Family
After defeating the demon wolf, I decided to patrol the area just in case before returning to the village. Demon wolves are known for their pack mentality, but there didn’t seem to be any others nearby. I had been wary of their usual strategy—sending in one wolf first, then ambushing once the enemy lets their guard down—but it seemed like there would be no second wave.
"Was that one cast out from its pack…?"
Wolf packs have a strict hierarchy. To keep their numbers in check, they also cull their own members at times. Maybe the demon wolf I fought had rebelled against its leader or betrayed its packmates, leading to its exile.
Thinking about it, my situation isn't so different. I fell into a comrade’s trap and was cast out of the race for promotion.
"Kuuhn…"
"Huh? Oh, no, I’m fine."
When I looked down, Lindel was gazing up at me with concern. At first, I had struggled with my new circumstances, but lately, I’ve started to feel that life here isn’t so bad. I patted Lindel’s head reassuringly and started walking home.
By the time I returned to Curtis Village, the afternoon had already passed.
"Oh! You’re back!"
"Good work!"
As soon as I arrived at the ranch, Santos spotted me and hurried over. Standing beside him was Ganun, the Village Chief, who had likely heard about the situation.
"This is the missing cow, right?"
"Yeah, that’s the one. Thanks a lot."
"It was no trouble at all. By the way, Village Chief Ganun, could I speak with you for a moment?"
"Hm? What is it?"
I told him about the demon wolf.
"A demon wolf…? It’s rare for one to appear in these parts."
"I searched the area, but I didn’t find any other members of its pack. It was likely driven out. Just in case, I’d like to conduct night patrols today."
"That would be very helpful."
Demon wolves are nocturnal. They do move around during the day, but they hunt most actively at night. The last time I fought a pack, it was in the dead of night.
I was fairly confident there wouldn’t be any more attacks, but waiting until something happened to act would defeat the purpose of having a knight stationed here. The safety of the villagers comes first, so this was the best course of action.
"I’ll inform the villagers about the situation."
"Thank you."
With that, Village Chief Ganun hurried off toward the village square. As he left, Santos stepped forward.
"Hey, Sir Knight. Could you take this little one with you? He’s really taken a liking to you."
"Huh?"
The one Santos was referring to—was Lindel.
"But… wouldn’t the ranch have trouble without him?"
"There are other dogs here, so it’s no problem. Of course, if you’d rather not, that’s fine too."
"… No, I’ll take him in."
I had never raised a dog before, but having him around would certainly liven up the lonely outpost.
"Looks like you’ve got a new family member."
Santos said it so casually, but his words hit me hard.
Family, huh?
The closest thing I had to family was my Master and his wife at the dojo.
—Wait, I never told him I was reassigned!
I had been so shocked by everything that I left without saying a word. I should visit him and explain when I get the chance.
Master is going to be furious…
What do you think about this chapter?
