The Man Who Remained — His Second Life Began with a Humble Bow of Apology. - Chapter 80: The Red-Haired Girl Who Travels (Part One).

The Red-Haired Girl Who Travels (Part One).

“Run… run as far as you can.”

They fled desperately. Even if it wasn’t at full speed, it was still fast enough that at one point, the boy nearly tripped, so Cross lifted him onto his back. He held the red-haired girl’s hand firmly as they ran and ran…

Once they had put enough distance between themselves and Ellie—far enough that even if she lost control, it wouldn’t be a problem—Cross finally allowed himself to catch his breath.

“I just hope… it ends with an explosion small enough that she only gets scolded later… though judging by how she looked, it might really end up being a serious blast…”

He murmured quietly to himself.

“Um… thank you… for saving me,”

The red-haired girl said softly, her tone hesitant and reserved.

Cross smiled wryly, knowing her gratitude was tinged with polite flattery.

“I did intend to help, but… Ellie lost control and it turned into something far more dramatic than necessary. I probably just made things worse for you. I’m really sorry.”

“Huh? Not at all. I was in trouble.”

“But… you’re strong, aren’t you? Strong enough that those thugs weren’t really any threat to you.”

At his words, the girl flinched slightly and her expression grew a little lonely.

“Why… why do you think that? Could it be… you know what species I am?”

“Hmm? Well, I am decent at reading species even through disguises, but yours… I can’t tell.”

“Then… why did you think I was strong?”

“Your outfit.”

Cross replied, his gaze scanning her from head to toe.

“For example, your boots. Not the sort of cute footwear one would expect from a girl like you. They’re thick, sturdy, perfectly fitted, and well broken in. Or your goggles. They’re worn, scratched, and those aren’t recent marks either. And most of all… your cloak. It looks plain—just a dull, slightly dirty brown—but it’s clearly far better quality than the rest of your clothes, and it’s been meticulously cared for.”

For an adventurer, especially one accustomed to long journeys, a cloak is like a second skin – a most reliable companion.

It shields from injury, dirt, heat, and cold alike.

One could even say the quality of a person’s cloak reflects their quality as an adventurer.

And by that measure, this girl was unmistakably experienced – no different from any seasoned traveller Cross had met in his previous life.

In fact, she seemed just as capable as some of the top-class adventurers he had known.

“You travel alone… or with just a handful of companions, don’t you? Anyone doing that can’t be weak. But you didn’t resist those guys, probably because you didn’t want to cause a scene. And yet I stepped in and complicated things. I’m sorry.”

With that, Cross gave a polite bow, then gently looked up at her.

The girl was smiling—a dazzling, sun-like smile that caught him completely off guard.

“That’s so cool! Judging someone’s ability just from their gear… that’s totally something a real expert would do! You’re not just good-looking, your whole vibe is cool too!”

Her energy had completely changed; it was obvious now that her earlier meekness had just been an act.

The boy on Cross’s back looked on, his mouth agape.

“And it makes me so happy that you called me strong after actually observing me! No one’s ever done that before – really seen me and told me I was strong. Hehe. Oh, and don’t worry about earlier. It probably would’ve turned into a mess anyway. Besides, that super beautiful blonde lady only got angry because of you, right?”

She smiled wide as she said it.

“…Well… being complimented so directly like that… especially by such a cute girl… it’s a little embarrassing.”

“You’re adorable! Wait… are you… hitting on me?”

She asked, a playful glimmer in her eyes.

“No. Not yet anyway, so you can relax.”

“Not yet… meaning you might in the future?”

“Well, it’s only natural for a man to want to approach a cute girl. That said, I can’t exactly go around hitting on everyone.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m aiming for a harem. And most girls wouldn’t like that unless their species is okay with it. What about you? If you’re fine with it, I wouldn’t mind making a move. Even if it’s just a one-night adventure.”

Judging by her maturity despite her youthful looks, Cross decided to tease her lightly.

She looked happy but also slightly troubled.

“I… I’d be happy just being loved by one person… joining a harem is… well, it’s like a dream I shouldn’t even dare to have…”

“…Huh? Isn’t that backwards? What do you mean?”

“Too bad! You don’t have enough affection points to learn more about me yet. Being cool isn’t enough~”

“Che… well, I’ll earn those points eventually. But in exchange, can you tell me at least one thing?”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“My name is Cross. Cross Necronia. What’s yours?”

“…Oh, I never introduced myself, did I? My name is Angelina. Angelina the Wanderer. Call me Anje, okay? Cool Cross onii-san.”

“Got it, Anje-chan.”

“Ooh… hearing you say it like that makes my heart flutter. Ah, and can I ask something too?”

“Anything.”

“That beautiful blonde woman earlier… why did she get so angry for your sake?”

“Ellie’s my knight. It seems she just couldn’t stand seeing me insulted. Even though I’m really not worth that much… it’s a waste, honestly.”

“…That’s so cute. Wait, she was so furious the air itself seemed to change… all for a guy? That’s unbelievably cute! You’re totally loved, onii-san!”

With that, Anje patted his back enthusiastically.

“Haha… when you say it like that, it makes me feel a bit embarrassed.”

Cross scratched the back of his head with a shy smile.

Just then, he felt a light tapping on his head and glanced upward.

“Um… I think I’ve rested enough now. Can you put me down? Or… did you forget I was here?”

The boy on his back asked with an exasperated glare.

Cross chuckled awkwardly and gently lowered him to the ground.

“So, what will you do now, onii-san? I’m going to take this boy back to his parents.”

Seeing how naturally she said that, Cross couldn’t help but smile. She really was a good kid.

“I’d like to come with you… but… I think I need to go back soon.”

He glanced over at Ellie, where dark, ominous energy still swirled.

There were no explosions, no flames, no lightning strikes.

In fact, it was terrifyingly silent.

That silence made imagining what was happening even more dreadful.

Anje scratched her cheek, looking a little disappointed.

“Ahaha. Well, I suppose so. But it’s still a bit of a shame.”

“What is?”

“I was hoping… after taking him back, we could talk a bit more… maybe even go somewhere together. You know… a date.”

“…That really is a shame. Just thinking I missed out on a date with you makes me want to cry.”

He wasn’t lying. In his entire life—both previous and current—he had never met someone so friendly on a first meeting, and he genuinely felt it might have gone somewhere.

“Ahaha… stop it, you’ll make me blush. Anyway, next time we meet, you have to talk to me first, okay? If I’m free, let’s go somewhere together. Also, sorry, but I really want to talk to that beautiful blonde lady too.”

“Sure. We’ll be in Hourai Village for a while yet. Next time we meet, let’s walk together.”

“Yup! Looking forward to it, onii-san. Well then, shall we go?”

With that, Anje took the boy’s hand and disappeared into the depths of the town.

“Ahh… talking with a cute girl really refreshes the soul. I could never talk so casually and openly when I was alive… but enough escapism for now…”

With one part concern, one part morbid curiosity, and the remaining eight parts filled with dread, Cross let out a deep sigh as he turned to face Ellie’s direction.