"I am Winona and this is my husband, Hrod. Those two are our Aringays, Loopi and Temur. They happened to be couples too." The beautiful woman who introduced herself to Freida as Winona left a lasting impression on her.
"I am Freida."
"If you don't mind me asking, how were you able to enter Paradexia?"
"Paradexia?"
Winona gave Freida an expression that suggested she was wondering about something. She eventually came to the realization that perhaps Freida hadn't been able to see how she was able to enter Paradexia after all.
"This place is called Paradexia. It's the place where beings similar to us call home. It's a world where different beings co-exist. To tell you the truth, humans typically aren't able to enter and exit Paradexia whenever they please, which is something you should be aware of. Before a human being could enter the gate, they would need an invitation from a natural from Paradexia."
"A natural?"
"Yes. Any supernatural being who exists in this world of Paradexia is referred to as 'natural', just like us. You should know that this world is home to a diverse race of creatures, all coexisting together. It would take us years to identify each and every one of them, but to summarize, there are beastly creatures, celestial beings, and the Hybrids.
"Hybrids?"
"Beings with mixed blood are referred to as hybrids. The majority of them are half-human hybrids that have been endowed with abilities that are comparable to those possessed by naturals. It's estimated that there are only a few of them still living in Paradexia. Most of them favored mundane existences among humans in your world."
Suddenly, Hrod interjected himself into the discussion by stating, "You could say that hybrids are forsaken in Paradexia, too."
"Hrod! Don't say that!" Winona tried to warn Hrod, but it appears that Hrod wasn't going to let his wife stop him this time either.
"Why not? Isn't it true that hybrids are forsaken in Paradexia? They're weaklings. They won't survive long here in our world despite their abilities."
"You may be right, Hrod. But you have to remember, the first Paladin was a hybrid."
"The First Paladin? The great Paladin, Sekatuna, huh? Fuh. That was nothing more than an ancient myth that had been told from one generation to the next. There was not even a speck of evidence to suggest that he had ever existed in the first place, so it is impossible to say for certain that he did. Even the Commandos who are in charge of running the competition to become a paladin are likely to have acknowledged at some point that a Hybrid was the very first Paladin. You're too old to still believe in hearsay myths, dear.".
Winona has been giving Hrod the side eye and he hasn't picked up on it yet, but she clearly means it to be sarcastic.
"My dear, were you implying that I am telling lies?"
Winona sent her husband a grin that was over the top. Hrod glanced at it and realized that he was doomed for even interfering on his wife's efforts to explain things to Freida.
The domineering control Winona has over her husband astounded Freida. How Winona, a woman who appears to be so femine, delicate-looking, and a complete damsel-like woman, is able to have such an easy time controlling her husband is something that would completely surprise anyone.
Hrod initially had such a terrifying appearance. Like, if anyone came across him along the way, they would immediately flee for their lives because, in addition to having a gruesome appearance, he also exudes a terrifying aura that no normal person could possibly contend with. It was understandable why the mere sight of him caused Freida to tremble on the ground.
It occurred to Freida all of a sudden that perhaps it could be because Hrod is Winona's husband, which could be the reason why Hrod acts inferior to his wife out of respect and love for his wife. At that very moment, Freida was taken aback by the fact that even mythical beings were capable of demonstrating such a high level of passion over a relationship better than some humans do.
When Winona, in the midst of a fit of rage, kicked Hrod's butt off the wagon, her admiration for them dissipated like a bubble that had been blown over by the wind. Although Freida was confident the kick wasn't particularly strong, the way Hrod fell outward was exceptional, making her wonder just how Winona had such strength.
"Well now, where was I again?" Winona inquired as soon as her gaze was drawn back to Freida. She went back and got her seat in front of her before pausing for a moment to think about the subject she had earlier forgotten she was discussing.
A prompt response came back from Freida, who stated, "You were referring to the gate of Paradexia." Fearing that since she didn't bother talking to Winona, she might end up being her next victim.
"Ah, of course, my bad. Historically, it has been the Dalaketnon race alone that possesses the ability to extend invitations to humans in this part of Paradexia. Because, after all, they were of royal blood. They were once held in high regard as sentinels of Paradexia by the Celestial beings who governed the entire realm. However, as time progressed, some Dalaketnons were able to extend their race by marrying other creatures. Eventually, this ability became standard for all beings that lived in Paradexia. That is why Hrod inquired as to who brought you here, Freida. Because if you want to go back to your world, you need to figure out who invited you here first, because that being is the only key for you to return home."
Freida was beginning to experience confusion as a result of the information that Winona had been providing to her, but at this moment, she was being overpowered by a greater feeling of anxiety due to the possibility that she would not be able to return home. Her only memory from before she woke up in this world was of a man wearing an overall covering who took her in immediately after he defeated Boran's doppelganger. After that, she has no other recollections.
But there was something about that man that she suddenly remembered, and it was a peculiar crest on his chest. A crest that has a peculiar beastly feature that looks like a creature with serpentine scales and flaming wings. As soon as Freida somehow recalled the one and only clue that she possessed from the unknown being that brought her to Paradexia, she immediately told Winona about it and inquired as to whether or not she had any idea about it.
"A crest, you say? I'm sorry, but unfortunately, I don't have any idea which race would use a crest like that. However, Hrod must have some insight to share."
Winona cocked her head to the side in order to get a better look at Hrod, who had resumed driving their wagon.
"I hate to break it to you both, but I don't even have the vaguest idea what this crest is supposed to be. Although, if you'd like, I could possibly make a suggestion for someone who might be able to answer that."
"You don't possibly mean—"
"Of course, my dear. Who else but Yajel, the shady dealer in the black market? It is a fortunate coincidence that we are going to Tamawo at the same time. We could take a direct route by the harbor and meet him there."