Even After Reincarnating, I Still Get Hated - Chapter 2

Alfred walked alongside the two white‐haired men. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d stumbled into something complicated.

The men led him along a winding forest path. Their eyes darted nervously between him and the trees.

(Why do I feel like I’m being escorted to my own execution?)

“Thank you for agreeing to come with us, Alfred-sama.” One of them bowed slightly.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Marcus, and this is my colleague, Lucien.”

Alfred managed an awkward smile. “Nice to meet you both.”

(Marcus and Lucien, got it. Wait—did he just call me ‘sama’ again?)

Lucien cleared his throat. “We are honored to be in your presence.”

(He seems so calm. Is he planning something?)

Marcus nodded. “Yes, it’s not every day one meets someone of… your lineage.”

(We have to be careful. One wrong move and he might unleash his wrath.)

Alfred tilted his head. “My lineage?”

(Did they find out my dad sells insurance?)

Lucien chuckled nervously. “Oh, forgive us. We didn’t mean to pry.”

(He’s testing us. Stay composed.)

They continued on. The forest thinned to reveal a small village nestled in a sunlit valley. Children played in the streets. Merchants called out their wares. It was idyllic.

“Welcome to Eldervale,” Marcus announced.

Alfred’s eyes lit up. “Wow, it’s beautiful here!”

(Maybe this is where my grand adventure begins!)

Villagers paused as they passed. Mothers pulled their children close. Shopkeepers bowed respectfully.

Alfred waved sheepishly. “Friendly place.”

(Or maybe I have something on my face?)

Lucien leaned over. “He’s so unassuming.”

(It’s the perfect cover.)

Marcus whispered, “It’s said that the Nightshade family was always cunning.”

(We mustn’t let our guard down.)

Alfred glanced at them. “Did you say something?”

(He mustn’t know we’re onto him.)

They straightened. “Nothing of importance!” they replied in unison.

The awkwardness deepened. Alfred shifted the topic.

“So, uh, who was that guy earlier? The big one who… tripped?”

Marcus sighed. “That was Grom the Mighty. He was causing some trouble.”

(Testing our defenses, no doubt. And I dispatched him effortlessly.)

Lucien nodded. “Yes, but thanks to you, the village is safe.”

(Or is this part of his plan to gain our trust?)

Alfred scratched his head. “Happy to help, I guess.”

(I still feel bad about that. Maybe I should send Grom an apology fruit basket or something.)

They reached a large building at the village center. Inside, a grand hall adorned with tapestries awaited them. A long wooden table was laden with food.

“Please, join us for a meal,” Marcus offered.

Alfred’s stomach rumbled. “Don’t mind if I do!” He sat down and helped himself.

(Finally, something’s going right.)

As they ate, Marcus cleared his throat.

“Alfred-sama, have you been away for long?”

Alfred paused mid-bite. “Away? Well, I suppose you could say that.”

(Considering I just got isekai’d here, yeah.)

Lucien leaned forward. “It’s just that… news might not have reached you about… certain events.”

(He must be wondering how much we know.)

Alfred shrugged. “I guess I’m a bit out of the loop.”

(Understatement of the century.)

Marcus exchanged a glance with Lucien. “Perhaps we should tell you about the Nightshade family.”

(Better to address the elephant in the room.)

Alfred perked up. “Nightshade? Sounds like a cool name.”

(Are they famous adventurers? Maybe I can join them!)

Lucien sighed. “The Nightshade family was once one of the most powerful in the realm, known for their black hair and piercing eyes.”

Alfred ran a hand through his unruly hair. “Is that so?”

(Wait, that sounds familiar…)

“They were unparalleled in their abilities,” Marcus continued. “But… they were misunderstood. Feared for their power.”

Lucien looked down. “The other great families… united against them.”

Alfred frowned. “That’s terrible. What happened?”

(I hope this doesn’t end like a Shakespeare tragedy.)

Marcus hesitated. “They were… eliminated.”

Alfred nearly choked on his soup. “Eliminated? You mean…?”

(Yikes, that’s dark—fast.)

Lucien nodded solemnly. “Yes. In a single night, they were wiped out. It’s said that none survived.”

(But here you are. Could he be the last one?)

Alfred shook his head. “That’s… really sad.”

(And kinda scary. Hope they don’t think I’m related.)

Marcus studied him carefully. “Indeed. Many believe that if any Nightshade survived, they might seek… retribution.”

Alfred gulped. “Retribution? Like revenge?”

(Please don’t associate me with that!)

Lucien leaned back. “But of course, those are just rumors.”

(He’s playing coy. It’s understandable.)

Alfred laughed nervously. “Well, good thing I’m not involved!”

(Come on, Alfred, change the subject!)

Marcus smiled thinly. “Of course, Alfred-sama.”

(Denial is a natural response. We must earn his trust.)

An awkward silence fell. Alfred shifted the topic.

Alfred pointed at a painting on the wall. “That’s a nice landscape. Did someone local paint it?”

(Smooth—art talk always works.)

Lucien glanced at the painting. “Ah, yes. It’s been in the village for years.”

(He’s trying to distract us. Clever.)

Marcus leaned forward. “Alfred-sama, may I ask what brings you to these parts?”

(Is he scouting our defenses?)

Alfred hesitated. “Oh, you know—just traveling. Seeing the world.”

(I have no idea where I’m going with this.)

Lucien nodded slowly. “In solitude?”

Alfred replied, “Well, I… prefer to travel alone.”

(Mainly because I have no idea where I am.)

Marcus exchanged another glance with Lucien. “We understand.”

(Training in isolation to hone his skills.)

Feeling the pressure, Alfred stood up. “Well, thank you for the meal! I should probably get going.”

(Before I say something weird again.)

Lucien quickly rose. “Please, stay the night at least. We insist.”

(We can’t let him leave without ensuring the village’s safety.)

Alfred considered it. “I suppose one night wouldn’t hurt.”

(Plus, free bed!)

Marcus smiled. “Excellent. We’ll prepare a room for you.”

(This will give us more time to assess his intentions.)

Later that evening, Alfred wandered the village streets. The moon cast a gentle glow. The air was cool.

He noticed a small girl crying by a fountain. Concerned, he approached her. “Hey there, are you okay?”

(Finally, a chance to do something right.)

The girl looked up, her eyes wide with fear. “P-please don’t hurt me!”

Alfred blinked. “Hurt you? I’d never!”

(What is with everyone here?)

She sniffed. “You’re… not here to take revenge?”

Alfred replied, “Revenge? No! I just wanted to help.”

(Is there a ‘Kick Me’ sign on my back that I don’t know about?)

She hesitated. “My kitten is stuck in the tree.”

Alfred smiled gently. “I can get it for you.” He reached up and easily retrieved the tiny feline.

Handing it back, he said, “Here you go.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, still cautious. “You’re… different from what they say.”

Alfred sighed. “Story of my life.”

(At least the kitten doesn’t think I’m terrifying.)

From a distance, Marcus and Lucien watched. Marcus stroked his beard. “Did you see that?” he murmured.

Lucien nodded. “He’s gaining the trust of the villagers.”

(First the child, next the entire village.)

Marcus frowned. “We must proceed carefully.”

The next morning, Alfred prepared to depart. Marcus and Lucien met him at the village entrance.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Alfred said with a genuine smile.

(Maybe now I can find that adventure I’ve been hoping for.)

Marcus bowed. “The pleasure was ours, Alfred-sama. Safe travels.”

Lucien added, “Should you need anything, our village is at your service.”

(Better to keep him appeased.)

Alfred waved. “Thanks! Take care!” He turned and headed down the path.

As he disappeared from sight, Lucien turned to Marcus. “Do you think he’ll return?”

Marcus sighed. “Only time will tell. We can only hope that when he does, it will be as an ally—not an avenger.”

Meanwhile, Alfred walked along the road, humming softly.

(Maybe things are looking up. I helped a kid, had a good meal, and no one attacked me today.)

He paused, gazing at the sky. “Alright, world! Show me what you’ve got!”

(Preferably something that doesn’t involve misunderstandings or accidental assaults.)

Little did he know, his journey was just beginning. The shadow of the Nightshade family loomed larger than he could ever imagine.