【“The traveler is a female who suddenly appeared in our village. She was attacked by a monster and was terribly injured…… on top of that, she was poisoned too, and so, to restore her health, we promised to bring back medicinal herbs for her.”】

Hibi explained to me using〖Mind Speak〗.
And, while I was listening, this uneasiness inside me continues to grow.

I hope it’s not what I think it is.
But, I can’t deny that there aren’t herbs here. But, this also slightly explains some of my doubts.
I need something more convincing… I guess I can’t find it out right away then.
And, while thinking about it, I came up with an idea.

Where in the traveler’s body was she injured?
I look at her face and ask her that question in my head.

【“Where…… you say. Under the stomach, I believe. Fortunately, the monster only gave her a shallow injury, but it was still……”】

And with that, my doubts were instantly erased. I’m convinced now.
It’s unmistakably the Manticore.
After I bit it with my〖Poison Fang〗, it seems like it used〖Human Transformation Art〗and entered inside the Lithuvar Tribe’s village.
After eating all those children, you enter their village as a traveler to be treated, what a laid-back monster.

If I leave it be, there’ll be trouble for sure.
Once it’s healed, it’s sure to go back into child-hunting again.

I look to where Wight is.
Sorry, Wight. It looks like I won’t return yet for a while.
I’ll do something to save your hometown okay, so please wait a little longer.

When Baron saw my eyes move, he tilted his head in a strange way.
Maybe he thought that I sensed another monster.

When I turned towards their village, with her eyes still closed, Hibi’s eyebrows slightly twitched.
Better be prepared for danger.
I slightly shake my head to deceive my surroundings.

It’s not good for Wight to meet with others of the Lithuvar Tribe right now.
If in the case that they might read my mind with〖Mind Speak〗, then they’ll be able to trace my thoughts as well.
I remember that they can only pick up on my surface thoughts, but since I can’t really use that skill myself, I don’t really know how deep down they can read.
It doesn’t hurt to be too cautious now, does it.
As convenient as the skill is, I’d better avoid her full-powered〖Mind Speak〗at all costs.

To arrive at their village sooner, it’s best to ask these two the exact directions.
I lower my body and crouch on the ground.
I tell them to get on my back using head gestures, and then I lowered my neck on the ground.

Guide me to your village.
Hibi was hesitant at first, but then slowly walked up on me, while Baron remained still.
He then dropped his spear, closed his eyes, and leaned his head front.

Maybe there’s a rule stating that only shrine maidens can ride me.
So, there was a woman-loving me before, huh.
What a vulgar doctrine left behind by my previous Ryujin-senpai. [T.N: Senpai knows best ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )]
But, if that’s the case, is it really okay to leave Baron behind since he’s following these customs?

“Baron, I’ll leave you to look for the herbs.”

“As you wish. I will do my utmost best, even if I am left alone to do this task.”

Ah, so they were just splitting up the work.
Although I didn’t find the time to ask, but since Hibi got on me first, there’s still a high chance of my theory that only shrine maidens can ride me is true.

But, since Baron is all alone now, will the Abyss resume its hunt, I wonder……
It can immediately conceal its presence, and its fast movements can also disappear from sight.
I didn’t really pay much attention to them before, but they probably have skills that do just that.

I empty my mind while wiping the snot-colored mucus off my claw on the ground.

When Baron fought the Abyss before, Hibi kept shouting something.
I thought that was some kind of spell, but I think it was something that ordered Baron to move.
There was also that time when the Abyss concealed its presence, Hibi raised her voice and continued shouting.
That means she probably has a skill similar to〖Presence Sense〗.

Then, without Hibi’s help, the Abyss will be able to catch Baron by surprise.
Thinking about it, we can have the advantage with Hibi’s assistance.

In all honesty, I’d rather have them look for herbs later.
If my hunch is right, then those herbs are unnecessary.
Besides, if they handed that task over to me, I’m confident I’ll be able to find them in seconds.
But, before that, I want Wight and Treant to head back at the shrine without me, but…… sorry about this. Looks like you’ll have to wait a little bit longer.

Still,〖Mind Speak〗and〖Presence Sense〗huh.
The Lithuvar Tribe’s shrine maiden sure is good.
Good enough to make a large man lower their head, that is.
What if Wight remembered them? If so, then that’s good.

“Gra~a”

“Uwaaah! R-Ryujin-sama?! W-What are you-……?!”

She was well-behaved up ‘til now, but then Partner suddenly ate Baron.
His feet is lifted off the ground and he’s slowly getting slurped inside Partner’s mouth.

Eh? T-This half a head… what the heck are you doing?!

Partner then spat Baron out, letting him ride on our back.
How vexing of me, I can’t complain at her for doing that since it was the only way to let Baron ride us.

Y-You could’ve done it more gently…… I was so nervous at what you were about to do back there.
I mean, look at Baron, bits of your cavities are stuck on him.
But, at least you didn’t eat him, that would’ve been bad for our reputation.

We’re both still considered a monster, after all.
This may have been just a trivial matter, but talking about human standards, we would’ve engraved fear in them.
Baron is shivering like crazy, you know.
If we mess this up, we are going home, you hear me.
Don’t do it again without warning next time……

“R-R-Ryujin-sama’s teeth molds…… H-Hibi-sama! H-Hibisama, please look at this! T-This is…… um, look at this!”

Baron turns around and looks at Partner’s cavity, and his face brightens up.
They’re making a fuss on my back, and Hibi, who was sitting in front of Baron, turned around at the topless man who is showing off.
Letting them walk on foot is rough. Letting them ride on my back and getting riled up over something like this is rougher.

…… That man… he’s kind of turned on.
I’m starting to get scared going to the Lithuvar Tribe’s village now.
I can only hope they aren’t like Baron here.
If they get thrilled just by seeing a mere teeth mold, my heart may not be able to handle it.
I will do my best to communicate with them using words that will never come out of my mouth.

“Gra~a……”

Partner also seems to be feeling down.
Her face tells me everything.
She faces front and bluntly looks away at Baron’s face.