Five of Cups (3)

"Huh?"

Seon raised an eyebrow, thoroughly confused. "What happened last night?"

"Well, no—uh... we—um..." Yunnie stammered, his brown eyes darting anywhere but at her.

Seon's patience wore thin as she noticed the villagers exchanging uneasy glances.

Her grip tightened on her sword, as an unusual smile crept onto her face, together with a vein throbbed dangerously in her forehead.

She lifted her sword slightly, and the steel blade caught the sunlight just enough to make everyone flinch.

"So... no one's going to tell me?" she asked, her tone is unusually gentle and sweet. "Guess I'll have to jog your memories a little."

Yunnie's eyes went wide, and the rest of the villagers practically scrambled back in unison, hands raised high in a panic.

"N-no, no need for that!"

"Nothing happened last night!"

"Y-yeah! Just... worried for your health is all!"

"You seemed... extra lively last night!"

Seon, her sword still lifted, watched as they tried to inch backward, all of them frantically bobbing their heads in agreement, throwing excuses they ever thought of.

Finally, Ortos who is the one in front spoke in a trembling tone. "Let's talk about this CALMLY, p-put down than sword- we might really die for real."

The chorus of nervous laughter that came after didn't fool her for a second.

Seon sighed, rolling her eyes as she finally lowered her sword, muttering, "So, I'm treated as a ghost haunting you at night and a monster terrorizing you by day, is that it?"

The villagers shifted uncomfortably, but Ortos managed a hesitant smile. "Well, Prophet... perhaps you just need a break. You know, to... clear your mind?"

"I am taking a break."

"I mean... maybe somewhere else? A little trip?"

Seon tilted her head, genuinely considering their suggestion.

Indeed—she'd need to leave someday anyway. 

The villagers watched her expectantly, and though their nervous fidgeting made her want to decline, still a small part of her felt… curious about the outside.

After a few moments of thought, she let out a small sigh and gave a short nod. "Alright." 

As her decision sank in, she noticed the villagers exchanging relieved glances and barely containing their smiles. A few even whispered their thanks to the heavens, as if she'd just promised them their lives back.

Seon's eye twitched. "Glad to see you're all so... supportive of my 'break.'"

****

A single bag hung over her shoulder, a steel sword at her waist. Her eyes scanned the path ahead.

'Hmm... it somehow fits the vibe of being a humble traveler'- Seon thought, looking at her outfit.

Just about she was to take a step forward. A voice echoed behind her back.

"Are you leaving now, Sister?" Flour'e asked.

Seon paused, glancing back. Normally, she'd ignore goodbyes, slip away without a second thought. But this time…

Kneeling down, she patted Flour'e's head and returned the small, worn pouch the child had once gifted her.

"Will you come back?" 

"Maybe… but it could take a long time" 

"Then… will you come for the next festival?"

A small smile touched Seon's lips. "I'll be back to reclaim this pouch."

'The village will be fine on their own, There's no need to be worried over this Seon'

She reassured herself, already turning her back to the vibrant scene she was about to leave. But something still bothered her.

Ortos who was watching far speaks.

"Prophet, you don't need to concern yourself with the village's safety. The village will be fine now." 

"Are you sure you guys just don't want to see me staying here?" Seon's eyes looked at suspicion.

"No Prophet... we truly have a debt on you" However the response is different from what she expected.

Seon felt a brief pang in her chest. 

It would be easy to stay, to protect these people a little longer. But she pushed the thought away—she wasn't their savior, not really. She had her own goal, her own path.

'And such decision of her will one day conflict if she chooses to stay'

"But..." Ortos continued seemingly looked back to his company. "please accept our generosity before you go."

Seon slowly turned around, and the first thing she noticed was that particular item in his hands. 

'A hat?' no it's more like a witch hat. It seems way too old to be considered as fashion, yet it seems to be made of leather and stuff, making it more durable. The moment she touched it, there was a certain feeling coursing in her fingertips.

"What is this?"

"That's a sealed soul artifact that our village protected for longest time. The soul of that item had been sleeping for hundred years, but I'm sure Miss Prophet will be able to tame 'Him' "

"I see" she nodded.

As Seon placed the hat on her head, a strange warmth spread through her head. For a moment, it felt like the hat was alive, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat. She shook her head, dismissing the odd sensation.

It was just a tool, after all.

"We pray for your safe journey"

Seon bowed her head and turned around. A faint smile curled her lips as she began to hum a soft tune, disappearing into the distance.

Well, that's the plan but...

Why is Yunnie following her? and why is he also carrying a handbag on his side?