Hi, I’m the Hero’s Father ～I’m Sorry For All The Trouble My Foolish Son Has Caused You～ - Chapter 106

Chapter 106   The Demi-Human Girl Weeps

The three of them, thoroughly warmed to their core, left the bath and returned to their guest room.

The yukata, a type of clothing unique to certain island nations, provided just the right amount of coolness for their heated bodies.

They sighed in relief and looked outside at the evening twilight.

On their way back to the room, they had passed by a considerable number of ghosts, but seeing so many had made Mion accustomed to them.

As Wiel had said, it might indeed be better to see them.

“It’s amazing to see so many different kinds of beings here. Not just humans, but a lot of demi-humans too…”

“Death comes equally to everyone, after all.”

“But if all the souls from around the world gather here, wouldn’t that be quite a problem? It seems like it would be hectic both in terms of management and work…”

Mion’s question was valid.

Wiel answered her query.

“This is a good opportunity. Try using a wide-area detection spell.”

“Y-yes.”

The wide-area detection spell was one Wiel had taught Mion while they were at sea.

Mion had learned it by constantly detecting approaching sea beasts, driven by sheer desperation.

As a result, combined with her talent for magical control, she had become capable of detecting over a considerable range.

Mion concentrated and deployed a magic circle in her palms.

By bringing her hands, with the magic circle, together in a prayer-like gesture, the wide-area detection spell was activated.

(──Huh…?)

It spread. It spread further. And still, it spread.

As it expanded, a map of the mansion was formed in her mind.

However… even when she reached the limit of her detection ability, which was 2 kilometers, she still couldn’t grasp the entire layout.

“…Isn’t this too vast?”

“That’s right. Even with my detection magic, I can’t perceive everything.”

“No way.”

Wiel’s magical prowess was believed to be the best in the world.

If even Wiel’s detection magic couldn’t reach every corner, just how vast is this place?

“Well, if it’s this expansive, you’d think it would be easy to find living guests as well…”

“This is a realm between life and death, so living people can’t enter easily.”

So why were the two of them able to come so easily?

Mion didn’t ask such an awkward question.

The answer was simple: It was because it was Croix and Wiel.

“Even those working here aren’t living beings. However, they aren’t dead either. Just think of them as something in between.”

“…I see!”

Mion stopped pondering.

After returning from the outdoor bath to the guest room, Titi bowed gracefully to the three of them.

“Everyone, the banquet is ready. Please, proceed to the grand hall.”

“Thank you, Titi.”

Croix and Wiel followed Titi with the ease of familiarity.

But Mion couldn’t understand why they were hosting a banquet for them, who had just arrived.

She wanted to ask but was more preoccupied with the loud protests of her stomach demanding food.

For now, she decided to follow quietly.

After a few minutes of walking with Titi’s guidance, they stopped in front of an exceptionally large sliding door, which a waiting maid solemnly opened.

“Wow…!”

The array of extravagant dishes that greeted Mion’s eyes was breathtaking.

The tantalizing aroma tickled her nostrils, as if it were stimulating her primal instinct for food.

“That’s splendid.”

“I’m sorry for always receiving such excellent treatment, Titi-sama.”

“No, not at all. It’s really rare to have a guest who is alive. We always give our utmost hospitality to those who come. That’s our motto here.”

Titi’s words cleared up the earlier confusion.

So that’s why there’s a feast, she thought.

But that wasn’t important. She was so eager to eat that she could hardly wait.

As Mion was about to dive into the food, Titi stopped her, saying, “Please wait.”

“Today is a feast. Therefore, we would like to invite our guest from the afterlife.”

“A… afterlife…?”

Mion involuntarily grimaced.

But please understand her feelings. Even though she was used to it, dining with ghosts was far too awkward.

“Well, well, it’s not a big deal, Mion-chan.”

“Yes. Meals are better when they are lively.”

“And those over there have requested it as well.”

“U… okay, I understand…”

Three against one. No matter how much she protested, Mion’s opinion wouldn’t prevail.

In that case, it might be better to just accept it.

Fortunately, the world’s strongest couple was nearby. She probably wouldn’t die… probably.

Titi smiled, placed her hand on the sliding door opposite the side they entered from… and opened it.

“…Huh?”

She braced herself, but there was no one there. Just a dark corridor stretching on.

—No, that’s not right. There is someone.

From the shadow of the door, rabbit ears were visible.

And then… peek.

The childhood friend… the girl, peeked out.

“……Ah…”

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Why hadn’t she noticed this before?

This is an inn where the souls of the dead gather.

So it wouldn’t be strange if they were here.

…The ones who were killed back then.

“Wow! It’s Mion!”

“You really came!”

“This is Alan’s girl, huh?”

“You’ve got a more refined look since we last saw you.”

“Mion-ne-chan, play with us!”

The translucent figures of everyone who had come from beyond the door gathered around Mion, bustling with energy.

They were all familiar faces. Though they were translucent, they all showed lively, cheerful smiles.

Among them, a young girl who seemed so young she could hardly speak clung to Mion’s arm.

She was like a younger sister to Mion, someone who had been close, had played a lot, and had laughed a lot…

She felt no warmth. But she felt a chilling coldness.

Though she didn’t feel any physical sensations… she felt that she was there. She felt her presence.

The next moment, Mion hugged the girl with all her might.

There was no physical sensation, but it was a strange feeling that she could hug tightly.

Emotions surged forth. She wanted to convey many feelings.

But the first words that came out were──.

“M… everyone… s-sorry… s-sorry for everything!! I-I was scared, and I was just so scared! I-I couldn’t protect you all, and I’m so, so sorry!! Waaahhh!!!”

It was a cry of anguish and apology.

Everything she had been holding back until now came pouring out.

If it had to be summed up in one word, it would be regret.

The regret that had been stuck in Mion’s chest flowed out as tears.

“Don’t apologize, Mion.”

“We’re okay now.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“We know you did your best.”

“Don’t cry, Mion-ne-chan. It’s alright.”

Everyone desperately tried to console Mion.

But she couldn’t stop crying, and continued to weep until the steam disappeared from the food.