I stand my ground before the village head and his daughter, the air heavy with tension. I could have stayed silent and walked away, but I refuse to let this turn into a fight. Causing trouble on my very first mission would destroy my credibility as an adventurer before I even have the chance to build a reputation.
I glance toward Reinga. Rage twists her once-beautiful face into something ugly. Her furry ears stand stiff and twitch with hostility, while her majestic tail bristles as she glares daggers at Pico. At the same time, the village head stares at Pico with undisguised disgust. Pico shrinks behind me, one small hand clutching the back of my shirt while the other holds her baby tightly against her chest. Her body trembles faintly. The sight sends a sharp ache through my chest.
I speak calmly, but my tone stays firm. "I choose Pico because I already know her. She is the only reason I accepted this mission in the first place."
