The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet

Chapter 339: Rumors of Kagune

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

The journey went smoothly...

We managed to reach the town just before Kagune a few days earlier than expected.

From here, it's about a day's walk to Kagune. By carriage, it's half a day. If we push ourselves, we could make it by today, but...

Pushing ourselves isn't advisable. We decided to take a proper rest in the town just before.

"Do you have rooms for eleven people?"

"Yes, we do. Would you like one room per person, or would you prefer to use double or triple rooms?"

When I inquired at the inn's reception, I got an unexpected response.

Since this town is close to Kagune, it's considered a trading hub where various people come and go. I thought the inn would be crowded, and I was prepared to camp outside if necessary, but...

I didn't expect there to be enough rooms for everyone to have their own.

"Two triple rooms, one quadruple room, and one single room, please."

"I'll share a room with Rain."

"Sora is fine with that too."

"Hehe, those two are always making moves when they get the chance."

"They're bold... not to be underestimated."

Sometimes, inexplicable disputes arise. It's not like they're fighting, so I leave it be, but... what's going on?

"What do you think? Should we rest right away?"

"I'm a bit tired. I'm a recluse, so I'll rest in my room."

"Don't call yourself a recluse. Sora will rest in the room too."

Led by Sora and Luna, Kanade, Tania, Tina, and Nina, along with Mille-feuille and Chocolat, headed to the rooms on the second floor of the inn.

We've been camping out until we reached this town. Everyone must be tired. I hope they can rest well today.

Since I still have some energy left, I'll gather information about Kagune.

"Rifa and Chiffon, don't you need to rest?"

"No, I'm fine."

"I'm okay too. I've been doing this hero thing long enough. If there's anything to do, I'll help."

"Then I'll take you up on that offer."

I asked Rifa to replenish our food and water supplies. Though it's just a day's journey left, you never know what might happen. You shouldn't venture out without being prepared.

Chiffon and I split up to gather information about Kagune. What kind of town is it? What's happening there now? Are there any precautions we need to take? We gathered all sorts of information, and before we knew it, quite a bit of time had passed.

When I went to the predetermined meeting spot, Chiffon was already there.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Did you wait long?"

"No, not at all. Don't worry about it."

Chiffon laughed softly after saying that.

"Somehow, this feels like a date."

"Now that you mention it..."

Suddenly, I felt embarrassed.

"Are you blushing?"

"Don't tease me..."

"Rain, you're pretty innocent, aren't you? Even with all those cute girls around."

"Stop it. They're just comrades."

"Well... I understand that you're sincere, but sometimes being oblivious can be a sin, you know?"

"Uh... what do you mean?"

"Who knows. I can't say any more, so think about it later."

"O-okay."

Feeling an undeniable pressure, I nodded almost unconsciously. Sometimes, girls can be scary.

"Shall we organize the information?"

"Yeah."

We exchanged the information we had gathered.

It turns out...

Recently, there has been a significant decrease in travelers from Kagune. Moreover, some people who went to Kagune never returned. However, the roads aren't blocked, and there are no reports of kidnappings or anything happening in Kagune. It seems that the residents and travelers are staying there voluntarily.

...That's the information we had.

"I thought I should investigate in case of trouble, but..."

"It seems like there might indeed be some trouble brewing."

So far, there's no clear indication of any incidents...

But still, there's enough to make us suspect that something might be happening.

"People who went to Kagune aren't coming back... and no one is leaving Kagune either... hmm, what does this mean?"

"Maybe the lord of Kagune has closed off the town... but I haven't heard anything like that. And it's not like there's zero people coming from Kagune."

"So, they’re staying there willingly?"

"That might be the case, but..."

It seems this phenomenon has been happening for a little while. So, it might be temporary. In a bit, the usual flow of people might resume.

"Can't say for sure."

Without seeing the situation in Kagune ourselves, discussing it here won't lead to any conclusions.

"It doesn't seem immediately dangerous... but it might be wise to stay cautious."

"Yeah, I think so too."

The only option left is to actually go to Kagune. If our worries are unfounded, that's great. If something is indeed happening, we’ll deal with it as it comes.

"Rain, I'm back."

"Welcome back, Rifa."

Rifa returned at just the right time.

"What about food and water?"

"I arranged it. They'll deliver it before we leave tomorrow."

"I see. Thanks."

Rifa leaned her head forward, hinting for a pat. I obliged and gently patted her head.

"Ahh."

Rifa looked content. Seeing this, Chiffon seemed restless, like she wanted to join in. 

"If you want to, go ahead," Rifa indicated by offering her head to Chiffon.

"Uh, okay... here goes."

Chiffon hesitantly patted Rifa's head, which resulted in Rifa looking utterly content.

"Ahh... I don't know how to say this, but it's really nice. Rifa's head feels so nice to pat."

"Really?"

"Yeah. It reminds me of a cat I used to have."

"You're comparing me to a cat...?"

Rifa looked slightly displeased. Despite her childlike appearance, she belongs to the strongest race, so her pride might not allow her to be compared to a cat.

"Oh, sorry. I meant it in a cute way, not as an insult or anything."

"No problem."

"Thank you, Rifa."

"You're welcome."

Satisfied, Chiffon stepped back with a fulfilled expression.

"Chiffon, you had a cat?"

"Yes, I did. It was so cute."

The use of past tense indicated that the cat was no longer around.

"Somehow, it reminded me of my cat."

Chiffon had a slightly melancholic look as she said this.

"I want to see that cat... and everyone else too."

"Everyone?"

"Oh, nothing. Sorry, I said something weird."

Chiffon brushed it off, but her behavior made me curious.

TL Note- Chiffon sad story incoming....

Next

Prev