The Man Who Remained — His Second Life Began with a Humble Bow of Apology. - Chapter 67: An Unexpectedly Early Reunion.

An Unexpectedly Early Reunion.

Unyou and Haku could only stand there, utterly stunned by what they saw.

Cross and Ellie, whom they had sent ahead to wait at the sweets café, were now both grimacing in pain, their foreheads beaded with sweat as they let out agonized groans.

Noticing their dumbfounded gazes, Cross managed to speak in a frail voice, still looking as if he might collapse at any moment.

“It… hurts… Could it be that the food here… didn’t agree with us…?”

Haku’s eyes turned cold as she stared at him. Politeness be damned, she could not hold back the words that slipped from her mouth.

“You just overate.”

On the table sat piles upon piles of empty bowls. Judging by their shapes, most had contained large servings of desserts like shiratama anmitsu and zenzai. Not even a drop of syrup remained.

That alone explained everything.

“I figured… as much…” Ellie echoed in a similarly pained voice.

“Man… The refreshing taste and texture were so new, and the way the staff recommended each dish… I just couldn’t stop,” Cross said with a smile, sipping warm tea.

With a good ten minutes having passed, the worst of their suffering had eased. Still, both he and Ellie felt uncomfortably full.

The first thing they had eaten was a bowl of mitsumame topped with generous portions of white shiratama and sweet red bean paste – a dessert neither of them had ever encountered in such pure white, delicate form. Cross was shocked by its subtlety, and Ellie was moved by the clean yet undeniably sweet flavour.

That was their undoing.

The taste was new, the experience was novel, and faced with a dessert so different yet so masterfully prepared, they completely lost track of their usual limits.

“Flour-based foods fill you up fast, after all. Serves you right. Just how much did you eat?” Unyou laughed heartily. Haku smacked him lightly on the head.

“That’s the magister you’re speaking of. Ahem. Apologies. After discussion, it has been decided that since we’ve already met face to face, we of the Seiryu Gate will serve as your guides today.”

“Oi, and if I guide you properly, you’ll let that earlier scuffle slide, yeah?” Unyou asked hopefully.

Haku glared at him and hit his head harder this time.

“They’re just trying to earn brownie points to keep today’s little incident from becoming a diplomatic problem,” Ellie whispered quietly to Cross.

“I see… Well then, I forgive you for the fight. It was entertaining, after all. How’s that, Unyou?” Cross replied with a grin.

“Thanks, Magister. That’s a lifesaver.”

“Just call me Cross. We’re comrades-in-arms who shared a good brawl, right?”

“Heh, you’re alright, Cross. As thanks – and an apology – let me show you around anywhere you like. Name it.”

Just like that, Cross and Unyou were on friendly terms, leaving Haku looking on in bafflement.

“…How in the world did they become friends after that…?” she murmured.

“It seems both of them live lives full of hardship,” Ellie replied, to which Haku nodded in sincere agreement. Still, feeling it might be rude to openly agree, she smiled wryly instead.

“By the way, Haku-san…” Cross began.

“Haku is fine, Magister.”

“Then just call me Cross.”

“Understood. What is it, Cross-sama?”

“It’s about your outfit…”

At his words, Haku suddenly looked worried.

“Is… is there something wrong with it? I didn’t think my sense of fashion was that poor…”

She looked between Cross and Ellie for an answer.

“No, it’s not strange at all. Right, Ellie?”

“Not at all. It’s very cute,” Ellie affirmed gently.

Haku let out a relieved sigh.

“Then… was there something about it you wanted to say?”

“Just that… you’re not wearing the same clothes as others around here.”

Cross studied her appearance again. Earlier, she had been wearing a guard’s helmet and armour, but now she wore an ordinary outfit befitting any young woman – a simple skirt and blouse. Her long white hair, tied up, looked elegant and dignified.

Her clothes were normal. Unlike the people of this village, her fashion was similar to what one would see in the royal capital.

“He’s saying it’s strange you’re not wearing village clothes,” Unyou chimed in from beside them, clad in his oddly loose, traditional garments.

“Ah. Because I’m not wearing a kimono, yes? Cross-sama, times have changed. In the past, everyone wore kimono, but nowadays here in Hourai, people no longer strictly adhere to it,” Haku explained calmly.

“Really?”

“Yes. Though this is a very recent shift. The elders still all wear kimono. Among the younger generation, it’s about half and half depending on family tradition or personal taste. Unyou-san here wears kimono because he’s from a distinguished family and prefers them… though he certainly doesn’t look the part.”

She glared sharply at Unyou.

It was understandable. Though he wore a kimono, it was so worn-out and dirty it looked like a rag, making it hard to believe he was from a noble house.

“Yeah… this shabby thing isn’t exactly fit for guiding a VIP. But heading home to change is a hassle… Alright, Haku, let’s stop by my favourite kimono shop on the way. I’ll buy a new one.”

Hearing that, Cross suddenly brightened with an idea.

“Hey, are those kimono expensive?”

“It depends on the type, but you can get an affordable one for about the price of a decent dinner,” Haku replied.

“Interesting… Another question. Would it be strange for an outsider like me to wear a kimono here?”

Haku smiled softly, sensing his intention.

“Not at all. Just as I enjoy the capital’s fashions, it is perfectly natural for a visitor to take an interest in Hourai’s traditional clothing.”

“Great. Then I’ll buy one too – as a memento of this trip. Ellie-sama, about the budget…”

He clasped his hands in a pleading gesture. Ellie chuckled warmly.

“You don’t need to beg like that. I’ll cover it. Just don’t choose anything too extravagant.”

“Alright!” Cross pumped his fist in triumph.

“…So the girl holds the purse strings, huh?” Unyou asked curiously.

Ellie nodded.

“Yes. During this mission, I am in charge of managing our funds.”

“…Ah! So you two are husband and wife then?”

Both Cross and Ellie tilted their heads in confusion.

“No, I am merely his attendant,” Ellie replied.

Unyou fell silent, frowning in thought.

“…I see… so that’s a thing…? Is it…? City folk sure have strange customs…”

Unable to make sense of it, Unyou simply sipped his tea and decided to leave it at that.

“Ahem. Though we’ve decided on our first destination, I should still inform you of today’s schedule,” Haku said formally, clearing her throat.

“The Demon Lord’s orders state that you, Cross-sama, are to observe the daily lives of the people here and see how peacefully they live. Therefore, before taking you to the village chief, we will first show you the residential areas and places frequented by ordinary folk. Would that be acceptable?”

“…I see. So, sightseeing, huh? Sounds fun,” Cross replied with a grin.

Haku let out a small, relieved laugh.

“Yes. We hope you will leave with a good impression. This café, by the way, while a bit pricey, is still considered a place for the general public. Judging by your reaction, I believe your stomachs have come to fully understand the quality of Hourai’s sweets.”

Her words were punctuated by the mountain of empty bowls before them. Cross nodded cheerfully, while Ellie blushed in embarrassment.

“And so, whether fortunate or not, after food comes clothing. Though this kimono shop is… well, Unyou-san’s favourite place, so ‘ordinary’ may not be the right word… but it is affordable. Personally, I have my concerns, but… shall we proceed?”

“Sure. But when you say ‘not ordinary’… what do you mean?”

“…Simply put, the shopkeeper is… a rather eccentric and taciturn individual. As long as you remember that, the store itself is like any other.”

Hearing her troubled explanation, Cross had a vague sense of what awaited them.

“Anyway, after that, what’s next?” he asked.

“I had other destinations planned, but… most are no longer viable, so I am reconsidering,” Haku admitted.

“Huh? Why not? Trouble?”

“No… I was planning to take you to try some light meals later, but…” She glanced meaningfully at the piles of empty dishes. Cross and Ellie quickly looked away.

“Well, you can just take us once we’re hungry again. Don’t worry – I’ll make sure we have fun. So, are we visiting other gates too?” Unyou asked.

Haku shook her head.

“No. Our duty is to show you the lives of the common folk. The more important sites will be introduced by the village chief. Our goal is for your stomachs to be comfortably empty and your hearts satisfied by the time we hand you over.”

“…‘Common folk’ huh… Well, got it. Let’s get moving. Time’s wasting,” Cross said.

“Come on, let’s go to the kimono shop. No sense sitting around. We’ve only got a few hours left, and if I’m the one guiding you, I’ll make sure you leave full of memories – not just food. Let’s go!” Unyou declared in an oddly theatrical manner, practically dragging Cross and Ellie out of the café.

“Oh, and please put the bill on the village chief’s tab,” Haku instructed the staff.

“Understood, Haku-sama. We look forward to your next visit.”

With that, Haku bowed slightly to the smiling server before hurrying after Cross and the others.