Elana decided to meet the boss after accepting the enemy’s invitation.
We reluctantly decided to follow the Dog with Human Heads.
“Hey, what’s your purpose for doing all this? We don’t really need to meet. Besides, how many companions do you have?”
The leader of the Dog with Human Heads, who was walking ahead, frowned at my question.
“You ask too many questions. The boss is working to make this entire area his territory.”
“So the Amazons are in the way. And you want to get some information from us. Am I right?”
Elana interjected smoothly. The man let out a short sigh.
“That’s right. We’ve eliminated anyone who got in our way. No one can stop us now. We used to live hidden away in the depths of the deep forest. But with the change of generations, our new boss dislikes living in hiding.”
I see. So far, they’ve lived in hiding without showing themselves, living in small groups. But the one who took over as boss doesn’t approve of that and is acting arrogantly.
“You’re following someone like that?”
“Yes. Some opposed him, but the boss is stronger than anyone. He’s terrifying, but he has power.”
He answered Elana’s question that way. Is it suppression by force, or is he gathering faith with that power? My palms grew sweaty as we proceeded.
After walking for a while, we emerged into a clearing in the deep forest. A young male Dog with Human Head, who seemed to be the boss, was enthroned on a large rock in the center. Dozens of companions surrounded him. The boss had a young woman by his side on the rock, looking quite pleased with himself.
“Boss, we’ve brought them. They are travelers who passed by.”
He glanced at us from atop the rock and grinned.
“Hmm, I see. Well done. Just as I heard, all women. I see why those Beastman women let them go. Did you get along with them?”
We remained silent at the boss’s question. If he found out we were on good terms, let alone had romantic feelings for them, he would surely exploit it.
“Hmm, is that so? It looks like you were quite friendly. Hmm, or not? I could take you hostage, but…”
“Wait, we have nothing to do with this. We made a deal. They’d let us go if we never returned. That’s all. We’re not trying to invade anyone’s territory, and we don’t want to fight.”
Hearing this, the boss seemed to be deep in thought.
“So, you want us to let you go. Hmm, let me see.”
The boss’s gaze moved as if appraising us. It then stopped at Elana.
“I had heard there was a Man-faced Cat. You have a prettier face than I expected. I like you. Cats aren’t so bad once in a while. I’ll make you my woman, and I’ll let the others go.”
I almost blurted out a question. What, make Elana his lover? Is that okay even though they are different races? Or is it arrogance, to conquer even different races? The one being addressed had a stunned look on her face.
“What did you say? Am I mistaken? I don’t understand Dog language.”
“We are not dogs. We are Robis Omen.”
