The Man Who Remained — His Second Life Began with a Humble Bow of Apology. - Chapter 109: A Glimpse of Everyday Life (Part Two).

A Glimpse of Everyday Life (Part Two).

Her long, silky hair shimmered with a pure white radiance, like snow falling gently over an untouched winter field.

She smiled warmly at Cross, her expression as soft and serene as her hair itself.

She was so beautiful—and so out of place in this setting—that Cross barely noticed the two monsters standing behind her. That was how completely she drew the eye.

“Good evening. A lovely night, isn’t it?” Her words carried the refined air of a chance meeting at a ballroom.

Cross dipped his head politely.
“Ah, good evening, beautiful lady. I hope I’m not intruding.”

A light chuckle. “You’re quite the flatterer. Please, do come in. So, what brings you here?”

“Ah, nothing urgent, really. As a traveler, I just like to… make connections along the way. Relationships with those in the know are valuable, after all.”

Before he could finish, the man behind her cut in, his tone cold.
“I understand your point. However, from our perspective, there’s no reason to befriend someone whose identity we do not—”

“Now, now. He’s come all this way to see us. Let’s hear him out, shall we?” The woman interrupted with a pleasant smile.

Cross didn’t need to turn around to know the man was probably grinding his teeth in irritation.

“…Very well. But we are in the middle of preparing dinner, so please keep it brief.” The man’s voice was resigned, his attitude clearly telling Cross to be on his way.

The woman, however, clasped her hands together in a small gesture of victory.

The man stepped around Cross and reluctantly sat beside her.
“My name is Laurent. I am—at least officially—the leader of this adventuring party, ‘Lakeside.’ And… this is Heine.”

Cross noticed Laurent glance toward the smiling woman with a touch of embarrassment.

“She is… my wife.”

“Yes. I’m Heine, Laurent’s wife. A pleasure to meet you.”

Cross let out a playful whistle. “Huh. I thought you were the serious type, Laurent. Guess I was wrong—you’ve got some spirit in you after all.”

Heine laughed at the remark, while Laurent looked faintly troubled.

Cross took his turn to introduce himself.

“Well, since it’s only fair… I’m Cross. Not quite an adventurer yet, though I’m thinking of becoming one. For now, I’m traveling from place to place doing other kinds of work.”

“My, how wonderful—being able to visit so many places. But… you would give that up to become an adventurer?”

“Not give up—do both. I’m greedy that way.”

Heine giggled softly. “Then I suppose I am greedy too.”

It was a laugh without guile, without malice—almost too pure for the world of adventurers.

Cross silently concluded that she must be someone important—noble-born, most likely. Laurent’s tense vigilance and the silent, ever-watchful monsters in the back only confirmed it.

Still, it was hard not to find the arrangement obvious. Cross could only smirk to himself.

The conversation soon eased into casual chatter. Heine spoke with careful poise, avoiding any slip that might reveal more than intended, while Cross skillfully steered the discussion, letting her talk. Laurent listened with mild confusion, occasionally chiming in.

It was surprisingly lively.

Eventually, the topic turned to travel gear.

“…So for both short and long journeys, a cloak is essential—sometimes more important than armor or weapons,” Cross said.

Heine looked surprised. “Surely not. To neglect one’s arms and armor—”

“Not neglect,” Cross countered. “Weapons are only needed in battle. A cloak, though—you need it while traveling, while camping. Which takes up more of an adventurer’s time?”

Laurent considered it. “…Fair point.”

“Exactly. A good cloak makes travel easier, which means you arrive in better shape for a fight.”

Laurent bowed his head slightly. “You have convinced me. I retract my earlier statement.”

Cross waved it off. “It’s just a difference in perspective.”

Heine then cut in, smiling. “Laurent, you’ve monopolized him long enough. I have plenty of questions too.”

And so the talk continued—until she asked,

“Cross, you were in Hourai Village earlier, weren’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m jealous. Laurent told me it was too dangerous, so I couldn’t go.”

“He’s right. The surroundings are crawling with bandits, dangerous monsters, even hostile forces. It’s no place for leisure.”

“See, Heine? Even Cross agrees.”

She pouted, puffing her cheeks in mock displeasure—far more expressive than Cross had first imagined her to be.

They spoke of the village’s possible revival as a tourist site. At this, Heine’s eyes sparkled—only to dim again when Laurent firmly refused Cross’s invitation to dinner, citing safety and trust.

Cross understood. Laurent was a knight protecting his charge—unyielding in his caution.

But Cross also had his principles. “Sorry, Laurent, but when a man and woman disagree, I usually side with the woman—no matter whose partner she is.”

“…Meaning?”

Cross hesitated, then sighed. “If I can prove I’m trustworthy here and now, that should settle it, right?”

Laurent was skeptical, but agreed to hear him out.

Cross then reluctantly gave his name.

“Cross Necronia. Holder of the title ‘Rainbow Sage’—a recognition granted to one who has accomplished deeds of true righteousness.”

A short silence followed—until Heine tilted her head. “Um… is that famous?”

Cross collapsed forward in despair. “…Guess not…”

Laurent stepped in, explaining that the title was indeed renowned, known across the world.

Cross looked up, hopeful. “So… I’ve earned your trust now?”

Laurent still hesitated. “If you can show me one more thing—the sword Liber Knight, which I know the Rainbow Sage inherited from the Demon Lord—then I will believe you.”

Cross smiled faintly. “She’s in our tent. We call her Ellie now—address her that way.”

Laurent sighed in reluctant acceptance, while Heine literally jumped in delight.