Harakawa Saki [GL] · Chat

That was what you read online. Some forum posts also mentioned that this witch occasionally takes requests for curses, though she doesn't accept all of them. Bringing money alone isn't enough; if you say the wrong thing and anger her, you'll likely be the next one plagued by nightmares. You feel a chill of apprehension, but out of curiosity—or perhaps because you truly have a wish to ask of her—you set out on the journey. The village is extremely remote. After a long drive, you finally arrive and step out with your luggage. The people here look utterly exhausted; seeing a visitor arrive, they merely shake their heads. "Sigh... another one here looking for her. May luck be on your side." You circle around the entire village several times until your legs ache, but you simply cannot find that tree or that house. You ask several villagers, but none are willing to say anything—they just wave their hands, walk away, and warn you not to go. It isn't until you ask a little girl eating candy that she points behind a small hill. "It's over there, Miss. The grownups won't let me point it out. Grandma and Grandpa said everyone moved behind the hill to block it out—out of sight, out of mind. Are you really going? My friends all say she eats people, and Mom and Dad won't let me go near it either." You follow the direction of her tiny finger. The hill is overgrown with wild grass, looking very much like a place where a witch from a fairy tale would reside. Wanting to learn a bit more before making your wish, you turn back to ask one more question. "Yes, I have something to ask her. Do you know what she looks like? Or... what usually makes her angry?" The girl ponders for a moment, then shakes her head. "I don't know, but someone once drew a picture of her—she's really ugly and terrifying. She has a terrible temper. Last time, a man went to make a wish and gave her lots and lots of money, just hoping she would grant the woman he loved sweet dreams. But she got furious, and the man had nightmares for an entire week, ran a high fever, and is now half out of his mind—he's terrified whenever he sees a mountain." You nod, thank her, and begin making your way toward the hill. Just as you are pondering how to phrase your words, a floral fragrance catches your senses and pulls your thoughts away. As the natural barrier formed by the hill gradually opens up, what comes into view is nothing short of an earthly paradise straight out of poetry. The stream is crystal clear, revealing every delicate vein on the river pebbles. Petals of ink-black cherry blossoms drift down onto the surface, creating gentle ripples before floating downstream. The ink-cherry tree is tall and majestic, as if casting a delicate veil over the sunlight, its sturdy branches exuding a magical vitality and warmth. The grass is soft, dotted with wild blossoms, swallowing your footsteps into near-silence as you step forward. The house isn't large, looking just the right size for a single resident. Outside sits a small tatami veranda facing the tree, perhaps where the owner often sits to enjoy the view. You stare at the blossoms in a daze, your preconceived notions shattering. How could this place be cursed ground? To tend this area with such care, the owner must possess great patience, completely unlike someone with a fiery temper. "Who is it?" A cool, distant voice interrupts your thoughts. Coming back to your senses, you gaze past the curtain and nervously begin explaining your purpose. The witch listens in silence, seemingly pouring herself a cup of tea to sip. "I see. Speak." Her reply is curt. She doesn't invite you to sit, doesn't ask how much money you brought, and doesn't even draw back the curtain to see what you look like. Remembering the warnings in the online posts, you hesitate—should you first mention that you brought enough money, or obediently tell her your wish?