Chapter 16
“But, Luan — when people think of the North, they usually picture a freezing wasteland, right? Blizzards every day, harsh conditions where it’s impossible to live. But here, the land’s fertile and the weather’s always mild.”
I tilted my head, questioning him after hearing his story.
I mean, that’s the image everyone has of the North, isn’t it?
Luan gave me a baffled look.
“Zoe, do you really not know why that is?”
Nope. Not at all.
Seeing my face practically screaming ‘I’m dying to know!’, Luan shook his head and answered,
“Belnoir is a small domain located on the outer edge of the North. Because it sits at the northernmost border, it’s got comparatively good weather and fertile soil compared to other northern lands.”
“Huh? If it’s such a great place to live, why is there not a single person around here?”
“This place has a very fatal flaw.”
“A flaw? What kind of flaw?”
What kind of flaw? Don’t tell me this is some kind of criminal exile zone or something?
I swallowed nervously and asked,
“The problem is… this region lies extremely close to the Forest of Demons. To stop demonic beasts and monsters from crossing into human territory, a garrison was established near the Altus Mountains, with knights stationed there to keep watch constantly. But…”
Trailing off, Luan rubbed his chin as if something had just occurred to him.
“However, the place where you’re staying, Zoe…”
He glanced toward the distant forest before turning back to me.
“This house is far from that garrison — it’s practically touching the Forest of Demons itself. It’s an extremely dangerous restricted area. No normal citizen would dare come here easily…”
Only then did I understand Luan’s shocked expression.
Right, now it made sense. No wonder no one lived nearby — it was because of that cursed forest.
Wow… I can’t believe I’ve managed to survive here this whole time. Thanks, system.
“Ahaha! So that’s why! I did think it was weird there weren’t any people around.”
“No, but the more I think about it, the stranger it gets. You said your parents left you this house, right? Then why would they…”
Luan stopped mid-sentence.
But I could easily guess the rest.
They must’ve gotten scammed in the sale, Baron.
“Yeah… maybe they were short on money.”
I tried to answer nonchalantly, but when Luan’s sympathetic eyes landed on me, all I could do was smile faintly in response.
“Be that as it may, Zoe,” he continued, “there’s something else that’s been bothering me since earlier.”
He pointed at something in the distance.
“That creature… do you even realize how dangerous that beast is?”
“Kyuu?”
Where he was pointing, Ruby — my adorable beast pup — was lying lazily on the roof, sunbathing.
Okay, yeah. I could see why he might find that suspicious…
A strong woman living fearlessly near the Forest of Demons, and an S-rank beast companion at that…
To an outsider, we probably looked pretty suspicious.
“Hahaha, Luan, the thing is… that’s my pet. Her name’s Ruby. Isn’t she cute?”
I said it while gauging his expression, trying to think of how to explain it.
Luan’s face stiffened.
“You’re… raising that thing? And you even gave it a name?”
“She’s not a bad monster—”
“Don’t be fooled by a cute face, Zoe. I don’t even understand why a beast of that level would be here in the first place. If my guess is right, that thing should belong deep within demon territory.”
He glared sharply at Ruby as he spoke.
“Grrrrrr—”
Ruby met his stare with a low, threatening growl.
“See? Exactly my point. This won’t do. When we leave, I’m taking it with me.”
“Grrr— Zoe! What’s that annoying human saying? Can I bite him? Please?!”
Ruby growled in protest, clearly offended.
Oh, come on, not this again!
“No, Ruby! Absolutely not! Luan, wait— listen to me!”
“The way it’s glaring at me proves it — a vicious monster indeed. I’ll slay it right now before it attacks.”
“Ha! Try it, human! Come on!”
Even though he couldn’t understand her words, Luan clearly caught the hostility radiating from Ruby. He drew his weapon, ready to strike, and Ruby, not to be outdone, opened her mouth wide, flames swirling inside.
Seriously, will neither of you just listen?!
“Both of you, stop!”
I jumped between them and thrust out both hands, blocking them from each other.
Their glares snapped toward me.
“Luan. You’re right — beasts are dangerous. I know that. But you can’t hurt Ruby.”
“And why not?”
Luan’s brow furrowed deeply, clearly displeased.
Sure, in this world, beasts were a real threat to humans. I could understand his caution — but still.
Without Ruby, I can’t function. Ruby + me = 1.
“Ahem! Because… my girl here…”
I had to prove that Ruby wasn’t like other monsters.
Patting Ruby’s head as she continued to glare at Luan, I proudly declared,
“My girl doesn’t bite!”
“…Excuse me?”
The air froze.
Yeah. Even I had to admit that was the dumbest thing I could’ve said.
That’s basically like walking a huge dog without a muzzle and saying, ‘Oh, don’t worry — she doesn’t bite!’
“Grr… Zoe, that’s kinda…”
Even Ruby looked embarrassed for me.
Hey, don’t you start acting ashamed of me now.
“Anyway! She’s harmless, really. And you know about my incredible skills, right? Training’s my specialty.”
“Ah… that’s right. You said you were a trainer.”
He had once asked about my profession, and I hadn’t dared say monster tamer, so I’d just said trainer.
“Yep. A top-class, first-rank trainer.”
Well, self-proclaimed. But still!
“That’s still very odd. Even aside from your unusual job, I’ve never heard of anyone who could tame a monster.”
Huh. Maybe there aren’t any animal trainers in this world at all? What kind of fantasy world doesn’t have zookeepers?
Seeing his skeptical look, I pressed on.
“But I’m living proof! Watch — Ruby, paw!”
Ruby obediently lifted her front paw.
“Ruby, bang! Lie down! Roll over!”
“Kyuuu!”
She performed her tricks flawlessly. Luan’s blank face flickered with surprise.
“Incredible… a monster obeying a human.”
“Right? Pretty impressive, huh?”
“But even so, I can’t just leave a dangerous beast alone with a frail— er, with you, Zoe.”
Luan, you jerk. You were so about to say “frail” and changed your mind halfway.
“Pfft. Please. I could probably tame you, too— whoa!”
BOOOOM—
A deafening rumble split the air.
What the— an earthquake?!
The ground began to shake violently beneath us.
“Whaaa— what’s happening?!”
“Zoe! Grab my hand!”
I was still on the roof, and when I lost my balance, Luan shouted and reached toward me.
“Y-Yes!”
“Pardon me, then.”
He swept me up in his strong arms and leapt down from the roof in one smooth motion.
“Waaaaaah—!”
“You can open your eyes now. You’re safe.”
Safe?! Says the guy who just jumped off a roof!
I was too dizzy to even think straight. My head was still ringing from the impact.
Ugh, this man is reckless!
“Zoe! Wait for meeee—!”
Ruby spread her flame-tipped wings — wings?! — and glided gracefully down beside us.
“…Ruby. You can fly?”
“Hehe, didn’t you know? Kyu~?”
I resisted the urge to smack her and squirmed in Luan’s arms.
“Put me down, Luan! You can’t just carry people like luggage!”
“My apologies. The situation was urgent…”
He scratched his neck awkwardly as he gently set me down.
Suppressing a wave of nausea, I quickly looked around to assess the situation.
“Why did the ground just… huh? W-What is that?!”
