The Ugly Duckling Of The Tiger Tribe-Chapter 172: ...can we get an escort to lead the way?

I looked around. None of the huts around looked like this. They were all small, simple, and wooden, and it doesn’t look like they had any architect, so how were they able to come up with an idea to use the limestone for building? Did they even have the tools to process the limestone?

They must’ve gone through a lot of trouble trying to get things together, especially since it was the first time they were using the resources at their disposal. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

I can only think of one reason why they went so far.

They wanted the house to feel as sophisticated as possible, and that’s why they went ahead and used the limestone, thinking it would look even better and stronger, and it wouldn’t fall apart just because we pushed against it either.

I walked up to it, running my hand over the smooth stone. I felt a sudden, unexpected lump in my throat.

These folks who have not spent even two days with me have spent days of back-breaking labor to make a home for me.

I can take it that Gram put his best into it since we saved them but honestly... This is too much.

"It’s... it’s amazing, Gram," I whispered, still staring at the walls and then the wood. "If you add a little flowers at the side, it’ll make the place look like home sweet home," I mumbled, laughing a little bitterly at the end.

Home sweet home, huh? I’ve never heard of an adventurer who had a home to go back to.

Being a wanderer just means you can settle down anywhere, so there’s really no need for all of this.

I clenched my fists on the wall, biting down on my lip.

This much effort isn’t needed, honestly. I’ve made them do something burdensome.

I turned back to him, my expression softening. I lowered my head in a small, sincere bow and apologized.

"I’m sorry. You worked so hard on this but... We won’t be staying more than a day. All this work... and we have to leave tomorrow." I smiled bitterly. "It’s such a waste."

The village went silent again, but this time it was a sad silence.

"It is quite all right, Savior," Gram said, his voice steady. "The house will stand as a monument to our alliance. And perhaps, one day, when you pass through this path again, it will be waiting for you to occupy it."

His words were like a breath of fresh air, and I swallowed hard, nodding my head in appreciation, but I didn’t say any more about it.

"Then it’s settled," I said. "How about the grain then? Is there any left?"

Gram’s ears drooped and he shook his head.

"That is the unfortunate news. The fowls... in the chaos of the last few days, they broke into the store. There is almost nothing left. If you want the grain, then you might have to get some from the Mouseling Tribe."

The Mouseling Tribe. The rats.

The mere thought made my stomach do a somersault of disgust. I could almost feel the twitching whiskers and scaly tails. I shuddered, and Fenric immediately tightened his grip on my waist.

"We’ll go," I said, my voice tight. "But can we get an escort to lead the way?"

There’s a high possibility that we might stray from the path and end up going elsewhere. As much as I want that to happen so I didn’t run into those disgusting creatures, it would only hinder me from getting grain.

So, I have to suck it up.

"Why don’t you go with the traders then?" He suggested, his face lighting up. "Ho-oh, and they so happen to have prepared their goods."

"Oh, traders?" I looked at him with interest in my eyes. "If it’s like that then it should be fine."

"Then we have to be prepared to leave by the morning, right?" Fenric asked and I nodded.

"Yes, we’ll go with them."

Gram looked at me, then at the two by my side. He didn’t look afraid anymore, he nodded in relief.

"I feel assured knowing you are going with them. They will feel safer than they ever have on the road."

I looked at him curiously. His ease was even more obvious now and I see there isn’t any scheme whatsoever. So I asked,

"You aren’t scared of us anymore, Gram. Why?"

The old rabbit chuckled softly.

"A predator in her season is a storm, savior. Sensitive, fierce, and unpredictable. But once the storm passes..." He gestured to my calm, glowing face. "The sky is clear. I now know why you were so... expressive... It was because your nature was calling to you. The you now has a different energy compared to before."

I felt my face heat up. So the old man had me figured out. I didn’t even know that it was thanks to my heat and thought I had simply left the suppressing zone so I was going wild with freedom.

But he realized the reason I had been acting like a territorial tigress as soon as he heard I was going into heat.

It was just my body and mind preparing for a five-day marathon. I had such a temper and my jealousy was off the roof. Though, I think I’ll still grab the ears of any female who tries to flirt with my man. God help me so that I do not grab their neck next.

"Fine, fine," I muttered, looking away. "We will stay tonight, and then when tomorrow comes, we shall move East with your traders," I announced and he nodded.

"Thank you, savior. You are once again helping us."

"Don’t mention it." I waved it off. "It’s the least I could do for the effort you put into building this baby," I tapped on the house. "And now..." I pushed the door open and gazed inside, the warmth and the well-laid clovers catching my eyes and heart. "...I shall enjoy this shelter."