On a sunny day, everyone in the Giant Bear Tribe was busy with their tasks – cleaning hides, training, teaching children to read, and more.
Kai and Luo were also training, nearly finished with their session.
“When are you going to talk to him?” Kai asked anxiously, glancing around to ensure no one overheard their plans.
“I’d rather not risk it. He’s your Father, you should be the one to tell him.” Luo said, wiping his nose.
“What!? Last time we agreed you’d do it! Why back out now?” Kai’s red eyes widened.
They had planned to speak up last time but ended up saying nothing after training.
“You said your Father is scary. So, I don’t dare ask.” Luo replied uncomfortably, his expression making Kai want to punch him.
“I’ve told you many times: he’s only like that with me, not with others.” Kai rolled his eyes.
“I still won’t do it. There’s no benefit in this difficult task.” Luo firmly said, showing his true cleverness despite his simple appearance.
“Good, good. As the Chieftain’s Son, he won’t scold you.” Luo nodded repeatedly, relieved it would not be him.
“Fine, but I’m only speaking for myself. I won’t be mentioning you.” Kai pretended to be angry.
“No, include me as well! Having two people is better for your safety.” Luo quickly pleaded.
Kai turned away unhappily. “It’s your fault for not speaking up, so I’ll go alone.”
He was trying reverse psychology, hoping it might change Luo’s mind.
“It wouldn’t help if I was the one who asked. You’re the one who needs to do it.” Luo helplessly said.
“How would it not help? Let’s go together. It might work better that way.” Kai suggested, thinking sharing the scolding between two people would be much easier than bearing it alone.
“Both of us? I’m not sure…” Luo sensed something was not right.
“Having both of us shows we both want to go, and Father won’t get angry with you present.” Kai explained, looking around before adding, “It increases our odds of success.”
“When you put it that way, it makes sense.” Luo nodded thoughtfully. “Alright, let’s go together.”
“What are we waiting for? Training’s done,” Kai urged from ahead.
They crept to the Chieftain’s wooden house, checking that no one was around.
“Father, I need to discuss something with you,” Kai said directly.
“Chieftain, I also have something to say,” Luo quickly added.
Shan put down his work and looked up seriously. He initially wanted to send Kai back to training but hearing Luo’s voice made him take a deep breath. “What is it? The same thing or different?”
“Father, we want to go on an expedition for experience.” Kai boldly said.
“Yes, Chieftain, that’s what I wanted to discuss too.” Luo agreed.
Shan was stunned, questioning if he had heard correctly. “Are you both serious about this?”
This was no small matter – while the Tribe sent people out annually for training, not everyone could go.
“Yes, we’re both being serious.” Kai nodded, immediately becoming submissive despite his usual confident demeanor. He kept his head down, fearing to get scolded or beaten. Ȓ𝐚ＮO͍ᛒĘš
“That’s right.” Luo added, standing straight without fear.
“Do you understand what you’re asking for? Leaving the Tribe for training isn’t a small matter.” Shan said sternly. If not for the outsider’s presence, he would have already struck his Son for being so presumptuous.
“We know exactly what we’re asking for. That’s why we came to you.” Kai boldly said, emboldened by Luo’s presence.
“Yes, we thought about this for a long time before asking.” Luo echoed like a parrot.
“No. The rainy season is coming. You can’t go until after the snow season.” Shan firmly refused. Having lived for so long, he knew the rainy season’s dangers all too well. He could not allow his Son to take the risk.
“Father, we still have over ten days. We’ll return before it rains.” Kai pleaded.
“We’ll look after each other. Nothing will go wrong,” Luo finally said something useful.
“Where would you be training? We’re the only Large Tribe around.” Shan challenged. The surrounding Tribes were all small, which they looked down upon. Warriors typically trained at Large Tribes, never small ones.
“We’ll figure it out as we go.” Kai said without hesitation, knowing they did not have enough time to reach other Large Tribes five or six days away.
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