The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
We were able to defeat Lin…
After taking care of the bare minimum cleanup…
And then, I decided to have another discussion with Elfin-san.
Even though there was an unexpected interference from Lin, I don’t think the rift between us and the Phoenix Tribe has been completely mended.
For Iris’s sake, I have to find a way to persuade them.
I won’t give up, no matter what. Even if it takes days, I’ll keep speaking until they understand.
With that resolve, I entered the meeting—
"Thank you. And… I sincerely apologize."
Out of nowhere, Elfin-san deeply bowed her head.
The other Phoenix Tribe members present also bowed their heads.
What… is this?
I was so taken aback by the sudden turn of events that my mind couldn’t catch up with reality.
It seemed everyone else felt the same, as Kanade and the others widened their eyes in surprise.
"You may think, ‘Why now?’ and I am prepared to accept any reprimand for that. However, even so, we believe that one must show proper respect where it is due… That is why we are doing this."
"Uh…?"
"W-What do you mean, nya…?"
"Humans are our enemies. That hasn’t changed. However… you are different. You fought for us, as if willing to sacrifice yourself. You saved our comrades. You are… a hero."
"…Y-Yes."
Following Elfin-san, who continued to bow her head, Finia, sitting beside her, also bowed awkwardly.
It was clear she wasn’t used to situations like this.
"In hindsight, we should have believed in you sooner. That you were different from other humans. Even when you were burned by my flames, you didn’t show hostility. That alone should have been enough, yet my eyes remained clouded…"
"You got burned?!"
"Wait a minute, Rain-kun, what’s that about?!"
"Did you do something dangerous…?"
"That’s not okay!"
Everyone turned their sharp gazes on me, as if demanding an explanation.
This is bad.
I really wanted to keep that a secret, but it got revealed so easily.
Well, I doubt Elfin-san meant any harm, but still…
"Anyway—"
""You’re dodging the question."”
"…A-Anyway."
Pretending not to notice their probing stares, I pushed the conversation forward.
"Look, um… don’t worry about it. I had my own reasons, and I wanted your help, Elfin-san. That’s why I cooperated in various ways. That’s all. I didn’t do anything grand enough to be called a hero."
"The fact that you can say that about yourself is exactly why—"
"Alright, Elfin."
Elfin-san, about to continue her praise, was stopped by Shigure-san.
"Rain looks troubled. Let’s leave it at that."
"But…"
"You’ve apologized. Rain has accepted it. Isn’t that enough? You might argue that it’s not that simple, but… in the end, isn’t that just about pride? Are you going to complicate things again for the sake of the Phoenix Tribe’s pride?"
"Ugh…"
Elfin-san grimaced as if Shigure-san had struck a nerve.
On the other hand, Shigure-san simply smiled calmly.
I guess, with her years of experience, Elfin-san just couldn’t win against her in a verbal exchange.
"…Can I ask you one thing?"
Elfin-san turned her gaze back to me, her expression serious.
"We looked down on you and treated you with great disrespect. No, what we did goes far beyond simple rudeness. Even so, can you still forgive us?"
"Of course."
"…"
I answered without hesitation, and Elfin-san’s eyes widened in surprise.
"Rather, I don’t even think it’s my place to ‘forgive’ you. I still don’t know the full story, but… the reason the Phoenix Tribe sees humans as enemies must be because of something that happened in the past.
So if anyone should apologize, it should be me.
I’m sorry… for the foolish things humans have done."
"You…"
"And on top of that, I know this is selfish, but let me say this—
Will you lend me your strength?"
"…"
Elfin-san knelt.
Finia knelt.
The other Phoenix Tribe members in attendance also knelt.
With their heads lowered, they spoke in firm voices.
"Gladly. We offer our strength to you."
A lot had happened…
But at last, we had gained the cooperation of the Phoenix Tribe.
Feeling joy at that fact, I couldn’t help but let my cheeks relax into a smile.
"And now… Hero of this generation."
"Me?"
Chiffon looked surprised, as if she hadn’t expected to be addressed.
"You have helped us as well. From now on, if you ever find yourself in trouble, we promise to lend you our strength."
"Huh? But I didn’t really do anything that important…"
"You helped us. That alone is more than enough."
"Umm… alright. I don’t know what might happen in the future, but if I ever need help, I’ll be counting on you."
Elfin-san then shook hands with Chiffon.
Someday, I hope the Phoenix Tribe can shake hands with all humans… But I wonder if that’s too much to ask.
Even so, if we take it one step at a time, little by little, we can move forward.
"So, what should we do first?"
"Ah, before that…"
I reached out my hand.
"What is this?"
"A handshake, to say ‘Let’s work together from here on out.’"
"……"
"Umm… is that a no?"
"…Not at all."
Elfin-san stood up and gave a gentle smile.
Seeing that expression, I was a little surprised.
She was someone who often spoke harshly…
But she could also smile so kindly.
If we hadn’t been able to reconcile with the Phoenix Tribe, I would never have seen this side of her.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, it’s nothing."
She gave me a puzzled look as I stared at her.
Oops.
I had to be careful.
We had just managed to earn their trust.
I didn’t want to ruin everything by doing something weird now.
"Nyaa… Rain, are you flirting without even realizing it?"
"So that’s the kind of person Rain-kun is, huh?"
Behind me, it sounded like some misunderstandings were spreading.
"I deeply apologize for all the past disrespect. And with that, will you accept our friendship?"
"Yes, of course."
"I’m glad."
"I look forward to working with you."
Elfin-san and I exchanged smiles as we shook hands.
It felt like the kind of handshake children use to make up after a fight—simple yet genuine—like our hearts had truly connected.
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