Chapter 51 - Wild Roots
In the middle of the mountains, a massive wagon, resembling a sealed stone box, moved slowly. Atop the wagon, three figures could be seen: a tall beast woman with silver hair and an eyepatch, sitting cross-legged; a little red-haired girl apparently trying to mimic the woman's posture; and a young beast boy with golden eyes, seemingly in the early stages of adolescence.
If a traveler were to pass by and witness the harmonious scene of the three talking casually, they might find it unbelievable after noticing the enormous dead blue dragon inside the wagon.
"And so, I decided to start training the children of the tribe to defend themselves. I honestly didn't imagine at first that it would grow into something so significant," Rygar explained to them. He was describing the Iron Legion, recounting its beginnings and the frequent attacks by slavers that had pushed him to start the group.
Ghislaine listened without much reaction, while Eris appeared enthralled, finding the story thrilling.
"Almost everyone in the tribe supported it because, at the time, there was real uncertainty about whether the children were safe. But there were also some obstacles," Rygar said, glancing directly at Ghislaine. "Your brother didn't like me much after I started showing wilder traits. Actually, he didn't like you either. Among the Dedoldia tribe, many don't think of you very positively. Did you know that?"
The warrior remained silent, her expression unreadable as she looked away.
"What?!" Eris practically shouted, jumping to her feet with her hands on her hips. "What do you mean they don't think of her positively?!"
Rygar shrugged, maintaining his calm demeanor.
"Many see her as a wild girl who was supposed to be the next leader of the Dedoldia tribe but was irrational and violent. And that's how it was until she was taken by a wandering swordsman passing through the Great Forest. But no one tried to stop him."
"That's ridiculous!" Eris began ranting, as if it were his fault for repeating what he had heard. "Wild? She's amazing! Strong, fast, smart! She taught me how to fight! And... and..." Eris clenched her fists, fuming. "She always comes to help me when I call!"
Ghislaine finally turned to face them, her single visible red eye resting on Eris.