HIRANG

17: Dalaga

Is the book of Diwa more important than Nunong Haikuri's life?

That's how important this thing is. And if anything were to happen to this box and scrolls, it would be a big problem. That seems to be the message that Punong Polktuga wanted to convey.

"So, Neazhoi," she said, gazing at me with increased seriousness, uncrossing her leg, and rising to her feet.

"Guard these items diligently, as if your life depends on it. This is Nunong Haikuri's final plea to you before her departure," she mentioned.

"Nunong Haikuri," I murmured as I felt a heavy responsibility placed upon me.

Why did she choose me, a mere foreigner with no ability to fight or use magic, to safeguard these unfamiliar relics?

Once again, I fell into silence, recalling the events of this morning. She entrusted me with a crucial item and then left. So annoying.

"Where is she?" I asked earnestly, locking eyes with her.

As our gazes met, it felt like she was examining me, delving into my thoughts and emotions, yet I remained composed and didn't feel or show any fear. I couldn't read her thoughts or any emotions. Her expression was stern, concealing a whirlwind of thoughts.

"She is currently on a journey," she disclosed, breaking the intensity of our eye contact.

Letting out a deep breath, she continued,
"I cannot reveal her whereabouts or reasons at the moment."

Her attention shifted back to me, a hint of boredom creeping into her demeanor as she took another puff of her cigar.

"Just be patient. Old Hag will return without fail," she remarked casually, exhaling a cloud of cigarette smoke into the air.

I couldn't help being annoyed by what she said, prompting me to stand up.

"You allowed Nunong Haikuri, an elderly woman, to travel alone?! Do you not grasp how dangerous this place is? Especially the forest! There are so many monsters scattered around and ready to kill anyone. Yet, you permitted Nunong Haikuri to venture out! You let an elderly woman... travel alone!" I voiced in anger.

*swoosh.!.*

I was surprised when I found two daggers narrowly missing my head, embedding themselves into the wall behind me. Punong Polktuga fixed her gaze on me intently.

"Be cautious of the tone of your speech, young lady. It appears that you have overlooked the fact that you are conversing with an individual who holds the highest position in this town. Learn to know your place, a stranger from any part of the world!"

" I do not allow any form of misconduct within my town. I do not care what you are spouting, you are unaware of the truth and what is really going on in this place! You have no right to judge my way of leading my people. And just for your information, it was the decision of old Hag to embark on a mission alone, despite my objections, solely due to the presence of an outsider such as yourself!"

" The purpose of her mission is very important. She traveled to to ensure your protection, Neazhoi. Therefore, rather than uttering baseless statements, it would be wise to refrain from speaking, as the reality is that you truthfully know nothing!" she burst. She is quite enraged.

I was silent at her words. What will you say now, Neazhoi?

***

"Hayyy..."

I keep sighing here in the room, pondering over my conversation with Punong Polktuga, who has sent me back to my house now.

The image of Punong Poltuga's angry face is stuck in my mind. It's like an erupting volcano. It seems like she has been concealing that anger for a long time, but I can't help but wonder why she is directing it towards me.

I looked at the table to my left, where the box containing the scrolls was.

I'm annoyed.

Nunong Haikuri, what do you want me to do with these scrolls?

I suddenly remembered the words Ghianna said to me.

"Learn to know your place, a stranger from any part of the world!"

"I do not care what you are spouting; you are unaware of the truth and what is really going on in this place!"

"She traveled to ensure your protection, Neazhoi."

"Hay..."

I think I am missing Nunong Haikuri.

Third Person's POV

Neazhoi quickly succumbed to sleep due to exhaustion. A lot happened that day.

Only a few people are awake in the town. Guards are stationed at every corner of the long wall that separates it from the dense forest. Only a little light from the lamps and the light of the torches served as light in the area.

In the dead of night, a large window opens silently. It did not make any noise, and it carefully examined the surroundings of its house. After assessing the surroundings, a person emerged, its face concealed with a black cloth. Its long, loose hair dances in the wind, swiftly moving across the rooftops. It made sure that each step was silent and unnoticed by the town's watchful eyes.

Pausing near a small hut, it scrutinizes every post and gate meticulously. Counting silently,

"One..."

"Two..."

"Seven guards," it notes.

Throwing a rope over the wall, the figure effortlessly crosses to the other side of the town.

The forest welcomed it with its darkness and danger, but there was no trace of fear or worry in the person's eyes. The mysterious person wasted no time and immediately left the town.

***

Silence envelops the surroundings...

A pair of red eyes are constantly observing the surroundings. Its eyes are dilating rapidly, as if restless. Eyes are aggressive and big.

Staring intently.

Resembling the color of blood.

His target is a beautiful woman sleeping alone in a beautiful room.

* Kwish...kwish *

He made a soft sound.

"Woman! A beautiful woman!" he said horrifyingly.

Overflowing with excitement...

Brimming with desire...