(Silly Nissen: “You…you…you’re going grave digging in broad-o daylight?”)
(Tyler: “Indeed, or would you prefer we go at night?”)
(Silly Nissen: “Eh? Ah, no, no, let’s…let’s go now…”)
After a few days of acquaintance, the foolish loli understood that Tyler was ruthless, but she never anticipated this degree of ruthlessness.
Tyler’s logic for grave-digging was simple: if Elle’s remains were still in the grave, it meant that she had not become a “ghost.” Yet, if her remains were missing, then…
While the foolish loli was trembling in fear, Tyler had already arrived at the cemetery in Ira Forest, a plot of land the villagers of Ira Village had cleared at the edge of the forest.
Upon entering, Tyler quickly found a tombstone engraved with Elle’s name.
“Elle – Buried here.”
“171-184” Tyler brushed his hand over the tombstone. There wasn’t much dust on it, and the ground beneath was covered in grass, not significantly different from the other tombstones. Even using his appraisal ability, he found nothing unusual. Thus, he respectfully bowed to the tombstone, murmuring something under his breath, then put on the coarse gloves he had borrowed from the villagers and began digging with a firm grip on the spade.
(Silly Nissen: “No…you’re not serious, Tyler!”)
(Tyler: “What else?”)
Ordinary people, even if they thought of verifying the state of the remains, would not be so decisive to start digging a grave. Yet, Tyler had not only thought of it, he did not hesitate in the slightest.
An hour later, a corner of the coffin emerged from the layers of earth.
Two hours later, all four corners of the coffin were visible.
Three hours later, the lid of the coffin was uncovered, but Tyler’s remaining strength could not support any more heavy labor.
With only 2 points of endurance left in his view, Tyler, exhausted, sat on the coffin lid. This audacious act made the foolish loli scream and then fall silent, probably fainting from the shock.
Tyler did not pay attention to Silly Nissen’s reaction. He ran his fingers along the edge of the coffin lid, finding no traces of loosening. But if Elle had turned into a corpse not long after her death three years ago, there wouldn’t be any noticeable traces after the coffin lid was replaced and reburied for three years.
To know the truth, the coffin lid must be opened.
·
Having recuperated, Tyler once again hoisted the shovel, painstakingly prying it into the crevice of the coffin lid bit by bit. After a considerable exertion, he finally managed to lever open the hefty cover.
As the coffin lid tilted to one side with a resounding “clang-thud,” a corner of the coffin’s interior was revealed. Without hesitation, Tyler exploited the principle of the lever to continue pushing the lid aside, finally unveiling the full view of the coffin’s innards:
A skeleton lay quietly within the coffin, and under the sun’s illumination, one could see a few carrion-eating worms squirming on the edges.
Tyler exhaled in relief, but the sight before his eyes caused his movements to abruptly falter.
“…”
The Divine Eye of Transcendence would automatically appraise anything Tyler laid his eyes upon, including the skeleton within the coffin. The appraisal information of the skeleton read:
·
“Lena’s Skeletal Remains”
·
There were fewer than ten tombstones in the entire graveyard, each spaced far apart. Tyler was certain he had not excavated the wrong grave.
So, where had Elle’s remains, which should have been in this coffin, gone?
And who had swapped Lena’s remains into Elle’s coffin?
·
In the orchard of Ira Village, Avril was restlessly picking fruits. Every year’s Rain Praise Festival required a large quantity of fruits to be made into jam.
That morning, Rhode, who had always been close to Avril, suddenly confessed his love to her.
Until Rhode’s confession, Avril had never considered what might happen between them, as in her understanding, Rhode was simply a good friend who took care of the orchard with her.
Therefore, in response to Rhode’s affection, all Avril could say was, “Thank you,” not knowing what else she should utter.
If possible, Avril wished to remain good friends with Rhode, but after today’s confession, it seemed they couldn’t return to the innocent relationship they once had… Continuing as friends might be too cruel for Rhode.
However, Avril couldn’t deceive Rhode either. She couldn’t imagine a life together with him. If asked about her anticipated future, Avril would think of a certain individual who frequently surfaced in her mind lately.
“Avril, good afternoon.”
Just as she was pondering about that individual, his voice appeared behind her. For a moment, Avril thought she was hallucinating, until she turned around to find Banning standing there, confirming that it wasn’t an illusion.
“Eh, eh…! Banning, how… how come you’re here?”
“Ah, good afternoon.”
Avril, initially taken aback, managed to offer her greeting, flustered by Banning’s sudden appearance.
“How come, you’re not welcoming me?” Banning inquired.
“How… how could I not welcome you! It’s just… you appeared so suddenly that you startled me.”
Avril felt that Banning must have done this intentionally; otherwise, he wouldn’t have silently appeared behind her. She clenched her small fists, wanting to give Banning a little scare in return, but she didn’t have enough courage to do so just yet.
“Is… is there clothing that needs mending?” Avril changed the subject, not wanting to admit defeat just yet.
“No, the village chief asked me to check if you have enough help here. There should still be a lot to prepare for the Rain Praise Festival, right?”
“Oh, the matter of the Rain Praise Festival… Right now, we’re still… we can still manage.”
Avril hesitated for a moment in her response, glancing at Rhode, who was pulling weeds in the distance.
— Rhode, seemingly disheartened… I wonder if he’s really okay…
“Don’t overdo it.”
Banning’s voice drew Avril’s attention back.
“Understood.”
“Good, then you carry on. The village chief mentioned that you can approach him anytime if there’s a need.”
“Okay, sure~”
“So, shall I take my leave?” 𝗈𝒱𝑙xt.𝗰𝑶𝓶
— Is he departing so soon?
Avril hadn’t expected Banning to leave so quickly. She wished to retain his company, yet found herself at a loss for words. All she could do was nod in acquiescence.
“Uh… Alright, safe journey then.”
Avril watched Banning depart with a sense of reluctance. To her surprise, Banning turned around after a few steps. Caught off guard, Avril found herself frozen on the spot when Banning noticed her gaze on him, a mix of joy and shyness engulfing her.
— Don’t be shy! I am just bidding my guest farewell, that’s all! There’s nothing to be embarrassed about!
Feigning composure, Avril continued watching Banning as he, with a smile, said, “Avril, if you need to find me, I’ll be assisting at the carpentry later.”
“Uh… Alright! Sure~!”
“Now I really am leaving.”
“Okay~”
·
(Silly Nissen: Tyler, you are quite a seasoned-o scoundrel!)
(Tyler: Is that so?)
(Silly Nissen: Where to next? Should-o we search the village… search for the ghost… ghost Elle’s trace?)
At the mention of Elle, the foolish loli grew fearful again.
Seeing the foolish loli scared brought Tyler more joy than anything else.
Before long, Tyler reached Avril’s house like a familiar path. Everyone in the village was busy at this hour, and there was no one around Avril’s house.
The foolish loli now understood. Tyler’s real purpose for going to the orchard earlier was to confirm Avril’s schedule for the afternoon—this guy was planning to infiltrate and investigate Avril’s house right after digging the grave.
(Silly Nissen: Ty… Tyler, isn’t it wrong to do so? What if… what if we get caught…?)