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

An Unprecedented VIP Guest Arrives (Part Four).

It had been roughly thirty minutes since Cross and Ellie had begun their watch.

During that time, not even the slightest trace of anyone approaching had been detected. Only peaceful, tranquil time passed by.

Cross and Ellie maintained a relaxed demeanor, looking so calm they seemed on the verge of humming a tune. Their expressions suggested comfort and ease.

In fact, they even exchanged a bit of casual conversation during their shift.

Seen from a distance, it would almost certainly look like they were slacking off.

After all, standing guard is a grueling duty that allows for no moment of inattention or oversight—it’s not the kind of task one can perform so leisurely.

But they weren’t slacking off, nor were they letting their guard down in the slightest.

This was simply the most effective method they had for maintaining focus—a way to sustain their peak performance over an extended period.

They kept their awareness sharp while relaxing the rest of their body.

Instead of running in top gear all the time, they stayed in neutral—ready to shift into action at a moment’s notice.

This was one of the valuable lessons Cross had learned from his former comrades.

Incidentally, Ellie had merely mimicked Cross after watching him and mastered the technique with ease.

Cross had spent much effort learning it, and seeing Ellie pick it up so easily made him feel like he’d hit a wall of raw talent—but since she was his subordinate, he harbored no jealousy, only pride and admiration.

“Hmm. That makes thirty-five minutes. Ellie, no unusual activity, right?”

As Cross muttered this aloud, Ellie gently shook her head.

“No, sir. We have a guest.”

“A guest? Did someone appear?”

Cross immediately swung the telescope around with a focused glare, but saw no sign of an enemy.

Thinking the presence might be outside the telescope’s range, Cross turned, but Ellie waved a hand to correct him.

“No, not that kind of guest. I mean an actual guest, in the truest sense of the word.”

Just as she said that, a loud banging came from the door behind them. Before either of them could respond, the door was flung open in a most unruly fashion.

“Yo! Hope I’m not interrupting!”

The loud voice was instantly familiar to Cross and Ellie.

It belonged to none other than the exuberant troublemaker—the Gate Chief of the Seiryuu Gate and the first oni they met in this village—Kiryuu Unyou.

Rough, casual, and straightforward in personality, he also had a bit of a belligerent streak.

With a bright smile, Unyou greeted Cross and Ellie.

“Yo!”

“Yo. Unyou, huh? What’s up? Don’t you have work? Must be busy right now, no?”

“Hahaha! You really think someone like me would be involved in entertaining the bigwigs?”

“Not a chance.”

Cross replied with complete honesty, unbothered by the blunt exchange.

“Exactly! Which means—I’ve got free time.”

“I see. So, what, you came here to kill time? We’re kinda busy, you know.”

Hearing this, Unyou gave a beast-like grin.

“Aw, don’t be so cold. I don’t know what’s coming, but I heard there’s a big event soon, right? I’m bored out of my mind. Let me join in on the fun too.”

Unyou possessed a sharp intuition—one that was almost animalistic.

He could sense when a fierce battle was on the horizon.

Cross let out a wry smile at Unyou’s words and gave a small nod.

“Well, I guess this might be the best use of your talents. I know how you fight, and I know your strength. But are you sure? The Gate Chief charging into the frontlines? Aren’t you second only to the village chief?”

“Come on, you’re technically above the village chief now—are you really the one to bring that up?”

“…You’ve got a point. I guess that’s not something I should be saying.”

“And besides, being a Gate Chief means you’re meant to be out front. This village isn’t peaceful enough to leave the strong ones standing around like decorations.”

“Fair enough… Yeah, you’re right. That’s how it should be.”

Once again, Cross found himself confronted by one of the reasons humans can’t beat monsters—and offered a complex, bittersweet smile.

In the human world, nobles are afforded higher education, some even tailored to combat. As a result, some nobles are exceptionally strong.

Many wield magic, possess unique abilities, or use rare weapons—traits often found among the nobility.

Yet most of them go their whole lives without facing real combat.

In human society, it’s the soldiers and adventurers who shoulder the bulk of warfare against monsters.

Compared to them, nobles aren’t necessarily inferior—they undergo rigorous training from a young age, developing their talents to the fullest. In many ways, they surpass the average adventurer in everything except live combat experience.

However, the battles they do engage in are often trivial skirmishes against weak monsters.

Why? Because they are of noble blood.

Cross didn’t intend to say that was inherently wrong.

But… seeing how this village entrusted real combat to those with true strength—how it accepted the plain truth that power should be tested and proven—left a lingering haze in his heart.

“…Hm? Something on your mind, Cross?”

“Ah, no… nothing important. That reminds me, can I ask you something else? Actually, I’m going to ask anyway.”

“What is it?”

“That beauty standing behind you—who might she be? And if you say she’s your girlfriend or fiancée, I swear I’ll erupt in flames.”

“Hah! The very first thing you say upon meeting her is that? You really are something else.”

Unyou gave a strained smile.

Cross tilted his head in confusion.

He saw a beautiful woman—of course he’d be pleased. If she was single, all the better. If she were someone’s partner, he’d still admire her, maybe with a touch of jealousy.

That was just how Cross worked—so he didn’t understand what was so impressive about it.

Glancing as discreetly as he could, he looked at the woman behind Unyou—a plant-like female creature who resembled the Ent species.

He tried not to ogle, but still, his gaze first landed on her ample chest.

He knew full well it was rude to look at a woman like that, especially during a first meeting.

He knew… and yet, as the folds of her loosely worn kimono exposed a dangerously deep cleavage, he simply couldn’t tear his eyes away.

Next, his attention shifted to her face.

Mysterious and elegant, her beauty had an almost otherworldly allure—like a gem with quiet depth. It was the kind of face that seemed to see through everything.

Though she held a paper-and-wood parasol and wore a kimono, her outfit exposed far more than one would expect. She wore it confidently, without even attempting to hide herself.

Her long, greenish-brown hair had patches of leaves, and her human-like skin sprouted wooden branches that had hardened over time.

Looking again, Cross confirmed his initial impression: she was an elegant, seductive older woman radiating mature charm.

Even if she exuded more power than Unyou, even if her aura was clearly meant to intimidate or provoke, none of that mattered to Cross. What mattered was her beauty.

“If she’s not your lover, then introduce me. And if she’s your fiancée or something like that, I’ll punch you—but I’ll be smiling when I do.”

“…Nah, we’re not like that. We just happened to run into each other. You can relax. Besides, she can introduce herself. It’d be weird for me to introduce someone who’s my equal.”

The woman gave a gentle smile at Unyou’s words, then stepped forward to face Cross.

“Pleased to meet you.”

She folded her parasol and bowed slightly, her cleavage emphasized even more. Cross, of course, couldn’t help but follow it with his eyes.

Noticing this, the woman gave a soft chuckle.

“If that was an act… then it was quite the performance.”

“Sorry? An act?”

“Acting like a man who’s so overwhelmed by beauty that he’s incapable of thinking. Even though I’ve been deliberately provocative, you responded so coolly… It’s quite disarming.”

She smiled kindly.

Ellie and Unyou both offered wry grins at her observation.

“Well, it’s just… you were showing strength, not hostility. If there’s no malice, I’m not bothered. I can tell you’re incredibly strong though.”

“…I apologize. I heard you were a former Hero’s companion and felt compelled to test you. Please forgive my rudeness.”

With those words, she lowered her head again—this time shedding the aura of intimidation she had previously displayed.

“Don’t worry about it.”

Even as he spoke, Cross’s eyes remained fixed on her cleavage.

Ellie let out a long, exaggerated sigh, while Unyou chuckled.

“…Was that… not an act after all?”

To that, not only Ellie but also Unyou nodded deeply.

“…He’s 100% genuine. I apologize on his behalf.”

Hearing Ellie’s words, the woman widened her eyes, then smiled warmly.

“In that case, allow me to apologize again… and offer my thanks.”

“Thanks?”

“Yes. For covering for us when we failed in our duties. I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself sooner. I am Fusou Amaki Miki, Gate Chief of the Byakko Gate.”

“…Wait a sec. Is there some kind of unwritten rule that Gate Chiefs have to pick fights with strong-looking outsiders?”

Having been challenged by three out of the three Gate Chiefs he’d met, Cross couldn’t help asking, half-jokingly.

As he thought to himself, “Just one more for a full set,” both Unyou and Fusou bowed deeply, realizing how inappropriate their behavior must have seemed.

“Yes… it’s true that many of us are drawn to the idea of challenging those we hear are strong. Though my case is a little different…”

“I see. Um, what should I call you? Is Fusou your first name or family name?”

“It’s more of a species name—like a plant species. I don’t really have a personal name. But if it’s easier, feel free to call me Fusou.”

“Okay, Fusou-san, based on what I’ve seen, you’re probably stronger than I am, right?”

“Who can say? I’m still far from perfect.”

Though she said that, her expression radiated quiet confidence, not modesty.

“Visible strength is not always a true measure of power.”

Among my former comrades, for instance, Merry doesn’t seem any stronger than an average civilian, and Sophia—despite possessing overwhelming power—can only draw out a fraction of her actual strength. At a glance, you would never be able to tell how powerful someone truly is.

So yes, strength can’t simply be judged by presence or aura… and yet, Cross understood.

This woman who calls herself Fusou—she is in a league far above his own. Not just stronger than his past self, but even stronger than who he is now. A wall he has yet to scale.

It was only a feeling—an instinctual perception—but even within that limited sense, Cross could tell: Fusou stood on a level even higher than Aura.

“You know,” Unyou began, “the role of Gate Captain sees a lot of turnover. Sure, we’ve got the usual power struggles and coups, but it’s also just a tough job—lots of injuries, high mortality rate. Add that to the mix, and you realize the Four Holy Gates all face invaders of roughly equal strength. The threats differ in form and frequency, but overall? The wear and tear is about the same across the board. And yet, Fusou has held her position for hundreds of years. That should tell you everything.”

Cross tilted his head, a bit lost.
“Tell me what, exactly?”

“Fusou is a monster.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“She’s so strong I wouldn’t even dream of fighting her.”

“Damn, that bad? By the way, Unyou, just FYI—our guest here is stronger than Fusou.”

“You’re kidding. Nope, definitely not challenging them… though now I’m kind of curious.”

Cross chuckled quietly at Unyou’s attitude—unchanged since the day they met.

“So, Fusou-san… um—”

“Fusou is fine. May I ask how I should address you?”

“Just Cross, please. With some warmth, if possible.”

“I couldn’t possibly speak so casually to the Representative.”

“I’d prefer it, honestly.”

“Is that… so?”

“It is. Wanting to get closer to a beautiful woman—that’s just natural for a guy, isn’t it?”

Cross flashed a confident smile, the kind that practically demanded a dramatic sound effect. Ellie, beside him, let out a sigh of exasperation, while Fusou responded with a gentle smile.

But it wasn’t a smile of amusement or pleasure. No—Fusou’s smile was one of quiet endearment, the kind a parent might show a child. And for Cross, that stung a little.

“So then, Fusou, what brings you here? Official duty as Gate Captain? Or were you just worried we couldn’t handle things on our own?”

“No. As I mentioned earlier, one reason is purely selfish—I wanted to see how you’d respond after witnessing my strength.”

“And? Did I meet expectations?”

“I thought you might react with frustration, defiance, or resignation… but to be so unfazed? That, I didn’t expect. So unfortunately, I can’t quite judge you just yet.”

“That’s a shame. I’ll be looking forward to the next chance—please, feel free to test me as much as you like.”

Cross smiled warmly, hoping to impress, to build rapport.

It’s not easy, being challenged or intimidated by someone vastly stronger than you—especially for monsters who take pride in their own power.

Which is exactly why Fusou had wanted to see it for herself.

How would someone like Cross—hero’s companion, a man hailed as a sage, now the representative of the Demon Lord—react when provoked by someone superior? Would he throw his authority around and retaliate? Try to manipulate her to his side? Or, like so many others from her homeland, simply give up?

But Cross did none of those things. He wasn’t even the slightest bit offended. Instead, he responded as if he were flirting, completely unfazed.

The truth is, Cross had grown used to being surrounded by people stronger than himself. In his past life, as the weakest among the Hero’s party, such a dynamic had been his norm. He had no reason to be rattled by it.

In fact, for Cross, power differences were trivial. What truly mattered to him was something else entirely:

A stunning woman had shown interest and chosen to engage with him.

That—that was what truly mattered to Cross.

Even if she had done so only to mock him, or assert dominance, as long as there was the slightest chance for connection, he would take it. And never miss the opportunity.

In short, Cross’s words held no hidden motive.

He simply meant everything he said—nothing more, nothing less.

“…No,” Fusou said at last. “As the Demon Lord’s Representative, it would be inappropriate for me to test you further. But as an apology… it’s a bit embarrassing, yet—I will address you as ‘Cross,’ as you requested.”

She looked ever so slightly bashful. Cross responded with a big thumbs-up and a grin.

“Love it! Thanks, Fusou. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“Likewise,” she replied with a gentle bow.

This time, she bowed just carefully enough to avoid showing her cleavage, leaving Cross just a little disappointed.

“The other reason I’m here,” Fusou continued, “was to express my gratitude for your assistance earlier. I apologize, but I’m quite busy and don’t have much time to spare. Ah—yes. I’ve already spoken too long. Here, this is a small gift. And now, if you’ll excuse me—I have another appointment.”

With that, Fusou turned toward the door.

“Fusou,” Cross called out.

She paused and glanced back.

“Yes? What is it?”

“Can we talk again sometime? Just the two of us?”

“May I ask… your reason?”

“Because I’d like to spend more time with you. That’s all, really. Though of course, I wouldn’t mind if it led to more.”

“…Heh. If you’re that blunt, you’ll scare most women off, you know.”

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

“Not great with subtlety. And I didn’t exactly grow up refined, either. If I offended you, I’m sorry.”

“No, not at all. Once things settle down, let’s have tea together. Though… your attendant will need to join us.”

“A little disappointing, but I’ll take it. I’m looking forward to it. Until next time.”