059: Sometimes, Diplomacy Works Too
“Who’s there?!” Bellowed the party leader, turning his head to every direction.
“Pardon the intrusion, gentlemen.” Alice chimed politely. “But, may I ask you to cease the hunt and let the bird alone?”
The adventurer party was taken aback when there was a tall woman in a stylish outfit standing before them all of sudden. They couldn't even feel her presence until she greeted them.
“W-who are you?” Inquired the party leader, pointing a finger at her.
Meanwhile, the rest of the party members had readied themselves to fight. The archer pulled the Magic Arrow as far as he could. Meanwhile, the Mage had conjured a magic bolt in his hand while the warrior raised his shield in front of everyone.
Judging from their aura, Alice could tell these Adventurers power levels were Rank 1 Acolytes at best.
However, none of them dared to make a move due to the invisible pressure coming from the tall woman.
“It's none of your concern, I am afraid.” Alice smiled while leisurely strode toward them. “Now, leave the bird alone.”
The party leader who has the D Rank Adventurer Badge attached on the left side of his chest was stammering before Alice’s tall stature. He gulped his dry saliva when her bountiful bosom was right before his chin.
“Y-you think I will yield just because you are some rich lady from the kingdom of nowhere?! For your information, obstructing an Adventurer's quest or mission is a crime! I am Rodriguez Del Toro! The D Rank Adventurer of Hespana Kingdom! I will not listen to the likes of you!”
“Then, what if I tell you that the bird that you almost killed is my dearest pet? Besides, hunting Magical Beasts in their mating season is considered illegal, unless the said Magical Beast attacked you first. Have you not learnt the new laws?"
“Who cares about the law? We are just doing our job. Besides, do you think you can fool me?! If the bird is your pet, then prove it!”
Alice was actually doubtful whether the bird would be able to understand her intentions or not. Nevertheless, Alice just needs to try it. If failed, Alice could have just killed them all should things go south.
With that in mind, Alice walked toward the Flame Mockingjay whose wings were broken. Its head was partially charred and bashed after getting hit by Magic Arrows and whatnot. The work of total amateurs.
The bird’s size was almost as big as Alice’s torso, bigger than Alice had anticipated. Two sets of sharp talons were trembling in fear when Alice came closer.
Alice took the gamble and whispered to the bird softly in the Demonic Tongue. “Birdie, if you want to live another day, you need to play along. I will heal you, and you need to hop onto my shoulder. Blink twice if you understand my words.”
Unexpectedly, the Flame Mockingjay understood her Demonic Tongue. It blinked twice in several attempts.
“Good boy.”
Alice smiled from ear to ear. She then recited the healing spell upon the bird.
“Lækna un fogl.”
As her Demonic Mana seeped into its Beast Core, the once shredded feathers and broken wings slowly regenerated. The bird stood up, and hopped onto Alice’s right shoulder while spreading its wings to the fullest. It was still angry for being attacked out of nowhere when it tried to find its mate. Now that its annual mating chance had been disturbed, it had no choice but to wait for next year. It was ready to exact its vengeance.
Rodriguez and his party were taken aback by the immediate effect of her magic.
“That’s enough, Hræsvelgr. There's no need for unreasonable vengeance.” Alice called the bird with whatever names that passed her mind at that moment. But to her surprise, it didn't protest for being named.
She turned to the amateurs, displaying her killing intent. “Now, do I still need to prove that this bird is my pet?”
The party’s leader couldn't mutter anything. He snorted and turned away. “Let's find another Flame Mockingjay.”
“But, Leader, we have stayed in this forest for weeks! The Quest deadline is due in a week, we won't make it in time.” Said the party’s Archer.
“I said, let's go!” Rodriguez barked at them furiously.
They eventually withdrew their weapon and walked away. Once they were no longer in sight, Alice regrouped with Momo and Arya who were waiting in the shadows with Kahleesi.
The fox girl promptly hugged Alice tightly, nuzzling her face into Alice’s chests..
“There, there…” Alice ruffled her hair and fox ears. “I am okay, silly vixen.”
“Mmm…”
Meanwhile, Arya was concerned for the bird’s condition more than anything else.
“Oh, you poor bird, are you alright? Are you hurt somewhere?”
Hraesvelgr shook his head, beating all of his four wings to show Arya that he was completely fine. His eyes were shining with intelligence. The bird was smart enough to understand that Alice and her companions were not bad people.
“Oh, can he actually understand my words?”
“Not words…” Alice said. “It seems like he understands our intention and goodwill.”
“Well, Flame Mockingjay is one of the Magical Beast species after all. I am so happy that you are safe.”
Momo eventually peeled herself away from Alice’s person, inspecting the big bird’s body studiously.
“What should we do with the bird?”
“What do you say, Hraesvelgr. Do you want to stick with us until those amateurs leave the forest?”
The big bird flapped his wings a few times while nodding repeatedly.
“It's decided then.”
“Yeay! A new companion, haha!” Arya cheered excitedly.
Not long after, Catharina made her way down from atop trees and landed beside Alice. “They are heading east as we speak. There's a huge chance that they would track us all the way to our campsite. Should we wrap up everything and depart for Nidaross tonight?”
“Mm.” Alice nodded. From the Party Leader’s name, she could fairly guess that he was a nobleborn. Judging from his temperament, Alice believed he would try to harass the bird in one way and another. She really didn't want to trigger international conflict, yet. “Let's do that. They kinda ruined my mood anyway.”