Chapter Thirty-Four: Ike

At this moment, the beastman realized his own lapse in manners.

“I’m sorry, um…”

Wang Xiao waved his hand, cutting him off. “It’s all right. Now, can we have a conversation?”

The beastman nodded, then straightened up. “Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Ike, of the Rabbitfolk.”

He paused briefly before continuing, “May I ask the purpose of your visit to our village?”

Wang Xiao gave orders for their things to be packed away, then said, “We’d like to trade with you.”

Ike was taken aback. “Trade?”

Wang Xiao smiled slightly. “Yes, we wish to conduct a trade.”

“But we don’t have anything to offer for trade,” Ike replied, puzzled.

“No, you do.”

Ike now looked utterly confused.

Wang Xiao decided not to keep him guessing. “We’d like to exchange supplies for information.”

“Exchange information?”

“So, what do you think? Is that agreeable?”

After a moment’s consideration, Ike nodded his agreement. After all, it was as if they were receiving supplies for free.

To receive goods in exchange for a bit of information—this was a very good bargain.

“Very well, tomorrow I will bring our tribe’s most senior member here,” Ike said.

Wang Xiao smiled, sensing he had gained their initial trust.

“Good, let’s set the time at noon. We’ll prepare a meal to welcome you.”

At the mention of tomorrow’s delicious meal, Ike’s eyes lit up instantly.

He responded cheerfully, “Thank you for your hospitality.”

As Ike was about to leave, Wang Xiao voiced the question that had been nagging at him. “Forgive my curiosity, but why do you lack beastman features?”

Ike smiled slightly. “This is my normal form. Only when we need to fight do we reveal our rabbit traits.”

As he finished speaking, Ike demonstrated. It was plain to see his thighs became much more muscular, a pair of long ears sprouted from his head, fur appeared along his cheeks, and his eyes turned red.

After the demonstration, Ike reverted to his usual form.

“A very impressive combat form,” Wang Xiao complimented.

Upon hearing the praise, Ike couldn’t help but smile. “Of course. Our Rabbitfolk are quite formidable fighters.”

Wang Xiao nodded. “Wait a moment.”

He went into the storage room and brought out a box of apples.

Ike looked on curiously, not recognizing what they were.

“What is this?”

Wang Xiao handed the box over. “This is a kind of food called apples. Take them with you.”

Ike hesitated, embarrassed. “Isn’t this too generous?”

Wang Xiao patted his shoulder. “It’s just a small gift, nothing much.”

Ike left, carrying the box of apples, unable to hide the grin on his face.

As soon as Ike departed, the others crowded around Wang Xiao.

“How did it go?” Xia Mengsi asked, the most concerned, since she had always advocated for making contact with the natives of this world.

Wang Xiao’s face darkened, and he remained silent, making the others fear the matter had fallen through.

Wang Dalin muttered, “Didn’t you seem to be getting along just fine? Why the long face now…”

Wang Xiao shot Wang Dalin a look, then heaved a long sigh. “Ah—”

Seeing they’d all been fooled, Wang Xiao burst out laughing.

“Haha, haha!”

As Wang Xiao laughed, the others realized what was happening. Damn, he was just messing with them!

Xia Mengsi punched Wang Xiao on the shoulder, and the rest joined in, piling on.

Once everyone had tired themselves out, they began to ask about what had really happened.

Wang Xiao, setting aside his mischief, shared the details of his conversation with Ike.

“That’s great! Not enough time today, but tomorrow I’ll cook up a proper feast!” Wang Dalin declared.

“Well, well—our Chef Wang doesn’t usually show such enthusiasm.”

“Heh, I just don’t want Infinite City to lose face.”

…

Early the next morning, the logistics team was already busy. Not only did they need to prepare breakfast for over four hundred residents of Infinite City, but they also had to get ready for their guests at noon.

At midday, today’s meal was more lavish than usual. Everyone was happy to benefit from the arrival of guests.

Wang Xiao went to the edge of Infinite City, where he could see the approach of their visitors.

Before long, two young people were supporting an elderly man as they made their way toward Infinite City.

One of the young people was Ike from the day before, the other a young woman. The elderly man appeared to be a respected elder of their tribe.

Their pace was not exactly fast, but not slow either. In just over ten minutes, they arrived at the foot of Infinite City.

Wang Xiao had already come down to greet them, accompanied by Xia Mengsi and Yang Ming.

Originally, Ji Weijie had wanted to come, but Wang Xiao refused him and called for Yang Ming instead.

Yang Ming hadn’t wanted to come at first, but Wang Xiao’s mix of threats and promises eventually brought him around.

“Hello,” Xia Mengsi greeted them with a smile.

“Haha, no need to be so formal,” came a raspy voice.

“My name is Aidar, and these are my grandchildren,” the old man said, turning to them.

“I know—that’s Ike. We had a good conversation yesterday,” Wang Xiao said, stepping forward.

Ike smiled, pleased that Wang Xiao remembered his name.

“This is my sister, Avril.”

Ike tried to bring Avril forward, but the girl was shy, hiding behind her grandfather.

Still, she peeked out from behind, studying Wang Xiao and his companions.

Yang Ming kept his expression stoic, but he didn’t step forward, content to observe from behind.

“You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Let’s go up and talk over a meal,” Xia Mengsi offered warmly.

Wang Xiao smiled as well. “Yes, I’m rather hungry myself.”

At the mention of food, Ike nearly started to drool, quickly helping his grandfather up and eagerly telling Avril about the delicious fare awaiting them.

When Wang Xiao and the others reached Infinite City, there was no crowd as there had been the day before—Wang Xiao had made sure of that.

At the dining table, Ike and Avril were instantly captivated by the dishes laid out before them, the aroma wafting enticingly to their noses.

Only the elderly Aidar remained composed.

“Let’s begin. Please, make yourselves at home,” Wang Xiao invited.

With that, he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.

As for Ike, he immediately grabbed a pair of chopsticks and began eating heartily.

He was about to reach for another bite when he met Aidar’s gaze.

Avril, at least, ate in small, delicate mouthfuls.

Watching them struggle a bit with the chopsticks, it was clear they had only just learned to use them the night before.

“Forgive us for the spectacle,” the old man said with a chuckle.

“Ha, it’s nothing, we eat like this too,” Wang Xiao replied with a laugh.