The Daughter of Evil - Volume 2 - Chapter 2.22

✿CHAPTER 2, SECTION 2, SCENE 2✿
✿Michaela ~ Elphegort Country’s “Yatski Village” ~

My eyes were set on a broad field full of fruit crops. The people in this village probably use them as their own food or they sell them to the people of Aceid. Other fruits and grains are being made into wine and bread.

When I first saw these artificially planted crops, rather than harvesting naturally growing ones, I was amazed on how humans have lots of means to earn money and live differently.

Due to over population, people have to grow their own crops or raise some poultry. The results gave them a steady source of food even when their numbers is still increasing.

“Today, the land is not dominated by God, but by the people.”

Is what Eldoh-san would inadvertently complain. But as I witnessed people doing farm work in the village, I think what he was saying is true. This, in some sense, is close to “creation” and to “create”, which is an act of God. Human “creation”, in comparison to God is very incomplete. But this is understandable, because humans are unable to start this process from scratch. This human behavior is not to “create” but to manifest it and auxiliary do nothing. However, when I saw this scene, I am deeply impressed with human intelligence and their dedication to survive.

“Though I have lived for a thousand years, I know next to nothing about humans.”

It never occurred to me that farm work would be very tedious; the pain on my wrist and waist is unbearable. Sometimes, I want to go back to Eldoh-san and live a life of leisure and ease.

The old man next door complained about the low temperature we were having; we harvested a lot less compared to last year. But it was still more than what Lucifenia has harvested.

Speaking of Lucifenia…… I wonder how Gumillia and Elluka are doing. I haven’t seen or heard of them in a few months now. This country lacks information about other countries.

I looked up at the sky and saw that it was already getting dark. I picked up my tools and headed for home.

Up to now, I was still living in Clarith’s house.

Even if I wanted to go to Aceid, I don’t have the strength or any clues to go after. Also, this village isn’t very far from Aceid; I can look for ‘sin’ anytime. Thanks to Clarith’s saving grace, I still have lots of money in my purse…

Staying home and doing nothing is very boring. Clarith asked me if I wanted to help her in farm work. I really didn’t expect such a miscalculation. At first, I had a lot of anticipation of finding ‘sin’, but it was all wasted in idle.

Clarith was assigned with a very small land for harvest. It wasn’t enough for our living expenses. Clarith had to do extra work to earn more. While substituting for Clarith in farm work, I made lots of friends and gathered some information about the village.

This land, including the whole of Yatski Village, belongs to Count Felix. All of the land fees are to be collected by the chieftain then is to be given to him.

It was said that whenever the chieftain comes to collect land fees, he would always be accompanied by a big man named Eugen, his nephew. He was previously in the army but after dispute, he became the chieftain’s assistant. At first, he was against the chieftain’s greed, but soon after, Eugen realized the power he was given. He only vented his dissatisfaction at Clarith.

Although the people of the village are nice, they have a bad attitude towards Clarith. For Elphegorteans, they think of “individuals of the Netsuma Tribe as heretics; even persecution is not enough”. This idea is deeply rooted into their hearts. I do not have the slightest idea why they think like that nor is the idea of persecution needed. Perhaps it has something to do in past events or something to do with politics. However, for a long time, the exact reason has been forgotten and only the word “Netsuma Tribe” retained. Even so, Clarith doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment.

Of course, I think that Clarith’s clumsiness and cowardice promoted their discrimination towards her. Perhaps because of the discrimination, Clarith’s personality has become like that. In the end, what came first will never be known. Clarith never mentioned it to me yet because there was a subtle difference between us. It was impossible to restore the relationship we had when I was in my robin form. I want to tell her my origins, but for some reasons, I cannot tell her.

“Well, I don’t exactly know what to do until then.”

On my way back, I found Clarith talking to another person nearby a truck. It was very unusual.

The other person was the chieftain’s son, Ein. He is entirely different from his father; a fine young man and very popular among the women of the village. I hesitated to say hello but Ein seems to be aware of my existence. I wildly turned and waved my hand. Clarith nodded.

“Miss Michaela…”

“Ah! Michaela! Thanks for the hard work!”

Ein said with a hearty smile; healthy white teeth that shone in the sunset.

“We were talking about the harvest festival”

“Aren’t you a little impatient? I heard that the harvest festival is still far away from now.”

“The sooner we prepare the better. We have poor harvest this year. Nevertheless, I want it to be grand as possible.”

“If we had poor harvest this year, what’s the point of having a grand festival?”

“Even if we have poor harvest, we still have to celebrate and to cheer everyone up.”

We chatted for a while until Ein said goodbye to Clarith and went home. From start to finish, Ein had concerned smile while Clarith always remained silent. I tried to politely ask the reason why.

“I am not very good at dealing with boys. To be honest, Michaela’s arrival here really helped me a lot.”

Clarith said while her eyes were casted down. Even while continuing the conversation, she just kept her eyes casted down.

“Does Ein often talk to you?”

“Yes… more recently, he takes the initiative and talk to me.”

“Before, when Michaela hasn’t come to this village yet, we rarely spoke to each other.”

“Ahhh…”

Clarith suddenly stopped and looked at the sky. The sun in the sky has almost completely set.

“That man… I mean Ein… might actually like Michaela.”

“Eh?”

“I think the reason why he talks to me… is to get closer to you, Miss Michaela”

“Really?”

Putting it that way, I became embarrassed. I do not understand this so called human expression of love. Although my identity is female, I am originally a genderless spirit. Of course, I understand the concept of biological sex and reproduction activities. However, I still don’t understand the delicate relationship between a man and a woman… 

“What does Michaela think of Ein?”

“……What?”

“I think beautiful people match very well.”

“Although you say that, I’m not really interested in men…”

When I finished my sentence, I suddenly realized the words I was saying can be easily misunderstood. I looked at Clarith, she seems to be pleased to with what I said.

“Me too, I’m also not interested in them”

…..I have to choose my words carefully! 

As we were about to open the door, the girl next door, Chelsea, appeared right behind us like a ghost. She had the appearance of an actress, wearing a fancy dress and makeup. Behind her were two girls. If I remember correctly, they are Chelsea’s friends… or should I say… her henchmen.

"Clarith, I have something to tell you. Please come with me for a moment.”

Chelsea, with her hair all messy, walked towards the side of her house. She was urging Clarith to follow her behind her house. I now know what she really meant.

“Yes. I’m coming”

As Clarith said this, she immediately followed behind them. Because I’m concerned for Clarith, I intended to follow them.

But Chelsea suddenly stopped.

“This does not concern you, Michaela.”

Although she didn’t allow me to follow them, but the atmosphere around them worries me. When the four figures disappeared, I took a deep breath and walked slowly and quietly, hiding in the shade made by the house and secretly watched them.

“What were you trying to do?”

Chelsea crossed her arms, pressing herself against Clarith.

“I saw it. A dirty Netsuma girl was talking to Ein. I hope you weren’t planning to do something to him…”

“No! I wasn’t!”

“You are planning something!”

“I’m sorry!”

“I don’t want to hear your excuses!”

This is what you call “Woman’s Envy”. If that were the case, why isn’t she targeting me? I’m the one they should be targeting because Clarith didn’t even say anything to Ein. Or maybe they saw the scene when I haven’t arrived yet. Maybe that’s it…

Even so, they are bullying her too much. Poor Clarith began to tremble and curl up her body.

“Eve Ein finds it disturbing when you are close to him. Listen, I forbid you to take a single step near Ein.”

“…….”

“Don’t just ignore me! Speak up!”

Chelsea raised her voice and lifted Clarith’s arm. Clarith’s body trembled; she isn’t able to escape for she was too afraid to do so.

“Wait a minute!”

I immediately jumped and shouted. Chelsea loosed her grip on Clarith’s wrist. I took the opportunity and got in between them.

“Miss Michaela…”

Chelsea was taken back. She still didn’t let go of Clarith. I grabbed her wrist and placed her hands down.

“Fighting is not good! I know eavesdropping is not also good but I think what you’re doing is wrong! I cannot just watch and let you have your way with her!”

“What’s wrong with that? We just hate how this Netsuma girl is getting cheeky with Ein”

“I think you have misunderstood”

I faked a smile and added more force unto her wrist.

“But…”

“Moreover, resorting to violence is not good. Everything can be talked out peacefully”

“Fo-forget it! Let me go! Hey, you two, we’re leaving!”

I let go of Chelsea’s wrist and the three of them left together. When Chelsea’s figure disappeared, I gently patted Clarith’s trembling shoulder.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m alright. Thank you!”

“Clarith, you have to speak out your mind. If you don’t tell others your thoughts, you will be misunderstood.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Michaela.”

“Hey, you should just call me "Michaela”. We are friends after all.“

"Friends?”

“Yeah, aren’t we friends yet?”

“Yes. I’m sorry. Thank you Michaela! I’m so happy…”

Clarith wrapped her arms around me. Although there was little force, but I can feel she was holding me tightly.

“Michaela, I have a request.”

Clarith said in a vague voice. I asked: “What is it?”. She answers with a smaller voice.

“Can you hold me for a little longer? This is the first time other than my mother somebody has embraced me”

“Of course”

I held Clarith tighter, as if I was ready to break her body. Clarith, I promise to protect you.

Since that day, every day we would go out and go home after work together. Clarith gradually shown her personality to me when I was a robin.

Although it’s only a little bit, but I feel our relationship has become more intimate.