Chapter : 09
Well, from the eagle’s perspective, monsters were creatures that could swallow him in a single bite. It wasn’t surprising that he hadn’t made friends with any.
The wyvern being his sworn brother was the strange exception.
And even if the eagle did know other monsters, there was no guarantee they would help me as willingly as the wyvern had.
Humans couldn’t be trusted.
Which meant animals were still the best option.
First, I needed to decide on a destination. After that, I’d look for animals that might be willing to help me.
I unfolded a map.
Choosing a destination wasn’t difficult.
I simply had to head for the farthest and most secluded place possible.
The problem was getting there.
A quick look at the surrounding terrain showed that most of the area was covered by mountain ranges.
“If I want to make contact with animals, I’ll have to go into the mountains first.”
Which meant camping outdoors was inevitable.
And if I failed to persuade any wild animals to help me, the risks I’d face in the wilderness couldn’t be ignored.
Just because I could communicate with animals didn’t mean every animal would be willing to assist me.
In other words, I needed some minimum level of protection.
“Would a tiny rural village like this even have a magic-item shop…?”
I had always assumed money could solve everything.
But if there was nothing to buy, then money became useless.
If only I hadn’t been forced to abandon my bag during the Holy Knights’ search back in the city.
[Anelli, I need to go now. My children are waiting for me.]
“Ah, right.”
Things already felt uncertain enough.
Hearing that the eagle was leaving made me feel even more lost.
Still, I smiled and sent him off.
There wasn’t much point in bringing him along anyway.
In densely forested areas, an eagle wouldn’t be able to help much.
[I’ll introduce you to my children someday! You’re my friend, Anelli!]
“Sure. Take good care of them.”
Though who knew when we’d meet again…
I gazed silently at the eagle as he soared into the vast sky.
Only after he became a tiny dot in the distance did I finally turn around.
I’m hungry.
No matter how small the village was, there had to be at least one restaurant.
The place looked so rundown that I almost walked right past it.
If not for the noisy chatter and delicious smells drifting through the slightly open door, I wouldn’t have given it a second glance.
After a brief hesitation, I boldly pushed the door open.
The aroma of food hit me first.
Then came the smell of sweat and body odor.
The interior was poorly ventilated, leaving the air thick, stuffy, and hot.
I knew I wasn’t really in a position to complain.
Still, the stench was enough to make me momentarily forget my hunger.
The restaurants I’d frequented in major cities had never been this bad.
Then again, those places catered to countless travelers and tourists.
Naturally, their standards had been higher.
This was a challenge I genuinely hadn’t anticipated.
Without realizing it, I covered my nose.
At that exact moment, a server carrying several dishes happened to make eye contact with me.
I immediately lowered my hand, but it was already too late.
Judging by the way he turned his back without even greeting me, he’d definitely seen.
Well, I’d entered someone’s restaurant and covered my nose.
My behavior had undeniably been rude.
I couldn’t exactly blame him for being unfriendly.
I glanced around in search of an empty seat.
More than a dozen people sat shoulder-to-shoulder around long wooden tables.
From the looks of it, sharing tables with strangers was normal here.
I’d face situations far worse than this in the future.
I knew I needed to get used to it.
But…
I still needed time.
Even while living in the temple, and later while moving from inn to inn, I’d never eaten in a place like this.
“Excuse me. Could I perhaps get some food to take away?”
I’d rather eat alone in a cramped inn room.
At the very least, I wouldn’t have to worry about losing my appetite or throwing up.
“Take away?”
The server let out a disbelieving laugh.
“Not sure what kind of noble lady you are, but we don’t do that here.”
He didn’t even bother hiding his mockery.
He called me a noble lady, but he clearly didn’t think I deserved noble treatment.
Probably because I was alone.
A real noble wouldn’t be wandering around by herself.
“Then is there a bakery nearby—”
“This village is small. You won’t need directions.”
His grin widened.
“But even if you go to the bakery, will you really be able to eat anything? Flies get mixed into the dough there.”
Maybe I should just starve.
I was seriously considering it.
Then I noticed several farmers seated deeper inside the restaurant whispering while glancing my way.
At the same moment, I turned around without another word.
I immediately left the restaurant and started walking.
Soon, I heard several sets of footsteps behind me.
I quickened my pace while pretending not to notice.
They caught up almost immediately.
“Excuse me, miss.”
“What’s the hurry?”
There was amusement mixed into the rough voice.
Grinding my teeth, I turned around as calmly as possible.
How much would it take to buy them off?
Narrowing my eyes, I studied their faces.
One of them frowned.
“You really don’t look like you belong in a place this rural.”
“If we escort you home, do we get a reward?”
“Looking at her attitude, she seems more like a wanted criminal.”
Their muttering made my mouth go dry.
Fortunately, they didn’t recognize my face.
But at this rate, they might start asking around about wanted notices and comparing appearances.
“My circumstances are none of your concern. Go on your way.”
“Not our concern? A lady like you is a walking money pouch.”
“Exactly. We can’t waste an opportunity like this—”
The farmer never finished his sentence.
A dark blur suddenly shot between us.
Without making a sound, a massive gray wolf leaped into the gap separating me from the farmers.
“Aaah! What kind of beast is that?”
“It’s a wolf!”
The farmers stumbled backward in alarm as the wolf bared its teeth and growled threateningly.
I froze too.
But for a different reason.
[Several people bullying one person! That’s unacceptable! One should never mistreat their own kind!]
Because the wolf’s righteous declaration had completely caught me off guard.
“Q-Quick! Call the village watch!”
“A wolf has entered the village!”
The farmers slowly retreated.
Once they realized the wolf wasn’t immediately attacking them, they turned and fled.
The wolf watched them with bared fangs before turning toward me.
Its black eyes were filled with the fierce spirit of the wild.
The wolf showed its teeth.
[It’s dangerous to separate from your pack. Where is your leader?]
Oh.
What incredible luck.
A righteous wolf.
I barely managed to suppress my excitement.
Just as I was about to respond—
“Honestly, I told you not to charge in recklessly!”
[I do not concern myself with cowardly, weak males.]
Someone suddenly stepped into view.
Tall and lean, the man immediately bowed his head in apology.
“I’m so sorry! You must have been frightened!”
The first thing I noticed was his messy red hair.
Dust clung to the wavy strands, making it obvious he lived as a wanderer.
Apparently assuming I’d been terrified, he hurriedly began explaining.
“I’m really sorry. Please don’t be afraid. He looks scary, but he doesn’t bite.”
He gave me a harmless smile meant to reassure me.
Between his long bangs, a pair of bright golden eyes briefly appeared before disappearing again.
The shape was oddly catlike.
Round, yet slightly upturned at the corners.
A cat’s eyes.
But somehow…
He felt more like a dog.
A cat that seemed strangely dog-like.
…It sounded like an insult, but no better description came to mind.
Combined with his shabby appearance, he really resembled a stray cat that behaved like a dog.
[Ignoring a member of your own kind in danger! You’ll never become a proper leader at this rate!]
“You scared the lady!”
[Let go of me, weakling! When are you going to grow into a proper male?]
“Don’t worry. He’s already eaten. He’s just agitated because of the commotion.”
[The fact that a weak male like you belongs to my pack is humiliating!]
I quietly watched the man.
Despite being dragged around by the wolf’s frantic movements, he stubbornly held onto the animal’s head.
Whether he was the wolf’s owner, guardian, subordinate, or something else entirely, one thing was clear.
They were traveling together.
And it was equally clear that he couldn’t understand a single word the wolf was saying.
“You can let go of him.”
The man, still staggering from the wolf’s strength, looked up at me.
Honestly, he wasn’t accomplishing much by holding on.
“I’m not afraid. Thanks to that wolf, I avoided a dangerous situation.”
“…I-Is that so?”
[Fool! You’ve messed up all my fur!]
The moment the man released him, the wolf shook himself vigorously.
Ah.
I really wanted that wolf.
“This doesn’t seem to be your hometown…”
Keeping my eyes fixed on the wolf, I casually began the conversation.
There was no benefit in letting the man know I could communicate with animals.
Ideally, I wanted a chance to speak with the wolf alone.
Which meant I first needed to get rid of this man.
“Ah, yes. I’m just an ordinary adventurer.”
“Would you sell that wolf to me?”
“What?”
The man blinked in astonishment.
I smiled politely.
“I have a great need for such a brave wolf. Name your price.”
He looked at me, bewildered, then glanced awkwardly at the wolf.
“I’m sorry, but he’s not for sale.”
“I can afford whatever amount you ask.”
“No matter how much you offer, I’m not selling him.”
His voice was remarkably firm.
After studying him for a moment, I decided to change targets.
Meeting the wolf’s eyes directly, I spoke gently.
“I like you.”
“Come with me.”
“I’ll feed you fresh raw meat every single day.”
