Red Riding Hood - Chapter 8
The wolf jumped up in shock.
“Little one, are you asking me to wear that old pimp’s drawers?”
“Just until I can wash and return the ones you’re wearing.”
“Good grief!”
While the wolf grimaced and changed into the underpants, Cinq replaced the bloodstained sheets with fresh ones.
Adding the soiled sheets to the pile of clothes from earlier, the laundry now resembled a small mountain.
As she scrubbed the heaps of linen, her thoughts wandered to Vinya, who had vanished.
‘Maybe the wolf carried Vinya off.’
If that were the case, things would be much simpler.
When Six died, Vinya had sent Cinq to inform the White Goat of her passing. Though the White Goat had clicked his tongue in sympathy, that was the extent of his reaction.
The White Goat had told her that the corpse of a wh*re could not be buried in the cemetery and should be interred in the woods. So, Cinq had to dig the grave herself and bury Six.
But she had no desire to bury Vinya. Letting her disappearance remain as it was seemed preferable.
After hanging the freshly washed sheets and clothes on the line, Cinq hung the wolf’s linen underpants by the fireplace to dry quickly.
‘I should go to the priest and report Vinya’s death.’
However, she realized she’d have to lie about how Vinya had died—because of the wolf currently lounging in the deceased brothel keeper’s bed.
There were no humans in this village, only others.
Yet the wolf was clearly human.
For some reason, she felt she shouldn’t let the others know about his presence. It was a strong hunch.
‘And besides…’
Polishing the wolf’s armor until it gleamed like a mirror, Cinq caught her round reflection in the shiny metal.
‘Now that Vinya’s gone, I’m free.’
Vinya was dead.
The pimp had vanished, and so had her role as a prostitute.
Cinq felt her heart pounding with excitement.
The wolf claimed to be indebted to her, but in truth, Cinq felt just as indebted to him.
It was a tremendous debt.
Thus, hiding the wolf temporarily, treating his wounds, and preparing his meals seemed like small favors in comparison.
After ensuring the armor was thoroughly dry, she returned home, kindled a low fire in the hearth, and seasoned the pork before placing it in the oven.
By dinnertime, the pork would be tender and pink inside. Paired with boiled beans or sweet glazed carrots, it would make a fine meal.
With her tasks done, Cinq donned her coat and tied a red hood over her head.
Seeing her prepare to leave, the wolf asked,
“Little one, where are you going?”
Tucking her golden hair tightly under the hood, she replied,
“Vinya’s gone, and it seems a wolf took her away. Things have gotten easier now. I’ll tell the priest that Vinya was taken by a wolf. I’ll also buy more food.”
The wolf’s face brightened.
“There’s a priest in this village?”
“Yes.”
“Which order is the priest from? Perhaps they can help me.”
Cinq blinked.
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
“Yes. Prostitutes aren’t allowed inside the church.”
The wolf let out a short sigh, then grabbed her hand and pulled her to stand before him. Looking up at her with his golden eyes, he said,
“Cinq, with eyes as pure as a child’s and a voice as sweet as a fairy’s, you speak such sorrowful words. Someone like me is utterly weak to such things.”
Cinq looked down at him and said,
“It’s fine. Now that Vinya is gone, I’m free.”
The wolf smiled broadly, then took both her hands and kissed them deeply.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Feeling the warmth and firmness of his lips pressing against her hands and fingers, Cinq added,
“Anyway, I don’t know which order the priest serves.”
“I see. Likely not a deity of my own faith. My God does not discriminate against any other.”
“Would you like me to ask the priest which order they belong to?”
The wolf released her hands with a laugh.
“No, it’s fine. Cinq, go inform them of the brothel keeper’s death and proudly tell everyone that you are now free.”
A shy smile bloomed on Cinq’s rosy lips.
“All right.”
She took a basket and headed to the village.
Like a red butterfly, she flitted through the gray streets. She bought two bottles of milk and a large piece of meat but skipped the fish shop altogether.
