The Man Who Remained — His Second Life Began with a Humble Bow of Apology. - Chapter 2: A Not-So-Bad Life Among Monsters. Part - 2.

A Not-So-Bad Life Among Monsters. Part – 2.

Just as Aura disappeared, a tall man stepped in front of Cross.

His face was noble and strong, nearly indistinguishable from a human’s. Yet his clothing was oddly unfitting for a place like the Demon Lord’s castle—plain and worn, like something a village commoner might wear.

Despite the modest outfit, the man lowered his head respectfully.

“Nice to meet you, Sage. I’ve been asked to guide you to your room on behalf of the Demon Lord.”

Cross studied him carefully as he spoke.

It was rare for a monster to have a completely human appearance.

However, it wasn’t all that uncommon for monsters to disguise themselves as humans.

The Demon Lord was likely such a being.

But taking on a human form wasn’t a simple matter.

Naturally, it involves altering one’s body—trading out original organs for something else entirely—so it’s impossible to do without leaving some trace.

That’s why there’s always a subtle inconsistency, making it relatively easy to detect if you’re experienced enough.

And Cross, who had lived as a human and stood against the Demon Lord, had learned to notice such things—or he would never have survived.

“…Centaur, huh?”

Cross muttered, his gaze drifting toward the man’s calves. The man raised his brows slightly, surprised.

“As expected of a Sage. You saw through me at a glance. Would you prefer I show my true form?”

“No need. You went to the trouble for my sake, right? I wouldn’t mind your true form either, but I’ll accept the gesture. Just… stop calling me ‘Sage.’ It doesn’t sit well with me.”

“Hmm, not fond of titles or power, are you?”

“Yeah. I was born in a small village. By some twist of fate, I ended up walking beside great people, but deep down, I’ve always been a commoner.”

“I see… So we’re the same, then.”

“The same?”

“I never cared for power either. I just wanted to roam free. But I did too well for my own good and got summoned here to the castle. If I had the choice, I’d bolt this instant… but, well, power and free meals are hard to pass up.”

With a shrug, the man spread his arms as if surrendering.

“…I think we’ll get along just fine. I’m Cross. Cross Necronia.”

“I’m Guster—‘Swifter Than the Wind.’ Pleased to meet you, my friend.”

The two shook hands firmly.

“Just call me Cross. And… what’s with the ‘Swifter Than the Wind’ bit?”

“Ah, what would your culture call it… It’s not exactly a title or a rank…”

“If someone gave it to you, maybe a second name?”

“Close enough. Among Centaurs, those who pass a trial are granted a name—what we call a ‘True Name.’”

“…That’s a pretty cool tradition. I’m jealous. I want a name like that too.”

“And here I thought ‘Rainbow Sage’ was pretty grand.”

“Doesn’t feel earned. I want a name that reflects my struggles—something I bled and fought for, something I was recognized for.”

“…Yeah, I get that. Well, go out and find one then. Luckily, monsters like us have plenty of cultures that do that. You’re ready to live as a monster, aren’t you, Cross Necronia?”

“Of course. I was born into this second life—might as well enjoy it.”

“That’s the spirit… Oh, on another note—mind if I ask something a little… crude?”

Guster threw an arm around Cross’s shoulders and whispered into his ear.

“So, my man—can you get it up for monsters? I’m just saying, it’d be rough if you couldn’t. There are… workarounds, but I wouldn’t recommend them…”

“…What are you talking about?”

“Even the ones of us who look human—we monsters don’t usually feel that kind of attraction to humans. So I figured… you might have issues. Worst case, we could snatch someone for you—”

“…Are you being serious right now?”

Guster gave a solemn nod.

“Then I’ll answer seriously too—but keep it between us. Honestly? No problem at all. Even when I was human, I thought I could go for someone non-human if they had the right look.”

“…Damn. You’re something else.”

Guster’s respect was genuine—deep and heartfelt.

“Only thing left is whether it works physically, species-wise… but I’m sure it does. I mean, I look exactly like a human now.”

“Exactly…? Ha… Hahaha! Man, you’re wild.”

“Glad you’re amused. Honestly, this is the first time I’ve ever had a conversation like this.”

“Oh? I thought you were part of the Hero’s party. Didn’t you guys ever talk about this kind of thing?”

“Nope. They were all serious, kind-hearted folks.”

Guster widened his eyes, then simply nodded in understanding.

“I see. Yeah… maybe that’s true.”

“Well, I did have one talk with Claude—the Hero.”

“Oh ho. A dirty joke from the great Hero who defeated our last Demon Lord? Now this I have to hear.”

“Sure, why not? It was over ten years ago, after all. Claude and I talked about sneaking off to the red-light district.”

“Ah, so that kind of talk.”

“Yeah. He had a fiancée in the party, so I doubt he had many chances.”

“And what about you, Cross?”

“Now that… is confidential.”

“Aw, don’t be like that. Fine, later. For now, tell me more about that night with the Hero.”

“Nothing too exciting. We just chatted about what kinds of women we liked, what we wanted to try… and figured we’d go out to one of those places while we still could.”

“Mhm.”

“Claude, who’s usually all virtuous and proper, was unusually into it that night. So we snuck out through the inn window…”

“I can see where this is going.”

“Yep. We found the three girls from our party waiting outside the window, all looking furious. Especially Sophia—Claude’s fiancée. Of course she was mad. We got a full hour of scolding, then had to treat them all to dinner. The night ended in drinks and laughter.”

Cross looked off into the distance, a genuine smile on his face.

“…Do you ever wish you could go back?”

“To what?”

“To being human.”

“…I do want to see them again. But to be honest… I think I’m done being human.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because I died once. So don’t worry—I don’t hate living as a monster, and I have no intention of betraying you all.”

“…No one here’s ever doubted you, you know.”

Guster chuckled softly as he said it.

“So, Cross my friend, how’s this?”

Guster opened the door to one of the castle’s rooms.

“…Ah. So this will be my room?”

“For now, yeah. You can stay longer if you want. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want to be outside.”

“That’s true. And it doesn’t feel right freeloading forever. But… right now, I’ve got no money, no title, no job. So I’ll impose on you for a while.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Cross nodded and stepped inside.

It was a spacious room with a large bed—far more luxurious than where he’d been before or even where he had died. Still, within the context of a royal castle, it was a modest guest room at best.

It was likely Guster had gone out of his way to arrange a room that wouldn’t make Cross feel too uncomfortable.

“…Hey, uh… Cross, can I ask you something kinda awkward?”

Cross tilted his head at Guster’s hesitant tone.

“What’s wrong? Is there some issue?”

“No, nothing wrong exactly… It’s just—can I ask what kind of women you like?”

“…Out of the blue, huh?”

Guster, hiding something behind his back, held up a sheet of paper with words written in inkless pen that glowed with color as if by magic.

‘Guests are assigned maids.’
‘You’re technically being treated as nobility, so you’ll be assigned a very competent one.’
‘Maids are expected to serve in many ways.’
‘They’re arguing over who gets to serve you.’
‘Important: Most of these maids are extremely intense in every sense. They may even follow you if you leave.’

Cross quietly approached, took the pen, and scribbled back:

“Please assign someone with low loyalty and no major issues.”

The word “maid” did stir up some boyish dreams.

But right now, male dignity and self-preservation took priority.

Guster’s strained expression suggested that his idea of “service” was far more… committed than Cross’s.

“You’ll have a woman who can do whatever you want.”

“People of the common class can’t deal with that… It would be troublesome.”

“…Yeah, I get it. Alright, alright. I’ll try to find someone who seems decent. At worst, I’ll end up with a male caretaker, but… well, I guess I can allow that.”

“That’s actually quite easygoing, so I’d be fine with that. …But please, no effeminate men.”

“That might be amusing in its own way, but I’ll pass on that this time. Anyway, take it easy and rest until dinner.”

After speaking those words, Guster left the room.

After walking slowly and taking off his shoes, Cross lay down on the bed.

“Wow. It’s so fluffy, it’s hard to get comfortable. I don’t know if I can sleep like this.”

He said this, breaking into a wry smile.

“…I really have changed, huh.”

Saying this, he lightly touched his own horn.

It wasn’t when he saw the horns, nor when he saw countless monsters, or even when he spoke with Guster.

It was when he was able to read the characters Guster had written that Cross truly realized he was a monster.

He effortlessly read characters that were completely unfamiliar to him.

Moreover, the characters he had unconsciously written himself were the same.

It was then that Cross truly grasped the reality of being a monster.

“…Does that mean I can use magic? No, there might be something even more amazing that I can do. Maybe I could transform, or grow wings…?”

With a childlike face, he murmured in excitement, fantasizing about random possibilities… and before he knew it, he had drifted off into a dream, still lying on the strangely soft bed.

“Danna—. Danna—”

After knocking several times with no response, Guster grew suspicious and reached for the door handle.

“Excuse me, Master.”

Entering the room, he found Cross sleeping with a grin on his face.

“Just sleeping, huh? Ah, good. I thought something troublesome had happened. …Well, considering it, I guess it makes sense. He was just born recently, after all. …Maybe I should suggest delaying dinner a little.”

After saying this, Guster quietly left the room.