Crimson Order

"So… are they like… a group that participates in illegal human trafficking or slave trade?" I ask.

I don't know why, but thinking of this group, the images of a dark and dangerous underground organization form in my mind. The way Eris grits her teeth and clenches her fists when mentioning the Crimson Order only makes me even more curious. After all, she despised them so intensely that she slaughtered all those bastards in a heart beat. Absolutely no one was spared.

"Yes, but not just that," Eris replies, her frown deepening. She pauses thoughtfully for a moment, then continues. "Felicia, remember what I told you earlier about our two worlds—Terra and Faunae?"

"Huh? Terra… and Faunae?" I blink in surprise. "Ah! You mean the human world and the Furren world?"

"Yes, exactly." Eris nods in confirmation.

Gradually, I recall her previous tale that she told me earlier when we were on top of the clock tower watching the setting sun.

Humans originally came from Terra, while Furrens—those with beast-like characteristics—had their origins in Faunae.

Many centuries ago, a dungeon gate opened, linking these two separate worlds.

The result of that sudden connection was a big war. The two races, human and Furren, clashed and battled fiercely for centuries.

Eventually, however, peace emerged when everyone found a way to coexist in harmony.

But…

"What does this have to do with the Crimson Order?" I ask.

As Eris question just now seems very out of place, I can't help but wondering how this entire history of the world could be connected to such a sinister organization.

Eris closes her eyes and leans back, letting out a long sigh.

"It has a lot to do with it, actually," she begins, her voice growing somber. "Even though our two worlds—Terra and Faunae—are now at peace, there are still people who want to tear that harmony apart."

"Wait, are you serious? There are people trying to do that?" I blink.

Well, I'm aware that in certain places, individuals of the opposite race remain unwelcome.

Still, I thought those cases are only a small minority now.

After all, here in the town of Mistvale, humans and Furrens seem to live together so harmoniously, wholeheartedly embracing cultural diversity. They work side by side, laugh together, sharing meals, and even homes.

But… I guess there are still dark corners in this world.

And just like in any other places, there are bad people.

"Of course," Eris confirms, nodding slowly as her expression darkens. "That's basically the core ideology of the Crimson Order, the very reason behind its evil existence."

Gulp.

I swallow.

And then, slowly, she explains more about this group that she calls the Crimson Order—also known as the Order of the Blood Sun.

Many, many years ago, it was founded by a group of powerful knights who fought for the human side in the ancient war against the Furren.

For them, coexisting was unthinkable.

Their belief was straightforward: humans possess a superior, sacred bloodline granted by the Creator Gods, and are destined to rule the land and conquer nature.

To these knights, anyone with beast-like traits—the Furrens—were lesser beings, unworthy of the same standing as humans.

Thus, they never tried to understand Furrens; in fact, they seemed horrified by the very idea of someone possessing both human and animal features.

And whenever they saw a Furren, they kept asking themselves the same things again.

'Why do these people have animal ears?'

'Are they born from a human mating with an animal or something?'

'What kind of evil creation is this? '

'Are they cursed by the devil?'

'They must be cursed, right?'

And with that, heir cruel logic concluded that since humans were allegedly superior to wild animals or monsters, Furrens must be inferior as well.

….

Eris sighs again, her eyes narrowing. "It's like taking the finest wine and mixing it with filth, in their minds," she says bitterly. "They believe 'sacred human blood' shouldn't be tainted with anything else. That's why their symbol is a Blood Chalice—it represents what they see as the purity and superiority of human blood."

I feel a shiver run down my spine.

Eris then continues in a low voice, explaining how the Crimson Order views Furrens as mere livestock. That is why, in their twisted reasoning, none of their actions against Furrens count as a crime. They completely ignore the peace treaty. They treat every Furren like trash and will commit any crime—kidnapping, slavery, torture—without remorse.

Then, Eris asks a sudden chilling question.

"Also, do you know why Furrens make up the majority of sex slaves?"

Hearing that, a lump forms in my throat, and I swallow hard.

"W-What?" I exclaim, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

Her question seems to come out of nowhere, leaving me speechless.

Eventually, I stammer, "I-I'm not sure… is it because… we are more beautiful?"

Yeah…

Catgirls are cute and pretty

Wolf girls are too.

And fox girls also have their own charm.

I like fox girls a lot, but less than catgirls of course!

But… Eris's response only deepens my horror.

"Because, in their tradition, Furrens aren't viewed as people at all," she explains gravely. "Among many families, you're supposed to be faithful to your spouse. You're forbidden to sleep with anyone else—unless, of course, it's a Furren. They believe it doesn't count as cheating if it's not with a 'real' person."

Yeah, to their logic, Furrens are not people.

So it's not considered cheating.

Hearing this, disgust churns in my stomach, and I nearly gag at the thought.

And suddenly, it makes sense!

That must be why those men targeted me and Eris—for profit in an industry they see as perfectly acceptable!!!

"Wait… if I remember it correctly… all those men were human!" I gasp. "And they wanted to sell us to nobles!"

Eris nods solemnly. "Exactly. That, plus the tattoo I noticed on them, makes me almost certain they're part of the Crimson Order."

A heavy silence settles between us, pressing down like a suffocating weight.

At last, I find the courage to speak. "But even so… can't the Guilds do anything about them? What about the laws? Why let these people keep committing such terrible crimes?"

My frustration builds as I struggle to comprehend why the authorities remain ineffective.

Eris meets my gaze, weariness clouding her eyes. "Well," she begins quietly, "it's actually a lot more complicated than you might think…"

"What? How complicated can it be?" I ask, my anger flaring. "Crimson Order or whatever they call themselves—Furren are recognized by law, right? Committing crimes against us shouldn't be treated any differently than if they harmed a human. And surely," I persist, "the law forbids forcing anyone into sex slavery, right?"

Eris offers a grim nod. "Right, the law does prohibit forcibly turning someone into a slave. Anyone caught in the act would theoretically be punished severely. However…"

She then closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. "…it's not illegal to own a slave. And once you already have one, how can you prove that the slave's situation is illegal or coerced? No one listens to a slave's testimony. On top of that, practically every noble house owns Furren slaves. The demand never goes away. As long as there's a market, there will be traffickers. And let's not forget—some powerful families or clans are too big to touch, and even the Guilds are afraid to go against them."

She pauses, and I can feel my pulse pounding in my ears.

"So, basically…" I whisper, "the law is there, but it's unenforceable. It makes no difference…."

Eris exhales heavily.

"Yup, it's exactly that."

So, in the end, as long as the criminals aren't caught red-handed forcing someone into slavery, they always find a way to slip away.

And that means, for years on end, countless women have been coerced into slavery, their lives shattered.

Endless catgirls, fox girls, wolf girls suffered because of this.

My heart aches.

And tears start wetting my eyes as I think about them.

"Well, at least Mistvale is safer than many other towns, mainly because the Guildmaster here is a Furren," Eris remarks.

"Yeah," I nod.

Now that I think about it, I'm really glad GuildmasterKarlogen is in charge.

Perhaps, thanks to him, Furrens are having an easier life here in Mistvale.

"So, Felicia," Eris swims closer, and takes my hand. "When I'm not around, please try not to stay out too late at night. And if you see anyone suspicious, make sure to tell Karl or Gordon right away. Okay?"

"Nn!" I answer with a firm nod.

Reflecting on everything that just happened, I begin to grasp the reality of this new fantasy world—how despite the peace, discrimination still exists. In some ways, it's even worse here than back on Earth.

Well, I'll just have to be more cautious from now on!

"So… is this why you hide your true identity?" I ask curiously, and changing the subject. "Eris, are you, like, an undercover agent trying to get rid of criminals?"

As I recall everything, it makes sense now.

Eris must be an undercover catgirl cop!

Yeah, she could totally be an undercover agent working alongside the Guildmaster to stop these villains. Perhaps she already knew those thugs were planning to ambush me—maybe that was why she pretended to be weak and under the influence of that Nightmare Orchid, hoping to draw them out!

However…

"Ah… that…" Eris suddenly looks away, her lips parting as though she wants to say something more. But then she hesitates, and for a split second, I catch a glimpse of pain in her eyes.

Oh no…

Seems like…

My guess is wrong…

"Eris?" I ask, quietly.

"Actually…" She hesitates, pressing her lips together. "It's… not the reason I hid my identity. The real reason is… I…"

Ah… this is no good.

Eris is biting her lips, and hesitating too much.

I guess…

I should not press her too much then!

And so, I decide not to push. "It's okay," I say softly. "You don't have to tell me everything if you don't want to."

"But…"

"I trust you," I assure her with a small smile.

Instantly after I say that, I see relief flickers across her face.

After all, Eris has given me a place to stay, been nothing but kind, and even saved me twice—once in the dungeon and again tonight.

I have no reason to doubt her.

She must have a reason why she cannot talk about her real identity, I'm sure of it.

And furthermore…

Thinking back to myself…

Who the hell am I to even question her identity?

She lied to me, yes, but I did so too. I hid the fact that I was from another world from her, the fact that I used to be a man, and also lied about losing my memories.

Yeah, with that to consider, I'm totally in no position to push for truth here.

"Is… is that really okay?" she asks tentatively.

"Yeah, absolutely!" I say. "Just tell me whenever you feel comfortable. If you never want to tell me, that's fine too!"

"Thank you, Felicia…" Eris says quietly, returning my smile.

And with that, the tension around us slowly dissolves, and I feel like I can breathe again.

"But at least… erm… would you tell me your adventurer rank? Please? I'm dying to know! I'm so curious!!!"

"Hehe, I'm actually A rank."

"WHAT?? A Rank? You are not S rank?!!"

All of the display of speed, and strength, and deadly and bloody combat earlier.

And she's telling me she's only A rank?

HOW THE HECK DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE!!??

Eris giggles, causing small ripples in the bathwater. "Nu nu, I'm not that strong yet," she insists.

She then leans back and exhales, her gaze turning hopeful. "But one day, I will be. And when that time comes, I'll finally be able to enter that dungeon… and I will able to see my father again."