Elegy from Another World

His proposal was like a boulder thrown into the lake of my heart, stirring up a stormy sea. I was speechless for a moment, my mind went blank, and I could only manage to maintain a semblance of composure, saying to him, "This...it's too sudden. Can you give me a little time to think about it? Just an hour will do."

He nodded immediately, a hint of understanding and even apology flashing in his eyes: "Of course, I was too abrupt. I'm sorry, Liscia. Take your time thinking about it."

I walked alone to the stream at the edge of the village, letting the cool night breeze caress my burning cheeks. My chaotic thoughts were like tangled threads; I needed to untangle them one by one. I forced myself to calm down, reducing the jumbled ideas to three core questions:

First, there's the issue of motive. Things have progressed too quickly. In less than half a month, he's proposed to a complete stranger with no memory of her? That seems far too hasty. Is there some hidden purpose behind this? Is he after the potential value of this body, or are there some village customs I haven't yet discovered?

Secondly, there's the ethical issue. He already has a gentle wife and a lovely child; how could he propose to someone else? In my previous understanding, this was an insurmountable line.

Third, psychological issues. Beneath the body of this young girl lies the soul of an elderly man who has lived a long time and once had a family. Even after leaving that world, deep within him lingers an identification with his past identity and a trace of inexplicable guilt.

I pondered for a long time (I thought it was a long time, but it was actually about half an hour), trying to answer these questions using the logic of this world. First, the first and second points can perhaps be considered together. This is not the modern society I am familiar with; in terms of productivity and cultural level, it is closer to the Middle Ages. In this context, polygamy or other forms of polyandry are not impossible, and may even be a kind of norm, especially to increase the labor force or stabilize the family structure. His wife may have long been accustomed to this. If this is the general rule of this world, then his behavior may not be out of malice or frivolity, but rather in accordance with local customs.

As for the third point, I engaged in deeper self-examination. I am already dead. In that world, my life had ended, and my social relationships and family responsibilities had vanished with the wind. Just like some theories of reincarnation, all past lives are but fleeting clouds. Now, I am Liscia, a new individual reborn in another world, pursuing the unknown. Since I was determined to pay any price when I made my wish, isn't embracing everything in this new world, including its interpersonal relationships and rules of survival, also part of that price? Continuing to dwell on the ghosts of the past will only hinder my journey in this new world.

Having figured all this out, the inner turmoil gradually dissipated, replaced by a resolute determination. I returned to the cabin, found the anxiously waiting man, looked him straight in the eye, and said clearly, "I've thought it through. I... agree."

A look of surprise instantly spread across his face, and his wife beside him also showed a look of relief. The wedding was scheduled for the evening of the following day, and according to village custom, it would be a simple bonfire party.

That evening, I still felt a little uneasy, so I went to talk to the lady of the house. I tactfully asked her if my presence would make her uncomfortable or sad. She gently took my hand and said sincerely, "Don't overthink it, Liscia. You're a good girl, and our family needs you. From now on, we're family, so please... treat him well." Her understanding touched me, but also made me a little embarrassed, and I could only stammer in agreement.

The evening of the second day arrived quickly. The villagers lit a huge bonfire in the center of the small square; the flickering flames illuminated every simple, happy face. The air was filled with the aroma of roasted meat and ale, and everyone sang and danced around the fire, the atmosphere warm and peaceful. I was drawn into the joyful crowd, clumsily swaying to the rhythm. Gazing at the warm firelight and listening to the laughter around me, a long-lost, almost surreal sense of happiness and belonging enveloped me. I even felt a strong urge to freeze time forever, to freeze in this simple and pure joy.

I thought this kind of life would continue for a few more months, until I could use the world's language fluently. But what happened next shattered my illusions completely.