The Seed Thief

Vol. 2 Chapter 6.1 - Return

Two months had passed since the ring had slipped onto Lulu’s finger.

The forest’s trees began to transform, their leaves turning shades of yellow and red, dancing gracefully in the wind. Summer flowers shed their petals and gave way to the growth of seeds. Mountain animals, with their short fur, now sported thick, insulating coats and diligently gathered food for the approaching winter.

The wind whispered through the forest, brushing against the witch’s house with a chilling touch. Sensing its presence, Lulu pulled the blanket over her head, covering herself completely yet her body couldn’t stop shaking.

After a while, huddled and restless, Lulu extended her hand and felt the empty space beside her. The sheets bore faint creases, still retaining a trace of warmth.

Realizing the absence of her bed companion, her senses gradually returned, and she focused on the sounds surrounding her. The clattering of dishes and footsteps emanated from the kitchen, accompanied by the sizzling sound of something cooking—a savory aroma tickled her nose.

Lulu’s lips curled into a smile. Ervandas had risen early and was preparing breakfast.

Since the day he brought chickens from the village, eggs had become a regular addition to their morning meal.

He would wipe the skillet with fat from a wild boar he had caught in the forest before cracking the eggs onto it. Sprinkling them with salt and pepper, he would then place them inside the freshly baked bread. The moment Lulu took a bite, Yum! She was practically in tears.

Though no words were exchanged, Ervandas seemed to have noticed Lulu’s delight, and from that day forward, he made sure to cook eggs for breakfast every morning.

As Lulu savored the lingering taste in her mind, her face suddenly froze. A small gagging sound escaped her lips.

“……?”

Confusion washed over Lulu as she questioned her own reaction.

What’s happening?

Only moments ago, her mouth had been watering at the thought of breakfast, but now it felt as though she had eaten a bug.

Crouching down further, she tried to avoid any scents that she would normally have eagerly sniffed, feeling an overwhelming aversion.

‘I should get up.’

In the past, Lulu would sleep past lunchtime, but things had changed. These days, Ervandas, whose waking time had shifted slightly, would rise from the bed, and Lulu, feeling a sense of emptiness, would wake before the warmth dissipated.

Well, it was all thanks to their earlier bedtime. With the days growing shorter, they naturally found themselves snuggling up and retiring earlier than before.

Er’s hands were all over her before she even lay down. Sometimes, off in a state of fatigue before her usual bedtime. It made her wonder if it was part of Ervandas’ plan to lull her to sleep early.

‘That too, but…’

Previously, Lulu would jolt awake if Ervandas wasn’t by her side. However, over the past few days, she found it increasingly difficult to rise from bed. Strangely enough, she also felt the cold more intensely

Just as Lulu clutched her shivering body, Ervandas entered the room.

“Lulu, are you awake?”

“Nah, still not awake.”

Lulu’s response made him chuckle. He wrapped her body in the blanket, scooped her up, carried her to the kitchen, and sat down on a stool.

Usually, Lulu would protest and ask to be put down by this point, but today, she still had her face peeking out from the blanket, her eyes drowsy as ever.