Suspicious

The effect was expected, but the result was incredible.

"Hyaaaagh!"

The man—or rather, the former village chief—screamed and stumbled backward.

"Y-y-y-y-you...!"

I looked at the trembling man staring at me and spoke.

"Get a hold of yourself."

"Eeeek!"

I'm not getting through to him. At least he seems to have snapped out of it.

"Um, excuse me. Let me try talking to him..."

Lydia timidly raised her hand behind me, then hurried over...