Volume 2 - CH 34

The next morning. We set out towards the slime village. …Our group was made up of the three of us; me, Orphe, and then Goblia.

Livia stayed back at the village. …Someone had to stay back to direct things in the off chance our village actually were to be attacked.

Originally I was planning to leave that to Orphe since the slime tribe really doesn’t like werewolves. However, since Orphe insisted that he wanted to come, I let him tag along.

Before long we arrived at the slime village. When the slime standing guard noticed us, they oozed out from a tree. “What is it, human?”

“I’d like to share some information we’ve gathered regarding the werewolves. I don’t mind whoever, but I’d like to talk to someone who can relay it to the slime queen.” When I said that, another slime moved towards the village centre.

“I’ll go check really quick. Wait here for a bit.”

“…Yeah, alright.” We waited at the village entrance for a short while. Soon enough a slime came out from inside the village. The slimes spoke among themselves for a moment before making way for us.

“It seems our slime queen will meet with you. Mind your manners.”

“Yeah, I understand. Thanks.” After offering my gratitude we moved through the village. We went towards the tree in which the slime queen was last time. The slime queen was already waiting there for us. After offering a bow, I stood before her.

After looking at Orphe once, she glanced over to me. “What is this information you wish to share?”

“First off I’d like to confirm something with you. Have you ever seen anything like the northern werewolves strengthening their bodies by eating magic stones?”

“…I haven’t.”

“I see.” I showed a small rock I’d brought along with me to the slime queen. “We fought against some of the northern werewolves in the forest yesterday and defeated them. They took out some magic stones roughly this big and swallowed them.”

“…So you’re saying those strengthened their bodies?”

“Yeah. Even though we were able to one-sidedly overpower them up till that point, by just eating those stones they were able to fight us on equal grounds.”

“…I see. Thank you for the information. Was that all you had to talk about?”

“I thought I’d bring up the possibility of an alliance once more.” When I said this, a smile rose on the slime queen’s face.

“We are unaffected by the werewolves’ attacks. Apart from a surprise attack, we are definitely able to withstand any physical attacks.”

“Even if they’re using magic tools?”

“…Whatever could you mean?”

“The werewolves couldn’t have made the aforementioned magic stones. It’s very likely that the ones behind those are the vampire tribe.” The slime queen furrowed her brow. …Although her body was made entirely from liquid, that action was no different from a human.

“Is that really true?”

“Of course I can’t say it with 100% certainty. But, there are werewolves who have seen the vampire tribe. It’s entirely possibly that they’re borrowing the power of someone else to gain control over the southern territories.”

“…” The slime queen folded her arms and thought about it seriously. “…But, there are many werewolves in your village, including that one. If I teamed up with your group, I wouldn’t be able to face my comrades who were killed by the werewolves.”

“Even if it wipes out your village? I’m not trying to belittle the slime race. You’re most likely around the same level of strength as the northern werewolves. However, they strengthen their bodies, so what would you do if they possess other magic tools as well?”

“…” The slime queen’s expression was grim. The slimes were discussing this with the slime queen in the centre. I could see signs of impatience in their expressions.

…The slime queen probably felt the danger of the situation more than anyone. Without a large number of allies, they’ll likely be driven into a dangerous battlefield. I as I glanced over to Orphe, he took a step forward.

“Slime queen. I would also like to ask this of you. Would you please consider forming an alliance?”

“…You’re saying this despite being a werewolf?”

“Exactly because I’m a werewolf.” As he said this, all the eyes in the surroundings turned to him. Orphe turned to the gathered slimes and shouted, “Please hear me out everyone! I am the younger twin brother of the werewolf king leading the northern werewolves who backhandedly attacked your comrades!”

Orphe immediately gathered everyone’s attention by shouting so. Without minding this extra attention though, Orphe continued speaking.

“I was originally set to inherit that village. However, that jealous brother of mine banished me from the village! …I’m saying this as the former chief. I don’t want to see those werewolves kill any more than this. I will show you my resolve in this war!” Shouted Orphe to everyone with his hand clenched into a fist. …The slimes glanced around to each other before turning to the slime queen.

Orphe glanced to the slime queen before speaking once more. “…That’s why I wish for you to form an alliance with our chief. If we combine our two forces, we’ll definitely be able to repel the northern werewolves!”

“…” The slime queen looked towards me. I took a step forward before stretching my hand out to her.

“I know you have your own feelings about the werewolves. However, not all werewolves are your enemies. Isn’t the most important thing now to prevent any more preventable deaths?”

“…” The slime queen took hold of my hand. “I suppose so. …Honestly speaking, our strength isn’t enough to complacently face an unknown opponent. We will join your alliance.”

“…Thank you. If either of us is attacked by the northern werewolves, we’ll come to help. Is that alright?”

“Yes, that’s good.” The slime queen and I grasped hands one more time, before turning to our surroundings. Then we lifted our joined hands to present them to the surrounding slimes.