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

Chapter 383: Let's meet

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

"Fumu... You're making a good face. No wonder Sakura has taken a liking to you."

"Woof!"

It was as if Sakura was saying, "See? I know how to pick them," as she barked.

Her tail wagged vigorously as she kept looking over at me.

Hmm... I'm happy that she's so fond of me, but I don't think I've done anything to leave such a good impression. I wonder why?

"If you’re set on going, I won’t stop you. Besides, this is a good opportunity. How about I lend you a hand? Sakura?"

"Woof!"

"Good, good. That’s the spirit. Now, go along with Rain and the others."

Wait, does that mean... Sakura is coming with us to visit the Phoenix Tribe?

"Eh? Is that really okay?"

"I could explain the way to you, but it’s a bit complicated. That’s why having a guide is the best option. Also, the Phoenix Tribe isn't unfamiliar with the Wolf Tribe. There's a bit of history between us, so they might just hear you out without hostility."

"Thank you."

"You can thank me properly once everything goes well. I’ll collect my due then."

"Haha."

Shigure-san is really kind.

Despite hearing that she’s fed up with people, she certainly doesn’t seem that way at all.

I'm curious as to why she’s been so helpful...

But that can wait.

For now, meeting with the Phoenix Tribe comes first.

――――――――――

Once again, I had Rifa summon her wolf familiars, and with Sakura by our side, we headed west.

According to Shigure-san’s explanation, it would take about two days to reach the dungeon where the Phoenix Tribe lives if we go at Sakura's pace.

For us… considering breaks and rest, it would probably take around three days.

That estimate was accurate.

After running through various paths for a little over three days, we arrived at the entrance of a dungeon at the foot of a mountain.

"Woof!"

Sakura barked in a way that seemed to say, “This is the place.”

“So, this is it… It really is a dungeon.”

The entrance was about five meters wide and three meters high. A broad passage for a dungeon.

Just ahead, we could see a gate.

It looked incredibly sturdy, and on its surface, something like a magic circle was etched.

It was probably a special sealed gate.

Thanks to that, it seemed well-protected. Maybe that’s why they don’t need guards?

“That’s a big gate…”

Perhaps because Nina is small, the gate looked even bigger to her. Even if it wasn’t locked, could someone move this on their own?

“Hm… It won’t open.”

Rifa tried pushing the gate, but it didn’t budge. If even a being as strong as Rifa couldn’t move it, there must be some kind of mechanism, either a lock or a seal.

“Rain, what should we do? We didn’t come all this way just to turn back… Is there a doorbell or something?”

“Meow… Should I try knocking? Like, a ‘BAM!’ kind of knock?”

“That’s not a knock, it’s a knockout!”

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if Kanade is joking or being serious. She might be a bit of an airhead.

But spending time with her has allowed me to discover new sides of her, which makes me happy.

Anyway, back to the task at hand.

“So, what should we do?”

Should we call out? Or maybe knock?

“Woof.”

As I was pondering, Sakura gently placed her paw on the door. 

The magic circle etched into the gate began to glow faintly.

Soft particles of light spread out and gradually enveloped the entire door.

Before long, the door began to open with a rumbling sound.

“Huh… Sakura, you opened it?”

“Woof!”

Looking proud of herself, Sakura barked as if to say, “Impressive, right?”

“They said the Wolf Tribe has some connection to the Phoenix Tribe… Maybe that’s why the door opened?”

“Yeah, I think Chiffon is right. It probably recognizes individuals based on their magic or something, and it opens when someone from the Wolf Tribe or Phoenix Tribe touches it.”

The technology to create something like this is astounding. The Phoenix Tribe might not just be powerful—they must be incredibly intelligent as well.

“But hey, Rain.”

“Yeah? What’s up, Kanade?”

“The door’s open, but… is it okay to just go in?”

“That might not be a good idea.”

According to Shigure-san, the Phoenix Tribe is extremely hostile towards humans. If Chiffon and I are with the group, things could get difficult.

“If we end up in a fight inside the dungeon, escaping won’t be easy… and we don’t know the way, so we could get lost. Let’s not push it and wait here. I’m sure the Phoenix Tribe noticed the door opening, so someone will probably come out soon.”

“Let’s do that.”

Rifa nodded first, and the others quickly agreed.

Now, what’s going to happen?

The ones who come out will almost certainly be from the Phoenix Tribe. But will they attack us immediately, or hear us out?

I have no idea how this will go.

“Um… I was thinking…”

Nina raised her hand timidly. She seemed a bit nervous, probably because we were about to meet the Phoenix Tribe.

“Maybe… you and Chiffon should stay out of sight when we talk?”

“Since the Phoenix Tribe hates humans, maybe it’s better if you and Chiffon step back for now… Hmm, not a bad idea.”

“I disagree.”

Though Kanade agreed, Rifa shook her head.

“If we hide them now, it could cause problems later. It’s better to have Rain and Chiffon here from the start, so there’s no misunderstanding.”

“What do you think, Rain?”

Chiffon gave me a questioning look.

After thinking for a moment, I spoke up.

“…Rifa’s right. If we hide ourselves, it might complicate things later. We could be attacked right away, but if that happens, we’ll deal with it.”

“Got it.”

As soon as we settled on our plan, the sound of footsteps echoed from deeper within the cave.

Is it the Phoenix Tribe, finally?

I watched nervously, and then…

“U-Um…?”

A timid-looking girl peeked out from the gap in the door.

TL Note: No  Boss?

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