On the morning of the third day after arriving at the base, as promised, the Silver Wolf Tribe came to greet them. Lil was surprised to see about thirty silver wolves, but apparently, this was after reducing their numbers.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Lil.”

‘Nice to meet you. Do you like your guardian?’

The most imposing wolf asked.

“Yes! Thank you for introducing Kohaku to me!”

‘So you named it Kohaku, that’s a good name.’

Kohaku looked proud.

Lil spent some time playing with the Silver Wolf Tribe, running around and catching them to fluff their fur. Time passed quickly while they played, and eventually, the Silver Wolf Tribe promised to visit again before heading off.

That day, Lil reported to Ian that there were no abnormalities in the forest. She hadn’t forgotten her duties.

After breakfast, Ian called out to Lil.

“Lil, let’s study today. My brother gave me some textbooks the other day.”

Ian had been instructed by Livian Wilson to assess Lil’s knowledge. Depending on the results, a teacher would be arranged if needed.

The knights were tasked with patrolling the forest without Ian again today, but Lil’s education was the top priority.

Lil seemed excited, suggesting that Kohaku join in the studying as well.

Ian opened the textbook and tested Lil’s knowledge. When it came to history and information about other countries, Lil knew nothing. What surprised Ian was her math skills. Lil was incredibly fast at addition and subtraction, and she could even do multiplication and division in her head as if it were second nature. Apparently, ‘Michiru-chan’ had taught her these skills. There seemed to be no need for Lil to study math further.

To minimize Lil’s exposure to others, Ian wondered if it would be better not to arrange for a teacher. He could teach her about the kingdom himself. Ian considered the best approach for Lil’s future education.

Lil was smart — she could likely study independently by reading books. It might also be a good idea to have one of the stationed knights oversee her studies. The knights assigned here were well-educated elites. Even the youngest, Gloria Solanas, had sufficient knowledge.

Ian placed Lil on his lap and read her a simple history book about their kingdom.

The kingdom’s history was rich with tales of divine beasts, which had lived alongside its people for generations. Occasionally, Louis would recount events from those times, making the study session fascinating for Ian as well.

Next, Ian spoke briefly about the neighboring Kingdom of Reiz. Since Lil knew nothing about her birthplace, Ian observed her reactions closely. However, Lil seemed to have no particular attachment to her home country and listened indifferently. Ian was relieved, feeling confident she wouldn’t be overwhelmed by memories during their lessons.

When Ian mentioned that there were hardly any divine beasts in the Kingdom of Reiz, Lil was surprised. Long ago, most of them had migrated to this kingdom.

“Well, it’s safer here, isn’t it?” Lil said with understanding.

Eventually, Lil became sleepy. Since her body was still small, she likely needed more rest than most.

When Ian carried Lil to her bed, she absentmindedly petted Kohaku. Soon enough, she found a comfortable position, hugging Kohaku tightly as she drifted off to sleep.

Ian returned to the captain’s office with Louis and sent a magic bird to his brother, informing him that a teacher was unnecessary.

That evening, Lil woke up. A wonderful aroma drifted in from outside, and she realized she was hungry. Quickly, she hurried with Kohaku to the dining hall.

“Lil, you woke up on your own? Good job,” Gloria said as she helped prepare the table. Lil joined in to help as well.

She wiped the tables clean and lined up trays and forks for everyone.

Gloria and Milena brought out the food, and when everything was ready, they rang the bell. Everyone gathered soon after.

“Lil, did you help with the preparations? Well done.”

Ian had briefly looked for Lil when she wasn’t in bed, but seeing her in the dining hall put his mind at ease.

“By the way, Lil,” Maynard Pfeiffer mentioned, “Tonight’s meat was a gift from the Silver Wolf Tribe.”

Lil tilted her head in curiosity.

“While patrolling the forest, the Silver Wolf Tribe showed up and gave us some of their hunt. It’s never happened before.”

Apparently, the Silver Wolf Tribe had been worried because Lil was so small and thin. That’s why they shared their catch.

The Silver Wolf Tribe knew Lil was an abandoned child. They could easily guess what kind of treatment she had faced before.

Feeling deeply grateful, Lil promised herself to thank them the next time they met.

The meat given by the Silver Wolf Tribe was delicious. It was said to be from a rare magical beast that lived deep in the forest — rare and incredibly tasty. Even the knights were impressed by its flavor.

Kohaku seemed puzzled by the fuss humans were making, but after thinking about the distance between the forest depths and the base, he reconsidered.

Lil, who usually only managed to eat a little, worked hard to eat plenty this time, determined to honor the Silver Wolf Tribe’s kindness.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be long before Lil could eat as much as a typical child her age.

Milena mentioned they’d turn the leftover meat into bacon and sausages. Lil couldn’t wait.