Choryong had originally assumed the weaving tool must be extremely complicated.
He never expected it to be only a few wooden rods, a piece of beast hide, and a shuttle.
Yet despite such a simple tool, no werebeast had thought of it in thousands of years.
Not to mention, Hayoon possessed so many other remarkable qualities.
He had a strong feeling that whichever tribe Hayoon belonged to would only grow stronger and more prosperous because of her.
Under Choryong's gaze, Hayoon's thoughts stalled for a moment.
She did not know what to say.
Then Immo's voice suddenly cut in.
"Chief Choryong, saying something like that right in front of me is not very appropriate, is it?"
Caught red-handed, Choryong did not get angry. Instead, he laughed openly several times.
Turning his head, he looked at Immo directly and said, "If I won't say it in front of you, then when would I say it? People of the Voz-Karr Tribe do not do things sneakily."
Immo and Hayoon both fell silent.
"…."
So instead, you openly poach people from the Ur-Shet Tribe?
Chorong laughed helplessly and raised both hands. "Alright, alright. I was just asking casually. There is no need to make it sound like our tribes are about to start a war."
After saying this, she glanced at Hayoon and smiled. "Do not feel pressured. Even if you do not join the Voz-Karr Tribe, we can still be friends."
Hayoon immediately nodded. "Of course."
Only then did Immo's expression ease slightly.
The atmosphere relaxed again, and the others who had been secretly listening nearby also let out relieved breaths.
One of the sub-werebeast whispered quietly, "Vice Chief Immo suddenly became so scary just now…"
Another nodded repeatedly. "Right? I almost thought she was about to fight the chief."
"But the chief really is too persistent."
"Hush, lower your voice."
Chorong pretended not to hear the discussion and waved his hand casually. "Enough chatting. Since everyone already knows the basics, keep practicing by yourselves first. Once the kiln is opened this afternoon, we will continue later."
Everyone responded enthusiastically.
"Alright!"
"I finally know how cloth is woven now!"
"My hands are sore already, but I still want to keep weaving!"
"I am definitely making clothes first after I learn!"
Hayoon watched the lively crowd and could not help smiling.
The sound of weaving tools knocking softly together mixed with laughter and conversation, making the entire cave feel warm and bustling.
Chorong raised his hands, took a step back, and closed his mouth, signaling that he would not continue the topic.
The atmosphere became awkward.
The sub-werebeast of the Voz-Karr Tribe stopped talking, and even the sounds of weaving grew quieter.
Hayoon also felt somewhat at a loss. Lowering her eyes, she awkwardly searched for an excuse.
"I will go take a look at the other knives."
She turned around and carried the chopping blade a few steps farther away.
Her mind was still a little messy, and without paying much attention, she picked up a piece of wood and placed it in front of herself.
While sorting through her thoughts, she casually swung the blade downward.
Crack.
The log split cleanly into two halves.
She continued chopping another ten or so pieces before finally realizing what she was doing and looked down carefully.
Thankfully, these were all meant for firewood anyway, so it was not a waste.
Squatting there, she held the chopping blade in one hand while picking up the split wood with the other.
The cut surface was smooth and even.
This knife was surprisingly good.
If she had a blade like this herself, how much easier would work become?
Ah, she really envied it.
Chorong had already returned to weaving, and gradually everyone started chatting again.
He even casually spoke with Immo a couple of times. With Chorong behaving so pleasantly, Immo could no longer keep a cold expression.
After quietly sorting out her emotions alone for a while, Hayoon no longer felt embarrassed and walked back to check everyone's weaving progress.
"You all learn so quickly. The weaving is already tight and even," she said with a smile while examining their work. "Very good, very good. In only one morning, you have basically become skilled already. You are almost ready to graduate!"
The young sub-werebeast all liked Hayoon very much. Receiving her praise made every one of them smile more brightly than flowers.
"It is because you taught us well. Without you, we never would have learned weaving."
"When I go back, I am going to teach both my fathers so they can weave together with me!"
"I really love this cloth. I cannot wait to wear clothes like yours!"
"Hayoon, you are really amazing! Thank you!"
Looking at their flushed, beautiful faces and hearing their sincere gratitude, Hayoon felt both embarrassed and increasingly fulfilled.
Having her work acknowledged felt even happier than weaving countless pieces of cloth herself.
Her own cheeks turned slightly red as well, and she modestly replied, "Everyone, there is no need to thank me so much. Our two tribes made a trade. You taught us everything about the kiln, so it is only right that I teach everyone weaving properly."
"Soon I will be returning to the Ur-Shet Tribe. Once all of you learn properly, you will also need to teach the others, so while I am still here, make sure to ask about anything you do not understand."
Everyone nodded repeatedly.
"We understand."
Ahri sighed. "I really wish you could stay in our tribe a few more days."
The others immediately agreed.
"Yeah, yeah! We have plenty of empty caves anyway. Stay longer!"
Their enthusiasm genuinely moved Hayoon. "Thank you, everyone, but my younger brother is still waiting for me back home."
"That is true. If you get the chance, you should bring your brother to visit our tribe!"
"My cub is about the same age as your brother! He is a gray wolf. They could definitely play together!"
Hayoon smiled and nodded. "Definitely."