“… Maya?” [Ryner]

“… I’m sorry, Master. I didn’t think those two were from the same kingdom as me… And the same city.” [Maya]

“They’re the family of the prime minister who’s only second to the king and you didn’t know about them?” [Evelyn]

“I did nothing but training and was kept away from everything else.” [Maya]

“You could have told us about this at least.” [Ryner]

“I… I didn’t know how to bring it up…” [Maya]

While Ryner and Evelyn were questioning Maya, Myra was busy conversing with the guard.

“Why don’t we let them visit our city? I’m sure my husband would like to thank them himself.” [Myra]

“But, that is, the law states that humans can’t ent-.“ [Guard]

“Don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility so that you won’t get in trouble. Besides, I’m sure the Catallard clan would like to greet them too and more importantly, see their daughter again.” [Myra]

The blonde-haired beastman used the fact that they had saved her to get the two humans permission to enter. The guards hesitated since what she said made sense and they didn’t want to go against the wife of the prime minister. Unexpectedly, she was skilled at negotiating. She also did her best to convince Ryner’s group, saying that Maya’s family would be happy to know that she was alright. Strangely enough, the fox-eared mother seemed to have expected this outcome.

“So, she really is…! But, that slave collar is-.” [Guard]

“Fufu, it’s not how you imagine it. For now, please let us inside. Talking here is troubling everyone around us.” [Myra]

Using her influence as the wife of the prime minister, she told the guards to let the humans in and that she would take care of them. As such, Ryner, Evelyn and Maya were allowed inside the city without being allowed to decline. A unit of guards was called in and surrounded the group to act as escorts.

“Ryner, why don’t we force our way out and escape?” [Evelyn]

Evelyn got close to Ryner and whispered in his ear.

“I would if I could, but I can’t.” [Ryner]

“Why?” [Evelyn]

“My… My actions have been sealed.” [Ryner]

“This is great! We can spend some more time here in Ofauvra! I’ll show you all the best spots in the city! Ah, but Maya lives here, right? And you were from the Catallard clan?! That’s amazing! Why didn’t you say so? Do you guys have a place to stay? You can stay at my house! I’m sure mom wouldn’t mind! Right, mom?” [Snow]

“My, my, Snow, are you really that happy that they can stay with us for a bit longer?” [Myra]

“Un!” [Snow]

Snow, who was hugging Ryner’s arm, was energetically talking with a big smile on her face. She was really happy that her mother somehow got them permission to stay in the city like she said she would. But, secretly, she was embarrassed that she didn’t notice that Maya was a Catallard which was a well-known clan in her kingdom.

“Certainly, escaping would be… Difficult.” [Evelyn]

“Ahaha… I’m sorry.” [Maya]

The capital city Ofauvra was similar to a medieval European one. However, there was a lot of greenery. It was also the case for the other beastman towns Ryner’s group saw, but this one, maybe because it was a big capital city, looked much more like a nature park. Lawns, trees and gardens were more present than stones and bricks. Each side of the roads had fresh green grass and trees with people tending to them. There were also free spaces like parks where children were running around with their parents watching over them.

“What are humans doing here?” [Citizen]

“Maybe they’re criminals that tried to sneak in and the guards arrested them?” [Citizen]

“But look, they’re not exactly restrained, are they?” [Citizen]

As they walked through the streets, they were gathering a lot of attention from those passing by. After all, humans weren’t allowed in here and yet there were two of them walking around in broad daylight. Myra and Snow, who had gone missing, were also attracting a lot of gazes.

“Well, yeah, but-oi, aren’t those two the missing wife and daughter of Prime Minister Elkind?!” [Citizen]

“What!? You’re right! They’ve been found!” [Citizen]

“Yea-huh? That woman, she’s from the Catallard clan.” [Citizen]

“So it was the Catallard clan that found them? As expected of the ones protecting the royal family.” [Citizen]

“No, I think… She’s the one that was disowned months ago.” [Citizen]

Wherever they went, the group was causing a mix of suspicion, joy and surprise. Ryner ignored it all and simply took in the sights. It had been a while since he last saw so many beastmen. Some had animal ears on the sides of their head like Maya and others had them on top of their head like Myra and Snow. Those who looked less like humans were either covered in fur, or had the heads of an animal or both. The number of people who had unusual and exotic hair color also increased.

Strangely, as they were being guided, Maya was doing her best to stay out of sight and had a tense look on her face. Ryner noticed this, but didn’t call out to her. Myra also saw that and thought that perhaps she wanted to see her family again.

“Maya, I’ll be taking Ryner and Evelyn to my house. But, would you like us to drop you at your house first?” [Myra]

“… Thanks, but I’m not exactly welcome there anymore.” [Maya]

“Yes, I’ve heard… But, I think you should go see them. Family shouldn’t fight.” [Myra]

The two of them were speaking softly so that others wouldn’t hear them, but someone butted in on their conversation. His sudden appearance startled them and the whole group stopped in the middle of the street. The soldiers, realizing who it was, saluted him with their backs straight. A crowd was already beginning to slowly gather around them.

“Even if we did fight, it wouldn’t be much of a fight, not with Maya.” [???]

A man with similar hair and eye color to Maya stood next to them with his arms crossed. He also had light brown and black ears and tail that were like those of a cat and he looked a few years older than Maya. He wore black pants that were easy to move in and a deep blue sleeveless shirt that showed off his well-trained arms. His shirt was made of light materials and had a deep V cut, allowing one to see his collarbones and his muscular chest. Buzzing spread out through the crowd the moment he appeared.

“It’s good to see that you two are safe. As ordered, I rushed here as soon as I could. The prime minister can’t come himself, but he’s waiting at the castle for you. The king and his family are also waiting. Please hurry.” [???]

He politely greeted Myra and Snow, though his attitude was more stiff than respectful since he wasn’t used to it.

“Yes, thank you for coming here to pass on the message. These good people here saved us.” [Myra]

Myra said with a calm smile and turned her head to her saviors. When Arka’s sharp eyes fell on the collar around Maya’s neck, they twitched for a second and his gaze increased in intensity.

“It’s been a while, little sister.” [???]

“… It’s been a while, Arka.” [Maya]

People were whispering to each other.

“It’s Arka Catallard. THE Arka Catallard.” [Citizen]

“Did he come here for the Elkind family?” [Citizen]

“He said little sister. I think she’s really the one. The one Catallard with no ability.” [Citizen]

Some admired Arka and others looked at Maya quizzically.

“Didn’t you leave on a journey?” [Arka]

His voice was full of sarcasm.

“… I escorted these two back.” [Maya]

Maya, who was being meek and quiet, gestured to Myra and Snow. The mother-daughter pair was worriedly looking at her because of her strange behavior that they hadn’t seen before. Evelyn had a surprised expression since the easygoing beastman that always drank alcohol was keeping her head down and talking so hesitantly. Ryner, with his sleepy-looking eyes, simply stared at the older brother and the younger sister.

“What’s with the collar?” [Arka]

“… I’ve become this man’s slave.” [Maya]

After she uttered those words, Arka slowly turned his neck and glared at Ryner. He silently examined him from head to toe.

“You got enslaved. I guess that’s not surprising with your level of strength… Human, you’re her master?” [Arka]

“Eh? Yeah? Do I get a prize?” [Ryner]

Ryner’s casual words caused the tension to soar through the roof. Arka’ expression made him look like he was both stunned and mad. He couldn’t tell if this black-haired man was lying because of his damn lazy expression that didn’t change since he arrived.

“… You… Are you messing with me?” [Arka]

He approached him menacingly like a growling beast which prompted Evelyn’s eyes to sharpen dangerously. Snow gulped and froze on the spot like many others and Myra was about to step in to defuse the situation. However, one person moved out before anyone else and blocked his path.

“Wait, please stop. I chose to serve him.” [Maya]

Maya went in front of Ryner as if to protect him and Arka stopped in his tracks.

“You chose to be his slave?” [Arka]

“Yes.” [Maya]

“… You really are no longer a Catallard.” [Arka]

He walked up to Maya until their faces were only inches away and let out an intimidating air.

“Father and mother will want to see you about this.” [Arka]

Maya gulped and tried to squeeze out some words to refuse.

“… I… I’ve been exiled from the house and can’t-.” [Maya]

“It doesn’t matter now. You will come.” [Arka]

He interrupted Maya and glared at Ryner next.

“So will you.” [Arka]

Arka turned around and left without looking back. No refusal was allowed from his attitude. The onlookers parted to clear his path, but he soon broke into a run and dashed off. He nimbly ran through the crowd and jumped on rooftops with incredible speed. Some girls squealed like fans when they saw him, but everyone generally tried to not bother him.

He was sent to confirm the safety of Myra and Snow and yet he found his little sister that was disowned and kicked out of the house. Now that he had seen that the two foxkins were alright, he was going to take care of some family business. Of course, he first had to go back and make his report, or he would shame his father.

“My oh my, this is quite troubling.” [Myra]

Myra put a hand on her cheek and talked lightheartedly, but she had an anxious expression and worriedly gazed at Maya, Ryner and Evelyn.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think this would happen.” [Myra]

She said regretfully. She had planned to announce that they had saved her and her daughter to garner everyone’s respect so that they could stay without worries. Also, with that achievement under her belt, Maya would be able to face her family and they would accept her again. However, Arka, a Catallard, came much too soon and didn’t react to the news that they saved her like she thought he would.

“Mhh, no, don’t worry about it.” [Ryner]

For some reason, Ryner didn’t seem troubled at all and simply waved off her regrets and worries. Since they were going in the same direction, the group stayed together and walked in silence through the crowded streets filled with curious bystanders. The castle stood in the center of the city and the residence of the Catallard clan was near it. They eventually reached the private grounds that were surrounded by walls covered in vines and green leaves.

This was where the royal family and other high officials lived and the populace wasn’t allowed to enter. The number of houses decreased and their sizes increased. They were fields of grass with flowers, bushes and trees, making it feel more like they were outside the city than at its heart. There was also a lot less pedestrians as well, so the rest of the walk was done leisurely without a bunch of eyes scrutinizing them.

“Are you sure? If you give me a moment, I may be able to solve this. My husband’s authority will finally be good for something.” [Myra]

Once it was time to part ways, Myra asked Ryner again if he didn’t want her to talk to her husband to see if he couldn’t somehow cancel Maya’s exile. However, he casually refused her offer which she had never given to anyone before.

“You need to go see your husband at the castle, right? Go ahead. We’ll head off to Maya’s home.” [Ryner]

“Ryner, will you guys be alright?” [Snow]

“We’ll be fine, kid. Hurry up and go see your dad. He must be worried sick.” [Ryner]

After giving a quick pat on Snow’s head, he spoke to the guard who was giving orders in the group.

“You mind having some of your men follow us there? It’ll save us humans some trouble.” [Ryner]

“H-huh, well, yes…” [Guard]

The guard, though confused, agreed and chose two of his men to follow them to the residence of the Catallard clan. The rest would stick to the original plan and escort the family of the prime minister to the castle. Myra respectfully bowed to her benefactors once more and Snow frantically waved her hands before splitting up with them.

“Ryner, are you sure about this?” [Evelyn]

Evelyn walked close to Ryner and whispered to him. The guards who escorted them watched them from the corner of their eyes, but couldn’t hear anything. Although they certainly looked suspicious, they were the ones who brought back the prime minister’s family, so they simply ignored them.

“About what?” [Ryner]

“Doing as that man said. I would have butchered him if you wanted me to.” [Evelyn]

“Violence is bad, Evie.” [Ryner]

“Says the one who taught me how to kill efficiently.” [Evelyn]

“I taught you how to defend yourself. There’s a difference, you know.” [Ryner]

“Then, why don’t we defend ourselves and get out of here right now? Is it because of Maya?” [Evelyn]

Evelyn looked at Maya’s back who was walking in front of them without saying a word. Ever since she met her older brother, she didn’t speak or even look at Ryner and Evelyn in the eye. Her ears were down like a scared animal and her tail powerlessly hung down.

“I’d feel bad for Myra and her kid if we started trouble and ran off. That’s why we should wait till they throw the first punch, then we beat the crap out of them and then we run.” [Ryner]

“I see. Wait until they give us a good reason to use violence and we could say that we only acted in self-defense. Myra and Snow won’t lose face and we might be able to stay in contact with them if the other side was the one in the wrong. Staying on good terms with those two would indeed be preferable.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn lightly nodded to herself.

“So, it’s not because of Maya?” [Evelyn]

“No, she’s the main reason.” [Ryner]

“As I thought. She told me of her circumstances before and she does seem… Off.” [Evelyn]

It was the first time Evelyn saw the beast girl act like that. Her back didn’t have the usual confident yet easygoing strength that she had displayed since she met her. It was like coming back to this city sapped it out of her. Furthermore, Maya had been acting strangely since they arrived in beastman territory. She would avoid being alone with Myra and Snow and would try to hide her ears and tail from other beastmen that stared too hard at her.

“This is a good opportunity for her to get stronger.” [Ryner]

“Didn’t you already trained her and made her stronger?” [Evelyn]

“Yeah, but that idiot seemed to have forgotten it. But well, she’s been living here for nearly thirty years with a brother like that. Imagine what the rest of her family is like.” [Ryner]

“True. And from what I heard on the way here, it doesn’t look like she has a good reputation among the people in this city either.” [Evelyn]

“Right now, Maya looks more like she was when I first met her. This place left marks on her that she can’t forget and a bit of training won’t get rid of them.” [Ryner]

“Then, what do you suggest?” [Evelyn]

Evelyn said in a low voice, ready to help Ryner with any crazy schemes he’s got in his head.

“Her brother picked a fight with her and she’s gonna accept it.” [Ryner]

However, his plan was quite direct and simple.

“That idiot forgot what I said when I agreed to train her. I’ll have her remember it.” [Ryner]