Continuing Delayed Plans

Jenaya gave Hosh a wooden box which was still neatly tucked away in Hosh's wardrobe. Since marrying Wilona, ​​this man has not discussed Nilas and his true identity for a long time. This time, he wanted to get hold of whatever was actually stored within the Gray Forest.

“This time I was determined. I have to find whatever my parents left me. I have to know, can I really be better after becoming Nilas completely. I have to show everyone who I really am and what I can do."

The next day, Hosh told his grandparents to go into the Gray Forest. They are happy, but more worried. The condition of the man's body has changed a lot. His bodily functions also continued to decline. That was why Hosh's grandparents could only stare at each other.

“Hosh, you know your current condition is very unlikely. You can't go in there alone."

“Grandpa, I know you will be worried. That's why I prepared a walking aid. I've had it from the start. I just need you guys to support and give me encouragement."

"Walking aid? What kind of tool are you referring to?” asked the curious grandfather.

Hosh showed him his walking aid which looked like a machine in the shape of a high boot up to Hosh's groin. Made of smoothed wooden sticks and assembled with a few nails as well as electric wires to help it move. Grandpa swiftly helped him and even though it felt very awkward at first, in the end he managed to stand on top of the machine.

"I know it looks really awkward, but I'll try to get used to it tomorrow."

“Are you really serious about this plan? You know, we can't accompany you. We really want to, but our physical condition doesn't allow it," said the grandmother asked.

"Yes, Grandma. I'm sure and I understand. I just want to make sure what father and mother left in there. After all, all those plans have been postponed for two years because I got married. I'm afraid that the longer I delay, I will die with regrets.” Hosh slowly let go of the walker at his feet.

“Hosh, you will live for a long time.” Jenaya didn't seem to want to hear it at all.

“Grandma, I just need to be realistic. I'm sick. This disease could kill me. You can see for yourself how I am, right? We can't avoid it," said Hosh.

Grandfather and grandmother could only stare listlessly. That's true. Leprosy can make a person die if not treated. Not because they don't want to treat it, but because there isn't a cure yet. Grandmother tried to treat it with herbal medicines for a dozen years, but nothing worked.

The next day, grandfather drove Hosh on his horse to the edge of the Gray Forest. Preparing provisions for his grandson and encouraging him by hugging and patting him on the shoulder, Idris let Hosh go. The man only smiled wryly and then entered the forest slowly.

He had not returned to the forest for two years. The forest was still shady and for some reason Hosh still clearly remembered some details. Once again, the thing that made him move so slowly was his condition, which was difficult to walk. What should have been an hour's journey turned into two hours.

Hosh finally arrived at the point where he found Wilona two years ago. A large rock jutting inward with a large tree on the side. It hasn't changed in shape or size at all. Instead this time it was the man who tried to sit there and drink his supplies to rest.

For some reason, his mind also drifted back to the day he would marry Wilona. Days where he received a lot of hate. No longer from the people of the Crosby clan, but from all the clans in the land. As soon as he returned to his house, everyone stared in disbelief and doubt. Of the many people who tried, it was Hosh who managed to do it.

“Hosh, why don't you let Princess Wilona go as soon as you see a way out? Do you really wish to be her husband? You know that in any way, you guys are not compatible at all?” said one of the men.

"I'm sorry for Princess Wilona. She will surely suffer being married to a man like you. Oh my gosh. Instead of finding a husband who can protect you, you must continue to care for him," said a beautiful woman.

"That's right. Princess Wilona is very beautiful and kind. He even has a bofriend right? She must be devastated to have to leave her handsome lover to marry a man who is deformed and ugly like him," replied another woman.

“You have to let go of Princess Wilona, ​​Sick Man! You will never make the princess happy. You're only going to make her life crumble and fall apart. Aren't you ashamed? Even I, who is handsome, would feel unworthy of her,” asked a rather handsome man in the Crosby clan.

He kept hearing words like that. It even made Hosh finally reluctant to go outside the house. He had even expressed his wish to annul the wedding, but King Alaric wouldn't listen. Hosh's grandparents even received insults every time they both left the house.

Seeing the condition of the grandson who was increasingly closed himself, the grandmother tried to cheer him up. Thinking about it, this might have been because of his utter nonsense. Grandfather and grandmother also understood very well that this marriage would end badly for their grandson and Princess Wilona. They both just wanted their grandson to have a chance to recover and marry the king's daughter, maybe one of them.

“Hosh, you must remember that we heard together about the contest. I've also said that you should try to find Princess Wilona and it would be great if you could marry her. I don't know why those words even though you don't want it, even though we don't expect it at all, really come true,” the grandmother opened the conversation.

"Yes, I remember, Grandma. I also did not expect that your ridiculous words actually happened."

“I don't know, maybe my prayer pierced the sky, or maybe this is your destiny and my words are just a sign, Hosh. There must be a reason why this all happened. You… just have to live it and see what the end is,” said the grandmother again.

"That's right, Hosh. You must steel yourself. People's bad words about you, in the end it will pass too. Grandfather and grandmother are also sad to see you treated like that. But for us, that's a whip that should be able to keep us moving and prove to everyone that their perception of you is wrong." the grandfather replied.