Chapter 640 The Tale of the Wooden Doll

Aria studied Landon's face. "Explain," she said simply.

Landon’s voice was smooth as he wove the tale effortlessly, "Our tradition of crafting dolls reached Krowo ages ago. These dolls held special significance for a time, especially among Krowonian soldiers' families and royalty.

"They believed that the dolls had souls, and they could ward off misfortune and boost morale."

Though Landon spoke casually, Aria picked up on the critical details. "Why did they come to believe the dolls had souls?"

"It's difficult to be certain, but there's an old tale," Landon spoke slowly, his voice weighted with the eerie lore. "In the story, an elder brother, fearing his sister's loneliness in his absence, gifted her a wooden doll. The girl cherished the doll so much that she would cradle it every night, set a place for it at the dining table at every meal, and even give it a name.

"Her devotion bordered on obsession. But soon after, the girl fell gravely ill. Despite efforts to save her, she passe