Chapter 7 The Ancient Shrine

"T-thank you."

While sensing the warmth of her skin, Margarette shook her head, appearing to try to escape Avinar's eyes focusing on her. Under his melting glare, she felt like slowly melting ice. Additionally, she noticed a significant increase in her heart rate. It moved so quickly that it felt like horses were racing over her chest, and with every second that went by, it grew stronger.

"You know I'll go above and beyond for you, my wife, so it's nothing", Avinar added with a smile.

When Margarette heard what Avinar had stated, her blushing intensity increased. She was aware that he was playing a joke on her and that if she believed all the crap he was saying, it would undoubtedly make him laugh once more. Why, though, is she feeling this way? Why does every word he says seem to have a peculiar harmony that profoundly affects not only her chest but also the entirety of her being?

Margarette acknowledges that she dislikes this creature, not because she doesn't trust him but rather because she finds his speech repulsive. However, hidden beneath the annoyance she feels here is the strange happiness she has only recently experienced. The truth is, she had been looking for the solution to her question, but as of now, she had not succeeded.

Although Margarette was aware that it was humorous to learn how she felt, the fact remained that she had sympathy for this creature, even if she tried to hide it a few more times. He might have used a portion of his power, or perhaps this was the effect he had on her by the time she entered this dimension. And if any of this had been the cause, she would have just gone back to her previous state.

"Alright, I'm fine now. It just looks high, but I'm sure it's only a few steps away from here, so you can take me down."

"I insist. As I said before–don't act tough in front of others, especially in front of me. It will bring me great happiness if you learn to trust me. In addition, it is better for a couple if they both understand each other. And from what I've heard, it's one of the most important elements for a relationship to last. What do you think, Margarette? Is everything they say right? Because just in case everything is true, it would be better if now we could both learn to get along with each other so that we don't have any problems shortly," Avinar said.

"My grandfather used to tell me that yokai do not want to mix with people and that they prefer to live in hidden places such as mountains, forests, and rivers so that they cannot be seen. According to him, disaster and death are the compensation if yokai falls in love with a mortal. However, even if all the things my grandfather said were true, aren't you afraid that you might put your life in great danger when we get married?" Margarette's voice was engraved with a combination of anxiety and apprehension.

'What I mean is...'

Margarette was ready to say anything but Avinar cut her off: "Forget about what I've said; whether the answer is yes or no, it won't matter to me; why do I even have to think about those things? Except that it doesn't contribute at all, it will only be a big barrier for me to achieve everything I want. Besides, everything you said will only occur when they both fall in love with each other. May I ask you one question, is there any love that mediates between the two of us? Isn't there anything so you don't have to worry about that thing?"

Margarette heard those things, and her face clouded at once. Every syllable that came out of Avinar's mouth was packed with anguish, pain, and rage, which she could sense. Not to say, but if she had known that there was a reason for everything he had said, it might have been so difficult for him that he could have spoken those things. How come, though? Why does she feel like every letter he has uttered is like broken pieces of glass that have sunk into her chest? Why do her heart and her entire being fill with so much pain and suffering?

"You can take me down; I can walk from here; I don't want to be a burden to you."

"You're not a burden, and you'll never be a burden to me, so please just forget everything I've said. Besides, that so-called love doesn't exist in a world like this, so a yokai can't fall in love with a mortal. Not unless they're both under a spell or curse."

Margarette simply closed her eyes. She didn't want to hear what Avinar would say next because she would only definitely be hurt again. If that is what this creature believes about love, what does he want to mean by the word marriage? Is the holy sacrament of marriage just a game to him?

How was Avinar able to utter those things? Is what he claims—that love does not exist in the yokai world—true? Does he claim to have no feelings or a heart? If such is the case, she no longer believes that he will keep all of his promises to her. If what she fears occurs, she will escape this world on her own, without his assistance.

Avinar declined Margarette's request because it was clear from her appearance that she was still unwell. As a result, Avinar climbed the stairs while Margarette carried both of her arms until they arrived at an ancient shrine on the outskirts of the Central Hidden Realm.

Except for a few chosen yokai that dwell here, no other yokai can see the entire area because of a powerful force that acts as a shield around it. In the history of the Hidden Realm, these beings represent the highest yokai level.

"We're finally here," Avinar said. He set Margarette down gradually.

Margarette believed that because they had climbed for so long, they would make up ground in the morning. Avinar's assistance is incredibly helpful since if not, they might still be climbing. She was also much helped by this creature in some way.

After seeing everything around her, Margarette exclaimed, "Wow!" and all the fatigue vanished from her body. She had no idea that hidden behind the modernization our world has shown, there was a special location that, in her opinion, was the best of all.

Massive, towering trees line the whole perimeter of the area. It is clear that the shrine has been around for a long time from the way it looks and how it was built. It might even be older than the clan of Margarette's ancestors, yet despite its age, it is nonetheless notable for its beauty and overall cleanliness.

The lovely flowers that served as décor throughout the entire area also attracted attention in addition to the trees in the immediate area. Margarette observes many different kinds of flowers, not just one or two. In addition to having lush grass, they feature a choice of eye-catching hues. Moreover, she can feel the breeze gently stroking her cheek. Margarette is certain that whoever maintains the order and tranquility of the entire area spends all of his time making sure everything is in order.

Margarette caught Avinar's attention. When he watched her grinning while looking about with such awe in her eyes, a smile sprang to his lips.

Simply nodding her head, Margarette. Since he claimed he would take her there because of the plush mattresses and, in particular, the delectable meals being cooked, Margarette honestly assumes that they will stay at a five-star hotel. Avinar taking Margarette to this kind of location was not something Margarette had anticipated.

"I know how eager you are to visit the five-star hotels and restaurants in this land, but just make sure you never do anything silly because, by the time you disobey everything I command, you might not be able to come back alive. I will never grow tired of repeating to you that this world is full of mystery, but behind it is doom, so don't worry because by the time we enter the shrine, you'll meet Riyu. He'll be the one to take you around the entire Hidden Realm," Avinar reminded Margarette once more.

"I understand, but don't worry about me; I know how to do what I'm instructed."

"Let's continue since they must have been waiting for a while. It's better that way so we can avoid any issues."

Avinar caught Margarette's eye. She gasped in shock, "What do you mean?"

"Are you saying they've heard I'm coming?"

Avinar looked up and saw the entire sky which was being progressively engulfed by dark and thick clouds, "It appears that so let's hurry. It's not a good idea for them to wait for us, especially in this sort of weather." It will start to rain hard in a few moments.

Back turned to Avinar, Margarette gazed. She drew her head down. "Is that so?"

Avinar smirked as he looked down and continued, "I thought you weren't scared of them. Why did the wind appear to blow differently? I didn't believe fear would bloom on your body either." When he turned to gaze at Margarette, he was tormenting her with his eyes. The instant he noticed the dread on Margarette's face, he abruptly changed his mind and decided not to see how terrified she was.

"There are some of them who are kind so you have nothing to fear. Besides, you are in the territory so no one will dare to lay their hands on you. And if in case someone dares to hurt you, I will make sure that their life would be enough to compensate for the harm they did to you. You seem to have forgotten all the promises I made to you, Margarette." Every word that came out of Avinar's mouth was full of assurance and security. Although he was aware that it might not be enough to calm Margarette's anxiety, doing it in this way might at least help.

Margarette merely said, "Thank you."

Margarette straightened her posture despite being stiff and driven by a strong panic in her chest. She made her way to the shrine with Avinar by her side. Margarette took a deep breath and averted her look as they approached the door.

What was waiting for Margarette behind this door was a mystery to her. It's possible that the calvary, which will start with the creatures of this world, is hidden behind it. She had a lot of thoughts going through her head, but this time she had to give up the last shred of hope she had. She was aware that it was not a smart idea for her to believe what Avinar said to her, but she was also fully aware that there was nothing to lose if she trusted him with her life.

Avinar questioned, "Are you ready?" Margarette simply nodded in answer him.

Margarette summoned up her bravery once more. As soon as the door opened, they were greeted by piercing brightness.