Birthday

"It's fine, it's fine… I know that anyone would be surprised when they see me like this. You're much better than most—at least you don't look at me with disdain or fear," Black Raven's wife said softly, her voice tinged with both sadness and acceptance.

Glen didn't know how to respond, so he just remained silent.

She chuckled lightly and added, "You've brought the cake a bit early. My birthday is in two days."

"Uh..." Glen blinked in surprise.

She continued to explain, "Originally, my husband wanted to invite you to my birthday, but you weren't around at the time. I think you met a certain elven girl instead."

"I was in Dood Town then, but it's alright. When your birthday comes, I'll personally make you an even better cake," Glen said with confidence.

"You can make cakes?" Black Raven's wife asked, her tone full of quiet amusement.

The conversation seemed to lull into a moment of awkwardness, or perhaps it was Glen who felt awkward. He could sense that the woman on the bed was carefully studying him, but there was no malice in her gaze.

Just as he was about to ask Black Raven what was going on, the woman spoke again, her voice weak but clear:

"Could you come a little closer?"

Glen wasn't sure why she asked but moved a few steps forward.

From her twisted body, a hand—partially resembling wood—extended toward her face, brushing back some hair from her forehead. Glen thought he saw her eyes glisten faintly in the dim light.

"I can see something special in you," she said, her voice soft but sincere. "My husband and I are honored to know you."

Glen was starting to feel even more confused, but he responded politely, "I'm equally honored, madam."

"Alright, I'm tired now. Let my husband entertain you," she said, her voice trailing off as it became quieter and quieter. Soon, she was asleep.

"Let's go," Black Raven said, standing up and leading Glen back out of the room.

Back in the living room, Black Raven sat down across from Glen. He didn't waste time and began speaking.

"My wife used to be very beautiful. She was the dream of every man in her hometown," Black Raven began.

Glen hesitated but then asked, "Why… why is she like this now?"

Black Raven's voice remained as matter-of-fact as always. "An evil force from underground attacked her. I killed that force, and I will protect my beloved wife forever."

Glen, used to Black Raven's succinct speech, nodded sincerely. "I offer my deepest wishes for her, and for you."

"Thank you," Black Raven replied before pausing, his eyes fixed on Glen. "Now, do you have any questions for me?"

Glen took a moment to process the sudden shift in conversation, then responded carefully, "Well… I guess my main question is—how much do you know about this town?"

Black Raven nodded as though he had expected the question. "My wife and I have been here for quite a while, longer than most of the other residents. When I first arrived, the houses here were still in the oldest style, and the outskirts of the town were plagued with many evil creatures. They didn't dare approach the town's center but fought for territory in the surrounding forests. I watched as they gradually disappeared. Some died from infighting, others were killed by the new settlers. The last creature I saw outside the town was a troll called Ab, who was good at hiding. He only survived because of that."

Glen interrupted, "I already killed it."

"Oh," Black Raven replied simply, "Then it should be gone."

He continued, "The town isn't completely isolated from the outside world. Every four or five years, a strange group of people comes to repair and improve the town's infrastructure. That's why even though this place has a long history, the outer buildings are more modern."

Glen thought for a moment. So, this town has been here for a long time, yet those buildings still look new… and that big mansion near mine...

He nodded, signaling for Black Raven to continue.

"Even though I've been here for many years, I still don't know everything about this place. For instance, all the old residents of this town are cursed. Whether they chose to stay or were forced to, they cannot leave their homes. They must remain here, bound to the town forever, alongside the town leader."

Glen's mind raced, piecing together the information. So the so-called 'old residents' can't leave? That's strange... He considered this for a moment before Black Raven continued.

"Also, the kingdom's higher-ups know about this place and have silently allowed it to exist. There's even some special legal protection for it."

This new information gave Glen a clearer understanding of the town. The curse and the kingdom's tacit approval were important pieces of the puzzle, but as long as they didn't interfere with him, it didn't seem like something to worry about.

Black Raven added, "As long as no one causes trouble in the deeper parts of the town, there shouldn't be any issues."

Glen, having gained enough information for now, decided it was time to leave. As he stood, Black Raven pointed to a nearby three-story building.

"An old resident lives there. They're quite talkative and have been wanting me to visit for a while, but I've always refused."

Glen looked toward the building, about to respond when the window suddenly opened. A girl around sixteen or seventeen leaned out and waved enthusiastically.

"Hey! Are you a new resident? Welcome to Byek Town! I'm Sissi! Would you like to come visit my house? I've got lots of fun things! Please, please, come!" she called out excitedly.

Glen clicked his tongue in amusement. "Thanks for the invite. Maybe next time, for sure."

"See you next time! Don't forget, okay?" Sissi waved vigorously as Glen walked away.

As he disappeared into the mist, Sissi slapped her forehead. "Oh no! I forgot to ask his name! Oh well, next time…" She floated back inside, and the window closed with a soft breeze.

"Leila, be careful on your way back. Don't forget to pass my regards to him."

"Okay, Mom," Leila called back as she sprinted toward her friend, Bonnie.

Bonnie stared at Leila, confused. "What are you wearing today?"

Leila wasn't in a skirt, as usual, but instead wore a fitted top with a pair of brown pants that made her appear taller and more striking.

"How do I look?" Leila twirled around with a grin.

Bonnie nodded approvingly but still puzzled, asked, "Why are you dressed like this?"

Leila flashed a sly smile. "Well, if danger comes again, I can run faster like this. Skirts aren't very convenient, you know?"

Bonnie's eyes widened in realization. "Oh! You're right, I never thought about that! But what about me? I don't have pants like that. Does that mean I'll be the first one caught if something happens?"

Leila laughed and linked her arm through Bonnie's, giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'll pull you along. We'll both get away together."

The two girls exchanged a look before bursting into laughter.