[US] Chapter 15: The Village and Its Folk
After explaining the concept of "rotting disaster" in her own way, Kalis Marry shifted her attention back to the original issue, the strange condition of the noble gentleman's son, also known as the "white dream."
"Rober" Kalis said, her tone tinged with curiosity "you mentioned the 'white dream.' I must admit that I've heard of it, but I don't really understand this condition. What is it? What causes it? And most importantly, how do we solve it?"
She paused for a moment, raised an eyebrow, and then added, with a sly half-smile: "If this problem could be solved by force, everything would be much simpler. Just find the mastermind, give him a good beating, or better yet, just kill him and be done with it. But, I'm afraid the 'white dream' isn't something that can be solved with fists, is it?"
Rober, hearing Kalis speak, couldn't help but feel a bit... speechless. He didn't know how to react to Miss Marry's somewhat "violent" and "simple" approach to problem-solving. He could only shake his head slightly, and then explain patiently:
"Madam Marry, the 'white dream' is a phenomenon in which a person's soul is separated from their body and trapped somewhere, in a dreamlike state, unable to wake up. The person afflicted with the 'white dream' will fall into a deep sleep and cannot be awakened by any external stimuli, whether it's a call, a noise, or even a punch."
Rober paused for a moment, glanced at Kalis, and then continued, with a somewhat humorous tone: "There are many causes that can lead to the 'white dream,' madam. It could be a mysterious toxin, a type of magic, a curse, or even a severe emotional shock. Depending on the cause, we will have different solutions."
He sighed, then added: "And, I also hope that this problem can be solved simply, by force, as you said. But, I'm afraid that in this case, we will need to investigate further before we can take any action."
Thus, for the rest of the journey, Rober and Kalis Marry completely ignored the noble gentleman, Viscount Calos, to focus on their own conversation.
Kalis Marry showed great interest in Rober's knowledge and deep understanding of the "white dream" as well as many other issues. She was particularly impressed by the way Rober presented the issues, in a clear, concise, and understandable manner, but without being arrogant or conceited. He always maintained a humble, respectful attitude, and always made Kalis feel that she was still the one in the higher position, even though, in many cases, she was the one learning from him.
Therefore, Kalis Marry did not hesitate to ask Rober one question after another, on all sorts of topics, from issues related to magic, to issues related to the history, culture, and society of Edoras. And Rober, with his vast knowledge, answered all those questions fluently and convincingly.
The conversation between Rober and Kalis Marry created a private "bubble" a space that no one could intrude upon. They were engrossed in exchanging, discussing, and debating, to the point of forgetting the time and forgetting the presence of the noble gentleman sitting in the same carriage with them.
The "Chronos" gradually left the bustling, lively central area of the capital Edoras, heading towards the outskirts, where there were peaceful and quiet countryside areas. The tall, modern buildings were gradually replaced by low houses with red tile roofs or yellow thatched roofs. The wide, stone-paved, and crowded roads were gradually replaced by narrow, dirt roads with fewer people.
The scenery on both sides of the road also changed. There were no longer luxurious shops and stores, noisy cafes and pubs, parks and flower gardens with vibrant colors, but instead, fields of barley, ready for harvest, stretching far and wide, like a golden, shimmering carpet, under the sunlight.
Thatched-roof houses nestled beside ancient trees, turning a vibrant yellow, creating a peaceful and poetic countryside scene. In the fields, a few farmers were diligently harvesting rice or other agricultural products. On the gentle slopes, herds of sheep, with their white wool, were leisurely grazing, creating moving white dots against the green background of the grass and trees.
The sound of church bells, from a certain village, echoed from afar, deep and poignant, like an invitation to devout people to attend Sunday service. On the dirt roads, children, their faces smeared with mud, were playing and running, their laughter echoing in the quiet space, creating a truly joyful and innocent sound.
From the chimneys of the houses, kitchen smoke rose, carrying the aroma of freshly cooked rice, baked sweet potatoes, toasted bread, and other rustic dishes, creating a feeling of warmth and closeness.
After traveling a considerable distance further, the "Chronos" reached a village, where there were bustling sounds, but not the bustle of a festival or a market, but the bustle of anxiety, fear, and despair.
Those sounds were the cries, wails, laments, pleas for help, and even shouts and curses of the villagers, who were panicked and disoriented.
Suddenly, a group of villagers, standing by the roadside, recognized Viscount Calos's "Chronos." They cheered, called out to each other, and chased after the vehicle, running and shouting:
"Viscount Calos's car! Viscount Calos is back!"
"Please, Viscount, save the children! They are afflicted with the plague! They are cursed!"
"If no one saves them, our entire village will die! Please, Viscount, call the Priest to perform the exorcism ritual, to cure the children!"
"Please, Viscount, save us! Please save this village!"
Viscount Calos, sitting in the car, hearing the desperate cries of the people, lowered his head, sighed heavily, tired and helpless.
"We must wait for my son to recover first" he said, his voice somewhat bitter and desperate. "It's not just you who are facing this. I'm also very worried about my son."
Then, he turned to the driver and ordered "Keep driving. Don't stop. Go straight to the manor."
But, Viscount Calos was unaware that the two seats of his two guests were now empty. Both Rober and Kalis Marry were no longer in the car.
Kalis Marry, with her impulsive and capricious nature, had jumped out of the "Chronos" as soon as she heard the cries for help from the people, without caring that the car was still moving, and without paying attention to her "lady-like" appearance.
Rober, seeing Kalis Marry jump out of the car, quickly followed. But, unlike Kalis's simple and agile landing, he used a bit of magic, creating a gentle breeze, to help him maintain his balance and land safely and gently.
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