"S-sorry. I misunderstood you."
The beast-eared man hurriedly lowered his head in apology. When he saw the big white dog come up beside him and bark, he seemed to understand everything.
Cain and Eris stood nearby with their arms crossed, watching the man and dog communicate.
"Why can't I hear it...?" Eris muttered.
"Maybe it's a talent," Cain said, sounding a little smug.
"Mm, I don't care! You have to translate for me from now on, Cain!"
"All right, all right. Whatever you say, Eris."
"I-I'm sorry. I really misjudged you." The Beastfolk man bowed solemnly to Cain and Eris.
"Hmph!" Eris turned her head away. He had dared to draw his sword on Master Cain. If Cain hadn't stopped her, she would already have cut him down.
"It's fine. My companions have already taken the children back to your village. Looks like you came out halfway, so you didn't know. Take the Sacred Beast home and show us the way while you're at it."
Looking at the dense rainforest around them, Cain had no desire to get lost here. If they did, they might never make it back...
"Y-yes, sir."
"Oh, you probably don't know my name yet. I'm Gyes Doldia, warrior chief of the Doldia Tribe."
"Cain Brand Reiback."
As he spoke, Cain gently patted Eris's shoulder and smiled.
His apprentice had become a swordswoman who could stand on her own, though she was still some way from the Sword King he envisioned.
Eris puffed out her cheeks, arms still crossed and brows raised. She was clearly still upset that Gyes had drawn his sword on Cain.
"My name is Eris Boreas Greyrat! If you dare repay our kindness with betrayal, I won't let you off!"
Gyes pressed his lips together and nodded apologetically at the angry Eris.