MHWSW | Chapter 005

Chapter 5

Instinct.

No matter how human-like one appeared, it was a trait that never faded. It was the law of this world that prey naturally feared predators. So wasn’t it amusing, this audacious sheep?

Even living in the mountains, it was impossible not to know of the Ginevere Clan’s wolves. I bore all their traits: silver hair that gleamed in moonlight and golden eyes that shone in the dark. The colors that defined me were far from common—colors that unmistakably evoked a wolf.

“Who do you think I am?”

Aren’t you afraid of me?

Did this bold sheep realize who stood before him, telling me not to fear him? Didier’s eyes widened as he looked at me, then he lowered his head. Whether he was sulking or shy, I couldn’t tell. But the sight was undeniably endearing.

As I stared at him, waiting for a response, he began fidgeting with his hands. I couldn’t discern if he was deliberately acting cute. Hesitating, his lips moved slightly before he spoke.

“I… I know you’re a wolf, but I’m not scared.”

Do I lack that much presence…?

Never in my life had I considered myself lacking in authority, so my face twisted as if I’d heard something unthinkable. My last shred of pride crumpled along with it. Seeing my expression, Didier hurriedly spoke again.

“It’s just… you’re badly hurt right now, so… Did I offend you?”

“Even if I’m injured, I’m still a wolf.”

“Oh…”

Didier’s mouth opened slightly, his expression one of regret. His entire body radiated guilt over a mere slip of the tongue, and my response was already decided.

“It’s fine. You’re my lifesaver, after all.”

“…That’s a relief.”

“But aren’t you curious about me?”

“…!”

With every word I spoke, Didier’s expressions shifted vividly. His face dimmed noticeably, then brightened into a radiant smile. How could someone’s expressions be so varied? I had a strange certainty I’d soon see him cry as well.

“Erika Ginevere, as you know, a wolf.”

“Erika… Lady Erika.”

The way he said my name felt oddly ticklish. There was a peculiar joy and awe in his voice. He’d only just met me today and learned my name moments ago, yet his tone carried an emotion that felt centuries old.

‘Is it just my imagination?’

Strangely, I felt no urge to be wary of him. Was it because he seemed so harmless? Because he was a sheep? Or because he saved me?

Perhaps it was the surprisingly warm atmosphere of this cabin.

Puzzled, I continued.

“By the way, I haven’t properly thanked you. Thank you for saving me, Didier.”

“It was only natural, Lady Erika.”

“I know it’s odd for me to say this, but…”

“Yes?”

Didier’s eyes widened as I hesitated.

“Don’t just save anyone like that. It’s dangerous.”

Not the kind of thing to say to my rescuer.

People didn’t climb this mountain for noble reasons. Its treacherous terrain made it a haven for criminals hiding from justice.

There were small villages of beastmen at the mountain’s base, but they moved frequently for food, rarely maintaining proper homes like this.

‘…Now that I think about it, that’s a bit suspicious.’

A flicker of unease stirred. But before I could dwell on it, Didier smiled brightly and said, “Still, I saved your life, Lady Erika. That’s enough to make me happy.”

I gazed at his radiant smile with a hint of suspicion before asking something that had puzzled me since I woke.

“I’m truly grateful, but I’m curious. Why do you live here?”

“Oh! I was abandoned in these mountains as a child.”

“Abandoned? So you live alone? That must be lonely.”

“Strictly speaking, I’m not alone. I have a little friend here. Not a beastman, but this friend has kept me alive all this time.”

His words seemed sincere. Indeed, these mountains were not only a refuge for criminals but also a place where children were sometimes abandoned. Most didn’t survive—Anrendri Mountain was too harsh for the young.

But occasionally, some got lucky and survived.

‘I misjudged him…’

Softening my guarded gaze, I apologized.

“I’m sorry for misunderstanding.”

“No, it’s fine! It’s a situation where caution is warranted.”

“Even so, I misjudged you. I’m sorry, Didier.”

“It’s okay, Lady Erika. Oh, are you thirsty? I’ll fetch some water and something to eat.”

His actions, his bright smile, his warmth—things I’d never seen in the clan.

As I stared at him, Didier waited patiently, perhaps thinking I had more to say.

“…Thank you, Didier.”

A thank you for everything—for his warm smile, his kindness, and, though unspoken, for saving my life.

“…Me too.”

Didier paused briefly before shyly muttering a response. It wasn’t quite fitting for a thank you, but before I could point it out, he’d already turned away.

Watching him leave, I realized I was smiling—a strange occurrence.

In the clan, I never smiled, always maintaining my dignity as heir. Why was I smiling at someone I’d just met, whose secrets I didn’t know? It baffled me.

‘I didn’t even let my guard down this easily with Mary, Rell, or Aren.’

I needed to be more cautious. That was the right choice. Yet, unlike with others I’d met for the first time, I felt my walls crumbling. Strangely so.

‘Did getting lost mess with my head?’

I’d never felt this way even around those far weaker than me. Was Didier’s pure nature affecting me?

Strange as it was, no answers came easily. Perhaps I’d overthought it. Physical exhaustion began to cloud my mind.

‘I need to rethink my plan…’

Drowsiness, starting at the back of my head, overwhelmed me. My thoughts were swiftly swallowed by sleep.

Despite my tangled emotions, it was a peaceful slumber.

* * *

Chirrup! Chirp!

“Are you picking a fight with me? Huh?”

Screech!

“Keep crying like that. See if your master cares.”

The noise was grating, painfully so. High-pitched voices, as if arguing right above me, furrowed my brow.

“Hey! You woke my master!”

Chirrup!!

“Because of me? I’d never do that to my master.”

An unfamiliar birdsong clashed with a very familiar voice. Yes, a familiar voice. Though I wasn’t fully awake, my senses snapped alert. Sitting up abruptly, pain twisted my face again.

“Urgh!”

Chirrup!

“You done talking? Saying I’m fat and hurt the master? Hey!”

“Cove…?”

“Master!”

A black, ball-like creature bounced on my stomach. It was unmistakably my familiar, Cove. Cove, who shouldn’t be here.

My face contorted further, and Cove froze, studying me. Barely seconds after waking, I was at a loss, but I soon grasped the situation.

‘Why is Cove here?’

Cove was supposed to be in Father’s study, sending me signals. Yet here it was, in this cabin.

‘Did it come because I missed a signal?’

Given Cove’s loyalty, it was plausible, but my orders took precedence. It shouldn’t have come here. And wasn’t this place too far for Cove to fly?

‘Then how did it get here?’

Trying to calm my confusion, I looked at Cove. It blinked its gem-like black eyes and spoke in a worried tone.

“Master, are you in a lot of pain? You were badly hurt.”

“…A little.”

“A little? How is this a little?”

Cove’s incredulous gaze accompanied its tapping beak, expressing displeasure. It rubbed its beak with a wing, then flew to the side of a white sparrow.

The sparrow seemed vaguely familiar, yet new. But that wasn’t my priority.

“Cove, why are you here?”

“Caw! Master, I’m innocent!”

“…Cove.”

Appealing its innocence with sparkling eyes, Cove flew back onto my stomach.

“Cove, I understand. Just tell me.”

“Master! I’m wronged. Your orders always come first!”

“And?”

“That annoying bird’s master summoned me here!”

Cove’s words plunged me into confusion once again.