiritual essence in the air. It was not as dense nor as pure compared to the other cities, and the capital.

"Wasn't this a town?" I asked, my spiritual sense scanning my surroundings. "Their cultivation bases... are not very high, compared to yours."

"Well, it's marked as a town on maps, but most people who live here consider it as a village." She answered, her voice dropping to a whisper at her next words. "I didn't think you could see my cultivation base. It looks like you have some skills, it's no wonder you're tailed by a Spirit King expert."

"Ahaha." I gave a dry laugh and looked down at the sleeping Fiona. Tailed by a Spirit King realm expert... just how dangerous of a situation are we in? I have so many questions left to answer. Who are they? What are they looking for? Fiona? Did we offend somebody?

Most importantly, the cultivation base of the woman in front of me. She could sense that Spirit King expert... that either means her cultivation base is either higher, or a realm lower. I shivered. She can kill me and Fiona with a snap of her fingers. Phew, it's a splendid thing I earned her trust, at least for a bit.

This world is too dangerous! I just want to cuddle with Fiona!

Heaving a sigh, I looked up to see the woman conversing with a middle-aged man wearing brown robes.

"Uncl- ahem, village head, these two are looking to stay a night. I've assessed them, they look like kind people!

The village head wanted to say something, but under the woman's expectant gaze, he heaved a sigh.

"There's an empty house, last on the left row. You can stay there for the night," he pointed.

I gave a curt nod and headed over. He seemed like an amiable man, just riddled with worries. You could see the many wrinkles on his forehead and the tired aura he gave.

'I should ask the woman to cheer him up, ' I thought. 'Her energy should run off of him.'

Sighing, I opened the door to the wooden house. Some villagers gave me a strange look.

I rubbed my head. It wasn't like me to care about others. Maybe because the woman's smile reminds me of Fiona?

Still in a dilemma, I tucked Fiona in bed after wiping it clean and gave the blanket a good shake. She snuggled underneath the covers and turned her head, more drool dripping from the corner of her mouth.

I wiped it off. "Fiona, stop drooling so much. You'll wake up with dry lips and a bad breath. Not that it matters."

"Sleep tight. Daddy will be back soon." I said, patting her head. A gentle smile blossomed on my face but turned sour as I heard the familiar voices rising.

I got up and shut the door.

_________

I could hear the woman and the village head having a serious conversation. The two had calmed down, but I could sense anger still in the air.

"Father gave me his life and his cultivation me to protect this village. I will not leave."

"Elle. You're 16, a grown woman with a cultivation that some can only dream of. You have a worthwhile life to live outside of this village!"

So the name of the childish woman is Elle, I thought, making a mental note. She noticed me walking over towards the two, but turned her attention to the village head, giving her a stern lecture. Looks like she doesn't mind me eavesdropping. I stood on the side, listening in.

"Elle. You're 16, remember that! It's time for you to date and find your loved one! Don't waste your youth guarding this shabby old village of ours. With your cultivation base, suitors will line up to you like ants! It's time for you to live the life you deserve!" the man said, tears forming in his eyes.

Elle remained steadfast, determination blazing within her eyes. She really reminds me of Fiona.

"Uncle, you're Father's best friend, even closer than blood brothers! Why won't you respect his wishes?"

The man's voice dropped. "His wishes were for you to have a pleasant life, and for you to have the ability to protect your loved ones."

"I- I like what I'm doing now! I... I love protecting this village..." she said, her words forced.

"Don't think I don't know what the other villagers think of. The leers and hounds aren't turning to actions because you're under my protection!"

"I- I'm..."

"Listen, Elle. When time comes, I won't be able to protect you, and you won't be able to protect yourself either."

I raised my eyebrows at the village head's words.

"You care for this village too much. Even with your cultivation base, you won't be able to harm them, because your mind won't allow it! This village is a curse to you."

Elle stomped her feet to the ground as the pressure around almost suffocated me. "NO!" she glared. "I will not leave this village!"

The pressure suddenly released. I felt the air gushing out of my lungs, relief coursing throughout my body.

The village head stared at Elle before walking back into the building. "I will rest. We'll talk about this tomorrow."

'It's hard to believe that he's unaffected by that. Is the village head secretly another hidden monster in the continent? What kind of village is this?' I thought, before glancing at Elle.

She stared into the sky before turning around and meeting my gaze. Rubbing her eyes, she gave a fake chuckle.

"Don't you think I'm pathetic?"