Weed ~The One’s Gardener~ - Chapter 111

Hana’s back was drenched in cold sweat as she tried to walk away from Weed. No matter how much she tried to distance herself, he kept closing the gap and speaking to her.

“Human, what is your name? What brings you to Lar? How did you get lost?”

The previously wary, unfamiliar voice had vanished.

In its place, Weed spoke in a gentle, warm tone, coaxing her in a calm and inviting manner. His voice sounded so much like the way he had spoken to her before he lost his memory that Hana grew increasingly confused.

‘Did I really erase the memories correctly?’

The content and tone of his words weren’t much different from how one would speak to a stranger, but the voice itself wasn’t unfamiliar. It felt too gentle, too familiar.

Still caught off guard, Hana couldn’t even answer properly. Instead, she stopped when he called her. She couldn’t ignore him when he kept speaking.

“Uh, we, well… I’m just… looking for something…”

Hana stammered as she spoke. She was in such an unexpected situation that she kept coming up with awkward explanations.

She feared she might look foolish, but to her surprise, Weed’s face lit up with a smile.

“Is that so? What are you looking for? I might be able to help.”

“I’ve already found it. I just need to go back. Thank you for your concern. I, I mean… Lord of the Forest.”

It was the first time she had addressed Weed with a title rather than his name. No matter how awkward or limited her understanding of the customs here was, she was trying to imitate what Calden had once said.

Given the culture of this place and Lar’s characteristics, it might not be polite to refuse a favor from someone like the Lord of the Forest. Although she wasn’t sure if she had used the words correctly, Hana glanced up, hoping for some kind of sign.

It was hard to tell if it was fortunate or not, but Weed smiled even more brightly in response.

“Ah, I see. I’m glad you found what you were looking for. So, will you stay in Lar until you leave?”

“What?”

How many times has this happened? In her confusion, Hana could only respond with a foolish “What?”

“It seems you’ve been quite exhausted looking for what you needed here. You’re even hurt. Your steps show that your body isn’t in the best condition. Isn’t that so?”

“That’s, but…”

Hana looked down at her knees and the scratches on her feet. She had no idea when she had lost her shoes. She couldn’t even recall. How observant of him. What he said was true, but…

“Well then, stay in Lar for a while. Do you know how beautiful this place is at this time of year? It’s the perfect place to rest your weary body. You’ve been walking around barefoot here? The ground can be rough for humans. I’ll provide you with proper footwear. Pick a pair you like, and you can walk through the center comfortably.”

Her face turned bright red.

Weed was saying the same thing he had said back then, the same words he had spoken when he had confessed, not really confessed, that he didn’t like her while stammering and sweating.

“If Lar seems too boring, we should hold a banquet. Don’t worry. Since I’ve invited you, even as a human, you’ll receive the proper hospitality here. The priests of this place will also offer you gifts. Would you like to go and take a look?”

Weed extended his hand again, requesting her acceptance.

The scent of flowers hung heavy in the air, even though no wind blew. He was radiating the irresistible aroma of wildflowers. The difference now was that there was no hesitation in Weed’s outstretched hand. He smiled confidently, his face slightly flushed, and his posture was anything but shy.

Hana felt a strange pressure and swallowed hard. He had always been a large man, but now, for some reason, he seemed even bigger.

Unconsciously, she almost reached for his hand but caught herself just in time.

She had nearly fallen for it, just like that time in the past when she had almost gone through with an impromptu wedding.

“Really, it’s fine.”

She needed to stand her ground.

Placing her hand over his large one, she pressed it down as if to show she wasn’t agreeing.

For a moment, Weed’s face lit up with a bright smile, seemingly mistaking her gesture for consent, but his expression slowly faded as realization set in.

“I can return on my own quickly. I prefer being alone. Other people, it’s, it’s uncomfortable. Please don’t follow me.”

Had he been shocked by the rejection? Weed’s expression froze, and he didn’t move.

Hana bowed deeply as if apologizing before quickly putting distance between herself and Weed. When she told him not to follow, he obeyed, remaining where he was with his gaze fixed firmly on her.

Each time she glanced back, her eyes met his. His face, slightly tense with tightly pressed lips, seemed to carry a hint of anxiety. The more she looked back, the more the intensity in his eyes grew, as if silently pleading for her to reconsider her decision.

Hana bit her lip and turned her head fully.

She wouldn’t look back again.

As she walked, the scent of wildflowers that had clung to the air disappeared.

A sigh escaped her lips.

Her chest tightened, and her throat felt constricted. Eventually, tears started to flow down her face. As soon as his scent was gone, Hana began to cry uncontrollably. She couldn’t understand why the tears were coming.