Two years have passed since Liana and Ardis came to live in the village.
　During that time, the village, which once had only about a hundred people, has grown in the blink of an eye, and now there are more than five hundred people of all ages, men and women.

　Normally, a sudden increase in population would cause discord among the residents.
　But strangely enough, none of the people that Sailer brings in are the ones who cause such problems.

　I don't know what he's doing, but he must be sifting through the people he brings with him in some way.
　When looking at the situation in the village with its large number of twins, the persecution of minorities in the western countries, or children who are clearly of a different ethnicity, there is no one who looks at them with contempt, although they are surprised.

　That's why this village is a place where Riana doesn't have to pretend to be something she isn't, or be afraid of anything, she can just be herself.

'Liana-chan,'

　Liana stops and turns around when she is stopped.

　Approaching her is a wolf-like animal that walks on all four legs.
　But its size is nothing compared to a wolf.
　Its body, which is even bigger than a carriage, is completely covered with black fur, and its appearance, which looks like a carnivore, makes it seem like a ferocious demon if you don't say anything.
　A normal human would cower in fear if such a black behemoth approached, or even tense up, but Liana chose neither of these options and replied calmly.

''What's wrong, Lupus?''

　The black beast's name is Lupus.
　Two years ago, Ardis and Rona had brought him to her, a beast that understood human language.
　When they first met, Liana had shrunk back in fear, but now it was just a laughing matter.

　Lupus approached her without stopping to walk.
　In tandem, a cackle and a child's voice echoed around them every time they took a step forward.
　A few children swayed, hanging from the black fur that wrapped around Lupus.
　Lupus walked over carefully so as not to shake them off, showing disgust at the children who were clinging to him as if he were a snagging insect and wouldn't leave them.

　After a quick glance around at the children hanging around happily, Liana asked a pure question.

'Doesn't it hurt?'

'Ugh ......, it hurts a bit. But no matter how much I tell you, you won't leave me.

　Lupus complains with a face that looks like he's about to cry.

'Well, it's better to be liked than feared, isn't it?

I don't think it's quite like that: ......

　Lupus, who was frightened in the beginning, has now become completely integrated into the village.
　At best, he's kind-hearted; at worst, his faint-hearted nature is well understood, and he's quickly become the children's favorite (toy).
　Once the children realized that he was not a scary opponent, he was nothing more than a convenient plaything with the touch of a plush toy.
　Perhaps because of this, Lupus was completely forced to be the children's playmate while he was in the village.

''Lupusu.''

　In the meantime, a boy of about three years old approached and began to climb up Lupus' legs as if he were holding on to them.
　It was quite a peaceful scene.

　You will be able to see that you are not the only one who has the power to compete on equal terms with Aldis and Rona, but there is no way that Lupus would be able to shake off the children with all his strength.
　But of course if you do that, it's obvious that it would be a disaster.
　There is no one in this village who would consider the Lupus a dangerous beast, who only endures discomfort and subtle pain to keep his children from being hurt.

'So, what can I do for you?'

　Lianna asked, and Lupus gave a small sigh and opened his vicious looking mouth.

'Mr. Aldis, do you know where he went?'

'Aldis?　...... I'm sure he's going to Laitin today with Filia and Rona.

　Recently, when Aldis and Rona went out of the village, one of Liana or Filia would accompany them.
　Today, it was Filia's turn to go, so Liana's turn was to be absent.

I'm not sure. You're out, ....... Do you think she'll be back today?'

Maybe they'll be back in the light.

So, when you come back, will you tell him that the chief called me?

　It was also unusual for the village chief to call Aldis.
　Liana's face clouded over as she wondered if there was a problem.

''That's fine, but ....... I'm going to be going on my rounds, so I'll be away for a while, okay?　If you want me to give you a message, Nere is still at home, so I think you'd better tell him.

　Even though she may be a housekeeper, Riana also has a role to play.
　Already last year Liana became an adult and has taken on the responsibility of working for the village.

'Ugh ......, she's a bit scary ......

...... Really?

　Liana, who has been with Nere for many years, has no idea how Lupus feels.
　It's true that Nere's lack of emotion on his face makes him seem cold to people he doesn't know.
　But to Riana, he's like a family member she's spent half her life with.
　Even if he was a mysterious person who hadn't changed at all since they met, there was no reason to feel afraid of him.

''He's a kind person, so you don't have to be so nervous.

"U......n. I'll try my best at ...................

　Lupus left the place with his shoulders slumped.
　I'm not sure I've ever seen such a thing before.





Here you are.

Oh, I'm not waiting that long.

　Liana's one older friend, Karina, was waiting for her at the entrance to the village.
　It is a rule that two or more people should always patrol the village and the wards.
　The two partners are not always the same; today, Liana and Karina were to patrol the east side.

'We were late getting out too, since Din was tromping around on the way out,'

Was Dinh north of you?

Yeah. My partner for today is Nacka, so I was really excited to see him. I'm going on patrol, and I'm always thinking about my hair. Isn't that silly?

Ha ha ......

　Not knowing what to say, Liana laughed and faked it.
　Even though they were twins, unlike Liana and her friends, Karina and Din didn't get along very well with each other.
　I'm sure it's partly due to the gender difference between men and women, but whether they are there or not, harsh words come out of their mouths.

　After checking their equipment, the two leave the village and enter the forest.
　There was no prey in the vicinity of the village, nor was there any danger to be aware of.
　Since the area does not require much caution, a conversation blossoms between the two of them as they walk towards the perimeter of the ward.

''But are you sure?''

'What?　What is it?

I'm talking about Din. He was courting Liana until six months ago, but as soon as Nakka came to the village, he easily changed his approach: ......

　Nakka is a fifteen-year-old girl who became a member of the village six months ago.
　She is a child of the persecuted Leto tribe, a minority tribe in the western country, and her large light brown eyes are cute even to Riana's eyes.
　Since he is an expert archer, he was responsible for patrolling and hunting within the wards, just like Liana and the others.

''No, I don't really care about it. I don't know much about that ...... kind of thing.

　At the moment, Din was curious about Nakka and was actively working to get involved.
　To him, today's job of partnering with Nakka would be like a half date.

　Of course, Liana does not dislike Din.
　But it is only as a friend, and on the same level as his fondness for Karina.
　It wasn't a 'special favor' as was said before.

　So it's not a pity that Din no longer approached me.
　Rather, I only thought it was as much as a decrease in trouble.

''Totally. I wonder if a man can be anyone as long as he has a good face?'

Now, come on, ......?

　Unable to answer poorly, Liana tried to deflect the conversation.

'Is there someone like that Carina is interested in or something?'

"Me?

　Carina pointed to herself with surprise, as if she hadn't expected to be asked.

''If it was two years ago, but there are quite a few boys your age now, too.

　When Liana and her friends arrived in the village two years ago, there were about a hundred people in the village.
　For Din and Karina, there was no one of the same age group to choose from.
　That's probably why Din was interested in Liana, who was around the same age as him, and approached her.

　But now the population of the village is over 500.
　It was clear that the options for both Din and Karina had increased at once.

It's true. Well, Ardis-san might be a good choice.

What ......, Aldis?

Yes. Aldis-san is always unflappable and gives me a strange sense of security, and the way she reaches out to me without hesitation is a high point. His face isn't bad and, above all, his strength!　Even if you get attacked by a demon or something, you'll definitely protect me, right?

'Eh ......, ah ...... un ......'

　Upset, Liana agrees, though she chokes on her words.
　Half of the feeling of being glad that she understands Aldis, and half of the bitterness that she doesn't quite understand, tightens Riana's chest.

''Actually, Aldis-san is quite popular among the girls in the village as well. It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.

'Oh, so you're ....... ......

　The more Carina praised Aldis, the more hazy Liana felt.
　She twisted her head inwardly, wondering what the hell this was all about, as she ministered to Carina's words.

　It was then.
　Multiple reactions were caught in Liana's magic power probe.

　There are about ten human-sized magical forces coming straight towards us.

'Carina, humans from ahead. About ten of them.

　Hearing those words, Carina's expression, which had been loose until then, instantly tightened.

''Human?　Are you sure about that?

There aren't any creatures in this forest that move in such numbers and in formation, are there?

'That too. ...... Liana, I'm going to hide in a tree.

　Without waiting for Liana's answer, Carina sloshed up a nearby tree.
　In a hurry, Liana followed her and hid herself in the tree tops.

　Eventually, the magical reaction slowly approached, and gradually, the distance between them became close enough for the naked eye to catch their appearance.
　Walking at the front is a man with a bastard sword on his back with a strong physique.
　Diagonally behind him is a short man with a bow in his hand.
　Two more people who look like mercenaries are lined up, and behind them a small figure carrying a cargo bag can be seen hiding.

　As the distance closes and their faces become more and more recognizable, Liana and Karina breathe a sigh of relief and let their guard down.
　Because there were several familiar faces mixed in with the group.

　They stepped down into a position where they could see the group and called out with a big wave.

'Michelle-san!'