Mythological Tales | The Woman in the Mist ⑤

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You're the person I saw at the library yesterday, aren't you?

That's right. I was just pretending to be a librarian, though.

What is this woman's goal?

Are you the true identity of the 'Woman in the Mist'? You're the one who dropped the message at the library, aren't you?

At that, the woman wore a look of bewilderment.

I am neither the 'Woman in the Mist' nor do I know anything about that message.

Then why did you pretend to be a librarian to get close to me?

The woman answered nonchalantly, "Just because, that's all."

Just because? What do you mean by 'just because'?

I mean exactly what I said. Just because. I heard a rumor that the 'Woman in the Mist' had appeared in this city before. I don't believe it myself, but it sounds interesting, doesn't it? So, I just played around by pretending to be her.

Isn't that a bit too elaborate for a game? What's fun about doing something like that?

Heh heh heh, the woman suddenly started laughing.

It's fun because there are people like you who get so intensely absorbed in urban legends. After all, do you really think the 'Woman in the Mist' exists?

The woman's tone gradually became mocking.

Even with my doubts, I believe the 'Woman in the Mist' exists. I am continuing my investigation to confirm that she definitely exists.

Is that so? I think she exists, too. Though not in the sense you mean.

What do you mean by a different sense?

I believe the 'Woman in the Mist' exists in the same way Santa Claus does. There is no person who is Santa Claus. If I dare say, every father is Santa Claus. Santa Claus is nothing more than a representation, but if you say he exists, you could say he does. It's the same with her; there is no woman with a physical body called the 'Woman in the Mist.' All that exists is the representation of the 'Woman in the Mist.' Well, I'll be taking my leave now.

Wait a minute!!

I shouted, reaching out to grab the arm of the woman who had turned her back on me and started walking away.
However, my hand grasped nothing but empty blue mist. Where the woman had certainly been, there was only a pale, glowing void.

…to be continued

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