Suspicious Well

"Can we trust you? You don't even know us, and vice versa. This village prioritises wealth above all else. Are you treating us with loot when no one is watching you?" Xavier harboured excessive suspicion. It was not wrong, but bullying a little old man full of wounds was a despicable act.

The little old man just smiled, he did not open his mouth and instead walked away from them, as if signalling for them to follow him. He was silent in astonishment, currently unable to trust anyone including Cytherea. Her confidence seemed to be lost after leaving the development of the world for so many years. As a warrior who once trusted and believed in those in power, she lowered her gaze and asked for her companion's opinion.

"I know it's strange but I can't let us go to a place where the conditions and whereabouts are unknown."

Cytherea cleared her throat as she nodded. "You have a point. After all, anyone would be immediately suspicious and wary if a figure they didn't know suddenly offered to help without knowing what it meant. But for now we should put aside unnecessary matters. We are not weak and each of us can protect ourselves. He said he would lead us to the person we are looking for. Maybe he'll lead us to a market leader or an informant who knows more about powerful witches with talent."

"I thought of that. Well, we have no other choice for now." 

In the end, they decided to follow the little old man, walking behind him while paying close attention to his entire body even though it was almost invisible due to the cloak covering the wounds. While following him, at least Cyhterea and Xavier thought about what they would find and get afterwards. Chatting behind the back of the person who had helped was strictly avoided until the little old man finished his task.

'Seeing that his personality is quite ethical, there is a possibility that he is one of the market leader's errand boys or someone of some standing. It would be a mistake if I harm him after he finds out who we're looking for.'

***

They hadn't travelled far, but they were now heading towards the village gate. The village gate on this side was very tight and guarded by several people carrying pointed sticks at the end. Very traditional but could cause serious injury if hit. In contrast to the village they were passing through, it was full of holes and had no guards. 

Cytherea and Xavier had to queue to check their luggage which could potentially bring down the village even more. The goddess did not like her body being held, so she decided to slightly open her robe from the neck to the feet. The guards did not find anything strange or dangerous. But when Cytherea was forced to show her face, she immediately gave distance and darted backwards.

"Bastard! Can't you treat someone who is injured properly? I am a woman. I take great care of my beauty and bodily features! My face is now so ruined that I cannot show even a bit of it to you, not even to my own mate!" Cytherea argued loudly with a convincing shout.

The little old man nodded, supporting her action. "Forgive us, Anthony. Her face is indeed injured and it's all because of my actions. I plan to take her somewhere to get it treated."

Suddenly the guard who was checking them instantly became the most submissive person. "No, no. I was wrong, sir. I thought they weren't your acquaintances because this is the first time I've seen them." He was talking about Xavier. "I'm sorry, madam. My behaviour may have hurt your feelings. I hope your treatment goes well."

Cytherea was furious and exploded. Violently, she covered her entire body again and left the cursed village. While Xavier had no idea that the goddess was so good at manipulating false reality. Of course, the anger was not real anger, but rather a strong rejection of his identity when checked thoroughly and even the gatekeepers did not hesitate to touch the bodies of everyone who left the village. 

A little regretful considering the gate on the other side was like a haunted abandoned building. Perhaps there was no need to expend useless energy in responding to them. 

They also didn't expect the guard to be so tight after knowing the condition of the village. It seemed that they were fed up with the village's condition and decided to wait and check everyone who went out or came in in order to hold the person who had hurt the previous village leader accountable.

Walking away from the other side they could see the other side of the village that was so humid and quiet. One by one, those who left the village walked to their respective destinations or rode horses to travel to the nearest village or town. 

"We must walk without anyone noticing. Quick, come here." The little old man swung his right hand like a shepherd leading a pet. 

Then lead them to an area planted with dozens of lush trees. The path was uphill enough to take a lot of energy, not to mention that it was quite slippery due to the morning dew. The area was quite far from the village, but the average human's vision could see them from inside the village. 

Cytherea and Xavier had no idea where they were going but their gut feeling told them to just follow the little old man however far they went. 

After walking quite a bit, they were near the top of a plateau. From there they could see the village and its surroundings. Even with a considerable distance, they still could not look at the surroundings for long.

 While they were observing the village, on the opposite side a small old man could be seen standing at a well.

"Hey, what are you guys doing there? I told you not to let anyone see, right?"

They chuckled while scratching their heads. Upon approaching it, Xavier could see a well with a pile of rocks as a barrier.

"This... This isn't a well, is it? Or is it?"

"What do you think? I'm just asking you guys to do as I say. Just one."

 Cytherea and Xavier gulped, their faces panicked and starting to break out in cold sweat, staring at each other and knowing each other's thoughts. The goddess tapped Xavier on the shoulder telling him to ask. 

"Ask him if we should jump into this well? That would be suicide!"

But the little old man was not born deaf. He heard what Cytherea whispered to her partner. His face wore an evil smile as if he had ill intentions that they did not expect.