The first place that Chi-Woo visited was the temple⁠—Although Chi-Woo called the place a temple, it was too humble to be called one, or even a shrine for that matter, so most people agreed to call it ‘where Hawa was staying’. However, Chi-Woo wasn’t here for Hawa, but something else.

“Can I borrow the statue?” Chi-Woo said when he saw her. 

“Why are you asking me that?” Hawa asked succinctly.

“Uh…Well, doesn’t the statue originally belong to the Shahnaz tribe? And you are the shaman who serves goddess Shahnaz…” Chi-Woo murmured.

“Why are you trying to take it?”

“Ah, because…” Since it wasn’t a secret, Chi-Woo told her the reason. Hawa seemed bemused for a moment before she looked to the side and said, “Please take me with you.”

Chi-Woo’s eyes turned round in surprise. “Why?”

“I don’t want to stay here sweeping the ground forever.”

“Um…” Not having expected such a request, Chi-Woo thought for some moment. “If it’s just you…but it may be dangerous…”

“I can take care of myself.” Hawa noticed the hesitation in Chi-Woo’s eyes and quickly added, “I promise you that I won’t be a hindrance. You’re welcome to leave me behind at any time if I ever become one.”

That swayed Chi-Woo a little. Shakira had told him that Hawa was capable of looking after herself. Chi-Woo had personally received help from Hawa, and she had keen senses and knew when to back away. If she went with them, Chi-Woo believed she would be of help rather than become a hindrance.

“Okay.” Although Chi-Woo had taken some time to reach a decision, he gave a short answer. “I understand. Let me try talking to the others first.”

Hawa spoke again, “You said you all were going to the outskirts, right? Even the princess of Salem won’t know that area well. But not only do I know the main road there, I know the less tread paths as well.”

“Really?”

“The Shahnazs were originally nomadic people. We wandered...