Chapter 9:

CHAPTER 6: KURO'S ANSWER

The Beastman Saint is H*rny, so I was Kidnapped to Another World Vol. 8


***The port town of Navaren***

“Greetings, Chief Gislaine!”

Ah, Chief Malu! Welcome to our humble town; please have a seat!”

The Owl tribe delegation, led by their elder, took their respective chairs as shown to them by Chief Gislaine. Once they finally settled, Chief Malu immediately went to the point of her visit.

“I’m sorry for taking your time, Chief Gislaine,” the Owl elder began, “but I’m here because of an urgent matter about my tribe.”

“Is this about your daughter?” Chief Gislaine asked, “Well, so far, she’s safe in the Human Chief’s hands.”

“Oh?” there was a pleasant smile on the Owl Chief’s face when she heard that, “I didn’t know about it, but I’m happy that Salis finally found a man that interests her. It would be better if she makes him her mate as soon as possible; I want to see my grandchildren already!”

The elder of the Eagles couldn’t hide her confusion, “Uh…you’re okay with that?”

“Of course! Salis hated almost everyone around her, and as her mother, I’m worried for her future. But I’m thankful the Human Chief is here to save it!”

“But she told us she’s running away because you want her to mate with a warrior of your tribe!”

Ah, it’s just a ploy to get her moving,” the Owl chief chuckled, “A lot of promising young men of my tribe find my daughter beautiful, but they never liked her tongue, see?”

“I could relate…” Chief Gislaine paused for a moment before returning to the topic, “Anyway! You did that hoping that Salis would run to the Human Chief?”

Chief Malu winked at her, “Isn’t my plan perfect?”

Gargh! Chief Malu, if you only know what’s happening with the Human Chief and his bear-woman friend!” the elder of the Eagles raised her voice, “This is all your fault!”

H-Ha? W-What happened?”

“You see—”

“!!!” the conversation between the two chiefs was interrupted when an Eagle sentry barge into the hall. The young man’s face was pale, and he was panting.

“Ch-Chief Gislaine…”

“Calm down, Teju!” the Eagle chief went to her guard and offered him a mug of water, “What happened? Did you just fly non-stop?”

The Eagle sentry nodded, “M-My apologies for interrupting your talk, but I was sent here by our captain requesting for your presence at the granaries.”

“What’s going on there?”

“The…The refugees!”

“So it has begun, huh?” it was Chief Malu, “Actually, this is the problem I want to tell you, Chief Gislaine. The refugees are inciting riots and breaking into our storehouses, accusing us of hiding food from them.”

At that moment, it’s as if air was sucked from Chief Gislaine’s lungs and she nearly stumbled, if not for the timely help of Chief Malu. The scenario that she was trying to prevent just exploded even before she could do something.

“S-Send for the Human Chief,” she ordered her guard, “Tell him we need his help as soon as possible.”

----------

**Kuro**

The steam engine. For thousands of years, it had been an object of fascination for Earth’s mathematicians, philosophers and inventors. The first recorded ‘steam engine’ was the ‘aeolipile’, which was basically just a ball attached to a bowl-like stand with nozzles on opposite sides. Steam would be channeled to those nozzles, and the resulting force would make it rotate. However, it was only at the height of the Industrial Revolution of 19th century that the full potential of steam was harnessed into machines, and it continued to do so until it was replaced by steam turbines in the middle of 20th century.

And thanks to those innovations, mankind (at least on Earth) is propelled into the modern age.

“…”

However, for us…

“Something’s going wrong!”

“Hurry and get off that boiler!”

“Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit!”

“!!!”

Most of the chicken tribesmen who agreed to help us were still near the ‘steam engine’ when the mishap happened. A spectacular explosion of the prototype boiler released torrents of hot steam that scalded many of them, and knocked us off our feet. The aftermath was chaotic, and the deafening screams of pain and anguish filled the ‘construction yard’ as I quickly cast an area healing spell. Fortunately, Rishnu and her ‘staff’ (Yufa and Taro) were on standby to assist us in cases like this.

“Chief, I beg you…” Rishnu was pleading to me once we’re done, “…that ‘machine’ you’re working on is dangerous! While it’s true that no one was killed this time, who knows what might happen next?”

“It’s fine, Rishnu, we’ll be extra careful when we resume,” I patted her head as reassurance, “We can’t simply give up; everyone would surely benefit from this once we get it to work!”

The mantis-girl grabbed my hand and gently squeezed it. I think that’s her way of telling me to take extra care without actually putting it to words. Once she’s satisfied she got her message across, Rishnu took one last glare at my other companion before leaving back to her ‘hospital’ with Yufa and Taro.

However, my other companion seemed oblivious to the evil stares being directed to her. With a quill in one hand and a parchment in the other, she kept on examining her ‘blueprint’ for mistakes. “I can’t understand what’s wrong with my design! This is supposedly a fail-proof idea!”

I took a quick glance on the parchment before recommending, “How about we try putting some auxiliary vents so that some of the steam would come out, lessening the stress on the main boiler?”

The owl-girl tilted her head (like an owl) as she pondered on my proposal. Then, saying nothing, she began scribbling on the parchment…maybe putting in the vents I suggested to her. Honestly, though, I just couldn’t tell her that there maybe was a calculation for that stuff. I mean, even if I wanted to, I did not know the formula.

“…”

Look, Mathematics was my waterloo when I was in school. I could do with simple calculations (which were needed for computing my students’ grades), but with complex operations like finding ‘x’…

Man, I’m really thankful to that classmate of mine whom I’d trade test answers…

“…”

Besides, why do I always have to find ‘x’ when I had no girlfriend in the first place?

Err…that’s a stupid joke. Anyway, I could feel the frustration just by looking at Salis’ face. This owl-girl thinks highly of herself, thus she always impose harsh standards applicable not only to her, but to the people around her as well. For Salis, failure was a sign of ‘low level’ people…

She refuses to accept the fact that Failure is the best friend of great individuals.

Ahh…just put that blueprint down for now and take a break. We won’t get it to run sooner because we still have to check the parts for further damage, so there’s no harm in having it easy,” I fixed a lunch for her, setting it down on a cloth mat like those on a picnic. Only, that picnic ground is inside a ‘construction yard’ a few distances away from the chicken tribe village, set aside for us by Chief Habu.

Salis, though she remained silent, obeyed and sat down beside me. She didn’t let go of her blueprint; her eyes seemed stuck looking at the details of her invention, scanning for any gaps in the design. After that discussion with Chief Gislaine, the owl-girl was enthusiastic in trying her ideas that she finished a plan by supper. Two ‘long sleeps’ later, she presented me a small, working prototype of her design—which she claimed was done in a ‘single try’. It was perfect, enough to pump her confidence above normal levels.

Imagine her feelings now that her supposedly ‘perfect’, life-sized replica kept on failing.

“Human Chief…”,

“Hm?”

The owl-girl had a blank expression on her eyes, as she held a knife near against her neck, “I think I should die.”

Even though I know that a simple bread knife was blunt enough not to cause wounds, I took it away from her. Well, she’s just grandstanding, so she willingly gave it up, anyway. “Why?”

“I just realized I’m also a ‘low level’ person. I lost my will to live.”

I got the blueprint from her lap and replaced it with food and some fruit juice, “Here, eat up and regain your will to live. I told you before, and I’ll tell it again, Failure is a friend to all great people out there. One, two or even a thousand failures won’t diminish your values or talents as a person.”

Ah, Human Chief, though I really wanted to believe you, I know you’re just telling me that to console me.”

“That, and it’s also the truth. See, I know of many inventors like you who failed, only to get up and try again. While they seem to be experts in their respective fields, in reality, they’ve experienced a lot of setbacks in the past and used those as ladders to reach the top—to success. They learned from their mistakes and continued to improve their stuff.”

Hm…I don’t really care about those people,” Salis commented, “I only look at you, Human Chief. Do you mean to say you went through those as well? You’re perfect!”

“Perish the thought, haha!” I took a sip of the juice to hide my embarrassment caused by her words. “Honestly, I’ve got tons of failures and stupid mistakes myself!”

“Really? I know nothing about it!”

“Adults are great in hiding issues, you know.”

“Well, tell me of your failures.”

I was surprised by Salis’ request that I didn’t notice I was dumbfoundedly staring at her for quite long. When she brought me back to my senses, the atmosphere between us was already awkward. “If you want to know one…I guess it’s that time I failed to protect a good friend of mine,” Luisa’s face flashed in my mind while I told her my story, “Because of my stupidity, I got her killed in the end. And what’s even more painful was that she was forgotten by those people she fought for.”

“But you still remember her, right?”

“Of course. If anything, I guess I’m the last person alive who knows she existed.”

Hm…I don’t know Human Chief,” the owl-girl had a bittersweet smile on her face, “I think it’s much better that you’re dead yet someone remembers you, than when you’re still alive but everyone treats you as if you’re not there.”

Honestly, I had no answer for Salis’ words. In a way, what she had just said was true. And I know that she was talking from her experiences. I mean, when I first met her, even her mother wanted her off her hands. I mean, maybe Chief Malu’s tired of dealing with her; so she basically passed the responsibilities of keeping an eye on Salis, in guise of ‘wanting to meet a fellow like her’.

Yeah, I’m aware of my weirdness. And I don’t give a fuck about it anymore.

“…”

With nothing else to say, I reached and patted her head.

“I’m sorry you have to recall some bad memories, Human Chief.”

Nah, it’s fine. It’s something that will always be a part of my story, you know?” I stood up to give my legs a stretch, “Ah, in any case, eat up and chill for now. We can always get back to fixing your machine later.”

She followed suit and went for the steam engine, “Yes, Human Chief.”

Oh, and Salis…”

The owl-girl turned her head 360 degrees, which almost gave me a fright once more. Good thing I controlled myself, before telling her, “I think you’re going to be a great person.”

----------

After my time with Salis, I headed over to my hut to rest before taking on another task.

Since we’re aiming to unite the Beastmen, things will surely bound to get busy from now on.

Well, honestly, everything would’ve been perfect and smooth-sailing…if not for my issue with Ursura. For several ‘long sleeps’ after meeting with Chief Gislaine, the bear-woman was still ignoring me. And it’s painful to see our relationship hitting rock-bottom. I mean, before, we used to back each other up—especially in problems. Now, every time we meet, I just don’t know how to act around her…

And even our friends were being affected as well. I’m sure that by this time, the Orphans had already noticed the changes on how Ursura and I treated each other.

Tch. I thought Chief Gislaine would talk to her…

“…”

Ah, in any case, I guess I shouldn’t pass the mistakes I did to others. I, alone, should solve this.

“!!!”

Upon reaching the front porch of my hut, I was surprised to see Colheen and Gero standing by my door, as if waiting for me.

“Chief! You finally came!” Gero greeted the moment he saw me.

Hm? Something wrong guys?”

Both shook their heads. However, Colheen took my hand and pulled back to the street, “Come play with us, Chief!”

Oh? But I got something else—”

Ah, you can’t refuse us, Chief!” Gero got behind and pushed me, “It’s been a while since you played with us. You’re always busy with boring, adult stuff.”

Hmm…now that Gero mentioned it, it’s been long since I spent time with these children. Well, it couldn’t be help, I guess. While I concerned myself with the major issues regarding the Avinus tribes, Rishnu, Yufa and Taro were working at the village infirmary. Rumia and Luka were always training with Sir Loin. Senna and Gero were busy helping the foragers, since they excelled in hunting. Colheen and Yufos spent their time running errands for Chief Minahaba, or Ursura.

As for Teviki? Nah, everyone considers her a little kid, so we just let her play…

“…”

Anyway, I guess taking a break for the meantime wouldn’t hurt. Besides, I want to distract my thoughts from Ursura…

----------

So yeah…I know I said that I wanted to distract my mind from my issue with Ursura, but…

“I-I’m heading back to my hut.”

“I think I remembered something urgent to do…”

Ah, please don’t go, Big Sis! Chief!”

The Orphans took hold of our hands and pleaded desperately for us to stay. Just as I suspected; not only were they aware of our problem, they even tried to mend our relationship. Fortunately, Ursura relented and decided to remain, so I guess, I would do the same. I mean, I also wanted to put this issue to rest, so I’d use this opportunity to talk to her.

“Y-You know…” Yufa told us, “M-My mother used to say that when there’s a misunderstanding between two friends, a good game can get them back together!”

“A game?” Teviki’s eyes was sparkling, “We going to play?”

“Yes, along with the Chief and Big Sis Ursura,” Taro answered her. Of course that lifted the tiger-girl’s spirits, and she was jumping for joy.

“Little Teviki always wanted to play with the both of you…” Yufos revealed to us, “Will you do it for us?”

At this moment, I exchanged stares with Ursura. Though there’s an air of awkwardness between us, I think we had the same answer for Yufos’—and the Orphans’—request.

----------

Alright! We’re going to play that game with a ball and cups!” Senna happily announced as she brought out several cups from her bag.

Eh? That boring one back in the ‘Adulting’ festival?” Rumia exclaimed.

“You’re just like that because you didn’t win anything!” her brother, Luka, countered.

“Says the one who didn’t win as well!” the dog-girl teased him, sticking out her tongue.

“Anyway!” Rishnu took over from Senna, “As the Chief and Big Sis belong to our family, we don’t want them to fight!”

“Yes!” was the Orphan’s unanimous sentiment.

“So we’re going to rest for now and play to our heart’s content!” the mantis-girl declared, “I also got Chief Minahaba’s permission, so let’s go!”

The Orphans then started to set the cups. Meanwhile, Ursura and I were left watching them, as we sat on one bench the children had put up for us. They didn’t let us choose where we would wait; Colheen and Yufos were actually guarding us to ensure that we’re near each other.

Well, in any case, I guess I should talk to the bear-woman. “Hey…”

She didn’t answer, so I took that as a sign to continue talking. Regardless of whether or not she’d reply, Ursura would surely hear what I’d say, anyway.

“I’m sorry, you know,” I took a deep breath, before telling her, “Honestly, I didn’t know how significant it is for you when you chose me as your mate. I just kept on rejecting you without considering your feelings.”

“Tch. Asshole,” was all that I heard from Ursura.

“Yeah, call me whatever you want, it’s fine to me. I just want to make amends.”

“That’s it?”

I nodded.

“What about that girl, Salis? Isn’t she more important than me?”

“She’s just staying with me because she’s got her own circumstances back in her village.”

“But you let her stay with you. Meanwhile, you’re always irritated whenever we visit your place.”

“I’m only annoyed whenever you’d barge in without knocking at my door! And Salis’ stay in my hut is only temporary; she eventually went to Chief Minahaba’s place!”

“She only moved because I got angry, ’no?”

Well Salis did that because, back when Ursura and I fought, she got pissed because of the noise. I talked to Chief Minahaba, and she arranged for the owl-girl to stay with her for the meantime. But I guess I should just tell it to Ursura once she calmed down; she’s getting agitated the more I explain to her.

“Your silence proves my point.”

Haa…look, I’m reminded of Maddie whenever I see Salis. But it doesn’t mean there’s something going on between us; in the first place, I swore to remain faithful to my girl. And second, I…I’m afraid.”

“Afraid? Of what?”

“Well, I’ll be honest. I’m afraid that if I reciprocate your feelings, I won’t be able to keep my promise to care for you. I’m returning to Chersea after all.”

“What? You think I’m so weak that I couldn’t protect myself?”

“No! That’s not it…”

“Hey, asshole, don’t underestimate me. I’m a woman of the West Ursus—one of the strongest tribes among the Beastmen. While my past with other humans are not pleasant, with you…you treated me differently. You’re the first to give me respect, and I’m thankful for that. Now, if there’s anything I wanted, that is to stand beside you. Do you think a weak girl can do that?”

I shook my head.

“So I’m asking you again one more time, do you need me by your side, or not?”

Ursura’s eyes never wavered as she put up that question for me. Her determination was overwhelming, and I could tell that she would never back down, unless I would tell her to…which depended on my answer.

But then, as for me? How do I look at Ursura? She’s my friend…an important one. Someone whom I never want to lose…

“…”

Yes, I don’t want to lose her.

Haa…your silence is enough for an answer to my question,” the bear-woman then averted her gaze and looked down, “I-It’s okay. I’m used to be rejected anyway…”

Oi, listen to me first, idiot!

“What for? You already gave your answer.”

“Did I? As far as I remember, I haven’t yet.”

“What’s with your silence, then?”

Tch. You’re really one stubborn bear-woman!” without waiting for her, I grabbed her hand.

“H-Hey! What are you doing?” there were tears welling-up in Ursura’s eyes as she tried to pull her hand back, “Don’t touch me!”

“Listen, I don’t want to lose you,” I gently kissed her hand, “And whether or not you like it—once everything is over, you’re going to Chersea with me.”

“B-But what about our plans? You said…you want me to lead the B-Beastmen?”

“Of course! My promise to you back at that mountain pass remains true,” I reiterated, “However, even when you’re already the queen, that doesn’t mean you can’t come to Chersea from time to time. If that moment happens, the borders will be opened, and I can always take you there.”

Then at that moment, Ursura fell silent. Her face was extremely red, and the tears in her eyes flowed freely as her face had a contorted smile—a smile that she was trying to hide by making a grumpy expression. But I guess that puts an end to our fight…

…and also my search for an answer to her feelings.

Aww…Rishnu, I think the Chief and Big Sis already made up!” we heard Yufos tell the other Orphans.

Ha? But we had just finished setting up the cups!” it was Yufa, “So we’re going to cancel the game?”

“C-Cancel?!” as expected, Teviki was quick to protest, “But Teviki wants to play!”

The mood among the Orphans quickly went from excited to a mix of relief and disappointment.

“Well, since you already planned this far, why don’t we continue with the game?” Ursura proposed. Compared to earlier, she had a beautiful, pleasant expression on her face now.

“Alright!” the children chorused, and they both pulled us to begin the game.

It was a happy moment. Not only did we enjoy playing with the Orphans, I’m also glad that we resolved our rift. And now, we’re going back to our original goal of uniting the Beastmen tribes…

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***The Human-Beastmen army camps, at the foot of Wessen Mountains…***

The Duchess of Malvette couldn’t keep her discomfort, especially when she knew that the person sitting on a makeshift throne in front of her could read her thoughts, and was aware of her intentions even before she opened her lips. If possible, she wanted to head out of the tent, away from where the Beastman Saint stayed. However, she knew this talk had to be done, for it was an urgent matter they couldn’t ignore any longer.

“What do you mean you’re withdrawing your men?” Kashca Telis exclaimed once the Duchess revealed her intent.

“It is as it is, Lady Telis. My people have long been away from their fields and families because of this war against Lady Konka. The soldiers’ morale are at the lowest, and my captains say that they would not march any longer. Not to mention, my lands’ economy are in near shambles because of the refugees and empty farms!”

“Have you ever thought of the consequences of your actions, Your Excellency? Withdrawing your forces would put the end of this war in doubt, and if we don’t finish Lady Konka now, then your people would be in greater danger!”

The Duchess could say nothing against Telis’ point. After earning their hard-fought victory over Lady Konka’s army, they pursued their enemies all the way to the foot of the Wessen Mountains, running through several monster hordes. Now Lady Konka and her men were back at their hideouts in the mountains, cut-off from their support in the Beastmen villages at the lowlands.

The end of the war seems near…

“It’s alright, Telis,” Her Holiness Ruro of the Wolf finally entered the conversation, “The humans finally reached their limits, and as someone who understands them, I support the Duchess in her decision to withdraw.”

“But Your Holiness, we can’t continue this pursuit if we’re lacking on men! We’re almost about to defeat that accursed Lady Konka!”

“We have no choice Telis,” Ruro pointed out, “It’s a hard decision, but it has to be made. Even I can’t force the humans to cooperate forever.”

Telis never replied to her liege’s words. She just stood there silently as the Saint continued.

“Your Excellency, take your men. Return to your fields and homes. You’ve done enough to serve me.”

Delighted at the permission she was given, the Duchess took a light bow and exited the tent at once. There were a few moments of silence between Telis and Ruro before the former spoke.

“Your Holiness, are you sure this is the right decision?”

“Do you doubt my wisdom, Telis?”

“But, we almost have Lady Konka by the neck!”

“Indeed. And it’s a pity the humans withdrew just as we are about to claim victory,” Ruro’s lips drew a grin, “Well, in any case, we’ll see how long they could last without us.”

“What…what do you mean, my liege?”

“Telis, we break off camp. We already have Konka by the neck, so we shall continue our campaigns against her. After the long sleep, we’re going up those mountains and bring the war to her doorstep. Meanwhile, I doubt if the human forces could traverse the distance from here back to Malvette unmolested,” the Saint stood from her makeshift throne, “As they won’t cooperate, so we shall accord them no protection any longer then! After all, you can’t force someone who doesn’t want to help, and so they shall pay for it.”