The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
"……"
What on earth… is happening?
I couldn’t comprehend the scene before my eyes.
No—
I did understand.
I realized what had happened almost immediately.
But I couldn’t accept it.
I just stood there, stunned.
"Rain."
Tania quietly stood beside me and gently took my hand.
That warmth brought me back to my senses.
"…Thanks, Tania."
"No, you’re welcome."
"Even if we were too late… we still have to do what we can."
I took a deep breath…
and somehow calmed my heart before stepping forward.
"W-Who’s there!?"
"Hya!?"
They must have heard my footsteps—the girls turned toward us in panic.
One of them stepped forward, glaring fiercely at me.
Another held the fallen girl tightly in her arms.
They were probably sisters.
I could tell from the strength of their bond.
So as not to startle them, I slowly extended my hand.
"My name is Rain Shroud. I’m an adventurer. I came here to rescue you."
"Eh…?"
"Rescue… us?"
The two girls blinked in disbelief.
Then, unable to fully trust my words, their faces showed hesitation.
It was only natural.
Some demons looked no different from humans.
So, this was where I’d rely on Yuki.
"It’s okay. We’re human. To prove it… Yuki."
"Yeah, leave it to me."
Yuki stepped forward.
"My name is Yuki van Rollreeze. I’m the first prince of the kingdom.
Here—this is proof."
He showed them the royal crest.
No fool would fake something like that…
and no demon would bother replicating it.
The girls seemed to understand.
Realizing help had truly come, their bodies relaxed all at once.
They collapsed to the ground, tears quietly spilling down their cheeks.
"Th-thank goodness… R-really… someone came to save us… we’re… finally…"
"But why… if only you’d come a little earlier… my sister… why…"
"…!"
Their tears pierced my heart.
I couldn’t say anything.
Not a single word of comfort would come out.
I bit my lip and clenched my fists tightly.
――――――――――
"……I’m sorry, I’m all right now."
After about five minutes, the girls finally calmed down.
They must have wanted to cry much longer… they were strong kids.
"My name is Yunia."
"I’m her younger sister, Ani. And… this is…"
"…Our older sister, Ruie."
Yunia and Ani looked like they were about to cry again, but somehow managed to hold back their tears.
"We… um…"
"It’s okay."
Why had something like this happened?
The two of them were about to explain, but I deliberately stopped them.
"You don’t have to talk about it right now. First, let’s get out of here… then we’ll find somewhere safe for you to rest. We can talk after that."
"Is that… really okay?"
"Of course."
"…Thank you."
I wanted to know what had happened—
but I couldn’t possibly ask a girl who had just lost her sister to explain it all now.
The truth could wait.
Right now, their safety—and their hearts—came first.
"We already have a route out of here, so don’t worry."
"Th-that’s a relief… we can finally get out of this place…"
"Ah, but…"
Yunia and Ani’s eyes turned toward Ruie, who no longer moved.
Their faces were filled with hesitation and lingering regret—
as if leaving her behind here would be unbearable.
"It’s all right."
Before I even realized it, I was already moving.
I walked over to Ruie, who still lay collapsed on the ground.
"Heal."
Her broken body was mended by magic.
Of course, I couldn’t bring her back to life—
but even so, it was better than leaving her as she was.
Then, as I reached out to lift Ruie…
"Tania?"
Before I could, Tania had already stepped forward.
She gently picked Ruie up and carried her on her back.
"Leave this girl to me. I’ll make sure she’s brought home properly."
"Thanks, Tania."
"We were too late to save her… so this much, at least…"
She seemed to be thinking the same thing as me.
Her expression was slightly bitter—
but not wanting to worry Yunia and Ani, she quickly put on her usual calm smile again.
"All right, then. Let’s get out of here—"
"Wait a moment."
Just as we were about to leave, Gray suddenly called out to stop us.
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