I asked the mischievous boy about his family and his tribe’s values.
I then asked the boy about his family, and it seemed this tribe didn’t have much of a difference between men and women. Of course, there were cases where they got married and the woman stayed home, but perhaps because of the spirits attached to them, their individual lifestyles seemed to be respected.
Some men, like the hunter, had tigers attached to them, while others had small butterflies. This was determined not by gender, but by their own soul’s aura or wavelength. Furthermore, according to his explanation, even with similar spirits attached, the effects they produced varied.
Some could speak clearly, while others’ voices could only be heard by their masters with whom they shared a connection. Sometimes, these spirits could even change shape to become weapons or armor.
“What about yours? Do you have any special abilities?”
“Not particularly. But this one can walk without making a sound and is very skillful.”
So, he was friends with this cat and they played pranks together.
From this information, it was clear that the Yukidango Tribe had quite different characteristics compared to them. Although both were small-statured races, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they were exact opposites. Their physique was slender and generally thin. They had short torsos and long legs. In contrast, the Yukidango Tribe had long torsos and short legs, which made it easier to walk in snowy lands.
Both tribes had female chieftains, but for the Hummingbird Harpies, there was no such gender restriction. The right of succession belonged to the chieftain’s firstborn child. Therefore, it didn’t matter whether the child born was a boy or a girl.
“Here, we’ve arrived. I think it was that house over there. Well, I should be going soon, so…”
“Ah, thank you very much.”
The boy left, warning me not to tell the chieftain. I knocked on the door of the aged house before me. Of course, the house was small, so I couldn’t possibly fit inside. To avoid startling anyone, I waited away from the door.
“Yes, who is it? What?! W-who are you?!”
A woman came out, and as expected, she was surprised and panicked. It was understandable. A giant she had never seen before was standing in front of her house.
“Excuse me, I am someone from outside. I am here in this village at the request of the Chieftain.”
“E-eh?! W-what should I do? Is there something you need?”
She peeked out from the gap in the opened door, observing me.
“I was told this was Ryoku’s house. Do you know him?”
“H-he is my son. Is there a problem?”
It seemed I had come to the right place. I asked Ryoku’s mother why he was alone in the forest.
“That… because he likes the forest.”
“Aren’t you worried? There are wild beasts in the forest.”
“I know, but… that child is somehow different. He seems to be able to talk to tree spirits. He’s always spacing out, and it’s as if we can’t communicate with him. It’s like he can’t hear anything at all.”
Even so, leaving her son unattended was questionable. It was as if she had given up because he couldn’t communicate. Even if it took time, they could have communicated through writing.
“But he does come back occasionally. When he does, he takes a notebook and writing tools and goes back into the forest.”
“Is… is that all?” the mother asked and went back into the house. It was disheartening, but there was nothing that could be done. For him, the forest, where he could live peacefully, was probably more comfortable than a situation where he couldn’t talk to anyone.
I left the village to call for companions to cooperate with the chieftain. When I returned to the tree where Ryoku lived, he was drawing pictures with Piyo.
“Ah, Hiro is back! Hey, how did it go?”
“All of us are going to the village. The Chieftain is asking for help.”
“Really? Alright, let’s do our best!”
Piyo excitedly started packing her luggage. I relayed the detailed explanation to Sharin and Philiana as well.
“Hmm, I see. It’s unusual this time. For us to be invited in.”
“Yes, usually outsiders are told to go home. Even if they know of our achievements, would they immediately trust us who appeared out of nowhere?”
It was no wonder they were both confused. I still couldn’t believe it myself. What was that Chieftain thinking?
Well, I’ve packed up the camp I had set up, so this time we’ll all head out together. There are still things I need to ask the Chieftain, like about the man mentioned in that diary. If he turns out to be Auroa, the final battle might be near.
Suddenly, I looked back and saw Ryoku standing still, watching us depart. I almost forgot something important.
“Come on, hurry up. Let’s go together.”
“…”
Perhaps he still disliked the village. But if I left him alone, it would be the same as his family.
“Ryoku, let’s go too! It’ll definitely be more fun together! Come on, hurry!”
Piyo naturally nudged him on the back. He probably couldn’t hear her, but with her expression and breathing, he seemed to understand that Piyo wasn’t lying. Ryoku, led by Piyo’s hand, headed towards the village with us.
