The Certainty of Death

The next day, Frena is invited to the village chief's house, where she is treated to an unusually decent meal before being ushered into the back room.

A servant helps Frena into a dress made of pure white lace, examining her appearance with a critical eye. "Hmm... your hair is a little dull and your body is slim... but that's fine. I don't think God cares about human appearance," the middle-aged female servant says, her words lacking any reverence for the gods.

Frena remains silent, her mind numb with resignation, but Trina, the daughter of the village chief, bursts into the room. "Oh, Miss Sacrifice. It seems like a very bad sacrifice, but will God be satisfied? You're the only person in this village that doesn't need it, so it can't be helped," she sneers, her look of contempt causing Frena to shrink back.

All she wants is for Trina to leave, but the other girl continues to bully her.

"What? You're going to die soon, but you're still quiet? You really have no self-esteem," Trina taunts, and Frena has to fight the urge to scream.

It's not that she has no self-esteem - it's the villagers who have forced her to suppress her ego, especially Trina, who has constantly bullied her.

"I'm already going. God is waiting for me..." Frena says, turning her back on Trina, who is smiling triumphantly.

She starts walking towards the exit of the house, where the village chief and people carrying the mikoshi are waiting.

Trina has been an annoyance to the very end, Frena thinks to herself. When they were younger, Trina, Frena, and Sheila were all friends, and they often played together with a boy who has since left the village.

If Frena's parents hadn't been executed, they might still be on good terms. But there's no point in dwelling on what could have been.

Frena hangs her head and heads outside.

...

At first glance, the portable shrine looks gorgeous, but upon closer inspection, it's clear that it's shoddily made. The goldwork is just plated and the wood used is cheap, despite being made to look high-class. Similarly, Frena's dress is also designed to cut costs.

The village chief gives an explanation before they set off. "Now then, Frena. I'm going to ask you to ride this mikoshi and become a sacrifice to the god who lives on Mt. Please do not disrespect God," he says, and Frena nods obediently.

"Yes. I'll be careful," she replies, her mind drifting to thoughts of how little meat she has on her body and whether the god will be satisfied with such a pitiful offering.

The village chief continues, "However, it was correct not to execute you along with your parents."

Frena nods again, "Yes. Thank you for taking care of me until now," she says, but can't help wondering who will take over the work she has been doing. She has worked herself to the bone from morning to night, and now other villagers will have to bear that burden.

(Well... it doesn't matter), she thinks to herself, resigning herself to death.

She even hopes that the people of Shishiro Village will suffer as much as possible.

"Come on, go. I'm praying for your soul," the village chief says, his words lacking any real consideration. Frena nods vaguely and climbs into the portable shrine.