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205. Beggar Siblings – Uban

– Thud.

Uban lightly set down the bundle he was carrying. He then replied in a seemingly gentle manner.

“Eh-heh. The Hunter comes down to sell jerky; what other reason could there be? Why the long face?”

“…Just don’t cause any trouble this time and behave yourself.”

“Come on, what trouble have I caused…? Now, give me some alcohol.”

The reason for his humble demeanor had something to do with his surroundings. This was the community hall of Taamun Village, and the man before him was in charge of managing the supplies.

Just like other villages, Taamun traded the products they produced with other villages or cities.

However, sometimes those products were needed by the villagers, so the community hall exchanged them for things that were brought in when necessary.

It was convenient for Uban, who lived alone in the mountains without a single relative.

At his age, joining the youngsters heading out for drinks felt awkward, and he had no close friend to ask for help.

Fortunately, what he wanted was none other than alcohol. And there were quite a few houses in Taamun Village that brewed quality alcohol worthy of sale. The problem was…

In the past, there had been some disagreement between Uban and the women of those houses. The supply manager frowned.

“If you drink and cause a scene in the village again, know that I won’t trade with you again. I’ve already had enough troubles… Ugh, forget it. Just wait.”

As much as he wanted to draw the line and refuse, he knew that would only bring Uban’s wrath upon himself.

He went down to the storage and tightly sealed two barrels of alcohol. He shoved the stoppers in so securely that it wouldn’t be easy to remove before coming back up to warn Uban, who had once been somewhat of a friend.

“Take it back to the cabin and drink. The barrels are not to be sold, so bring them back later.”

As the saying goes, people feel differently when entering and exiting the outhouse, and with what he wanted in hand, Uban left the community hall with a rather unpleasant expression.

Thud thud. Holding the fairly heavy barrels in both hands, he crossed the village, encountering a group of villagers who seemed to be having a great time chattering among themselves.

“Did you see the cart earlier? I’ve never seen such a big cart before…”

They also noticed Uban. However, they didn’t acknowledge him. The women turned their eyes away as if they’d seen something they shouldn’t, while their husbands stiffened their expressions. Uban, feeling even worse, snorted in annoyance and hurried his steps.

Eventually, he reached the foot of the mountain. Sitting by the stream flowing from the mountain, he lamented.

What a damn world this is.

Such a lousy world.

Among the women he had passed earlier was someone he had genuinely liked when he was younger. He had confessed to her, only to be rejected.

Replacing her with another, he had confessed to a woman sitting next to him. “Let’s live together.”

“Damn it.”

Nobody liked him.

It seemed that all the village girls had conspired to reject his confessions, simply because he was an outsider. Well, of course. There was no way a girl like that would reject a guy like me.

Unlike you chickens from this village, I’ve even been to the great city of Lutetia.

Growling softly, Uban pulled out a piece of jerky from his pocket. He intended to wash it down with some alcohol, but—

– Creak…!

“Damn it. Why won’t this open?”

The damn stopper wouldn’t come off easily. After getting worked up, he finally got the cap off with a loud pop!

Damn it. What a pain.

Muttering curses, Uban downed the barrel’s contents. The evening glow reflected off the creek, and fireflies began to emerge. The scenery wasn’t bad. But every glance at the village, surrounded by low stone walls, twisted his mood.

I’m the only damn outsider here.

Just like that traitor…

Uban unleashed a torrent of curses toward the village. He openly cursed at the church with its protruding steeple, his eyes filled with resigned hatred.

The sun dipped lower in the sky.

Having finished one barrel, Uban considered going back but pulled another barrel closer. Damn it, it’s not like I can forget about how things are using just a sip.

– Splash.

But again, the stopper wouldn’t budge. Now a bit tipsy, Uban couldn’t open it right away and after some struggle, he threw the barrel into the creek. He soon regretted it and chased after the floating barrel.

He retraced his steps downhill.

It was only when he reached a spot where the current was weak that he managed to retrieve the barrel, but the village was nearby by then.

Ah, the alcohol must have lost its taste.

Uban turned around to head back to the cabin with wet feet. Just then,

“Hey, you guys. It’s dangerous to go too far.”

“Yes~”

“Tian! Tian! Look at that! It’s a firefly. My brother mentioned…”

Family?

All my family has been killed. As Uban stared blankly at the young boy, likely accompanied by a young girl and a young woman, he realized that they weren’t a family.

Even though the day was fading, he couldn’t help but notice how pretty the woman was. He spat in his hand.

At an age that was now middle-aged, he was still in his mid-thirties. The beautiful girl who looked like she was in her late teens could easily be his niece, but he tossed his spit out of his concern and swaggered closer.

As he approached, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

Her flowing black hair was enchanting. The exquisitely refined jawline indicated that she was from the city. With neatly arranged clothes and even makeup despite the late hour, she was qualitatively different from the village girls who didn’t know how to take care of themselves.

Of course, the sight of a woman primping herself while a man labored away was unappealing. Nature in its purest form was beautiful… But if she was this pretty, he could let it slide with a gracious heart.

Ahem! Clearing his throat, Uban spoke.

“Excuse me, miss. Hello?”

“…Yes. Hello. It’s a lovely evening. Tian, Lena! Let’s head back now.”

“Who are you? I don’t remember seeing you around. Ah, it’s getting late for my introduction. I’m Uban. I’m a well-paid hunter, you see. Just look at this fur coat I made. Isn’t it impressive?”

“Oh… yes. I’m Ksenia, and I just arrived today. Nice to meet you. I came out for a stroll, but I didn’t realize it’s gotten so late. Tian! Lena! Hurry up.”

“Wow, you’re leaving already? The view here is quite nice. If you go just a bit further up…”

“No, I’d like to properly see it in the light of day. We are ‘guests’ staying at the village chief’s home, so if it’s not too much trouble, would you come by tomorrow? I’ll remember that. Have a good evening.”

“Ah, no. Don’t do that, just…”

Uban grabbed Ksenia’s wrist. By happenstance, she could have pulled away, but Ksenia held on and smiled softly.

“There are children here, and it’s really late. Did you say Uban? If it’s not too much trouble, would you like to have a meal with me tomorrow around lunch? I’ll keep some time clear.”

Trying her best not to offend, she avoided poking at the drunken man’s mood. But

If the village chief sees me, I’ll surely get an earful!

As Uban thought hastily about accidentally mentioning his name, he grew anxious. When was the last time someone showed interest in me? I absolutely couldn’t let this slip away.

“What’s wrong? Ksenia. No, should we speak more casually? Ksenia. I’ll show you a great place. The kids will like it too!”

Stay calm. Ksenia replied demurely.

“A great place? I can’t wait. But really, today is quite difficult. It’s dark out.”

“Dark? It’s hardly dark at all. The fireflies make it bright, don’t they? And this is nothing. I know a place where fireflies come out in droves. It’s so beautiful. You’re even prettier though.”

Holding her hand, they bantered back and forth. But then the kids, noticing something was off, began approaching, and with polite but firm refusals echoing, Uban, who had faced rejection countless times from women, realized that this woman was indeed pushing him away.

This bitch is playing me?

His fondness rapidly turned to rage. Filled to the brim with anger, he grabbed Ksenia’s chin roughly, trying to force a kiss onto her.

– Smack!

“How dare you…!”

She slapped him. Uban raised his arm to retaliate, but he was met with a fierce glare from her.

“How dare you lay hands on me! Will you let go or not!”

Uban froze for a brief moment.

Surprised by her aura, he still couldn’t break through the alcohol-induced fog. He thought it was just a show of bravado as he grabbed her by the collar. Just as he was about to strike the insolent girl who had no idea of men’s fears—

“What are you doing to my sister!”

Santian Rauno lunged in. As the boy clung to his arm, Uban staggered slightly.

But after all, it was just a boy. He couldn’t take down a full-grown man like Uban. Uban shouted, “You little brat!” and punched the boy in the gut, sending Tian sprawling as he hurled up what he had just eaten.

Next up was Ksenia. Uban’s menacing gaze turned toward her.

“Why, why are you doing this!”

Lena, wearing a hooded cloak, stepped in front of Ksenia.

“Get out of the way!” Uban shoved the girl, who couldn’t weigh even as much as a handful, and she stumbled, her hood falling off.

Uban flinched, frozen in place.

In the dim twilight glimmered golden hair and sparkling golden eyes. Her still youthful visage bore a hint of maturity with her rosy lips and perfectly arranged white teeth. The elegant jawline suggested she had just begun shedding her childishness.

Never having had a chance to stain her with makeup, her rosy cheeks clawed at Uban’s heart. Normally, he wouldn’t have felt lustful over someone so beautiful, but intoxicated by the darkness and alcohol, and elation from having ousted the child, he was intoxicated by his victory.

He shifted his focus.

Although a bit young, she was much more appealing than that dirty girl toying with a man’s heart. Her looks were far…

“You bad brat!”

As Uban bowed his head and approached Lena, Tian lunged at him once more.

Shaking on unsteady legs, he clung to Uban’s waist, near yelling.

“Sister, sister! Run away! Hurry…!”

“You little pipsqueak! Let go of me!?”

– Whack! Whack!

Uban kept pounding the boy’s head, which was still clinging to his belly. But no matter how much he hit, the boy only clung tighter, determined not to let go.

“Ugh, ah… hurry…”

Run away. Santian, who clung to a man that could easily be three times his size, struggled. Using his writhing feet to scratch the ground, he had no strength left to wave his hands.

However, Lena couldn’t escape. Ksenia had pulled her arm, saying she would go get help, but she simply stared blankly at Tian.

That scene felt strangely familiar. Watching the small back shouting to run away reminded Uban of something he had seen before. Back then, Santian had been clinging to some fat uncle.

That’s when Uban reconsidered his approach.

Realizing he couldn’t shake off the annoyingly clinging boy, he grabbed the boy by the waist and lifted him upside down.

He intended to slam the boy’s head into the ground, but Lena yelled, “No!” as she held onto Tian. Ksenia rushed in to pull Tian as well.

– Riiip!

Amidst the chaos, Uban’s prized fur coat, which he was bragging about, tore apart.

Those damn little shits.

With rage climbing to the top of his head, Uban took out his hunting knife to carve up the prey. Red and intoxicated by the blade and alcohol, he threatened the boy, girl, and young woman when suddenly,

“Th-those scoundrels!”

Two young men were charging in, wildly pulling out their swords. One had light brown hair, and the other was a striking blond.