Chapter 44

The man glared at Volfg with a look of contempt.

Volfg, in turn, shouted back, "I didn't do it!" but the man wouldn't listen.

If this continued, nothing would be resolved, so Luisha decided to ask the man, the merchant Marcus, for details.

According to Marcus, the wooden box containing his magical tools, which he had placed in an alley, disappeared while he was looking away for a moment.

And unfortunately, Volfg happened to be walking through the alley at that time.

So Marcus suspected that Volfg had hidden the goods somewhere.

"That's why I'm telling you I didn't do it!"

"Shut up! Why would I believe a beastman!"

Beastman discrimination still runs deep.

While discriminatory acts are regulated by the kingdom's laws, the long-standing prejudices don't disappear so easily.

Even now, there are many restaurants and inns that refuse to serve beastmen.

And when a crime occurs, it's not uncommon for a beastman to be suspected as the culprit.

Even without solid evidence that Volfg committed the crime, there's a high possibility he could be blamed.

If that's the case, then I have to do my best.

As a human, I should be able to get this man to listen to me.

With that thought, Luisha took action.

"Alright, then I'll find the real culprit! If I find him, will you release Volfg?"

"Huh? Of course, I don't mind that... but..."

Pressed by Luisha, Marcus agreed.

"But the deadline is until this evening. If it goes past that, I'll report it to the Royal Knights."

"Understood. That's fine."

Luisha made the agreement with Marcus and then turned to Volfg.

"Alright, let's find the real culprit!"

Luisha smiled brightly, and Volfg barked back.

"Hey, why are you sticking your neck out for me! You're not involved in this!"

Deep down, he was actually happy.

He had hardly ever been protected by anyone before.

But the years of discrimination had twisted Volfg's heart, and he couldn't accept Luisha's kindness openly.

"What's your angle? Being nice to me won't do you any good!"

Volfg said this as if pushing Luisha away, but Luisha didn't make a single unpleasant face at the harsh words.

After a moment of silence, the words he spoke pierced Volfg's heart deeply.

"Hmm, Volfg, you think too much. I'm not trying to use you or anything."

"Then, then why are you getting involved with me! Hanging out with a beastman will only bring you trouble!"

Luisha laughed and replied.

"Because we're friends, of course!"