Hector glanced at the girl with narrowed eyes as she devoured the meat like it was her final meal.
"She doesn't even hesitate as I hand her food. Doesn't she think it might be poisoned?"
He slowly touched his chin, studying her thoughtfully.
She might have arrived in this world, even though she appeared to be only around 12 or 13.
That was highly unusual.
So, Hector figured she must hold a notable position in her clan—one that gave her certain privileges.
That would also explain her terrible manners.
By now, he understood that if he didn't want to earn her grudge, he'd better be polite.
"Lady, I apologize for my harsh words earlier."
"May I know your name?"
She kept chewing, completely ignoring his attempt at civility.
A few moments later, she responded with clear sarcasm, repeating his earlier words:
"Why do I have to answer? Uncle!"
Hector heard that and let out a slow smile, as if he had seen it coming.
"Yup! I'm an uncle. But if you answer me, I'll cook you even tastier meals."
However, rather than being amused, the girl once again shot him a glare full of hostility.
"I hate all of your kind!"
With that, she tossed the meat aside and stormed off in anger.
"What the hell? Did I say something wrong?"
"Wait! Lady!"
But no matter what he said, she kept walking.
"Wait! I'll tell you about that dog."
At that, the girl finally stopped.
She turned around, eyeing him with deep suspicion.
"Really?"
Hector sighed, settling onto a small mound of sand, and replied slowly,
"Yes."
He hadn't expected her to react that strongly.
Maybe it was his fake flattery and tone that had ticked her off. Or maybe—she just didn't want to be treated like a child.
But Hector wouldn't repeat that mistake. From now on, he'd speak to her as an equal.
After that, the two sat near the fire again. But this time, a heavy tension filled the air.
"So, tell me about my dog now," the girl demanded, giving Hector no chance to change the subject.
Seeing her narrowed eyes, Hector sighed deeply.
To be honest, he had nearly given up on the idea of working with her. Someone with such a nasty personality would be hard to deal with—and her companions, if she had any, probably shared that trait.
He hated people like that because it was just too exhausting to deal with them.
Even so, he felt he should help her.
After all, no one's like that without a reason.
She likely hadn't been raised well.
"I actually feel a bit sorry for you," he muttered.
"What? What did you just say?" the girl asked, confused.
"Nothing," Hector said quickly.
Then he slowly pulled a metal ring from his bag.
It was engraved with glowing runes and shimmered in silver—clearly a piece of luxury, the kind owned only by the rich.
And more importantly, it had the word "Baby" carved on it. Hector figured it belonged to her dog.
He had found it hanging from a monster's horn.
Most likely, the creature had killed her pet and taken the ring as a trophy, like some beasts did.
Of course, he wasn't entirely sure. It was just a rough guess formed while the girl was leaving.
If he had realized earlier, he might've told her right away.
His ability to lie was terrible. And with a kid like her, he didn't want to lie anyway. He wanted her to know the truth.
"Well… I think this belongs to your dog," Hector said, nodding slowly as he handed it over and watched the girl light up with joy.
"Where did you find it?" she asked quickly, scanning the area. "You're here, so it must be nearby!"
"Hold on! Take it easy. I haven't explained everything yet."
A few seconds passed. Hector took a deep breath. Then, in a calm, serious tone, he spoke before she could rush off.
"Listen… your dog died. That monster over there killed it."
He pointed to the skeleton near the fire.
The girl's expression shifted from joy to anger and confusion.
"What do you mean?"
Hector held up the flesh horn.
"See this? The ring was stuck to it. That monster, with a horse's head, killed your pet and took the ring. Even it—"
He didn't get to finish.
The girl collapsed to her knees, staring at the bones with wide, trembling eyes.
"Oh… you understood faster than I expected," Hector mumbled, stretching his neck.
"She'll be fine, just like other kids," he thought. "She'll get over it."
But then her voice trembled.
"Y-you killed my dog and fed it to me?"
Her stomach churned. Her face turned pale. Her head spun.
And then she vomited.
"Ughhhh!"
"What the—?" Hector rushed to her side, concerned.
With his medical training, he checked her pulse and consciousness.
A few moments later, he exhaled in relief.
"Phew. Just mild shock."
The girl slowly regained awareness. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at him.
She groaned softly.
"Y-you killed my pet."
"Right. I did. But it had already eaten your dog. And you ate it, not your pet. So don't be so—"
He cut himself off.
"Just a dog… why's she so upset? I killed the damn thing. She didn't even have to do it herself."
But then something clicked.
"Wait… her pet?"
Realization dawned. Hector's expression darkened with worry.
The girl, still in his arms, didn't move—but her emotions clearly did.
Rage.
Hector gulped.
She stared at him with tearful, burning eyes.
He slowly withdrew his arms and gently laid her on the ground.
But she didn't let him go.
Her hands flew to his throat, gripping tight.
Before he could react, it was too late.
Her speed was inhuman. Terrifying.
"Impossible! Is this the power of someone from a great clan?"
His eyes widened in panic. Her right eye glowed a bright amber, while the left blazed blood-red.
"Shit! This is insane!"
He fought back, trying to pry her off, but nothing worked.
This sensation… it felt familiar. Too familiar. But he couldn't place it.
His vision blurred.
"It hurts… I can't breathe…"
He stopped resisting. All he could do was watch her lips move, probably scolding him, though he couldn't hear a thing.
Darkness crept in.