Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 46: “Distrust”
“Food and shelter? Such generous terms? What do you want from us in return?”
This was a deal, and Lusha wasn’t naive.
If the humans were willing to provide these things, the price they’d expect in return must be high.
“It’s very simple.”
Owen smiled. The fact that Lusha hadn’t outright refused meant there was a chance.
“You send a certain number of Lizardmen warriors to help our soldiers defend the northern wall against the undead monsters.”
“Undead monsters?”
Lusha hesitated for a moment, but quickly recalled something.
He remembered a story his father—the former chief—once told him.
There was a time in the past when, every winter, a horde of monsters that should’ve been dead would invade the Mysterious Forest from the west.
Back then, all the demi-human tribes joined forces to fight off the undead, forming a mutual-aid alliance.
That was the most united period in the forest’s history.
Later, however, humans built a wall to the north that kept the undead out.
With the common enemy gone, old tensions resurfaced, and eventually the alliance collapsed in a massive conflict, returning the demi-humans to their fractured state.
Now, if the humans wanted the Lizardmen’s help defending the wall, did it mean they were struggling to hold it?
Thinking this, Lusha sneered:
“Hmph, never thought I’d see the day when humans came begging demi-humans for help.”
“This isn’t begging—it’s a trade.”
Owen corrected flatly.
“In truth, even without your help, I’m confident we can hold the wall. It would just be more difficult.”
He paused, then added:
“Besides, don’t get too cocky. If we fail to hold the line, the undead won’t stop at us. Your tribe, camped at the forest’s edge, will be the next target. Don’t think they’ll let you off.”
What this human lord said made sense.
Now wasn’t the time for mockery.
When it came to resisting the undead, it benefited both sides.
So—sending warriors to support the humans was a sound move.
And if the humans really were offering food and shelter, the tribe might survive the winter safely.
With so much to gain, Lusha felt tempted, even itching to accept the deal right away.
“Chief!”
Just then, one of the Lizardmen behind Lusha stepped forward, grabbed his shoulder, and spoke in a voice only the two could hear:
“You can’t trust humans.”
Lusha turned to glance at his companion, clearly torn.
“But Kerman, my friend… they’re offering us exactly what we need right now. If we refuse, this winter will be brutal—many of our kin may die.”
“I know.”
Kerman said gravely.
To persuade Lusha, he laid out the worst-case scenario:
“But don’t forget—humans are masters of deception. Once we send our warriors, they might treat them as cannon fodder, forcing them to the frontlines. And when we’ve exhausted what little strength we have left, they could wipe out our entire tribe without lifting a finger.”
Whether Kerman had been tricked by humans before was unclear—but he clearly harbored deep mistrust.
And what he described… was exactly the kind of outcome Lusha feared the most.
This made Lusha very hesitant.
After thinking it over again and again, Lusha decided to return and hold a tribal meeting to gather everyone’s opinions before making a decision.
So, he turned to Owen and said:
“Lord Eisen, I can’t give you an answer about the deal right now. Please give me some time to think it over.”
“No problem.”
Owen replied. He hadn’t expected an immediate answer anyway.
“There’s still time before winter arrives. You can take your time to discuss it. Once you’ve made a decision, send someone to inform our people—I’ll have guards stationed nearby.”
Waiting for a reply was one part of the plan; more importantly, it allowed Owen’s people to keep watch on the lizardmen’s movements.
If anything changed, they were to report to him immediately.
“Then that’s it for today’s meeting. I’ll be heading back.”
With that, Lusha turned to lead his warriors back into the Mysterious Forest.
“Wait a moment.”
Owen called out.
Lusha stopped and turned back.
“What is it?”
“You still have wounded on your side, right? Out of humanitarian concern, I’ll have someone bring over some herbs shortly. I hope you’ll accept them.”
Humanitarian concern? Lusha didn’t understand the term.
But since the humans were offering medicine out of goodwill, he would accept it.
Of course, once they brought the herbs back, he would first have their tribe’s herbalist examine them—just in case.
“Then thank you,”
Lusha replied, and led his people away, leaving a few behind to maintain watch.
Owen also left with his guards to return.
On the way back, Mapel asked:
“Lord Owen, do you think those lizardmen will really agree? I feel like they don’t trust us at all.”
“I’m not sure. Right now, there’s no foundation of trust between us. It might take… a catalyst.”
“A catalyst?”
Mapel tilted her head in confusion.
To her, if you trust someone, you just trust them—like how she trusted Owen. Why would you need a catalyst?
【I actually think there’s a high chance they’ll agree.】
Winston relayed his thoughts mentally.
【Why do you say that?】
Owen asked.
【That Lusha fellow cares a lot about his tribe’s survival. Most likely, he’ll come back with some conditions of his own—and then accept the deal.】
【Let’s hope so.】
Back in Bianshu Town, Owen issued a series of orders:
- How many men to station nearby
- Who would deliver the herbs
- What their watch rotation would be
Three days passed in a flash.
Since the meeting between the two leaders, the only contact had been when the herbs were delivered.
Apart from that, there had been no communication—only mutual surveillance.
At the outskirts of the Mysterious Forest, near the temporary camp of the Sinking Sand Tribe…
Lusha sat atop a large boulder, his great axe beside him, sighing quietly from time to time.
Only when no one else was around did he allow himself to look weary or conflicted.
In front of the tribe, he always maintained the image of a brave, decisive warrior-leader.
But in this situation, he simply couldn’t show what his people expected of him.
The tribal meeting had already been held.
Lusha had informed everyone in detail about their current condition—and about the human offer.
Unexpectedly, opinions were deeply divided.
Some wanted to accept the deal, others strongly opposed it.
Things got so heated that a physical fight nearly broke out.
Now was not the time for internal strife, so Lusha had disbanded the meeting in time.
Still, arguments among the clanspeople continued in private.
“Sighing? That’s not like you, our chief.”
The voice came from Kerman, the same lizardman who had warned Lusha three days ago.
He walked over and leaned back against the boulder.
“Kerman… do you think I’m unfit to be the chief of the Sinking Sand Tribe?”
Hearing that, Kerman suddenly turned to glare at him.
“Lusha! You’re the strongest warrior in our entire tribe. If you’re not fit to lead—then no one is.”