episode_0075

Somewhere in the eastern part of the continent.

Somewhere in the wooded forest, there was a group of people gathered in a very narrow open space.

No, if the people of the Southern and Northern Kingdoms heard them, they would probably shout out in protest, “How can you call them ordinary people?” Two animal ears sticking out of their heads, a tail wagging behind their backs, and even a body covered in different, colorful fur.

The water race, which formed the second largest power after the elves on the Eastern Continent, was gathered in an open space without hiding its ominous expression. And there were considerable numbers of them.

“Chief. I have intelligence that they have entered the plains.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Among them, there was one impressive beastman whose white fur was quite gray. The age on his face proved that he was a considerably aged beastman. However, judging from the fact that the warlike beastmen treated him with respect and called him ‘chief’, he was also someone that others would assume was the leader of the beastman tribe.

Tigris Feline. He was a man who had been the chieftain of the water tribe for decades, and had struggled for the survival of the water tribe. He was also a man who had shown great skill in repeatedly opposing and cooperating with humans for a long time, while also opposing the demon tribe, in order to secure their own independence.

“Chief, are you really going to do this? This seems a bit reckless…”

And to the chieftain who had made up his mind, there was a man who spoke in a casual tone and expressed his opposition. If someone from the Southern Kingdom saw him, he would cover his mouth with his hand and scold him. A few weeks ago, he was a water man who had suffered the humiliation of being knocked unconscious in a duel in the Southern Kingdom and had run away without receiving any compensation.

It was Eksan, a wandering fighter who had now returned to the territory of the Suin tribe for a while. He approached the chief with a slightly dissatisfied expression on his face, scratching his cheek with his left hand, and spoke to him.

Naturally, the other people around him could not help but object to Eksan’s attitude.

“Eksan, what are you talking about! You’re rude!”

“But…no matter how much I think about it, isn’t it reckless? Those people didn’t come here to harm our race, and since there are elves there, it seems like they’re trying to enter the elven territory…they could be guests of the elves. But I wonder if it’s okay to make contact with them…”

“Um…”

“Eksan! Have you been living in the human realm and have your mind become tainted? You guys are humans!”

There was a man who opposed Eksan with quite a strong tone. Pardus Feline. He was the second son of Tigris Feline. He had a rather large body, and his yellow skin and hair were impressive.

“There are many good people among humans, right? I almost lost because I failed a duel, but those people saved me. Besides, I saw earlier that people passing through our territory saved me… Isn’t it an act of betrayal to not step forward like this?”

“Exan…you!”

Eksan did not respond easily to Pardus, who was almost ready to attack. Sharp claws and toenails, which had not been seen at all a few weeks ago, were sprouting from his hands and feet. Pardus was no different. The two faced each other as if they were going to eat each other.

“Stop it. Are you going to waste your energy fighting each other?”

The person who immediately put those two people to sleep was, of course, Tigris, the leader of the Suin tribe. With those words, the two people instantly resolved their hostility toward each other.

It was their instinct, characteristic of the herd, to obey only the leader, that led them to do so.

“Eksan, I know you have received their favor. However…you also know that we cannot afford to miss this golden opportunity that has come to us.”

And the chief began to explain to Eksan in a rather soft tone. It was an attitude befitting of a man who had protected his race with considerable skill. Then, Eksan hesitated a little.

“Well…that’s true. Coincidentally…”

“And, the gravity of this situation…you must feel it deeply. No matter how far apart the kingdoms are…you must also feel that this method is the best way to stand up to the humans who have taken one of our kind and still have no intention of sending him back.”

“But…are you really okay with something like this? What I mean is…”

Eksan trailed off. It was a topic he didn’t want to bring up.

Well, who would want to talk about it? The fact that Linka Feline, the eldest daughter of Tigris and the successor to the chieftain, known as the princess of the water tribe, was kidnapped by humans and never returned despite being tracked down.

“Right now…isn’t there no other way than to rely on this method? And don’t worry. We’ll start with a conversation. However, if things start to go wrong…”

In an instant, Tigris’ right arm picked up a small stone nearby. In an instant, with a thud, the stone turned to dust and fell to the ground. Although it happened so quickly, the water people didn’t seem to be particularly impressed.

Because this level of power was like everyday life to them.

“At that time…you have no choice but to achieve your goal by force.”

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“Heh…heh…I’m gonna die…oh my…”

“Stop talking like an old man, little brother.”

“Who told you to say something like that!”

“Saint.”

“Ugh… It’s true, so I can’t swear… Oh my…”

Alina let out a death groan, almost like a slime stuck to the floor.

She spread out the clothes she had prepared as bedding on the rock and lay down, melting into herself.

And Glenn, while teasing her, seemed to understand her hardships to some extent, so he patted Alina’s drooping head.

It had already been four days since the attempted kidnapping of Prince Endymian. The group moved a considerable distance each day using magic, just as the saintess had instructed them.

It had been a long time since we had passed through the eastern entrance that divided the central and eastern parts two days ago. The gloomy atmosphere of the central part had disappeared, and the green of the eastern part had come into view, but the group had moved on without even having time to appreciate it.

And today, when they finally saw the lush forest and several mountains in the distance, the party was able to breathe a sigh of relief. It was like a symbol that they would soon be entering the elven territory. Glenn suggested slowing down, but the Airgrants cultists raised objections.

‘Unfortunately, we will have to keep moving at this speed for now. As you know, there are many races living in groups in this eastern region, not just elves. We have been lucky so far, but… if they learn of our presence, there is a high possibility that they will interfere. In order to avoid encounters, we must increase our speed and enter elven territory.’

It made sense, but at the same time, Alina’s already pale face turned even more pale, like a sheet of white paper. Briwen shook her head and placed a hand on Alina’s shoulder as if telling her to give up.

And then, Alina dropped her head and once again used up the energy she had used to escape the central continent. She had somehow managed to endure the forced march today, which is why she is now lying down like this.

“Alina, are you okay? Here, have some purified water.”

There was someone who approached Alina and Glenn, who were drooping. He was the leader of the group, or rather, he was just the leader.

Militia Airgrants still retained its beauty despite the rather strenuous journey. The clothes were a bit worn here and there.

Anyway, she approached the two of them with a worried face.

Alina cried and complained.

“Uwaaaah, you’re a saint… My brother is bullying me.”

“Glen? You can’t bully your little brother?”

“Ttaejji, taejji, taejji. Ttaejji! Bad brother taejji!”

It was clear that he was regressing to a very infantile state. Honestly, I wanted to burst out laughing at that sight, but Glenn only responded by making a face for a moment and turned his gaze to Milicia.

“Welcome, Saintess… No, Millie. Are you okay?”

Glenn glanced at Alina, who was drooping slightly, then relaxed his tone and spoke to Milicia in a relaxed manner. Milicia seemed pleased by those words.

Carefully, she put her hand on Glenn’s arm and smiled kindly.

“Ah, yes, Glenn…no…yeah, the work of collecting and purifying the rainwater was no problem. Lady Briwen, Lord Benedict, and Lady Esther left together to patrol the surrounding area. They will be back soon.”

“Today, three people were on duty.”

“Ugh. Ever since she entered the East, Lady Briwen has been quite…nervous.”

“That’s right. He must know best about the threats from other races around here, including coming to his hometown.”

After entering the Eastern Territory, Briwen was the first to volunteer for the patrol around the area, and she was very proud. She said that even though she is half elf, her senses and abilities become more acute as she approaches elf territory.

That is why they said that they can hear voices from people who are quite far away from them.

‘It’s almost like a curse.’

‘That’s right. But, right now, it’s a blessing. If I remember correctly, this area is very close to the territory of the Suin tribe. Most of them are warlike. If they sense that we’re entering their territory… they won’t be so forgiving. So, it would be even more difficult to let down our guard.’

It was certainly not news to be heard positively. If it went wrong, it could lead to hostile confrontation. The strength of the Suin tribe had already been painfully experienced last time. Above all, the saintess herself had initiated the fight and exchanged blows.

Glenn also began to worry a little about Briwen’s physical condition, as she didn’t get as much rest as Alina, despite the forced march.

‘No matter how much of an adventurer you are… I hope you don’t collapse like that.’

“Oh my, the saintess and Glen…Wow, you already talked to me without me knowing? Wow, I’m jealous. I’m really jealous of you, oppa…”

The one who intervened in the conversation between the two people was Alina, who had almost completely absorbed herself into the rock. She only slightly moved her head and stared blankly at Glenn and the saintess who were talking.

“Hehe, after what happened at the last post station, we decided to talk comfortably to strengthen our relationship. Oh, and Alina, if you want… you can talk comfortably anytime.”

At those words, Alina’s expression seemed to cheer her up a little, as if her rabbit ears had suddenly perked up towards the sky.

“Oh, oh? Really? Then…ah, I don’t want to do it now. Later…after some more time passes…aah…”

However, Alina gradually began to melt away on the rock, as if she was sinking into sleep. Milicia Airgrants smiled gently as if she was taking care of her own younger sister, patting Alina as she gradually fell into sleep.

The sight was very fitting for this area, with its expansive green plains.

It was as if a goddess had descended upon the plains and it would have looked like this.

Or maybe Glenn’s judgment was just completely tainted by the fact that he was so ignorant.

“Saint? Glen?”

There was a figure approaching the three people who were enjoying their rest and silence. They were familiar faces, which was natural since they were a group. However, their expressions were not very good.

The one who took the lead was Briwen. You could tell right away that she was quite tired from the dark circles around her eyes. However, her momentum still felt sharp, reminding you once again that she was a skilled adventurer.

Benedict and Sister Esther followed hurriedly behind him. Likewise, their expressions were quite stiff.

“Ah, Lady Briwen. What happened with Monk Benedict and Lady Esther?”

“Well, unfortunately, yes, Your Majesty.”

The Benedictine monk opened his mouth heavily. His expression seemed as if he was unsure whether to report this as a bad thing or a good thing.

And the one who started explaining was Briwen, who was at the forefront.

“I explored my surroundings with the spirits and my keen senses…but it seems like what I was afraid of has happened.”

“If there was something you were worried about… contact with other races, you mean?”

Briwen nodded heavily, unable to shake off her unpleasant expression. Glenn felt a strange sense of tension. The saintess unconsciously clasped her hands together. As the caressing hand disappeared, Alina’s sagging body became even more tense.

“Yes. I think…we’re surrounded.”

“Surrounded…you say?”

The saintess was not startled by those words. Instead, she flinched and looked around.

Glen also moved his eyes and looked around. There was a thick forest on the other side, and they were on a plain covered with grass and rocks and hills. Among them, there was a large group of rocks, making it a very good place to rest.

And since they were located at a higher elevation than they thought, they could see the plains at a glance. Of course, the grass was thick and there were rocks scattered here and there, so if they were hidden, they wouldn’t be visible, but it was certain that they could see the surroundings clearly.

“There doesn’t seem to be anything particularly… noticeable.”

As Glenn muttered, Briwen crossed her arms and sighed.

“Of course. We haven’t reached the plains yet. Just so you know, being surrounded… means that a huge number of them are coming at us.”

“That’s a huge number… hundreds of people?”

Briwen didn’t answer. No, Briwen’s eyes didn’t even linger on Glenn, who had asked the question.

Suddenly, Glenn felt his whole body tense up.

This feeling… seemed to have come to me after a really long time. It was a sense of warning that a crisis was coming to me. If I were to rate the severity from 1 to 10, it would have been a 6.

“Bree…what?”

Glenn cautiously called out his companion’s name. Benedict, Sister Esther, and Militia also looked nervous.

Alina approached the saintess without realizing it and grabbed her collar. Suddenly, Glenn wanted to warn her not to touch the saintess, but he quickly swallowed it down. It was not the time to have such leisurely thoughts.

“Over there.”

Briwen raised her arm. The group’s eyes followed her arm by themselves.

And then the group witnessed.

Those who stood in front were physically quite strong. No, their bodies were almost impossible for a normal ‘human’. Furthermore, their physical characteristics were so unique that they could be seen clearly even from this distance.

Slightly fluffy fur, a tail that extends behind, and two animal ears growing from the top of the head.

The water people were coming towards them. Briwen whispered, and Glenn replied.

“Those guys…are not your average Suin tribe.”

“Yeah. They’re on par with the guys who fought the saintess before… They’re great at fighting. This is dangerous.”

Glenn lowered his voice. He had no time to entertain any playful thoughts. It was clear that he was close to the worst possible situation.

The only consolation was that the water people approaching from afar did not rush towards them as if they were going to attack.

“Huh? Wait a minute. That’s…”

The Benedict monk narrowed his eyes, measured something, then raised his arm and pointed at it. The group followed the monk’s arm and saw someone among the water people.

Glenn almost screamed in horror.

Among the approaching watermen, there was a man of the watermen tribe with considerably gray hair. He seemed to be a bit older than the other watermen. For some reason, his attire was so neat that it seemed like he was the leader of a group of watermen.

However, the person who shared the surprise with the group was not the old man. Next to the old man, a surprisingly familiar face appeared.

The wild red hair and the slightly visible fangs were impressive. No, more than that, the two dog-like ears on the head and the tail hanging behind.

How could I forget? It’s been only three weeks since we met.

‘The name is definitely…’

“Eksan…was it? Why, that waterman…is here…”

The saintess muttered cautiously, with a hint of fear in her voice. No one answered. It was a moment when everyone in the group was curious.

“Uh, what is it…Does anyone know? Can’t we tell them to look after us?”

Only one person… Alina, who had nothing to do with the duel, was left bewildered and asking the group absurd questions.