The Foreigner was well built, could wield a sword well, was hardworking, and extremely handsome. His first two qualities were cause for concern, but Beast God had already vouched for the Foreigner, and that was enough.
Even if the Foreigner was dangerous, he was staying with Igimo, a High Priest of the Beast God, as well as a renowned mage. Igimo would sense any ill intentions and dispose of him. Ian had no reason to be worried aside from the fact that the village women were infatuated with him.
Their husbands were complaining, and Ian couldn't laugh that off. Whilst the married could keep themselves in control, there was no telling what the younger women would do. In Ian's eyes, that was the only problem with the foreigner.
Ilika, however, was on guard, which surprised Ian. As a Miniacan, Ilika should be used to humans, as the capital of beasts, as well as the second greatest city in the world, Miniac had its fair share of humans. Merchants, travelers, adventurers... all kinds of them. To the people of the Village, it was expected that they would be wary of a human, but not a Miniacan.
Perhaps Ilika felt threatened, as to why, Ian was unsure.
"Don't worry about him, he's alright."
"How do you know?"
Ian twitched as he retorted in anger.
"Because Beast God said so! Why do you always doubt your uncle?!"
He smacked Ilika and got out of his beloved Hammock. Ilika winced in pain, but didn't say anything. At that point, both of them heard heavy footsteps approaching them.
Ilika saw his figure consumed by an abnormally large shadow and turned around in fright.
"No!"
He screamed, as if aware of what was to come.
"HEY THERE BUDDY!"
A thunderous voice echoed throughout the village as Ravu grabbed Ilika into a hug, unaware he was suffocating the boy. Ian chuckled in amusement, and behind Ravu, Ethan prayed for the young boy.
He tapped Ravu on the shoulder, which caused him to let go of the poor wolf, who fell to the ground, barely able to breathe.
"What is wrong with you?!"
He said, unable to hide his frustration and pain. Ravu laughed it off.
"Sorry, buddy, I think of you as Ian most of the time, and fail to control my strength."
To the side, Ian shuddered for a brief moment, before he recollected himself. He looked up at Ravu. Ian was a specimen among wolfkind, but Ravu? He was a specimen even among the mighty bearkind... In this village, no one dared to get on his bad side purely because of his size. This would not change even in Miniac; everybody would think twice... no, thrice before attempting something.
Of course, Ravu's jolly attitude would deter any such attempts before they began, and he was tolerant towards mistakes. He was as happy as they could get. Both Ethan and Ian wondered what kind of a beast he would be if he became a combatant... both of them dreaded it.
After all, not many men could claim they would stand their ground as a literal mountain ran at them, filled with fury.
Ian coughed, drawing everybody's attention, and asked.
"What's the matter?"
Ravu turned to him, his rosy cheeks filled with a big smile as he said.
"Oh! Nothing! I just wanted to say I'm coming with you tomorrow to the city! I have some wooden sculptures I'd like to sell, as well as a few fruits!"
He then turned around, slapping Ethan on the back as he said.
"Also! I wanted to give Ethan a tour of the city myself! The adventure guild, and everything else! He's been dying to try some sweets as well, and I mentioned I'm friends with the owner of a bakery in the city!"
Ethan almost coughed up blood the moment Ravu slapped him on the back. Ilika and Ian looked at him with sympathy as he regained his balance. While he hadn't officially asked for some sweets, Ravu had noticed his displeasure and... insisted...\
Ethan was merely following and helping Ravu with his tasks due to Ravu being his savior. Regardless of the 'deaths', Ravu had carried Ethan out of the blizzard twice, something he was eternally thankful for.
A knight always repays his debt! A knight always thanks his savior!
"Is that so... Well, I have heard humans have a 'sweet tooth' or whatever it's called."
Ian mused as he lay back on his hammock. Ilika stared at Ethan, or more likely, the sword at his waist. Ian noticed it, but didn't say anything for the time being. Ethan ignored it as well. Only Ravu was clueless.
Ilika didn't say anything, only sighing as he clutched his sword, looking at his uncle with hope in his eyes. He hoped his lazy uncle would finally teach him some swordsmanship, but unfortunately...
Ian didn't have the heart to tell him he knew nothing of the sword; he had been trained in the spear, in the art of poles... His knowledge of the sword was subpar at best. Whilst he could impart basics to Ilika, he couldn't teach him swordsmanship.
Ethan stared blankly at the two of them, sensing something amiss.
'Why do I feel like...'
A strange premonition sprang up in his mind as he noticed the smirk on Ian's face, Ethan raised his brows, confused....
"Foreigner, you can understand us, right? Have a spar with my nephew, it shouldn't trouble you much, besides, consider it as payment for letting you reside in the village!"
He laughed as Ethan was utterly speechless.
"..."
"Huh, what?"
Meanwhile, Ilika was confused; however, a certain part of him was ready.