The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
To treat Iris, Finia and Elfin decided to accompany us.
At first, only Elfin was supposed to come, but Finia insisted on joining, so we decided to travel together.
Additionally, as extra protection, Sakura also came along.
Originally, she wasn’t supposed to come since we were already going, but she looked like she really wanted to…
When I tried to say goodbye, she let out a sorrowful whimper, and I just couldn’t refuse.
Bringing Finia, Elfin, and Sakura, we headed toward the gate that connects to the Spirit Tribe’s village.
I had heard that Al would automatically come to greet us here, but…
How exactly are we supposed to signal her?
As I was wondering about this, suddenly, the space around us distorted.
And from that distortion… Al appeared.
“Yo!”
“……”
Al greeted us in a way that was completely unlike her, leaving me momentarily speechless.
Seeing my reaction, Al tilted her head.
“Hm? Strange. I heard that this is a trendy greeting among young people these days.”
“Uh, well…”
I was at a loss.
I had no idea how to respond.
Where does she even get this kind of information?
Could it be that she’s surprisingly knowledgeable about human trends?
“Well, whatever. By the look on your face, I take it you were successful. These three are…?”
“Yes. This is Elfin, the chief of the Phoenix Tribe, who possesses healing powers. Her daughter, Finia. And Sakura, a member of the Fang Wolf Tribe from the Northern Continent.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Elfin.”
“F-Fififinia here!?”
“Woof!”
They each gave a simple greeting.
“Ah… right. The Phoenix Tribe and the Fang Wolf Tribe—yes, there were such powerful species. So they had moved to the Northern Continent… Hmm, I finally remember. Getting old is such a pain… But this isn’t the time for idle chatter. Let’s go.”
Following Al’s lead, we headed to the Spirit Tribe’s village.
If possible, I’d like to greet the chief, but there’s no time to waste.
Under Al’s guidance, we quickly opened the path to Kagune.
The space wavered…
And we emerged at the door temporarily set up in the inn.
This was the inn at Kagune.
Even though we had only been away for about a week, it felt like it had been much longer.
“Rain!?”
A familiar voice—one so nostalgic that it almost felt unreal.
Turning around, I saw Tania running toward me…
“Ugh!?”
“You’re so late! I’ve been waiting forever!”
She hugged me tightly.
I do feel bad for making her wait, but still…
How do I even respond to this?
“H-Hey, Tania! You can’t just do that!!!”
“Ah—”
Kanade pulled her away, and Tania’s face suddenly looked as if she had snapped back to reality.
Realizing what she had just done, her cheeks turned red.
But…
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she couldn’t hold them back.
Which means…
Something serious must have happened to make Tania cry like this.
“Tania, what’s the situation? What about Iris?”
“Iris is fine. Right now, Sora and Luna are doing their best to help her. But…”
“But?”
“Monica showed up. She seemed to be after Iris… Of course, we managed to drive her away. But out of spite, she summoned monsters and let them loose. Everyone else is out dealing with them right now. The attacks have been going on for over a day… I think she must be summoning them from somewhere, but we can’t stop it on our own.”
“Monica again…”
I clenched my fist tightly…
But now wasn’t the time to be consumed by anger. I forced myself to think rationally.
“You’re really… so late…”
Tania spoke in a voice that sounded like she was about to cry.
I must have made her anxious… I feel bad about that.
“It’s okay.”
“Ah…”
“I won’t let you all struggle alone anymore. I’m sorry for leaving everything to you. And… thank you for enduring.”
As I embraced Tania, she gently wrapped her arms around my back as well.
Kanade had a complicated expression on her face, but this time, she didn’t say anything.
After a moment, we let go.
“Kanade, Nina, Rifa, Chiffon… I’m sorry, but…”
“Yeah, leave it to us! We just need to help everyone, right?”
“Gonna… do my best.”
“I’m not tired at all, so I’m good to go!”
“Chocolat and Millefeuille are fighting too. I can’t be the only one taking it easy.”
“Thank you.”
Even though we traveled quite a distance—passing through the Spirit Tribe’s village along the way—everyone must be exhausted.
Yet, they responded with smiles right away. They were incredibly reliable.
“Woof!”
Sakura barked as if to say, I’ll do my part too!
“Yeah, thanks, Sakura.”
“Wooof!”
When I patted her head, her tail wagged so hard it looked like it might break off.
“Let’s go—!”
With Kanade in the lead, everyone dashed outside.
Tania followed them out as well.
This will be fine.
I trust everyone, so I can leave things to them without worry.
Now, I need to do what I must.
I led Elfin and Finia to the room where Iris was resting.
“Ah, Rain!?”
“You’re back… I’m so relieved.”
“We’ve been waitin’ for ya!”
Sora and Luna, both with dark circles under their eyes, looked completely exhausted.
Tina was beside them, diligently taking care of them.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Heh, no need to worry about us. We could handle this for another week if we had to.”
“…Any longer than that would be tough, though. But… you found a solution, didn’t you?”
Sora’s gaze shifted toward Elfin and Finia.
“This is Elfin and Finia from the Phoenix Tribe.”
“Nice to meet you… though, now isn’t the time for introductions. Let’s begin the treatment immediately. Finia, will you assist me?”
“Y-Yes!”
Elfin and Finia took their places on either side of the bed.
They raised their hands over Iris and gently spread their fiery wings behind them.
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