Ray followed Arisa to her grandmother's house, his eyes drifting toward the rustic scenery around them. The cobblestone path crunched faintly beneath their feet, and golden shafts of sunlight filtered through the trees, painting the earth in warm hues.
Yet, despite the beauty, an odd sensation tugged at him—Ray couldn't shake the feeling that the villagers were watching him more than they were watching Arisa. The glances felt cautious and weighted, as if they were silently measuring him.
Arisa walked ahead with a cheerful face, her footsteps lighter than before. It was clear she was delighted—this was her first friend, and it showed. Beside them, Freya trailed with a quiet presence, her eyes flickering between Ray and the villagers, struggling to make sense of his unusual calmness and behavior.
After walking for about ten minutes, they arrived at a house that radiated a simple charm. It looked like a place born out of comfort and warmth—weathered wooden walls, flowerpots lining the windows, and a soft, earthy scent in the air.
At the entrance, a tidy little farm sprawled across both sides: chickens clucked and pecked busily on the left, while a few goats on the right lazed under the shade of a tree. They all looked well cared for, their coats clean and eyes bright.
Ray felt something stir inside him—a quiet peace he hadn't felt since coming to this strange world. A strange nostalgia settled over him. It was as if, just for a moment, he had stepped back into his old world. He took a deep breath, letting the air settle in his chest, and simply enjoyed the environment.
A soft shuffle of footsteps came from within the house, followed by the gentle creak of a door opening. An old woman emerged, her frame small and slightly hunched, but her presence warm and gentle. She wore a plain white dress, her silver hair tied neatly behind her head, and a kind smile stretched across her weathered face. Her eyes lit up at the sight of her granddaughter—and her surprise grew when she saw unfamiliar guests with her.
For years, she'd heard Arisa complain. Customers who left halfway through transactions, customers who didn't pay, and countless disappointments. But today was different. Today, her granddaughter had returned with a radiant smile and people by her side.
Arisa's cheerful voice rang out, "Grandmother, I have brought a customer to our house. Please hear what he has to say."
Grandma chuckled softly, her voice like a soft blanket, "It must be because of alchemy pills." Her gaze turned to Ray and Freya. "I don't have much to offer, but please come on in. We already have some chicken soup and goat's milk."
Arisa quickly added, "It's not pills he's here for, Grandma. He has come for your sewing skills."
A pause. Grandma blinked at Ray with a puzzled expression that mirrored Arisa's earlier one. Then she smiled again and said, "Either way, come on in. You can tell me inside."
Ray nodded, stepping into the house, his boots clicking lightly against the wooden floor. The interior was humble but full of life. One modest dining table stood in the center with a few chairs around it. Toys were scattered around—proof of Arisa's childhood. What stood out most was the pristine cleanliness of the place. Every surface gleamed, not a speck of dust in sight. Ray found himself impressed, even a little moved.
He took a seat at one of the chairs, gesturing for Freya to sit beside him. This startled her—she was used to standing behind Diana like a shadow. But the gentle insistence in Ray's expression left little room for protest. She hesitated, then quietly slid into the chair beside him.
Grandma brought out steaming bowls of chicken soup, the aroma rich and comforting, while Arisa placed a glass bottle of goat's milk on the table. There wasn't much conversation during the meal—just the quiet clink of spoons and the occasional satisfied sigh. Arisa glanced at Ray now and then, anticipation shining in her eyes.
She lit up when she saw Ray take his first bite. His eyes widened slightly. The soup was incredible—flavorful, hearty, and full of warmth. The kind of dish that made you feel at home. He would gladly eat it again.
Arisa beamed with pride, stealing glances at her grandmother as if to say, "See?" Grandma's face softened even more, touched by his genuine reaction. Freya, who had grown used to Ray's array of expressions, let out a small chuckle, shaking her head slightly in amusement.
Once the dishes were cleared, they gathered to discuss Ray's true purpose. He pulled out sketches and plans—designs of dresses, comfortable modern clothes, and undergarments for women. Then came the designs for men, along with casual clothing for both genders. The air around them shifted as curiosity filled the room.
Ray couldn't help but frown slightly as he compared these modern ideas to the outdated, stiff, 19th-century fashion worn in this world. They looked utterly tacky to him. He craved comfort—something familiar. But he made sure to keep his designs tasteful. Dresses for women remained long. He didn't want to jump directly into 20th-century fashion and draw unwanted attention. He especially didn't want to be labeled a pervert.
What he truly wanted was to reshape this world's fashion sense. And one day, when he built televisions, computers, and an internet with magic as the base, this culture shift would spread across the world like wildfire.
Grandma studied the designs closely. Some pieces seemed to catch her eye, and she nodded thoughtfully. In the end, she agreed. They struck a deal—fifty-fifty partnership. After a long conversation, Ray introduced her to 3D clothing formation disks, and her eyes widened with astonishment.
Something eased in Ray's chest. For the first time since arriving in this world, a weight he hadn't known how to put down finally lifted. Clothing—simple, everyday clothing—had always been a point of frustration. What he wore at his current home was rough, stiff, and too unfamiliar. Now, he had a way to fix it.
He also explained what types of fabric would be best suited for each garment, and Grandma eagerly took notes. He'd already begun imagining how he'd market them, possibly even setting up his own shops.
But then, the mood in the room shifted again.
Grandma looked at Freya and Arisa, her gaze turning firm. "Girls," she said softly but with authority, "please step outside. I need to speak to Ray alone."
Both girls hesitated. Arisa looked confused. Freya's eyes darted to Ray. But Ray gave a subtle nod.
"Go ahead," he said, keeping his voice calm. "I'm interested in what she has to say. I'd also like to know more about this village—and about Arisa."
Once the door closed behind them, a thick, quiet stillness settled over the room. In the distance, the soft bleating of goats and the faint clucking of chickens drifted back into the silence.
Grandma fixed her eyes on Ray. Her voice, though still kind, carried a sharper edge of wisdom.
"Tell me, boy," she began. "What did you notice after coming here?"
Ray paused, folding his hands on the table as he recalled the events. "I saw the beautiful village, with people cutting stalks of vegetables and rice. Some were chopping trees. I saw children playing, and a few even offered to guide me for a silver coin. But something else stood out... the way people were looking at us. I had the feeling they were looking at me. But Arisa told me she's a cursed girl, and that's why they always stare like that. Tell me, Grandmother, what is happening?"
She didn't answer immediately. Her gaze lingered on him, unreadable. Then she asked, "How much do you know about Arisa? Did she tell you anything?"
Ray hesitated, debating whether to mention the spirit. He didn't know if the grandmother was aware. So he treaded carefully.
"You know about the whisperer?"
Grandma's eyes sparkled knowingly. A small smile tugged at her lips.
"You mean the spirit."
Ray nodded, understanding she knew more than she let on. "Yes, the spirit."
For a long moment, Grandma said nothing. Her fingers tapped softly on the wooden table, then stopped. Her expression turned serious, almost piercing.
Then she asked something that sent a cold shiver down Ray's spine:
"Are you a reincarnate, little Ray?"