Yuri sensed an aura of death coming from the pregnant woman, like that of a rotting corpse.
It was immense and dense, as though she were facing the vengeful spirit of someone dead.
In all her years, this was the most tangible encounter she had ever had with a ghost.
Yuri was so frightened that her whole body went rigid. She did not dare move.
The woman's husband, however, reacted differently.
He held his wife down with practiced ease and apologized. "I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Yuri. My wife suffered a traumatic experience during her first pregnancy, and her emotions still become very unstable at times."
Yuri shook her head, struggling to keep her expression under control.
"I understand, sir. Could you come with me? There's something I need your help with."
Although leaving his frenzied wife alone was dangerous, the man followed Yuri into a secluded little room.
The room was filled with memorial tablets and all sorts of strange implements that gave off an unsettling aura.
"Sir, I don't think anyone knows your wife's current condition better than you do."
Yuri knelt before the memorial tablets and got straight to the point.
The man glanced back warily, as though keeping watch against the person outside.
Yuri turned and saw through his actions.
"Don't worry, sir. There are many ritual implements here. This is the safest place in the entire wooden house."
Only then did the man seem to shed his armor.
He slumped onto the floor, his gaze unfocused.
"My wife... there's something wrong with her..."
"My wife and I were childhood sweethearts. We pledged ourselves to each other when we were young. I love her dearly. She's the kindest, gentlest woman in the world...
Three years ago, she became pregnant with our first child.
The thought that I