After the arrival of the one who now became known as the village chief, we moved into the largest house in the village and most likely his personal residence.
The air never ceased to be charged with distrust and nervousness on their part. I, well, let's just say that my nerves or problems can no longer increase any further, then I am perfectly fine with the situation we find ourselves in.
"Sorry for the inconvenience caused to you, these past few days have been the worst... There is even talk that the old demon sealed in the mountains has come back to life..."
The speaker is Izayoi, a middle-aged man and current leader of this village. The first thing he did was apologize and followed by that he gave some explanations, although what interests me the most was what he said after his silence.
"Devils you say? You better not answer that to the person with a talking pod next to him."
"Ahem, go on with the narration Izayoi."
Before I can fall into doubts about what's going on, like talking pods, demons and go figure what else is around here that I don't know, Saya's deep voice asks the trembling Izayoi to continue with the story.
If anyone wonders why the man is shaking, it's a pretty simple answer. He's literally talking to a ghost, as Saya doesn't seem too keen on being inside Cloudy Fang.
*crek*
"Finally, anyone... Want some tea?
"Yeah, why not."
The sliding door opening, one of the multiple villagers enters with a tray on which were two cups of tea. This is placed on the small wooden table, which Izayoi, Saya and I use for conversation.
"Then I will continue with my story. It was at noon 3 or 4 nights ago, it was a sunny and beautiful day, ideal for gathering herbs, washing clothes or hunting for food. All this was interrupted by a flash of pink that momentarily covered the entire blue sky, but that was not the worst, after that event multiple lines of the same color passed nearby and one of them fell on the mountain near the village."
Pausing the story, he moves his hand towards the tea to then take a few sips, finishing this he moistens his lips and looks at the surroundings to then continue with his story.
"But this was just the beginning of the problems...they had said that this phenomenon was a bad omen, but taxes are high and without collection you can't survive. So we went on with the normal routine, until two nights ago one of the collectors didn't return."
He started speaking loudly, but the more he spoke the lower his voice became and the facial movements did not help to hide his fear. They are idiots, most likely it was a star shower... Yeah, magical place, I better keep quiet.
"I guess they made a search party, lest the poor guy got hurt and you guys will leave him to his fate."
My words came out of my mouth with a bit of sarcasm, but it wasn't because I wanted to, but because it's the custom.
Think about this, if one friend says he left another lying in a forest for fear of the chupacabra, even if you don't laugh, chances are you think he has to come up with a better excuse for the next one.
"It was the first thing we did! It is extremely important a fertile, working age man in these rural villages, but... The search was fruitful. We found nothing, not even blood or damage in the area, but the worst part was the disappearance of my oldest son when we split up to search!"
Her voice was breaking the more she talked about it, the poor cup was already lying on the ground and Izayoi's face twisted as if she hated everyone.
"Please, I beg you, I don't care if you're a demon or something else, I just want my son back...I'll give him whatever this town has to offer."
"Um... I don't know."
Is he really worth helping? I'm in a pretty precarious situation right now and I don't believe in that demon stuff, but I have a talking pod with me, hey don't look at me, I don't plan on changing my mind and Saya can't help you change it.
"Agree young man, we need a place to rest, money to move freely and food to regain our strength."
"I don't know if you remember the man-eating demon part, this can be quite dangerous in itself."
We looked at each other for a few moments, while my look was one of annoyance, Saya's was one of clear surprise. It was almost as if she couldn't believe I said that this demon was dangerous.
Although Saya is right, sleeping on the grass, even for one night, has certain effects on the body. Added to insects and flies that make everything more difficult, plus we need as he says food and money.
"Okay, I've decided, let's do it. But I need a place to stay indefinitely, also food and when I finish this task, either with or without your son, a monetary reward."
"I can arrange accommodation and monetary reward, but your food... we are a small village where there are few inhabitants..."
"They can get more food over time and more when I am done with the demon. Remember this is for the sake of your son."
Oh, how I will regret not letting that man finish his words. But well, how can anyone twist the word food so much... Sure, a magical world and man-eating demons.