The Man Who Remained — His Second Life Began with a Humble Bow of Apology.

A Proposed Parent-Child Hot Spring Trip.

Just about a month ago, She was no one.

Not only did she lack close friends—she didn’t even have anyone to engage in idle chatter with. And yet, she had to constantly flee within an unofficial village, leading a life devoid of even a sliver of joy.

Her name was Roza.
Roza Garden.

Even in a village that gathered outcasts, she was utterly alone.

A girl isolated, feared—abandoned even by time itself.

She had neither aged nor died for ages; both her body and soul remained locked in the form of a young child, and she lived on purely out of inertia.

But that unhappy girl was no more.

Now, Roza lived within the Demon Lord’s castle, spending her days in peace and happiness—envied by all.

A room of extravagant luxury, unimaginable during her time in the village—drenched in frilly silk, soft and fluffy at every corner, and not a single task to perform.

Flowers were replaced and the room cleaned before she even noticed.

That absurdly lavish room was her private chamber.

Her obligatory education as a child was handled by a highly capable vampire tutor, who came to her residence to teach with utmost care—albeit clumsily—lavishing praise on her every move.

To vampires who prized bloodlines and tradition, a pureblood vampire like Roza was held in even greater esteem than one’s own parents.

Naturally, her meals were also of the finest quality.

A parade of top-tier ingredients prepared by elite chefs.

Exquisite seasonal produce flown in from afar without regard for transport costs.

The already high food expenses of the Demon Lord’s castle had soared tenfold.

Blood, considered the ultimate delicacy among vampires, was always served alongside dessert. Yet, Roza found herself thinking that Cross’s blood, which she had tasted first, was far more delicious.

Despite such extravagant indulgence, her presence wasn’t seen as a burden in the Demon Lord’s castle—in fact, Roza brought immense benefits. They wanted her to stay for all eternity.

That’s because the pureblood race had an unmatched tendency toward doting behavior—so extreme that they’d do the unthinkable without a second thought.

To make sure Roza enjoyed the finest cuisine, they’d prepare mountains of luxurious ingredients, impossible to obtain even with the castle’s connections. They’d deposit gold bars and land deeds to support her lifestyle.

Especially her father—Valeria Garden.

And it wasn’t just Vaahl—other purebloods did the same.

The castle’s profits had already exceeded a hundredfold of the total expenses related to Roza.

But that wasn’t even the greatest benefit.

Money meant little to Aura, the Demon Lord specialized in political power—she rarely had any trouble with finances.

What was truly valuable was the unprecedented surge in interactions with the purebloods.

Countless purebloods expressed a desire to meet Roza. Through her, Aura had already successfully met with ten different purebloods.

The progenitors of all vampires, the purebloods—revered by their kin.

They were sweet to their own, but rarely interacted with outsiders.

Even being disliked by just one pureblood could jeopardize a Demon Lord’s rule—it was no exaggeration.

Because of their long history and disinterest in others, every Demon Lord had struggled to connect with the purebloods.

But now, that danger seemed to fade day by day.

Roza’s presence steadily improved relations that once demanded extraordinary effort.

Aura owed Roza more than words like grateful could express.

On top of that, Vaahl stayed at the castle about twenty days a month—just to see his adorable, cherished, and dazzling daughter Roza.

A pureblood staying this long at the Demon Lord’s castle was likely unprecedented—unless a pureblood or vampire happened to be the Demon Lord themselves.

Given all this fortune, Roza’s whims could only be considered charming—even welcome. They wished she’d be more selfish.

And so, with everything in harmony between Aura, Roza, and Vaahl, everyone was enjoying a peaceful, happy life.

One day, Roza received a long-awaited visitor.

***

“It’s been a while, Cross. Have you been well?”

Roza sat elegantly on a chair, greeting him. In just over a month, she had changed remarkably.

Clad in a jet-black, refined gothic dress, with a mini hat adorned by a blooming rose.

The girl who had once been trapped in time, isolated in a fringe village, was no longer there.

In her place sat a dignified and graceful child—living proudly as a pureblood, daughter of Vaahl, the girl loved by roses.

Even if it was partly to impress someone she was curious about, Roza had indeed become beautiful.

“…Yeah. You’ve changed—dramatically.”

“Thank you. Do you think I’ve grown into someone worthy of being my father’s daughter?”

“You’re a daughter to be proud of.”

“…Right.”

She murmured, visibly a little dissatisfied.

Ellie, standing beside her, nudged Cross with her elbow.

“Cross-san.”

“…Wh-what? Did I say something wrong?”

He whispered nervously as Ellie sighed softly.

“You’re not saying enough. A girl dressed up this much deserves more than that.”

Only then did Cross realize what was wrong.

He had treated her like a child—and girls at that age didn’t like being seen that way.

“You look beautiful. The dress suits you perfectly, and so does the rose. And… your face seems more mature too.”

“…Well, I suppose I’ll give you a passing grade. But thank you, Cross.”

Roza beamed with a wide, happy smile.

***

“So, you’re here for something, aren’t you?”

“…Something?”

“You want to ask me for a favor. It’s obvious. Don’t worry—I owe you. I owe you more than I can ever repay. If I can help, I will.”

“…Yeah. It’s actually pretty serious.”

“Which is?”

“I want to borrow everything you have.”

“…If it’s just me, that’s fine. But most of what I have belongs to my father, not me.”

“I want to ask for your father’s help.”

“…Are you serious?”

That question struck at the heart of the matter.

Using his daughter—his newborn kindred—as a means to obtain power. That had led to the downfall of many Demon Lords throughout history.

Even Roza, with her brief experience, knew it was dangerously reckless.

“…Unfortunately, yes. I’m prepared.”

“…So, the Sage loves dancing through minefields, I see. I prefer ballroom dancing myself.”

“Unfortunately, this Sage is just a fool in disguise. Sorry. May I ask anyway?”

“Very well. What should I say to Father?”

“…Be open. Tell him, ‘I’d like to discuss using your daughter.’”

“…Understood, you foolish fool.”

With a pained smile, Roza left to summon her father.

***

Great power moves great things. That’s only natural.

But what was the greatest power Cross could wield?

His fame as a Sage? His past as a Hero? His ties with the current Demon Lord?

No. None of those.

His greatest asset was his connection with the purebloods—a race feared even more than Demon Lords.

The name of the Demon Lord alone wasn’t enough to save the Land of Hourai from its economic collapse.

It was already past the tipping point—nothing less than a radical solution would suffice.

So Roza summoned her father, Vaahl, to her room.

Cross and Vaahl had met before and considered each other friends.

Cross and Ellie had saved Roza’s life.

And now, Cross was prepared to risk his own.

Touching the forbidden—triggering the wrath of a pureblood—was a dance with death.

Cross couldn’t even meet Vaahl’s eyes.

“S-So, Cross. What kind of favor do you want from me? I’m expensive, you know!”

Roza deliberately acted spoiled, clearly trying to soften the blow for Cross.

“…It’s a trip I want you to take.”

“A trip?”

“Yeah. You’ll enjoy it—I did.”

“…Can we skip the vagueness? I’d prefer if you state your intentions clearly,” said Vaahl, his voice cold and brimming with menace.

“…I want to raise the region’s prestige. It’s a beautiful place.”

“Then you could do so without involving Roza. Why not Aura?”

“Aura’s not enough.”

“…So, the reason it must be my daughter—is because you want to involve all the purebloods?”

“…Yes. That’s right.”

“So you’re using my daughter to draw the purebloods in?”

“Yes. I am.”

A tense, electric silence filled the room.

No persuasion. No sugarcoating. Just sincerity.

Cross could only pray that it would be seen for what it was.

Even if Vaahl responded with fury.

***

“I… I want to go. I’ve always said I wanted to see more places. Right, Father?”

“…I see. But… even if you want to travel, we could easily provide a safe, pleasant journey elsewhere. There’s no need to go to such a place.”

“B-But Cross asked me for help! He saved me, and now he’s asking me to help him. Please, Father!”

Vaahl’s face showed signs of conflict.

He wanted to be angry—for his daughter’s sake.

To act as a pureblood should.

But he saw his daughter’s desperate eyes. And the sincerity of Cross and Ellie, risking everything.

Unable to maintain his anger, Vaahl sighed.

“…Roza. When you say that, my anger fades. But it’s still true—I find this situation most displeasing.”

“Ah, well, in that case… may I start sweet-talking you with a handful of candy-like benefits?” said Cross.

Finally prepared to discuss what he had deliberately withheld until now, Cross looked at Ellie.

She turned toward Vaahl and said with a bright, radiant smile—

“How about a family vacation?”

All expression vanished from Vaahl’s face.

He stood frozen, chewing over the words in silence.

Those few syllables held more power than any drug, more addictive than any blood, and filled with more euphoria than any chemical in existence.

“What do you mean by that, Ellie?”

“It’s quite simple, Roza-sama. We’re inviting you both to experience a completely different landscape, a different culture, and new cuisine—together. Our goal is for both you and Vaahl-sama to enjoy yourselves. So really, what could be more fitting than a family trip?”

“Hmm. Sounds fun. What kind of place is it?”

“Let’s see… Indoors, there are hardly any chairs. And instead of bread, the staple food is rice—or a rice-based food called mochi.”

“Mochi? What’s that like?”

“It’s pure white, very stretchy and soft, just like its name suggests. Really delicious, too.”

“Ooh, sounds nice! It actually seems kind of fun. …But Father doesn’t look very interested, does he?”

Called back by her words, Vaahl returned from his mental trip.

“N-No. I would never fall for such a cheap trick… There’s no way I’d agree to exploit my daughter for such a selfish—”

“A parent and child in matching outfits on a trip. Holding hands as they stroll through a town, sharing delicious food, enjoying life together. Don’t you think a bit of that slow, peaceful time is important? Especially when you’ve lived as long as you have.”

“Uhhh… You always know exactly where to strike, my dear friend Cross. Still… I can’t quite see the whole picture here. There’s something you’re hiding. And unless I see that—there’s no way I’m budging—”

Roza tugged gently on Vaahl’s hand, her eyes looking up at him.

“Come with me, Father. Please?”

“…Yes, let’s go.”

With a dopey smile, Vaahl answered.

The man who claimed he wouldn’t move a muscle was hopelessly weak when it came to his daughter.

“Here’s the trip itinerary Ellie prepared,” Cross said, placing the guide down. “It’s got a good amount of detail—you’ll find it interesting. Let us know when you’re ready to depart, and we’ll be your guides.”

With that, Cross and Ellie left the room.

“…Huh? What’s with Cross?” Roza tilted her head, watching him rush off in a panic.

“That’s just what you’d expect from a former hero,” Vaahl said quietly. “Still, had he stepped even slightly over the line… even as a friend, I wouldn’t have spared him.”

“Hmm? Did you say something, Father?”

“No, nothing at all. Shall we read it together? Can you read now, Roza?”

“Hmm… not very well yet. But I want to get better. Will you read with me?”

“With pleasure.”

At those words, Roza climbed onto Vaahl’s lap and opened the guidebook.

Making it to the bathroom in time was nothing short of a miracle.

As Cross violently emptied the contents of his stomach, he could only think one thing:

He had underestimated them.

The monsters. The vampires. The purebloods.

He had overestimated his own strength.
He was a former hero, now in the body of a monster, stronger than ever—or so he thought.

But now, Cross felt it—undeniably and overwhelmingly.

The killing intent of someone so far beyond him he could never hope to reach.

Vaahl hadn’t even attacked—he had simply become angry. Had merely directed his murderous aura at him.

And even that was heavily restrained, because they were friends. Because he owed Cross a debt. Because Roza had done everything she could to shield him.

That was the only reason he had managed to hold back his trembling and avoid vomiting on the spot.

His limbs shook uncontrollably.
Bile kept rising into his throat.
A cold, paralyzing fear crawled across his entire body.

He was just scared.

The power gap.
The killing intent.
The wall between their races.
That insurmountable boundary.

If he had said one wrong word—no, even if he hadn’t—his life could’ve ended on a whim.

And Ellie’s too.

What saved them was Roza’s intervention—and a bit of sheer luck.

Nothing more. It really had been just dumb luck.

“Hah… pathetic.”

As he muttered to himself, another wave of nausea rose and he vomited again.

Sorry for dragging Ellie into this.

The thought made his face twist further in fear.