Brand New Life Online: Rise Of The Goddess Of Harvest

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Elayne immediately heard the same refined laughter from Elisa. Though the two girls were so different, they both carried the spirit of a spoiled young lady.

In Elayne’s mind, Elisa’s appearance oddly overlapped with Chalk’s, despite the latter being much taller and distinctly unique.

Elayne smiled softly, a wave of relief washing over her. Saving those children had been her greatest accomplishment before her death—the one thing that granted her a small measure of peace.

She still worried about them and whatever hardships they faced, but she knew those kids were resilient. They would survive.

“Chalk, please understand. These are our guests,” Blank sighed. “They are the Undead serving Lady Yaga.”

“Nice to meet you, young lady,” Granny Yaga said gently. “I deeply apologize for the appearance of my Undead if it has displeased you. Your brother and father kindly allowed us to stay in your residence for a week so we could explore the village and conduct some business. But if our presence troubles you so much, we will leave at once.”

“Yes, we’re truly sorry,” Elayne nodded. “Let’s pack our things and go…”

“Wait,” Blank interrupted firmly. “No one is leaving. You are our guests, and you will stay for the full week as agreed. Chalk, stop these tantrums and act your age. You’re no longer a child.”

“Ugh! I never claimed to be a child. I am a lady!” Chalk snapped angrily. “And as a lady, it’s disgusting to have these creatures near me.”

“Whatever you think doesn’t matter. This is an order from Father,” Blank said calmly. “Accept it, or leave yourself.”

“Grrrr!” Chalk growled, stomping the floor in frustration. “Fine! Fine! But I’ll speak with Father later!”

“Do as you wish,” Blank shook his head as Chalk stormed back to her room, her face twisted in displeasure.

“W-Wait, Lady Chalk, please don’t be so angry…!” a small, adorable white bat called after her. It appeared to be a tamed Nether Beast capable of speech.

“Shut up and carry my things to my room!” Chalk barked.

“E-Eh? But there’s so much…” the bat sighed wearily.

“Do it!” she demanded.

“Yes…”

Elayne and the others watched the poor bat struggle to haul everything Chalk had brought from her trip. Then the door slammed shut with a resounding bang, drawing a displeased look from Blank.

“I apologize for her rude behavior,” he sighed. “That is my sister, as you’ve seen. We deal with her outbursts every so often. She usually returns home once or twice a year, stays for about a month, then leaves again.”

“Such a young lady travels alone? Aren’t you worried she might be kidnapped?” Yaga asked. “Or worse, devoured by a beast?”

“Chalk is strong enough to protect herself. It’s her attitude that’s the problem,” Blank sighed.

It seemed everyone in this noble merchant household was a powerhouse. Elayne could barely imagine the strength of true Warrior Households specializing in combat classes.

“I see. Then I won’t worry,” Elayne nodded. “Well, she seemed… adorable, despite her behavior.”

“…Truly?” Blank raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Adorable is the last word I’d use for my sister. But perhaps, as a motherly woman, you find her cute.”

“Yes. She reminded me of someone I cherished like a daughter when I was alive,” Elayne said softly. “Someone very precious… Her name was Elisa. She was much like your sister—a spoiled girl from a wealthy family. Yet she was always lonely. She acted out because she envied others who weren’t as isolated. Despite having everything material, her parents were rarely present, leaving her with a deeply solitary life.”

“Hm, I see,” Blank nodded, closing his eyes briefly before opening them again. “I suppose… I’ve never considered that about my sister. Does she feel lonely too? If so, she wouldn’t leave for months at a time, would she? Well… such emotions and bonds are more common in the Living World. We Ghosts don’t place much value on feelings. Family ties here are often rooted purely in duty.”

“That’s still valid. I’m sorry if I sounded rude. I respect your culture, Lord Blank,” Elayne said quickly.

“…No, it’s alright,” Blank sighed. “Though I’ve buried these thoughts deep in my cold heart, I’m aware of our culture’s many flaws—and how little I can do to change them. Chalk is my sister. Even if I don’t show it, I do love her and try to care for her. I just wish she were more respectful and could see beyond appearances.”

Granny Yaga raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear Lord Blank speak with such emotion. He was certainly an unusual White Ghost, much like Lisette. “Lord Blank, I never imagined you held such feelings. Your face and voice give nothing away.”

“That’s simply how we White Ghosts are,” Blank replied. “Every race has countless individuals, each unique in their own way. Judging someone solely by their group… I don’t agree with that.”

“Is that why you seem to grow fonder of us?” Elayne asked with a warm smile.

Blank’s eyes widened. He looked down, a flicker of shame crossing them despite his unchanging expression. “Have I been read so easily?”

Elayne chuckled, her laughter light and endearing—the sweetest Blank had ever heard. Her smile was the most beautiful he had seen. “Not at all. I only meant that you’re a good person deep down, Lord Blank.”

Blank offered a bitter smile. “Well, thank you. Now, I must go. Duties await, and I need to return to work. As always, everything here is yours. Feel free to ask any servant for guidance, food, or anything else.”

Elayne nodded. “Thank you. Please take care, Lord Blank.”

“Ah… yes…” Blank nodded, a quiet warmth stirring within him at the thought that, for at least a week, he would return home to Elayne’s gentle, radiant smile. “You too, Elayne.”

He departed in his Ghostly Bone Carriage, heading back to his duties. Elayne and the others remained in the now-quiet mansion. Chalk had apparently gone to sleep, leaving the place to them for the moment.

“Uh, Elayne, I didn’t know you were that type of girl…” Yaga sighed.

“…What?” Elayne raised an eyebrow.

“You shouldn’t toy with a White Ghost’s heart,” Yaga warned. “They’re notorious for falling madly in love…”

“T-Toy?!” Elayne gasped, shocked. “I-I’m not toying with his heart! I was just trying to be kind, so he’d be kind in return. Isn’t that common sense?”

“Maybe in the Living World, but not here!” Yaga said. “It’s fine with our own people, but Blank is someone we met only days ago. Don’t get too close. In a week, we’ll be gone.”

“…I understand,” Elayne sighed softly. “I just thought… he needed someone to show him kindness. The White Ghost Race often seems so lonely—desperate for genuine love and care.”

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