Chapter 69. Ambush

"I have gathered 15 beast tails," Niccolo said the following day when I returned to the cave without him alone.

"I have 20," I said firmly, avoiding him and keeping my distance from him.

Niccolo noticed it before he sighed. "About last night—"

"I do not know what you mean," I immediately chimed in before he could finish his words. I fixed my hair which was tied up in a ponytail hairstyle. "It would have been better if we parted ways. Let's meet once we have accumulated the number of beast's tails we need."

He opened his mouth to think he would protest, but he backed down, looking melancholy. "As you wish."

I secretly gnashed my teeth, feeling annoyed for a moment. Why did I feel irritated that he easily agreed with it?

I silently castigated myself before I gathered all the tails I had taken from the beasts last night. I spent my time distracting myself but let the other animals