I Will Try to Save My Dad - Chapter 49

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 49

The Wild Dog Humanoid’s blade clashed against Father’s sword, and unable to withstand the test of strength, it was driven backward.
Father continued to press forward relentlessly, widening the distance between the Wild Dog Humanoid and our position.
A biting wind swept across the area, and the Wild Dog Tribe howled in response.
Hearing that cry, other members of the Wild Dog Tribe came rushing forward, targeting Father from behind.
Whoosh—!
It happened in an instant. My eyes couldn’t even follow the movement.
I didn’t even understand what had occurred. Four Wild Dog Tribe members were rolling across the ground in a heartbeat.
“What, what is this? How did that happen?”
“Master struck backward once. Then to the side once. …The last two strikes, I couldn’t see either.”
Theon explained Father’s attacks. Jeffrey clenched his fists and cheered for Father.
“Amazing! Reytan!”
“…Amazing.”
I murmured.
It was unimaginable for Father to lose to anyone, so the one I found truly remarkable was the Wild Dog Humanoid.
The Wild Dog Humanoid we’d been conversing with earlier.
Even in a starved state, it was holding its own against Father to such a degree. Unlike the other Wild Dog Tribe members who were defeated in a single exchange, it alone had managed to block Father’s attacks multiple times.
‘Could it be the leader?’
Even if not, it had to be the strongest individual among the Wild Dog Tribe.

“Releasing such killing intent!!”

When the Wild Dog Humanoid was being lured with meat, it certainly had no intention of attacking us.
But Father would have. He saw us together with the Wild Dog Humanoid.
“I’m sorry. You all nearly got hurt because of me.”
I’d been careless. As I apologized dejectedly, the two of them spoke in a tone suggesting it was no big deal.
“Actually, I knew Master was nearby.”
“So did I.”
“How?! Since when?”
I looked between them in surprise.
“Before the Wild Dog Tribe rushed at us.”
“Berry, you’re really slow, aren’t you? I was completely terrified. When I ran here, Reytan was incredibly angry.”
At Jeffrey’s words, cold sweat broke out on my skin.
Perhaps this time it wouldn’t end with just a reflection essay. I could hear the sound of my precious allowance and spending money slipping away.
Crash! Thud!
Even as we spoke, the battle continued. The Wild Dog Tribe, which had been pushed back by Father, let out a roar and rose onto its hind legs. Its body began to grow larger. It seemed to be twice the size it was before.
Father’s wind spread like a barricade in front of us. Dust swirled within it, obscuring our view of what was happening inside. On our side, we could only feel a gentle breeze.
“We can’t stay here. We’ll become a burden to Master.”
Theon, realizing the battle’s momentum had taken a dangerous turn, suggested we move.
“Okay.”
“Let’s go!”
Theon was right.
We turned back the way we came, trying to distance ourselves from this place.
But we had to stop almost immediately.
“…Huh?”
Five short tails swayed near the ground.

***

Three bags sent flying by Father’s gust of wind. Meat spilling out from within. And five unfamiliar puppies with their small heads buried in the pile below.
“Munch munch munch.”
“Slurp slurp slurp.”
Tears glistened in their large, eager eyes as they devoured the meat. These were the tears one shed when eating something absolutely delicious.
“Who are these guys?”
“Puppies? Where did they come from?”
Jeffrey and I stared at the puppies with wide eyes. They chewed and swallowed frantically, then chewed and swallowed again. As if savoring a heavenly feast, they were so absorbed in eating that we hardly dared approach.
“They must be starving.”
Theon muttered. One of them spotted Jeffrey and raised its tail stiffly, growling. Even trembling, it refused to release the piece of meat clenched in its jaws.
I grabbed Jeffrey’s arm and spoke.
“Jeffrey, they seem afraid of the wolf scent. Come behind us.”
“Aw. Cowards.”
Jeffrey grumbled and moved behind Theon and me. Once Jeffrey was out of sight, the puppy resumed eating.
Whoooosh—
Father’s wind still blew at our backs. What should we do? In that moment, the puppy whose eyes met mine wagged its tail and opened its mouth.
“This is delicious! You brought this meat, didn’t you?”
“Gasp.”
Human language.
“Are you… Wild Dog Humanoids?”
“That’s right! I’m Coco!”
Coco licked the scraps of meat from around its mouth and swallowed hard. At Coco’s words, the other Wild Dog Humanoids beside it perked up their ears and introduced themselves.
“I’m Toto! This one is X!”
“We’re Kiki and Titi!”
Being young, they seemed to lack wariness toward humans. Their straightforward, affectionate greetings were always welcome. I smiled warmly and introduced us in turn.
“I’m Berry Quartz Trabel! This is Theon, and this is Jeffrey.”
“Hello.”
“Hello, you cowards~”
Theon waved, and Jeffrey peeked out from behind us. When the Wild Dog Humanoids trembled again, Theon tucked Jeffrey’s face back behind him. Jeffrey made a small sound and stood obediently still.
I spoke to the Wild Dog Humanoids.
“But when did you all—”
Whoooosh!
Boom!
Crash!
That was when it happened. With a tremendous noise, a Wild Dog Humanoid flew into the air and plummeted to the ground, leaving a gash across the earth. Theon shielded my head, and I flinched, shrinking back.
As the wind ceased and the dust settled, the situation became clear. A path several meters long, freshly carved into the ground. At its end lay the fallen Wild Dog Humanoid.
Father’s victory.
“Oh, Father!”
Father?
The voice wasn’t mine. The puppy humanoids rushed past me toward the fallen Wild Dog Humanoid. They shielded the collapsed one with their own bodies, barking fiercely at our approaching Father as if he were a villain.
“So. Are you finished with what you wanted to say?”
Father spoke to the Wild Dog Humanoid. It seemed there had been words exchanged during the battle.
“That can’t be! You don’t understand our anguish!”
His voice was filled with rage, but the Wild Dog Humanoid couldn’t move. It appeared to have exhausted all its strength.
“Why do we attack humans? Then why do humans attack us! We were merely protecting our ancestral lands. Yet the cruel potions of the Alchemists are withering our land, are they not!”
A roar filled with fury echoed through the air. The Wild Dog Tribe cried out as if in its final death throes, then closed its eyes in resignation. It was weeping.
“Let the children go. Human.”
“Why should I?”
“The young ones are innocent! It was we who said we would kill the humans who failed to stop the development!”
“You also tried to attack my children.”
“…I apologize for that. I lost my reason for a moment, consumed by hatred for the humans who destroyed our land.”
“Is that so?”
Father moved the hand holding Windis. The white blade’s arc traced swiftly and elegantly, like white paint drawing a curve across the night sky.
“Since you’ve apologized, I’ll spare the children.”
“Th-thank you. Human.”
“Then I suppose it’s acceptable to kill the rest of you?”
“…!”
At Father’s words, the Wild Dog Tribe’s mouth clamped shut.
Gasp.
In my shock, I grabbed Theon’s arm. Theon looked at me, but I couldn’t tear my gaze from Father.
‘It’s fine. Father doesn’t kill parents with children.’
This Wild Dog Humanoid had adorable offspring. Since Father showed mercy to young ones, he wouldn’t kill the Wild Dog Tribe. I mustn’t interfere with Father.
“Kill me, human. Rather than receive your pity—”
It was when the despondent Wild Dog Tribe spoke with a groan.
“I’ll let you live.”
That’s our Father for you!
Father sheathed Windis. After several moments of silence, the Wild Dog Humanoid slowly opened its mouth in disbelief.
“…Truly?”
The Wild Dog Humanoid’s voice trembled. It spoke as if barely holding back tears.
“Why? I was trying to kill humans….”
I turned my head to the side with a satisfied heart. It was the moment my eyes met Theon’s and I smiled brightly.
“Before that.”
Huh?
With Father’s final words, another memory surfaced in my mind.
It was a memory of Theon Phil Igselona speaking with an exasperated expression to me, who recalled Father as a kind person in life.

– Do you know what they call your father outside?
– A handsome kind man? A compassionate Grand Master? What is it?
– Trabel’s ruffian.

Father smiled wickedly at the sniffling Wild Dog Humanoid.
“Crawl.”
“What did you…?”
“I’ll spare your life. So crawl over here.”
‘Oh no?!’
Father! That’s a bit much! The adorable children are watching with bright, sparkling eyes!!
Jeffrey whispered to me, my mouth agape.
“I told you, Berry.”
“Huh?”
“Reytan is completely furious.”

***

The negotiation fell through.
Instead, Father found himself positioned to become the new leader of the Wild Dog Tribe.
“I won’t do it.”
Four Wild Dog Tribe members who had been knocked unconscious by Father’s sword were now kneeling before him in a line.
“But that is our custom.”
“I’m human, though? How could you serve a human as your leader?”
“Well… the former chieftain, Zikal, has already given his permission, so it should be fine…”
“Go. Go eat some meat. I can’t be bothered.”
Father sighed and waved his hand dismissively.
“Yes! We shall do so!”
“Our new leader has spoken!”
Thanks to the Wild Dog Tribe continuing to cling to Father, I managed to avoid being scolded.
I played with the young Wild Dog Humanoid, Theon, and Jeffrey for a while, then excused myself by saying I needed to use the restroom. Since Coco had agreed to accompany me, no one else followed as I ventured into the Forest.
“Coco! I’ll take care of my business alone in there and come right back!”
“Okay! Sure!”
…Hehe.
I ventured deeper into the Forest from where I’d arrived with Coco. There, a Wild Dog Humanoid was resting against a tree with an injured body. He normally moved about on two legs, I’d heard.
“Excuse me, Father Coco.”
At my words, Zikal, the former chieftain of the Wild Dog Tribe, startled. He glanced around, then pointed at himself with his hand.
“You mean me? …You’re speaking formally.”
“I became friends with Coco! Oh, I’m Berry! But I wanted to ask you something.”
“…What is it?”
“What do you mean by saying the land has dried up?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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