Hi, I’m the Hero’s Father ～I’m Sorry For All The Trouble My Foolish Son Has Caused You～ - Chapter 103

Chapter 103   The Hero’s Father and His Party Rest at a Secret Hot Spring

“—Phew. We’ve arrived.”

“Finally…”

After weeks at sea with no time to rest, the land was a welcome change. Mion collapsed face-down, savoring the feeling of solid ground beneath her. She could smell the grass and herbs and felt a small bug land on her nose. It was clear she was on land, not at sea. The excitement of the ocean had worn off quickly; she didn’t want to see the sea for a few years.

As she absorbed the sensations of Mother Earth, Wiel crouched down in front of her and poked her cheek.

“But Mion-chan, we still have to cross about five mountains from here, you know?”

“Ugh…”

For Mion in her usual state, this would be an insignificant distance. However, for the exhausted Mion, it felt like a distance from hell.

She knew she had to stand and walk to shorten the distance, but it felt as though her body had taken root in the ground, refusing to move.

“Well, there’s no helping it. Let’s recover…”

“No, Wiel. Wait a moment.”

“You?”

Just as Wiel was about to use magic to heal Mion, Croix intervened. Even though Mion was at her limit and eager for recovery, Croix had a different plan.

Croix unhooked his arms and pointed to the peak of a mountain visible a little ahead.

“There’s a hidden hot spring in that mountain.”

“I’m going!!”

Is it true that the mind influences the body?

Upon hearing about the hot spring, Mion’s exhaustion seemed to vanish, and she felt a surge of energy beyond her limits.

“Oh, now that you mention it, there was a hot spring.”

“Yes. It’s usually a secluded inn where no one comes by, but the food and service are top-notch. I guarantee it.”

“A hot spring… and food… and an inn…!”

After weeks living at sea, everything sounded incredibly appealing to Mion.

However, she quickly became wary and voiced her concern.

“Master Croix, you’re not luring me in with sweet words only to subject me to more grueling training, are you?”

“No. Really, I’m genuinely intending to give you a break this time.”

Croix’s tone did not suggest any deceit.

But despite this, Mion couldn’t help but suspect there might be a hidden agenda. If she got her hopes up too high, the resulting disappointment could be overwhelming.

As she tried to calm herself and steady her breathing, Wiel gave a wry smile.

“Mion-chan, you really don’t need to worry this time.”

“Understood!”

Finally reassured by Wiel’s words, Mion accepted it.

Croix, meanwhile, felt a bit sad inside.

“From now on, let’s be a little kinder to Mion-chan, okay?”

“Will do.”

◆

With Mion, now revitalized, they walked through the mountains for half a day.

As the smell of sulfur grew stronger, Mion became more excited. Then, after passing a giant tree, it suddenly appeared.

“…It’s huge…”

Mion stared in awe.

Indeed, it looked like a high-class inn with no signs of age. The level of upkeep was so meticulous that it was hard to believe such a place could exist in the middle of the mountains.

“I heard from Master Croix that this was a hidden hot spring and that no one usually visits here, so I was expecting a much older inn…”

“Well, it’s quite popular.”

“…It’s popular even though no one visits?”

“You’ll feel the presence from the inn.”

Following Croix’s words, Mion focused on detecting the presence.

“…I do sense it, but it feels somewhat off. It’s blurry or unstable, something like that.”

“Impressive, Mion-chan. Your presence detection is top-notch.”

Wiel’s unreserved praise made Mion feel a bit awkward.

With Croix leading the way, they approached the inn.

The door opened, and a young woman emerged from inside. She had a gentle smile and large ears, indicating she was of the wolfman tribe.

“Welcome, Master Croix, Lady Wiel.”

“It’s been a while. I’m glad you remember us.”

“Of course. You are among the few humans who can reach this place.”

The wolfwoman laughed with a tinkling sound like bells, but Mion was more intrigued by her unsettling words.

“…Humans as guests? Reaching this place…?”

“Oh, it seems you’re not familiar with this place?”

“Yes, I was brought here by these two…”

“I see. In that case, let me give you a brief introduction.”

The wolfwoman maintained her cheerful smile as she bowed.

“This is a place of final respite for the souls of humans who have passed away before they move on to the afterlife. This is the inn called Yūyo Kakuriyo.”

“…Uh, what?”

Confused, Mion looked up at Croix.

Croix, with a nonchalant expression, crossed his arms and spoke.

“To put it simply, it’s an inn for ghosts.”