Grassland and Ghoul (Seeking Subscription)

Year 225 of the Empire Calendar.

Scipio Grassland. Legend had it that this place was named in honor of a tigerfolk hero—Scipio.

A fierce wind blew, carrying a biting chill.

A foreigner draped in a black cloak slowly approached the tents of a small tribe.

"Who's there?"

A gruff voice came from inside a tent.

The flap was lifted, and a tigerfolk man emerged, his body covered in dense brown fur and a character resembling "king" marking his forehead.

His upper body was broad and powerful, and he wore a robe that covered one shoulder.

The tent was warm, with several tigerfolk cubs playing inside.

"Hello, my name is Ritchie. I'm a traveler from afar, hoping to stay the night."

Ritchie took out a small piece of gold. "I'll pay for it."

"So you're a visitor from elsewhere. Come in quickly..."

The tigerfolk bared his teeth in a smile. "As for payment, we grassland tigerfolk are known for our hospitality. There's no need to mention such things..."

He invited Ritchie into the tent, then loudly berated his mate, a female tigerfolk, who brought over a basin of mutton.

Though there were few seasonings, the meat was hearty and filling.

"Thank you..."

Ritchie frowned, but still picked it up and ate.

The tigerfolk also served fermented mare's milk, scolding the tiger cubs trying to pounce on Ritchie. "Please excuse them, honored guest. They've never seen a human before. I only saw a few myself when I served among the northern nobles..."

"So you're a retired veteran. I was born in the north as well, from Star Lake..." Ritchie said with a smile.

"Then, honored guest, what brings you all this way to the grasslands?" the tigerfolk asked curiously. "If you need anything... I, Barber, will certainly help you."

"To be honest...