The Druids who lived in the Forest were unaccustomed to buildings other than treehouses.
But the human Lord they found so hard to dislike was right: they needed a stable place to rest.
"I sensed no malice from that human Lord or his people. You can rest easy." The Treefolk Druid watched the human soldiers set down gauze and clean water, then leave the Mansion. "I'll go speak with him."
"Dade, you misjudged that human boy," a female Druid's companion said after the Treefolk Druid left. "He really does want to help us."
"...If he truly signs the Contract, I'll apologize to him," Dade said with a snort, though she remembered the boy's praise.
"What am I seeing!"
A werewolf crouched by the window let out a bark-like cry. The Druids gathered around and saw human children playing chase with Goblins.
"Those Goblins aren't even slaves—"
"I'm planning to turn the place where the Druids are staying into a hospital."
Annan spread out a map of Star-Moon Bay. The Mansion stood in the middle of a residential district.
"A hospital?"
"A place that treats the injured with Spells, Herbs, and Alchemy."
After the Gods stopped answering prayers, Priests lost their Divine Arts, and Spellcasters' Healing Arts could not compare to a Priest's Healing Spell.
Star-Moon Bay had no doctors yet, but that was all right. Breeze City did.
Knock, knock, knock—
The Guard Captain opened the door. The Treefolk Druid stood outside. To Annan's surprise, she again said she and her companions wished to leave, explaining that Druids could draw on the Forest's energy to heal their wounds.
Annan shook his head. "It's spring. This Forest probably doesn't have much strength to spare for you. If you're worried, we can sign the Contract later today."
Before replying, the Treefolk