Published: July 4, 2025
The second day of three consecutive posts.
The town the group arrived at was not very large.
Rather than a town, it was more appropriate to call it a settlement.
At the center, there was an oasis that could be described as a pond with water springing forth, surrounded by about twenty tents.
"This area around the pond is quite cool," Orenju said happily.
Even as a demon's kin, he didn't like it too hot, preferring the cooler temperatures.
"According to a book I read previously, humans seem to call it an oasis," Izolda added.
"As expected of Izolda. If only Orenju could learn even a little from this attitude..." Garwin praised Izolda’s remark.
"Why are you dragging me into this! Lord Garwin, you didn’t know either, did you?"
"Be quiet, Orenju! I’m fine with it. You servants just need to make up for my shortcomings."
"What a selfish way of thinking..."
Orenju lamented Garwin's self-centered mentality.
Being kin seems to be quite tough...
As the group washed their faces and drank water at the oasis, an old woman approached.
"యాత్రికులు"
"I don't understand the words."
Orenju murmured in response to her.
Garwin blinked his eyes two or three times.
Then...
"Travelers..."
"Oh? I can understand the words!"
The old woman spoke again with the same phrase, and this time Orenju understood it as well.
"Ah, we got lost and ended up here," Garwin answered politely, for him.
First and foremost, gathering information was crucial.
"It would be best to leave here as soon as possible."
"Why is that?"
"The members of the 'devil society' will be coming soon. If they see your beautiful daughter, they will definitely try to take her for themselves."
The old woman glanced at Izolda as she said this.
"They say it's the devil society. Is it that devil?"
"That’s not it. Devils aren't interested in women to begin with."
Orenju and Izolda whispered to each other.
"Then, their naming sense is catastrophic."
"I agree, but... what name would you give them?"
"Of course, I would call them Orenjuice!"
"Yeah, I shouldn’t have asked."
As Garwin listened to Orenju and Izolda’s conversation, he asked the old woman,
"What exactly does this devil society want?"
"They come to extort money and food from us."
"Oh, I see. They’re bad guys then."
Garwin said with a laugh.
For some reason, he seemed pleased.
"Where do they come from?"
"They come from Tantoga, where the capital is."
"Oh, the capital, huh? Is it far? Is it big?"
"Since it’s the capital, it’s large. It's just beyond two oases... Are you planning to go to the capital?"
"Yeah, I’m starting to think that sounds good."
An hour later.
The five members of the group were sitting at the edge of the oasis, ignoring the old woman’s advice and resting.
The area around the oasis was surprisingly cool, so Orenju had dozed off for a long time.
Finally, men riding camels appeared from the western desert.
There were twelve of them.
"Hey! It’s time for the usual collection..."
The leading man’s shout was cut off mid-sentence.
Not just him, but the others fixed their gazes on one spot.
That was because of a beautiful woman with black hair approaching.
The beauty opened her mouth.
"Are you the devil society?"
"Yeah, that’s us."
In that instant, no one noticed the ominous smile of demon Garwin.
And then, the orders were given.
"Leave one alive. Let him guide us."
Then, three gusts of wind swept through the ranks of the devil society.
Orenju, Vim Row, and Juk.
The heads of four fell, blood gushed from their necks, and three turned to stone.
"Huh? What?"
Only the man at the front of the devil society, who had been talking to Izolda, remained unscathed.
However, a drawn sword was pressed against his throat by Izolda.
"You are our prisoner. Guide us to the capital."
"Yes..."
Thus, Garwin’s group acquired twelve camels, including for the transfer, and a guide.