Leo knew his sister was resistant to meeting new people. Though she was young, he worried that isolating herself would stunt her growth. Since Majesty didn't seem afraid of this girl, Leo felt that if they became friends, he could finally breathe a little easier.
He was about to open his mouth to test the waters when the thin girl, displaying a surprising amount of worldliness, spoke first.
"Sir, and your lovely sister... if you don't mind, please share a meal here with me." She offered a soft smile, gesturing toward the extra food and drink she had prepared.
The aroma had already done its work on Leo's appetite. He sat down opposite her without a second thought. "Well, it would be rude to refuse! Majesty, don't just stand there. Come sit; the hostess is being very generous."
Majesty hesitated but eventually sat by the fire. Leo, a lover of good food and strong drink, wasted no time. He began stuffing his face and washing it down with ale.
Seeing Leo eat with such gusto made the girl's smile brighten. She raised her wooden cup. "One cannot eat meat without wine. I'm honored you find my humble cooking acceptable. A toast to you, sir."
Leo paused. Her mature mannerisms felt out of place with her youthful appearance. "Little sister, don't call me 'Sir.' It feels weird. And you're a bit young to be drinking like that; it's bad for the body. I'll finish this cup, but you should stick to water."
The girl laughed and downed a large mug of ale in one go. The alcohol seemed to bridge the gap between them. "Don't be fooled by my looks. I'm over twenty. I've been drinking for a long time—it helps soothe some old injuries I have."
Leo was genuinely surprised. A scrawny, tiny girl like this was a full-grown adult? I guess all Barbarians are drunks, even the women, he thought, delighted to have found a drinking buddy. "Excellent! Another round! Glug, glug, glug..."
Once the food was gone and the alcohol had settled, Leo's expression turned serious. "Alright. Let's talk business."
The girl, Gerdie, set down her cup and straightened her posture. "First, I am a Native Barbarian, not a 'transferred' one. I wasn't awakened; I was born into the tribes of Mount Arreat."
She spoke with pride, though her tone quickly dipped. "But bloodline doesn't guarantee a spot in a squad. Ten years ago, I was severely injured during the migration. It stunted my growth. My Strength, Vitality, and Dexterity are... well, they are far below average."
Leo nodded. That much was obvious. But Gerdie didn't look defeated.
"However," she continued, "the hardship made my mind resilient. Upon awakening as a class member, my initial Energy reached 58."
She peeked at Leo, trying to gauge his reaction. Leo kept a poker face, though his mind was reeling. Majesty is a genius, but this girl is a freak of nature. But... she's a Barbarian! What good is Mana for a Barbarian?
Seeing his lack of enthusiasm, Gerdie played her trump card. "Among Barbarians, there is a rare path. They go by many names: Shouters, Singers, or Wealth-Bringers. I prefer to call them Cantors (Singers)."
Leo was stunned. The 'Warcry' Barbarian? The 'Gold-Find' support build? It actually exists in this world as a specialized path?
"I am a natural Cantor," Gerdie said firmly. "My high Energy means I can sing without end, providing constant buffs and safety for a squad. Furthermore, a Cantor can bring immense wealth to a team through 'Find Item' rituals."
She paused. "Cantors are weak early on, but their potential is limitless. Powerful squads usually hoard us. But... you only have a two-person team."
Leo frowned. He didn't believe in free lunches. Why would a rare talent like a Cantor want to join a small, anonymous duo?
Gerdie bit her lip. "This isn't our first meeting. I saw you yesterday morning. You were the only ones who prepared thoroughly before leaving. You have a head for strategy, and you succeeded where others failed."
She leaned in. "You're not left-handed, are you? I watched you eat; your right hand is the dominant one. Yet you hold your shield in your right hand during combat. You've chosen to be a Protector. That makes me feel safe."
"Plus," she added softly, "your team has a girl. It would be easier for me. I can cook, I can manage logistics, and I will stay in the back. Please, consider it."
Leo stood up. "I'll talk it over with my sister. Meet us at the gates at dawn. I'll give you an answer then."
He led Majesty away, heading straight for the tavern. "Let's go get a 'second dinner,' Majesty."
Majesty smiled. Her "stupid" brother was actually being quite considerate, making sure she had a chance to eat without the pressure of a stranger watching her.
Later, back at their own campfire, Majesty spoke up.
"Brother, let's accept her. I'm still not great with people, but she has many benefits. Her cooking is amazing—I'd love to eat like that every day. And if a 'Cantor' can really solve our gold problem, we need her. Most importantly..."
Majesty's eyes turned sharp and serious. "I sense she's hiding something, but I don't sense any danger from her. She won't hurt us."