They walked for nearly an hour.
Kael moved quickly, but he occasionally slowed down so Ximing could keep up.
Eventually, Ximing noticed something strange.
"You haven't asked about my ears."
Kael glanced at him.
"Why would I?"
"Because everyone else might."
Kael shrugged.
"I don't care."
Ximing smiled slightly.
"Good answer."
They continued walking.
Then Kael suddenly stopped.
Ximing nearly walked into him.
"What?"
Kael pointed ahead.
Through the trees, Ximing could see smoke rising into the evening sky.
Lights flickered in the distance.
A settlement.
"We're here," Kael said.
Ximing stared.
His first thought was simple.
So this is my new world.
But then he noticed something else.
People were watching them.
Or rather...
They were watching him.
Beastfolk emerged from their homes.
Some had wolf ears.
Others had rabbit ears.
There were foxes, bears, cats, and creatures Ximing couldn't even identify.
Whispers spread through the village.
"Who's that?"
"Is he human?"
"Look at his eyes."
"His hair..."
"He's beautiful."
Ximing became uncomfortable.
"Why is everyone staring?"
Kael sighed.
"They've never seen someone like you."
"Again with that."
Kael looked at him.
"Your eyes are unusual."
Ximing touched the corner of one eye.
"They're just blue."
"Not here."
Before Ximing could ask what he meant, an older orc approached them.
He looked at Kael.
"Who is this?"
Kael answered calmly.
"I found him in the forest."
The older orc's eyes narrowed.
"Found him?"
"Yes."
"Alone?"
"Yes."
The older orc looked at Ximing.
"What's your name?"
Ximing straightened.
"Lu Ximing."
The older orc studied him for several seconds.
Then he nodded.
"You're welcome here for tonight."
Ximing blinked.
"Thank you."
The older orc turned toward Kael.
"You'll take responsibility for him."
Kael's eyes widened.
"Me?"
"You're the one who found him."
Kael sighed.
"Fine."
Ximing looked at Kael.
"Congratulations."
Kael frowned.
"For what?"
"Apparently, you're responsible for me now."
Kael stared at him.
Ximing smiled.
For the first time since entering the beast world...
He felt like perhaps things were going to be okay.The village was much larger than Lu Ximing had first assumed.
As Kael led him through the wooden gates, Ximing couldn't help looking around.
Beastfolk walked through the streets carrying baskets, tools, and bundles of food. Children ran between the houses while adults called after them.
Everything looked strangely peaceful.
Yet Ximing noticed something.
Almost every person he passed glanced at him.
He sighed.
"I'm going to have to get used to this."
Kael noticed his expression.
"Don't worry about them."
"I'm trying."
"They're curious."
"Curious enough to stare holes through me."
Kael chuckled.
"You're unusual."
"You've said that already."
"Because it's true."
Ximing rolled his eyes.
They eventually reached a modest wooden house near the edge of the village.
Kael opened the door.
"This is where you'll stay."
Ximing looked inside.
There was a small living room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a fireplace.
It wasn't luxurious.
But it was warm and clean.
"You're letting me stay here?"
"For now."
Kael placed his axe against the wall.
"You can leave whenever you find somewhere else."
Ximing nodded.
"Thank you."
Kael looked at him for a moment.
"Are you hungry?"
Ximing's stomach answered for him.
Growl.
Kael raised an eyebrow.
Ximing looked away.
"...Maybe."
Kael laughed.
"Sit down."
A short while later, Ximing was sitting at the table while Kael prepared dinner.
Ximing watched him curiously.
"You cook?"
"Of course."
"You're surprisingly domestic."
Kael stopped moving.
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing."
Ximing smiled innocently.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"You're making fun of me."
"Maybe."
A few minutes later, Kael placed a bowl of stew in front of him.
Ximing took one bite.
His eyes widened.
"This is actually good."
Kael looked offended.
"Actually?"
"I wasn't expecting an orc to cook this well."
"You humans think we're uncivilized?"
"No."
"You hesitated."
"I was trying to be polite."
Kael shook his head.
Ximing laughed.
For the first time since arriving in the beast world, he felt relaxed.
Later that night, Kael showed Ximing the room where he would sleep.
"You can use this."
Ximing looked around.
"Thank you."
Kael nodded.
"Get some rest."
He turned to leave.
"Kael."
He stopped.
"Yes?"
"Why are you helping me?"
Kael was silent.
Then he answered simply.
"Because I found you alone."
"That's it?"
"That's enough."
He closed the door.
Ximing stood quietly in the room.
Those words stayed with him.
That's enough.
In his old life, people always wanted a reason before helping him.
Money.
Status.
Family connections.
Something in return.
But Kael had simply helped because Ximing needed help.
He smiled.
"Maybe this world really is different."