As they walked towards the empty house, the villagers continued to accompany them with warm smiles, as if no guest had ever been so special. Greetings and farewells echoed from all directions, each word genuine, though it felt a bit excessive. The villagers promised to return the next day, making Genevieve, Quer, and Moland the center of attention.
Genevieve's discomfort intensified. This overly warm treatment stirred deep unease within her. She felt as if they were under close scrutiny, with most villagers gazing at them as if they were exotic objects newly arrived in the village.
As they ventured further toward the vacant house, Genevieve became increasingly convinced that there was a threat behind those friendly smiles. "They're after something," she muttered to herself. "This isn't a genuine welcome. We must be cautious."
