Not Beast Nor Man

Oh, Aldo, Darunis. Back on guard duty?

Yes. That is our job, after all. Do you need us for something?

Oh, yes! I do, as a matter of fact! My grandson went into the Moonlight Forest collecting some herbs, and said that he saw some beasts. I'm sure he was mistaken, but he's got me all worried now. Could you go check it out for me?

Beasts...

......

What's wrong, Darunis?

Okay. We'll go investigate the Moonlight Forest.

Oh, thank you! You're doing me a massive favor!

Hey, we've had reports of beasts in this forest. You shouldn't go in there.

Whoa?! If it isn't Darunis. And Aldo, so you two must be on guard duty?

You're from Baruoki. What are you doing here?

Oh, just on the look out for herbs... What? So there are really beasts in there?

We're not sure. We've come here to find out.

I'm sure it was nothing. Listen, it's so quiet.

I hope that's the case. Anyway, we have to investigate. So we'd advise not going too far into the forest.

Okay, okay. And I'll let the others know too. But still, beasts... When will we get some peace around here?

Okay, let's get started. First thing we need to do is get to the center of the forest.

All clear. No signs of any beast activity. I doubt there's a horde of beasts in the area if we haven't seen any tracks this far in.

They must know we'd be here. It's not like them to work alone either.

So you think the kid was mistaken?

It's highly likely.

Ah, this takes me back...

Hmm?

I used to come here often to train, years ago.

Oh. I remember. I once thought I was done for.

Hahaha! Yes! That day you were beset upon by monsters!

You know if it weren't for you, I'm pretty sure I'd be dead by now.

No, Aldo. That monster was on the verge of death by the time I got there. All I did was speed up the process.

Really?

Yes. That was the day I gave up the sword, and took up my trusty bow.

I had no influence on you whatsoever. And now it seems I'm getting affected by your sense of justice. I've started hoping to find a way to bring peace between us and the beasts.

Peace with the beasts... That would certainly be a good thing.

Yes, it would...

Anyway, speaking of giving up the sword for the bow, why did you do that?

Actually...

S-Somebody help!

Did you hear that? Aldo, Let's go!

What is this?!

N-No! I don't want to die!

A beast, getting attacked by a monster?!

Grrroaghhh!

Gyagh!

Aldo, what should we do?

We help her of course! Let's do it!

You never change, Aldo.

Aldo! The reason I gave up the sword...

...is so that I could have your back in situations like this!

Th-Thank you.

Are you hurt? Where are your friends?

I-I'm fine! ...Ow!

That leg... You've been wounded.

Let me help you. I have a decent understanding of first aid.

There, now you should be able to walk.

Th-Thank you! You're so kind for a couple of humans...

......

Darunis, is something wrong?

Oh, no. It's nothing. What happened to your friends? And why are you so close to a human village?

I heard such a lovely voice, I couldn't resist...

Voice? Do you mean us?

I see...

Humans from the village have started coming into this part of the forest. It would be better if you stayed away.

O-Okay. Thank you again!

Darunis, is something wrong?

That beast, she asked for help. And yet, I... I didn't immediately give it. I wasn't sure what to do.

I really hope we can make peace with them soon.

Darunis...

Apologies. Our job here is finished. Let's return to Baruoki.

Oh, you're both back! So how did it go?

I'm fairly certain that your grandson was mistaken in thinking he saw a monster. We have investigated the forest, and can assure you it is not dangerous.

Really... I wonder if any of the other reports of monster attacks in other regions are true. Perhaps I should tell my grandchildren to keep an eye out. But I am glad that it wasn't a beast this time! Now I'll be able to sleep soundly!

Are you okay? Did you not want to tell him about the beast?

She was on her own, which suggests that she was not a part of the Beast King's army. She may even have lived in that part of the forest.

But if we mentioned her, the villagers might get worried. The more extreme opinions might start gaining traction. I don't want to incite violence. Not towards myself, and not towards that beast woman.

I see. I agree, we don't want any more violence than necessary.

We all have a lot to learn from the forest. There's no need to fight. If we stick to our own territories, it shouldn't come to that.