The grand Kingdom looked so close, as if a few more steps would bring it within reach, but in truth, this stretch of road was no easier than trekking through a forest.
It took Bai a full two hours to finally draw near the Kingdom, and by then, her already uncooperative legs felt like they were about to break from the journey.
Ahead, a small path led up to a gate made of wood and steel.
All sorts of races lined up in a long queue, waiting for inspection outside the gate.
At the front of the line were the Dwarves—short but sturdy, hefting heavy hammers or massive axes, as if an endless well of strength resided within them.
Further back stood the Elves, with their graceful, slender figures and faces as beautiful as carved statues, their long golden hair and pointed ears marking them as the most beautiful beings on the Continent.
Behind them were the Half-Beasts, some with cat ears, others with dog or fox ears, all with long tails trailing behind. They were the most numerous and diverse race on the Continent.
“Elves, Dwarves, Beastkin, and… kitties!”
Bai’s eyes sparkled as she curiously took in everything before her.
Even though she’d occasionally seen foreigners back in her hometown, Aitansiya, she’d never seen so many gathered in one place before. Maybe the customs here were just more inclusive?
As she walked toward the back of the line, Bai moved a bit timidly—after all, it had been a long time since she’d been in such a crowded place.
In short, she’d gotten used to being a shut-in, and now she had social anxiety.
Her small figure took its place at the end of the line.
Before long, more people lined up behind her.
Amidst a crowd of tall and sturdy folks, she looked completely out of place. Some of the bigger Beastkin might not even notice her at all.
Standing in line, Bai anxiously wrung her hands, stealing glances to either side from time to time.
Behind her stood a Wolfkin carrying a Sword, and in front, an Elf with a silver Elf Sword at her waist—both looked like adventurers.
Just then, the line shuffled forward. Bai, nervous and distracted, didn’t react in time.
The person behind her stepped forward without hesitation and bumped her straight to the ground.
“Ah, sorry, sorry, I wasn’t paying attention,” Bai hurriedly apologized as she scrambled to her feet, but the Beastkin just shot her an annoyed look and snapped.
“Brat, is this your place in line? Get to the back.”
The sharp, hostile tone made Bai shrink her neck in fear.
“Sorry, Mr. Wolf, I didn’t know there were rules for lining up. I’ll just…”
Just as she was about to leave, a crisp voice called out from behind.
“Wait!”
The Elf in front turned around, her beautiful face now clouded with anger as she glared at the Wolfkin.
Even though she was a whole head shorter than him, she didn’t lose out on presence at all. She said coldly,
“I’ve never heard of any rules for lining up, and she got here before you did. How dare you try to chase her off? Don’t think you can bully others just because you’re tall! We Elves can’t stand Beastkin like you!”
“Come here, child. Stand by me and ignore that stinky animal.”
With that, she reached out and pulled Bai over without giving her a chance to refuse.
A vein bulged on the Beastkin’s forehead, his face flushing red.
“What did you say?! Don’t think you Elves are so noble. The stink of swamp and mud on you is no better than us!”
“Ha?! What do you know? The scent of grass and earth is a gift from nature itself. If you can’t appreciate it, keep your mouth shut, okay? It’s still better than your reeking stench of piss!”
The Elf furrowed her brow and retorted mercilessly.
“Stupid woman, I dare you to say that again!”
“I’m not afraid of you!”
Seeing the two about to come to blows, Bai, caught in the middle, meekly tried to interject.
“Um, let’s just get along. Maybe I should just move to the back…”
“No! Today, you’re staying right here!”
The Elf girl stubbornly held Bai’s small hand, pulling her to her side and glaring at the Beastkin.
The air between them crackled with tension.
Bai swallowed nervously.
Why did the two of them suddenly start arguing? (＞_＜)
“What, you wanna fight?!”
“Bring it on! Who’s afraid of you?!”
Both reached for their sword hilts, ready to draw at any moment.
Their argument drew the attention of those nearby; even people further ahead in the line craned their necks to see what was happening, eager for some excitement.
“Please, don’t fight! We can talk this out, there’s no need to draw swords,” Bai pleaded anxiously, trying to calm them down, but neither seemed to hear her, too focused on glaring at each other.
Just as the tension peaked, a steady, deep female voice came from behind the Beastkin.
“That’s enough, Sirga. Causing trouble in Human territory will get you into serious trouble.”
A towering figure approached from behind, even taller than Sirga by half a head.
Her muscular build and powerful arms radiated explosive strength, and under her leather chest wrap, her chiseled abs were on full display, with several terrifying scars crisscrossing her lower abdomen.
Her dull white hair was tied up in a high ponytail, and she carried a giant sword on her back—twice as large as Sirga’s.
Her left eye was covered by a black eyepatch, while a scar ran across her other eye.
Even one of her gray-furred Beastkin ears was missing a chunk.
Yet despite her wild, snow-wolf-like aura, her gaze was calm and composed.
“But, Captain! That woman, she…”
Sirga tried to protest, but the female Beastkin’s eyes darkened and her voice rose.
“That’s an order, Sirga. This isn’t Beastman Territory. You can’t just pick fights whenever you want.”
Sirga’s hand trembled on her sword hilt, but after a moment, she let go and sheathed her weapon, letting out a cold snort.
“Tch… Yes, Captain.”
“Hmph, that’s more like it.”
The Elf girl also snorted disdainfully and put her sword away, showing not the slightest fear of the much taller Beastkin.
“I apologize on Sirga’s behalf, Human child. My team just arrived and doesn’t know the local rules. Sorry for the trouble.”
The female Beastkin lowered her head slightly and spoke in a deep voice.
Bai quickly waved her hands.
“No, no, it’s my first time here too. I’m the one who caused trouble for you.”
For the first time, a faint smile appeared on the stoic Beastkin’s face.
She turned her gaze to the Elf and paused, then asked, “May I know your name, Miss Elf?”
“Vera,” the Elf replied simply, still eyeing her warily.
“Vera…” the Beastkin murmured, as if pondering something.
“What? Is there a problem?”
“No, just saw something familiar.”
Vera frowned, not understanding what she meant, but the Beastkin lowered her head again in apology and led the one called Sirga toward the back of the line.
Vera let out a breath and muttered, “Didn’t expect there to be polite Beastkin after all.”
“Thank you for helping me, Vera. I really wouldn’t have known what to do otherwise,” Bai said politely, bowing slightly.
Vera’s face flushed at the praise.
She wiped her nose, puffed out her chest with pride, and declared, “Of course! I can’t stand bullies. Stick with me and let’s see who dares to mess with you!”
“This big sister is so kind… just seems a little silly,” Bai thought to herself.