Hi, I’m the Hero’s Father ～I’m Sorry For All The Trouble My Foolish Son Has Caused You～ - Chapter 43

Chapter 43   The Hero’s Mother Goes Round and Round

After several more hours of walking, the trio reached the summit of a small hill, where the trees parted to reveal a vast expanse of blue stretching out below. The beautiful city by the sea bustled with people, and even from this distance, the scent of fish carried on the wind, tickling their noses. Mion, with her sharp rabbitfolk sense of smell, was naturally the first to notice, but Croix and Wiel could also pick up the scent.

“There it is, the port town of Acreana,” Croix announced.

“It’s such a beautiful city…!” Mion exclaimed.

“It’s also known as the ‘City of Water,’ with canals running through it. You can even travel through the city on small boats,” Wiel added.

“What? I want to ride one! I really want to!” Mion said, her excitement bubbling over.

“Later. First, let’s head to the inn,” Croix suggested.

“Yes!” Mion responded, her excitement making her seem like a child on a trip.

Reflecting on it, Croix realized he had never been able to give Alka such an experience. Maybe once everything was over, a family trip would be a good idea. The thought made him feel a bit sentimental.

Descending the hill, the three passed through the inspection at Acreana’s gates and entered the city. The vast canals and beautiful buildings gave the impression that the city was floating on water.

“This is amazing…” Mion murmured in awe.

“Acreana is divided into the northern and southern districts. The southern district is the tourist area, while the northern district is where the port is located. The atmosphere changes distinctly along the main road,” Wiel explained.

“So, this is the southern district?” Mion asked.

“That’s right. Let’s head to the inn. The king reserved a place for us,” Croix replied.

At that, Wiel pulled out two pieces of paper from somewhere. One was a map to the inn, and the other was a letter of introduction written by Ashtar himself.

“Let’s see… This way. Please follow me,” Wiel said, starting to lead the way.

“Wait,” Croix interrupted, causing Wiel to turn back with a puzzled expression.

“What’s the matter?” Wiel asked.

“Now that I think about it, weren’t you always terrible with directions?” Croix replied.

“Oh, come on. How long ago was that? I’m a full-grown adult now. You can trust me,” Wiel said confidently.

“…Alright, if you say so,” Croix responded, still slightly doubtful.

Wiel marched forward with enthusiasm, while Croix and Mion followed behind.

“Is Wiel really that bad with directions?” Mion asked.

“Yeah. Back when we lived in the capital before moving to the village, she once went shopping at a store just four doors down and didn’t return for half a day,” Croix explained.

“That’s pretty serious,” Mion remarked.

“Yeah, I eventually gave up on her,” Croix admitted.

Since moving to the village, things had improved. The village wasn’t as confusing as the capital, with clearer views and fewer twists and turns. But in a chaotic city like Niruvelt or Acreana…

“Let’s see… it should be this way. Or maybe… that way? Wait, huh? Umm…” Wiel muttered, completely lost.

Just like that, she was utterly confused. She fiddled with the map, tilting her head and body as if that would help. Watching Wiel’s amusing behavior, Mion turned her face away, trying to stifle her laughter.

“Wiel-sama is just too cute…!” Mion whispered, barely containing her amusement.

“Right? But this is taking way too long, so I can’t keep watching,” Croix said.

He slipped his arm under Wiel’s and effortlessly lifted her, as if carrying a child.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Wiel asked, surprised.

“Wiel, let me guide us. Hand over the map,” Croix said.

“Wait, give me one more chance…!” Wiel pleaded.

“No more chances. Come on,” Croix insisted.

“Aww… I really thought I’d improved…” Wiel said, disappointed.

Reluctantly, Wiel handed over the map to Croix. He set her down, took the map, and quickly figured out their current location. It turned out they had been heading in the complete opposite direction, so they backtracked to the gate and then continued walking for a while.

Finally, they arrived at the inn where they would be staying.

“This is it. Hotel Grand Acreana.”

“Oh…! It’s like a castle! This inn is amazing…!”

Mion’s face sparkled with excitement, clearly impressed by the grandeur of the hotel.

Meanwhile, Wiel stood nearby with a sulky expression.

“Next time… next time for sure…!”

“Wiel.”

Croix placed a reassuring hand on Wiel’s shoulder and offered a kind smile. Looking up at Croix, Wiel seemed to find comfort.

“But there are some things you’re just not suited for, so you should give up already.”

“Idiot!!”

In an instant, Wiel felt as if she had been plunged into the depths of despair.