The immortal hero who thinks of the heroines as his daughters vs. heroines who want to make the hero understand them - Chap 2

Once able to move on its own legs again, the wolf seemed to growl a thanks to Rex before leaping into the thickets.

No one knows whether it can continue to survive thereafter, but Rex feels as though they might meet again someday.

Sighing at his sentimental feelings, he continues on his way. Although he has plenty of time, if he indulges himself and takes it slowly, he might collapse again from hunger.

“…”

And so, he continues to walk.

He hides himself if he senses the presence of what might be monsters and picks up any food he occasionally finds.

Many days and nights have come and gone. At first, he was not used to the rugged ground, but after a few days, he was able to sleep without a problem. Although he did feel pain in his body when he woke up.

— And then, on a day after an uncountable number of days since the beginning of his journey…

“What is that…?”

Rex narrowed his eyes.

That streak on the horizon, could it be smoke?

Unless it’s something natural like a wildfire, it must be evidence that humans are there. Looking closely, he can see a small path extending from the road he has walked so far, leading beyond a grove of trees.

His heart leaping at the first significant change since leaving his hometown, he follows the small path.

There were traces left that suggested humans had passed through many times, and it seemed certain that there were people ahead.

After walking for a few minutes, what opened up was a small farming village.

“…Oh, this is rare, someone coming here.” 

Remarked an old man with wrinkles on his face, who had noticed Rex gazing around.

Rex bowed his head to the old man and introduced himself as a traveler.

“I came from the village in those mountains.”

“Ho, ‘from there’? I never thought people actually lived there.”

“‘From there’? Pardon me, but what do you mean?”

When the old man looked towards the mountain that the young man had pointed to, his eyes widened in surprise. The way he reacted felt strange to Rex, and he couldn’t help but question it.

“That mountain… well, if you were living there, you’d know… but it’s known to have monsters.”

“Ah… Indeed.”

“In our village, though, it’s said that a spirit lives there.”

“A spirit.”

With a face like he had bitten into a bitter bug, the old man continued, a puzzled expression on his face.

“Oh… so, that mountain is called ‘Spirit Mountain’… I never thought someone would actually live there.”

“Living a long time really shows you things.” 

Afterward, Rex asked if he could stay in the village, to which the old man replied,

“Of course. You’re a rare guest; we’ll welcome you.”

He smiled, his face crinkling with wrinkles.

Apparently, he played a role similar to the village chief in this village, and he guided Rex to a building that seemed more impressive than the others. Unlike the village he had been living in, the village chief here also seemed to be engaged in farming. A slightly envious, yet complicated feeling arose, but he suppressed it as suspicious. Although, his appearance was already suspicious, so it might be too late for that.

“……..? ………! Hey, Grandpa! Who’s that?”

When Rex entered the village chief’s house, there was a girl there, who appeared to be in her mid-teens.

With her red hair flaring, she seemed as excited as if she had found a novel toy.

“Ah, a traveler… Let me introduce you. This is my daughter, Linda.”

“Linda here!”

“My name is Rex.”

“So, Rex, huh! How long will you be staying here!?”

With an insatiably curious expression, she brought her face closer, to which he replied that he hadn’t decided yet. While that answer might seem improbable for a traveler wandering from place to place, the girl did not seem to doubt it. And though the village chief, in his position, would not typically welcome an indefinite stay, he sighed at his daughter’s joyous look.

“Welcome to our village. There are lots of amazing things here! I’ll make sure you have an exceptionally good memory from your travels!”

“That’s… much appreciated.”

If there are many memories, he can also make a good souvenir for her―.

The loneliness hidden behind his smiling facade seemed to go unnoticed by Linda.

“I’ll take you to ‘the Hole’ first. That’s okay with you, Grandpa, right?”

“‘The Hole,’ you say… isn’t it dangerous?”

“It’s fine! Right, Rex?”

“I don’t know what this ‘Hole’ is… but it’s probably okay.”

Rex scratched his cheek. Being buried alive would be painful even for someone who’s immortal, but guiding people is likely safe. As he was about to head out, Linda stopped him.

“First, you need to change your clothes, Rex. Have you wiped your body? You smell a little.”

“Is there a well around here?”

He asked reflexively, his eyes looking a bit saddened even for someone like him.