Incompatible Interspecies Wives

Chapter 25: Building Honor (2)

In the pre-dawn, before the sun had risen, my eyes opened naturally.

Today was a day of battle.

Vague noises coming from outside indicated that it was different from the usual day.

It was a subjugation battle that I had experienced countless times, yet the tension was different each time.

Especially when I contemplated the possibility of losing all my comrades in one fell swoop.

Nevertheless, this pressure was a challenge I must ultimately overcome.

I rose from my seat as usual and prepared to go out.

Adjusting my shoulders and loosening my neck, I retrieved the sword I had left in the corner of the room and fastened it to my waist before setting off.

"...Are you leaving now?"

At that time, a voice came from behind.

When I turned around to the unfamiliar sound, Ner was gazing at me from behind the pillow placed in the center of the bed, her upper body propped halfway up.

For some reason, I didn't expect her to wake up.

In fact, I hadn't intended to disturb her sleep.

It seemed that there was little to be said between us.

"...Yes."

"..."

Silence filled the air.

Suddenly, I found myself envisioning what she might say to me later if our relationship were to improve.

Would our parting be imbued with more emotion if we were in a loving bond?

Shelving those futile thoughts, I redirected my attention and turned away once again.

Placing my hand on the door, I exerted force.

"...Hey."

Ner called out to me once more.

"...Why?"

"..."

She hesitated for a while.

It seemed like she was trying to say something, but she couldn't make a decision.

I had no intention of pressuring her.

"...That's..."

"..."

"...So..."

After giving her some time and seeing that she still couldn't speak, I decided to speak up.

I didn't have enough time today. No matter how much preparation I had done, there were things I had to do when I got there.

"...I'll be back."

Ner nodded faintly at those words.

With that, I turned around and made my way outside.

****

On the way to the campsite, I witnessed some peculiar behaviors.

Several pairs of werewolf couples were outside their houses.

Here and there, simple magic spells were being performed.

I knew that the werewolves were skilled in combat, medicine, and magic, but I didn't expect it to be this common.

Every visible couple was engaged in this practice.

The men supported their wives, while the women placed their hands on the men's backs.