“It’s all right, it’s all right… I know that anyone who sees me for the first time would be startled. Compared to most, your reaction is far gentler—you neither sneered nor recoiled in fear.”
Glenn fell silent, unsure of how to respond.
The Black Crow’s wife, however, chuckled softly. “You’ve brought the cake a little early—my birthday isn’t until the day after tomorrow.”
“Oh…” Glenn froze for a moment.
Her tone remained kind as she continued, “My husband had actually planned to invite you to my birthday celebration, but it seems you weren’t home then. He met an elven girl instead.”
“I was still in Dood at the time,” Glenn replied, then smiled. “But that’s fine. When your birthday comes, I’ll personally make you a better cake.”
“You can bake?” the woman said with a hint of delight in her voice. “How wonderful.”
The conversation drifted into an awkward quiet. Glenn could feel her gaze upon him—intense, yet devoid of malice.
Just as he was about to whisper something to the Black Crow, the woman spoke again:
“Could you come a little closer?”
Puzzled, Glenn stepped forward.
From her twisted form, a hand—neither wholly flesh nor wood—rose toward her shadowed face, brushing aside the hair that veiled it. For an instant, Glenn thought her eyes gleamed brighter.
“I can see there’s something extraordinary about you,” she said softly. “It is an honor for us to know you.”
Glenn, though confused, inclined his head politely. “The honor is mine, madam.”
“I’m getting tired now. Let my husband keep you company. Forgive me…”
Her voice faded until only her breathing remained. She had fallen asleep.
“Let’s go,” the Black Crow murmured, stepping out. Glenn followed him back into the dimly lit living room.
Once seated, the man spoke in his usual calm, detached tone. “My wife was once very beautiful—the dream of every man in her homeland.”
“What happened to her?” Glenn asked cautiously, sensing that the man wished to tell his story.
“An evil power from beneath the earth attacked her. I destroyed it. And I will protect the woman I love for as long as I live.”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Glenn nodded slowly, moved despite the brevity of the words. “Then allow me to offer my sincerest blessings.”
The Black Crow studied him in silence, then asked, “And what is it you truly wish to know?”
Caught off guard, Glenn blinked before answering. “My question is simple—how much do you know about this town?”
The man nodded, as if expecting it. “My wife and I have lived here longer than most on the outskirts. When we first arrived, the houses were still built in the oldest styles, and vile creatures roamed the forests beyond. They never dared approach the heart of the town, fighting instead among themselves for territory. I watched them vanish, one by one—some slain by their own kind, others by the new settlers who moved in. The last I saw was a troll named Abu, clever enough to survive all these years.”
“It’s dead,” Glenn interrupted quietly.
“Then there are none left.” The Black Crow continued, unfazed. “This town is not entirely cut off. Every four or five years, a group of strangely dressed people comes to repair and renovate it. That is why, though ancient in origin, its outer buildings remain so modern.”
That explains it, Glenn thought. Miss Marionette said she had lived here for over a century and was still considered a new resident. Then how long has this town truly existed?
He motioned for the man to go on.
“In all these years,” said the Black Crow, “even with what I’ve seen, I understand only fragments of this place. The old residents are all bound by a curse—they cannot leave their homes, willingly or not. They remain here forever with the mayor.
“And the higher powers of this kingdom know of this town. They’ve even sanctioned its existence, granting it special protections under the law.”
As Glenn listened, he pieced together his own understanding. Whatever mysteries lingered here, as long as they didn’t concern him, he would not interfere.
The Black Crow assured him that as long as he avoided causing trouble near the town center, no harm would come to him. Having learned enough, Glenn rose to leave.
As he stepped outside, the Black Crow pointed toward a nearby three-story house. “An old resident lives there. Quite talkative. He’s invited me to visit many times, but I’ve always declined.”
Glenn glanced at the building. Just as he was about to reply, a window swung open. A girl of sixteen or seventeen leaned out, waving excitedly.
“Hi! Are you one of the new residents? Welcome to Bayek Town! I’m Sissely! Would you like to come over? I have lots of fun things here! Please? Please?”
Glenn clicked his tongue and forced a polite smile. “Thank you for the invitation. Next time, I promise.”
“Goodbye, new friend! You must come next time!” she called after him, waving enthusiastically.
As his figure disappeared into the mist, she smacked her forehead with a laugh. “Oh no! I forgot to ask his name! Oh well—next time, then.”
Her body drifted back into the house, and the window shut with a whisper of unseen wind.
…
“Layla, be careful on the road. Give him my regards,” her mother said gently.
“I will, Mom.”
Layla jogged toward Bonnie, who was waiting ahead.
“What’s with your outfit today?” Bonnie asked, eyeing her friend curiously.
Layla wasn’t wearing her usual dress, but a fitted blouse and long brown trousers that made her look taller and sharper.
“How do I look?” she asked, twirling once.
“Beautiful,” Bonnie admitted, “but… why the change?”
Layla grinned mischievously. “This way, if we run into danger again, I can actually run. Skirts are far too inconvenient, don’t you think?”
Bonnie widened her eyes, nodding as if enlightened. “Then I’m doomed—I don’t even own trousers like that! I’ll be the first one caught!”
Laughing, Layla linked arms with her. “Don’t worry. I’ll drag you with me.”
The two exchanged glances—then burst into laughter, their voices echoing down the quiet street.
