Even though Alfred had no recollection of the tribe or any person inside it, his heart still stirred as if hearing the news pained him.
It was confusing. He shouldn't feel any pain from the information. But for an unknown reason, a tear dropped from his right eye.
'I don't understand, why am I crying? Is it possible that a part of the original owner of this body still lives inside me?'
"It is fine to let it all out, young Alfred?" Chief Viren suggested, his blue eyes staring at him with sadness. "No one will blame or judge you for this tragedy. Losing your home, the people you know, and the memories you build together is a tragedy that no one deserves."
'Should I? Maybe crying is good for the remnants of the original? Maybe it will bring him some closure, or at the very least time to grieve.'
However, before he could even let himself drown in sorrow, tears already flooded from his eyes. As if his thought was the key to the gate that held his emotion at bay.
Now that it was opened, he had no way of shutting it closed until the last emotion had been freed from his cage of a heart.
Alfred cried, wailed even.
He'd forgotten the last time he let himself drown in sorrow. Perhaps he himself wanted this.
It took him several seconds before he could grasp the control once again.
The Elders watched him with varied reactions.
Shaman Catori had an emotionless face, as if what she witnessed had nothing to do with her. Next to her was Chief Viren, still looking at him with sorrowful eyes. And last, Elder Ahote, who couldn't even glance at him directly as his mad expression overwhelmed his other emotions.
Weirdly enough, the different faces of the Elders somewhat reassured him. A smile bloomed on his face, wanting to inform the Elders that he was fine.
"There is no need to force yourself, young Alfred," the skinny Chieftain stated. "Though you lost your home, it does not mean you are alone. We are here for you. We can be your new family if you desire."
Alfred's eyes widened. "Thank you. But may I know the meaning of your words?"
The scarred old man smiled. "We are not heartless to abandon you, knowing full well you do not have a home to return to. If you are willing, would you like to officially join our tribe?"
His heart went crazy.
'Isn't this what I want to begin with? But wait. Is it a coincidence that they suddenly have news about my previous tribe, and now they are inviting me to join them as soon as I succeed in creating Rune?'
Alfred lingered for a while, thinking deeply about his situation. But soon, he shook his head mentally.
'No, I am overthinking this. These are good people, and they will not lie about such a tragedy. They only meant to help me, and here I am thinking of something horrible.'
Alfred returned his attention to the Elders. "Can I really join your tribe?"
Chief Viren nodded. "You can." Then he looked at the two Elders on both sides. "What do the two of you think?"
Shaman Catori finally broke her façade and smiled at the young lad. "I agree. It is not like you are the only one benefiting from this. With your ability, I can only imagine the help you will provide to the tribe if you become one of us."
Elder Ahote lingered. He stared at Alfred with uncertainty, as if wanting to say something but couldn't. "…I also agree with you becoming a part of our family… And I promise you, I will do whatever I can to help you with whatever you need. Even though my capability is limited, I have the talent for crafting. If ever you need something made or want to learn, you only need to ask, and I will provide."
Alfred's heart raced. With Elder Ahote's promise, he would have two of his goals a step closer to where he was before. The only thing he had to do was to accept.
Yet before he could make a decision, he remembered how the tribesmen gazed at him.
'What about them? Will they be okay with all of this?'
Wanting to ease his worried heart, he glanced at Chief Viren with anxious eyes and inquired. "If I agree to join the tribe, will your people willingly embrace me as one of their own?"
"Ah, that." The skinny Chieftain caressed his white beard once again. "We have thought of that, and you are right to be worried. It will be a problem if we do not satisfy the people, but we have already found the solution."
A spark ignited within Alfred's charcoal eyes. "Really? May I know how?"
"The problem is, you do not have any blood ties to our tribe, so no matter what you do, the tribesmen will have a hint of distrust towards you," Chief Viren explained. "Thus, to remedy this dilemma, we have to tie you to this tribe, using something… or someone."
The scarred old man remained silent as if uttering the next words would harm him severely. Nevertheless, the few moments were enough for the old man to gather his strength and continue.
"You will have to be betrothed to my daughter, Aponi."
Alfred's whole body froze upon hearing the statements. "W-what?! Do I have to do that?"
"You do, lad," the Shaman interjected. "Without it, the people of this tribe will never trust you. I do not understand your unwillingness. Do you not like Aponi?"
Chief Viren frowned.
Seeing this, Alfred hastily answered, fearful of displeasing the old Chieftain.
"T-that's not what I mean. We are talking about marriage here. The rest of our lives. Not to mention my freedom. What about Aponi? Is she even aware of this?"
"You do not have to worry about that, young Alfred." The scarred Chieftain relaxed his face. "I have already discussed this with Aponi, and she agreed. She wanted to help you, and she knows this is the only choice we have."
'No wonder Aponi seemed reserved earlier. What should I do? Can I grab this opportunity? Marrying someone like Aponi is like winning a jackpot, and I can even solidify my stay here as a bonus. If even she accepted this, then what do I have to worry about? I don't know. It's just something that doesn't feel right about this forced marriage.'
"Do you not want to marry Aponi, young lad?" Shaman Catori doubted. "Is she not enough for you?"
Alfred flinched. "N-no!"
"Can you give the kid time to think? Do not pressure him." Elder Ahote interfered.
The old Shaman snorted, but she didn't retort.
He glanced at the green-eyed Elder and smiled at him appreciatively.
After contemplating for a while, Alfred stared at the Elders with a hardened will.
"I… don't know if this is right or good for all of us. I know this must be a very difficult decision for the three of you, Elders, especially for you, Chieftain. However, if all of you think this is the only way, then I have no right to disagree. I promise that I will do anything I can to help this tribe, my new family, and protect it with all I have. Thank you for giving me this chance."
Shaman Catori and Chief Viren smiled widely, while Elder Ahote, although still frowning, had a hint of joy that could still be traced on his thick lips.
However, before they could celebrate, one of the guards entered the tent and announced.
"Elders, the hunters are back!"
Chief Viren contained his joyful spirit and commanded. "Good. Tell Vir to come here and report to us."
The guard bowed and sprinted away.
'Oh, it appears we have no time to talk about my integration into the tribe.'
He stood, ready to make his exit.
"You do not have to leave, young Alfred," the bearded Chieftain said. "I want you to stay here and listen to our discussion. You will soon be an official member of the tribe. Although it is early, sooner or later, you will become one of the pillars that will hold this small society of ours as its Sorcerer.
"I am not going to lie, we will need your ability in the future. But that is not the only reason why I want you here. Shaman Catori mentioned that you have a brilliant mind, and you think differently from us. If you can, I want you to give us your opinion. Maybe you can find something we cannot see."
'Is it really okay for me to be here? I know it's coming from the Chieftain, but what will Head Hunter Vir say? Just imagining his expression when he saw me here sent a shiver down my back. But, on the other hand, if I can show my usefulness here, I will probably be accepted much faster.'
He sat down, not only because he had made up his mind, but also because it was rude to reject the first help the Chieftain asked of him.