The village chief's house appeared noticeably more spacious and cleaner than the other bungalows in the village.
The after-rain scent of damp earth mixed with a faint smell of firewood permeated the air. Several tanned animal skins hung on the walls, while unknown herbs were being dried on the shelves below, seemingly brought in due to the sudden downpour.
No lights were lit, and only the dim, gloomy light from outside the window barely illuminated the room.
The three of them sat around the wooden table.
The village chief, with white hair and beard, sat at the head position. Although his face was full of wrinkles left by the years, his eyes remained clear. At this moment, he carried a hint of undisguisable worry and caution;
Aspen sat next to the village chief, his body tense. The muscles under his burlap shirt slightly protruded, revealing some tension amidst his otherwise composed demeanor;
