The men's and women's hot springs were separated only by a thin bamboo wall, so Riku's words naturally carried over to the side where Fia was bathing.
"This place was something I stumbled upon by chance," Fia said proudly, soaking her petite body in the water, ears and tail twitching. "Since it's so well-hidden, I decided to settle the tribe here."
"It's been years since anyone from another race found us. But how did you know about this place so easily?" Fia suddenly asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"Haha, that's my secret. Let's just say I have some special abilities," Riku answered with a relaxed smile.
"Hmph, such a vague answer is so unsatisfying," Fia pouted, her face adorably scrunched up. Her childlike figure and cute demeanour made it hard not to smile.
Of course, Riku couldn't see her through the wall otherwise, he'd probably be tempted to pat her head again. For now, he simply enjoyed the moment.
"Fia, can I ask you something?" Riku looked up at the dark night sky, a faint grin on his lips.
"What is it you want to ask?" Fia replied curiously.
"How old are you now?" Riku asked bluntly.
"Why do you ask?" Fia hesitated for a moment, but finally answered softly, "I'm 17 years old."
As she spoke, a complicated look flashed through Fia's red eyes. She'd shown incredible talent from a young age, with her physical abilities almost reaching the limits of her race by the time she was seven, and later being able to use Blood Destruction.
Her tribe treated her as their hope for the future and nurtured her at all costs, a heavy burden that had often left her breathless. But after her battle with Riku, she finally felt she'd been able to let loose.
"Seventeen, huh… so you really are a young Werebeast princess," Riku blinked in surprise. "Honestly, I thought you'd be older, with the way you talk."
"Are you looking down on me?" Fia bristled, though she didn't really understand Riku's words.
"No, not at all! Anyone with your strength at seventeen no one would dare underestimate you. It's just… the way you speak sounds so mature, I figured you must be older."
"I've read a lot of books… and this way of speaking seemed more dignified," Fia admitted, face reddening a bit. She sounded a little embarrassed.
But habits are hard to break, and she'd gotten used to it.
"Is it that strange?" she asked hesitantly.
"Haha, not at all! Honestly, it suits you." Riku chuckled. "It's kind of a charm point, you shouldn't change it."
"You're a strange person, Riku," Fia said, shaking her head.
"Maybe so." Riku gazed at the blood-red sky, feeling oddly relaxed. How long had it been since he could just unwind like this? Maybe it was being in a fantasy world after all, real life had always felt like a bad game.
"Anyway, enjoy your bath. I need to go discuss our alliance with the others," Fia said, climbing out of the hot spring and drying off before heading back to the palace.
"Sure," Riku replied, simply nodding.
Fia changed into a clean kimono and entered the council room, where the werebeast leaders were already gathered.
"Fia, you're here," the old chief greeted her with a smile. The others nodded as well.
Fia took the seat at the head of the table.
"So, is that human really so strong? Strong enough that you'd admit defeat?" the chief asked seriously, and everyone looked at Fia expectantly.
"Yes, he's very strong. If he'd chosen to attack our tribe directly, we would have been wiped out. All of us, including me, would be dead. Riku would probably have only been injured," Fia replied earnestly, scanning the faces of her kin.
A collective gasp ran through the room. They'd witnessed the fight above the village, but only heard the distant sounds of the real battle. They knew Riku was powerful, but hadn't realised just how overwhelming his strength was.