The laughter of children playing happily in the yard could be heard.
The atmosphere in the village had been somber for a while due to an incident that happened two days ago, but it seemed that the children recovered quickly.
"They're having so much fun."
Kaneff, who was watching the children through the window, muttered. I replied as I packed my things to leave.
"That's true. I feel like it'll be hard to say goodbye since they became close so quickly."
"Speaking of which, what are we going to do about that one?"
Kaneff pointed to a snow-white baby fox playing with the children.
To be more accurate, it was more like the fox was being chased around against its will.
I awkwardly smiled while scratching the back of my head.
"I guess we'll have to take it with us?"
"Ugh Is that okay? It tried to do harm to Speranza, after all."
"Well, that's true. But it has lost its power now, so it's pretty much just a regular baby fox. Besides, I have it under control, so there shouldn't be any major issues."
"I still feel a bit uneasy about it"
Kaneff's uneasiness was echoed by Lia, who had been listening nearby.
I understood both of their concerns.
Although it looked cute now, its true nature was a fox spirit that almost put us in danger.
But strangely, the fox spirit followed Speranza's words well.
At first, we were on guard for any malicious acts, but so far, there had been no signs of such behavior.
As we discussed the fox spirit, someone knocked on the door.
-Knock. Knock. Knock.
-It's Anis. May I come in?
"Yes, come in."
As the door slowly opened, Anis entered the room.
Perhaps it was due to the closeness that had formed from going through various events together, everyone warmly greeted her. Terzan, who had been hiding, also peeked out and waved to her.
Of course, Kaneff only gave her a quick glance
Anis, who sat down, started speaking with a regretful expression.
"Are you already done preparing to leave?"
"Yes. It seems the chaotic atmosphere has settled down, and we want to go back before it gets too late."
"It's such a shame. I couldn't properly treat you as guests since I was busy with village matters My mother will be very disappointed as well."
She subtly hinted that she wished we could stay a bit longer.
I responded with a sheepish smile.
"Is everything taken care of now?"
"Yes. Those with severe injuries are receiving appropriate treatment, and most of the people with minor injuries have returned to their daily lives."
"That's a relief."
Not only me, but Lia and Terzan also looked relieved.
Although it was an unavoidable situation, we were the direct cause of the injuries to the villagers, after all.
Seeing our reaction, Anis quickly added an explanation.
"You don't need to worry too much about that. My mother personally told the elders that you all are not at fault."
"Did the elders believe her?"
At Lia's cautious question, Anis smiled and answered.
"Of course. In fact, my mother scolded the elders quite harshly. She said that the guardian deity was angered because they created unnecessary conflict over the position of the shrine priestess's successor, and that's what led to this commotion."
"Hahaha, that's great! I didn't like what those elders were up to!"
Kaneff, who was looking out the window, burst out laughing.
It must have been gratifying to see the Erul Tribe elders put in their place, especially considering they tried to use Speranza politically. I, too, felt a sense of satisfaction.
Lia, with wide eyes, muttered,
"That's Speranza's grandmother, Mirna, right? Has she recovered from her discomfort?"
"Yes, she's back to her old self.
The three Yakums approached in turn and nuzzled their heads against me. I smiled warmly at their expression of trust.