Rangka, who had been eagerly waiting in the Long Ears' territory finally breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Laybit was safe and sound behind Zonyan.
"It's great that you're fine …"
Rangka actually felt a little guilty for stabbing his eldest brother in the back when he was forced to do so, which was why he didn't hesitate to give up the chance to live just to buy some time for Laybit to escape.
Beside him, the Long Ears' leader felt a subtle sense of unease even as he relaxed.
Was his brother a little too concerned about his own son …?
Be that as it may, now was not the time to dwell on such trivialities.
"I've troubled you once more, sirs. I'm really grateful for your help …" He thanked Zonyan and the others. "We would never refuse any help from the Long Ears in the future!"
He remembered that he had said something similar before, but the Long Ears' leader really couldn't express his gratitude. Surely, he couldn't have his tribesmen cook spicy rabbit heads to reward the Players, could he?
Either way, the thigh was right here, and all he had to do was cling to it.
"It's fine. I just might need your help in the future, but don't worry. I'll definitely give you an answer when everything is settled."
Zonyan nodded at him.
The Long Ears were definitely weak, but they were very good at running, and other nonhumans would have a hard time catching up to them without using mounts. Even the Rhinoceros Horn warrior, Sultan, had to rely on the magical beast Gurozlan's frightening mobility to catch up to Laybit's group.
That was why it would be overkill to have the Long Ears fight, and even suspect that they would be throwing meat buns at dogs. In fact, the nonhuman messenger was the best choice.
The Long Ears' leader did a double take. He didn't know what Zonyan was planning, but couldn't help worrying about the future of his tribe.
"I'll tell you the details later. You should entertain the guests."
Zonyan was definitely not stupid enough to conspire loudly about how to reclaim the Grayclaw Tribe. Even if the Long Ears were absolutely trustworthy, sorcery wasn't limited to killing, and it was common to use small animals to gather information as well.
Hence, he pointed at the princess of the Curly-Horns behind him and said nothing else, before meeting with the other Players.
"Greetings, Uncle. I greet you on behalf of the Horned Scrolls." The girl bowed docilely towards the Long Ears' chief.
Her greeting was a very ancient and traditional greeting used by the non-humans. It was rarely seen in this era.
The chief of the Long Ears could not help sighing in awe, feeling that the Curly-Horns had an unexpected legacy — the younger generations of the Long Ears did not know about ancient etiquette.
He returned the greeting. "As you can see, Miss Curly Curls. Currently, our clan's land is rather barren, but I believe that you will be able to experience a different kind of joy here. When the exchange is over, we will select our clan's warriors to ensure your safety."
"That's great. I'm looking forward to the conversation … But before that, can I ask a few questions?"
The girl spoke humbly and politely, leaving the Long Ears chieftain with a good impression of her.
"Ask away, lovely girl. Your father and I are considered old acquaintances. If I know, I will definitely answer you."
"Then, what is the relationship between those gentlemen who call themselves players and your people?"
Hearing his words, the young girl immediately asked the question that had been lingering in her mind for a long time.
At first, she had assumed that the 'Players' were mercenaries hired by the Long Ears, but Zonyan's actions clearly didn't seem like it. Moreover, the conversation just now clearly showed that the Players' position was vaguely higher than the Long Ears' chieftain. Still, it didn't make sense that the Players were an organization that intended to overthrow the Grayclaw tribe, and there were humans among them.
The nonhumans would never be ruled by humans. It was an iron-clad rule that had been branded into their souls since the age of their ancestors, a rule that was as unbreakable as a curse.
There was no telling where that obsession came from. Some said that it was a blessing from Beifeng, the God of Beasts, while others said that it was a curse from the spirits of their ancestors who had once ascended to divinity but had fallen. Still, it was undeniable that humans could enslave one or two nonhumans, but they could never rule them!
While the nonhumans appeared pitiful, weak and helpless under Swordtail's rule, if any human emperor suddenly appeared out of nowhere and declared that he would overthrow the Grayclaw tribe and make himself king of the nonhumans, every nonhuman would be summoned by the obsession in their bloodline and unite as a force to resist.
That was why there were human kingdoms on the Western Continent with some champions among them, but none of them would come to the Vierlin Plains and attempt to rule the nonhuman tribes that didn't appear powerful.
"If I must say …" The Long Ears' chieftain hesitated for a moment.
Strictly speaking, they already felt like vassals of the Players, although the Players never admitted it or did anything to rule them. The fact that the obsession in their bloodline was not awakened was the best proof of that.
Still, it would be self-deception to say that they were merely partners with the Players.
"They are our guardians," the Long Ears' chieftain finally defined. "They have saved us from multiple calamities that should have destroyed us, protecting our existence."
"I see." Princess Jiao Juan showed a thoughtful expression, but soon realized that it was no different from leaving the host hanging. Hence, she smiled like a flower at the Long Ears' chief. "Uncle, if you don't mind, could someone bring me around to familiarize me with the place I'll be staying for the next few days? My mount is tired as well, so please feed it some Manna Grass and water. "
"Hahaha! No problem. Come with me!"
The Long Ears' chieftain found it inappropriate to talk about the Players here as well, and so changed the topic with a laugh and led Princess Hornbill to her temporary residence.
Meanwhile, Zonyan was surprised on the other side.
"Eh, Mister Rangka has become a Player too?!"
"Y-yes …" It was only then that Rangka realized that he had indeed become one of those weirdos.
He couldn't help worrying for himself as he watched the Players dancing around the bonfire.
— I wouldn't become like that, would I?
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