I somehow survived with Task’s help after nearly being killed by the chieftain.
I managed to avoid freezing to death, but in the end, I was found. They might be discussing what to do now. We had returned to the room Vivio had lent us. Gathering small branches, we made a small bonfire again.
Vivio sat down on the mat with a sigh.
“You survived, huh. By the way, that man, as you can see, uses magic. A frost mage, everyone calls him the Ice Man.”
“Because his gaze is sharp, right?”
“His eyes are just like an owl’s. Silently watching everything. It sends a shiver down my spine.”
Come to think of it, the design of the hats everyone was wearing was slightly different. Task’s hat had small horns that looked like fangs, and Vivio’s had decorations made of beads and fur hanging down.
“Are those hats different for everyone?”
“These? That’s right. They’re given to young people when they come of age. Usually, an elder relative makes them. Rumor has it that Hakukyo’s was made by the chieftain himself. Though it’s uncertain if it’s true.”
It seems he’s quite well-liked. I heard he’s the only son, and a mother would naturally dote on her son.
“After all, he’s your son.”
“However, he isn’t my biological child. The chieftain has five children in total, all daughters. That’s one of the reasons she’s supported. Furthermore, the escorts are all hunters and elites. Hakukyo was found. His parents died.”
So that’s how it was. In this harsh environment, such things must happen often. Vivio also mentioned that his mother was a hunter. One day, she left and never returned. Only the father was left, and the father and son who lost their breadwinner went hungry. To make matters worse, the winter was severe that year, and everyone was struggling just to survive.
When the neighbors noticed, it was said that only the child was left.
Vivio roasted a small piece of dried meat over the fire and took a bite.
“I imagine his life was incredibly harsh. It’s not uncommon to find abandoned children. But five talented elder sisters and a foundling boy. Do you know what a man is called in times like these?”
“N-no.”
“A freeloader. Most people are called that.”
Ugh, my chest started to ache. I understand that our values are different, but as a fellow man, I felt ashamed.
“Everyone dislikes his eyes, but in reality, he’s secretly popular among the men. They say it’s because he’s the chieftain’s son, but that’s something those who haven’t struggled would say. He’s the star of hope for us men, as he earned his current position through his own abilities.”
He rose through the ranks through hard work despite being treated coldly by those around him. Hearing that, I might have started to like him a little. As Vivio spoke, he downed an old sake bottle. Elana, who had been listening intently, tilted her head.
“This is a serious question, but how much longer until the blizzard stops?”
“There’s no way to tell. It can be sunny one moment and turn into a blizzard the next.”
Well, it can’t be helped. Our supplies are also scarce, so it’s best to conserve our stamina and rest. Vivio, while drinking, kept staring at us. We are staying at his place, so I’ll let it slide to some extent.
“Such strange people…”
I heard a voice say that, but I continued to sleep. The floor was cold and hard, but it was better than being outside. I told myself that. My clothes were also damp, and my body hadn’t stopped trembling since earlier. There’s a bonfire, but this small fire won’t dry them! How am I supposed to warm myself? But getting angry wouldn’t make it any warmer.
Ah, damn it, it’s cold. Everyone must be sleeping in front of a fireplace right now. I want to go home soon, and I want to go to a sauna. I wonder if there’s a sauna? I hope there is.
As I was escapism like that, I heard light footsteps from behind. Vivio must have left. Sauna, after getting out, I’ll drink milk, eat a full meal, and sleep. I will definitely do that. Ugh, it’s cold.
“Do you need something?”
“Ah… um…”
Huh? Was Vivio speaking just now? Is someone else here? I raised my head and saw an unfamiliar man standing there. He kept moving his eyes, looking at us. He opened his mouth and then hesitated. Perhaps he’s scared of us?
“Do you have a message to deliver?”
“I am, Gaiko, Chinze… Chinze Taichi… Ah… Taichi.”
A goodwill ambassador? He mumbled, as if he couldn’t remember anything else.
“Do you have business with us?”
“Yes, I’ve been chosen as Chinzen Taichi, so I came.”
His way of speaking is strange, but more importantly, was there such a position? I looked at Vivio, but he also tilted his head as if he didn’t know.
“So, why are you here? A scout sent by the Ice Man?”
“I am Okya… Okya-sama’s omotenashi.”
“Omotenashi? That can’t be. When did this tribe start valuing hospitality?”
Just as Vivio had said, if Hakukyo sent him, what could be his intention?
