Nostel was truly feeling depressed at this time. As a ranger, it was his job to make sure they weren't surrounded by enemies or caught in any traps. However, the orc party that had captured them was simply too far above his skill level. He had detected them at the last moment, but it was too little too late by then.

Nostel was someone trained in avoiding danger. His response upon encountering any was to flee. Survival was a ranger’s priority. When he found himself in a situation where his training couldn't be used, maybe he gave up a little too fast.

But, although he was depressed, his mind was still taking various notes about his surroundings. If there was a chance to flee, he would alert his companions and take it. After that, well, he wouldn't have the leisure to help them past that. They would just have to run fast enough.

Isn't this village rather underpopulated? And there’s only one woman.

... Ah. The other women must be hiding indoors.

Did they hide because of us? How funny. We aren't enough to be a threat. But I guess they wouldn't know that…

Is this Orc woman their chief? Why isn't she fat like the rest of them? There’s no way a chief would be made to starve. Or maybe she isn't a chief. Maybe she’s some kind of wise woman?

She only has fur armor, so maybe she isn't a fighter. If she’s a wise woman, then can she use magic?

A village like this is too dangerous to be so close to the city. If I manage to return, I'll make sure to alert the guild.

The orc woman looked to be in a good mood, but Nostel wasn't convinced that was a good thing. What if they were going to be some kind of sacrifice?

They were led into the largest clay hut in the village. Inside, they were made to kneel on the floor by the guards, while the orc woman sat upon a throne and the armored orc stood at her side. There was a moment of silence while Nostel confirmed that these two orcs were their only company. All the same, he didn't think it would be wise to make a move here.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

Suddenly, the orc woman’s hand pounded her chest. The ranger’s keen eyes were immediately drawn to the heavy orbs which bounced and swayed energetically.

On a Human, a chest like that would be…

He swallowed a mouthful of saliva despite himself.

More importantly, when her hand had fallen, she had said something.

“Vyra!”

The orc woman gestured plainly to the armored orc beside her throne.

“Durghan!”

Lastly, she gestured at him and his companions.

Ah, those were their names…

Nostel was slightly baffled why an orc would be polite enough as to introduce itself. He looked to his sides and saw the mage Elianora and the swordsman Rudan simply staring with dumbfounded looks on their faces.

His instincts told him that this was an opportunity that should be seized.

He decided to play along.

Lifting his hand to his chest, Nostel somehow managed to keep his voice and gaze steady.

“Nostel Taris.” He shifted his hand to his each of his companions in turn. “Elianora Dearing. Rudan Sart.”

The Orc woman grinned an intimidating grin and made a “continue” motion with her hand.

Nostel swallowed his tension and thought of things he could say that wouldn't give away anything too important.

“We… We are novice adventurers. We came on a mission to subjugate a few kobolds.”

Beside him, Rudan gritted his teeth. “Why are you telling it these things?!”

Nostel frowned and spoke to him in a steely voice. “She wants us to talk for now. It's a situation I'd rather prolong. Or do you just want to rush toward whatever’s next?”

“But talking with a monster? Even if things are like this, we’re still adventurers! How can you bow your head to a monster?!”

“That kind of attitude is fine in battle, Rudan, but where do you think we are right now? They could kill us any time they wanted. If they're willing to be diplomatic about things why would we throw away that chance?”

“I’m against it. It's not like they'll let us live after this. I refuse to just die without resistance!”

“How would you even go about resisting an orc?”

“I don't know! But talking with them doesn't make sense either, right, Elianora?”

“Uh, um… Can she even understand us?” Elianora posed tentatively.

“Eh?”

“Eh?”

All three of them turned in unison to look at the orc woman, who grinned and spoke clearly in the Human language.

“By all means, keep going. It's interesting.”

At that moment, although Nostel wouldn't be aware of it, the other two were thinking the exact same thing he was:

She understands it.