This language magic is pretty useful. After the two Human men tossed a few lines back and forth, I felt a throbbing in my head and then it all just clicked together.

As soon as I understood their speech, I went over what had been said previously and translated it. Seems like this archer guy and swordsman guy aren't seeing eye to eye about things. Well, it's kind of funny to watch. Also, it's interesting to learn a few of the opinions Humans have about orcs. It's something I really am curious about.

“Y-you can speak the Human language?” the girl called Elianora said.

“I learned it just now. Can Humans not do such a thing?”

“How would we even…”

Hm, so Humans can't. In that case, it's either something that only certain races can do, or it's only orcs who have this talent.

… It was really a waste giving that talent to orcs.

No, maybe their old language was so pathetic because it didn't need to be precise. With an absolute comprehension of language, you could talk with basic grunts and be understood.

“Hmm…” Let's see how Durghan’s progress is. “Can you understand it yet?” I asked him in the modified orc language.

“I’ve learned about half. There’s no way I can keep up with your comprehension, Chief Vyra.”

Oh? So I'm even more impressive. “Is that so? Maybe… I’m a genius?”

“That much was already clear, Chief Vyra.”

Fufu. It still feels good to hear someone say it.

“What did you capture us for? Why not just kill us?”

Ah, the feisty blonde one. That kind of look and tone really makes me want to toy with him. But I'd better not. This is a serious matter.

“I’m from the young generation, and I've never seen a Human before. I was curious, so I asked Durghan to bring you here.”

The brunette asked hopefully, “Then, does that mean you intend to let us go?”

“Well, that might be a problem. You know where our village is. If you sent stronger Humans to destroy us after I release you, I would only be able to blame my own naïveté.”

The girl’s face turned pale. “Th… then what will you do to us?”

Aw, poor thing’s frightened. She’s cute, this one. I like the glasses.

But it is a serious question I have to consider. I close my eyes for a moment in thought.

... If I consider the entire picture, there’s only one option which would present the greatest benefits. There is a touch of risk involved, but the potential gains are more tempting.

“You three will stay here for a few days, and my village shall show its hospitality. Once you've gained a good impression of this place, I trust you won't mention it to others after you return.”

I want to start a foundation for peaceful relations with Humans. The future benefits far outnumber the immediate benefits of killing them here or holding them hostage.

“Eh…? A… a few days?”

This girl… is she not satisfied with escaping death? She still looks unhappy.

“Could it be you have matters to attend back home? You were here on a quest right? I'll have my hunters complete it for you. Is it still unsatisfying?”

“You’ll be holding us against our wills! How would we be satisfied with that?!”

“Rudan, it's a few days delay or we die here and now. Can't you understand that? Elianora… Olive will worry about you, but at least you'll come back.”

This archer guy is really agreeable. I wonder what I could say to convince the others…

“Chief Vyra, I am able to understand it now.”

Oh! Good work Durghan. Reporting in the Human language and everything.

And also, I think I just thought of something good I can tell these Humans to ease their nerves.

“I promise to treat you well during your stay. Although I'm an Orc, I possess the holy attribute. So considering that--”

“--You possess the holy attribute?!”

I was interrupted by the blonde. He looks rather incensed. In contrast, the brunette has loosened up considerably.

“Of course.” To prove it, I summon a holy bolt above my hand. I don't throw it at anything, and simply disassemble it back into magic power. “That was . My magic knowledge is lacking, but this should prove my attribute, right?”

“It--! It really is !” the girl exclaimed. Apparently she’s seen this skill before.

“Rudan, she’s telling the truth. And any holy creature can be considered an ally to Humanity.”

That’s what I was betting on. In the stories back on Earth, Humans usually aligned themselves with the forces of light. It's good that that’s the case here too.

“That may be true for holy beasts, Elianora, but an Orc…”

He still seems unconvinced. And meanwhile… Hm? Why is Durghan shaking like that?

“Insolent Human! To view chief Vyra on the same level as other Orcs is an affront to the magnanimity she’s shown you today! She is a prodigal genius! And you would hold her in lower esteem than a holy beast?!”

Aw, he was mad for me. That's so sweet. I'm flattered by all those things he said, too.

“Durghan, you're very sweet. Thank you for getting angry on my behalf.”

Finally, it seems he's come back to himself. “Ah! No, chief. Please, forgive my outburst.”

I can't help but laugh. It's just so cute. “Ah, even if genius is a stretch, I can at least guarantee that I'm more advanced than any of you three were at my age.”

“And how old are you?” the girl wondered out loud.

“About half a month.”

I watch as the Humans’ faces frost over like they just can't comprehend it.

“Orcs mature quickly,” I supplemented. “Our bodies grow to accommodate the magic power gained from slaying magic beasts. I like to think I developed particularly quickly.” Such was the proclamation I made while resting my hand over my heart in an elegant posture.

I caught the sight of the archer gulping out of the corner of my eye. Well, yeah, I guess it's a scary idea even if I explain it away so simply.

“Ah, but let’s talk about more important things. I assume all of you will choose to stay here for now. I'm sorry to say I'll have to kill anyone who refuses. But where to keep you…”

There are only as many huts as there are orcs--minus one, as momma and I live together here.

“First off, do you three need separate sleeping areas as a gender consideration, or would you rather stay together?”

“Oh, separate, please.” The brunette answered immediately. That's surprising.

“Elianora! Are you serious?!” The blonde boy really is quite loud. “This is enemy territory, and you want to be left alone?”

Well, I can't help but agree with him this time. I don't understand why she looks so relaxed.

As if the matter were really quite simple, the girl smiled.

“Olive is praying for my safe journey, and then we meet a Holy Orc here. Since the machinations of the gods are involved, what do I still have to worry about?”

Whoa, a religious freak? Blind faith like that is scary. What if I'd wanted to kill her?

“E… Elianora…” Even the blonde boy can't think of anything to say to that.

“I see. In that case, I'll see if Fiara is willing to put up with you for a few days. She’s an intelligent and well-mannered girl. As for you boys… Durghan, can I trouble you with them?”

The ex-chief didn't answer right away, and looked slightly uncomfortable. “... I can accommodate one. My house is too small for three adults.”

Oh, that’s true.

“Then, I can't fault you for that. Since I don't trust the other men with delicate matters, and I don't trust you boys with the women, I'll keep the last of you here. Is there a volunteer?”

The archer raised a hand to his chest. “I think I would be better suited than Rudan.”

Yep. I would prefer to have the archer. He has style and poise. Also, the blonde is too damn loud.

“Then that’s settled. So that each of you will know where the others will be staying, let's go for a walk. I also have to let the village out of alert mode.”