"Uh, well..." Lanster hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking. "Prince, you may not know this. There are indeed quite a few wild beasts in the forest. But this Black Forest is different from other forests. Every month, a beast tide erupts, and the animals become incredibly violent.
Yesterday, I stopped you from entering the forest for this very reason. Yesterday was the day of the beast tide. The animals would be more irritable than usual throughout the day, and at night, they would become completely crazed.
Today, the beast tide has just passed, and the animals have calmed down. That is why I brought you and the others in, Prince. I can ensure your safety. But because of that, after the beast tide, the animals should have suffered heavy losses, so there are fewer of them appearing."
"So that means we won't catch anything today?" Gelo frowned deeply. He pulled a gem-studded waterskin from his saddle, took several huge gulps, and said unhappily, "What a disappointment!"
"Please calm your anger, Prince Gelo." Lanster said, "It is not that we cannot catch anything; it is merely more difficult. In fact, once we encounter something, it should be wounded fierce beasts and the like, making them easier to handle than usual. Perhaps we might even catch a leopard, tiger, wild boar, or something similar."
"Is that so?" Prince Gelo's eyes flickered at those words. "Fine, then." He casually stuffed the waterskin back and hung it on the saddle. Since he had not plugged it properly, water continued to seep out, dripping onto the ground. Gelo paid it no mind.
After a moment, seemingly recalling something, Gelo suddenly removed the leather glove from one hand and handed it to Lanster.
Lanster froze. "Prince, this is..."
"It's for you." Gelo said quietly. "Don't