Chapter 84

"Everyone! We have a guest!"

"Wh-what!?"

We returned to the Berserk village, bringing along the old man we found collapsed on a nearby road. Everyone was surprised to see us getting off the cart at the entrance of the village.

Well, I guess it's understandable to be surprised when a stranger suddenly appears.

"Uh, we're not really in a state to welcome guests yet?"

In front of the confused Berserks, the old man also looked puzzled.

"Um... Is it really okay that I was invited?"

"Don't worry, don't worry. It's like a trial version. Kuro-chan!"

"What is it? Mako"

I had Kuro-chan carry the old man on her back and quickly guided him towards the forest. He was quite exhausted, both from the long journey and from falling ill during the trip. So, the first place we needed to go was—

"Here it is! Our village's specialty! A large hot spring with natural hot water!"

"Oh...!"

Faced with the vast, wooden-scented bath, the old man let out a sigh of admiration. We prepared a changing room nearby (towels were provided for free) and had him bathe right away.

"Phew..."

Leaning against the edge of the bath, the old man soaked in the milky water, letting out a deep sigh in the quiet space where only the rustling of the trees echoed.

"The scent of the trees soothes my heart... The hot spring seems to seep into my body."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it."

I knelt a little away from the bath, responding to the old man. It felt like I was a manager of a traditional inn.

"The view is also beautiful."

This hot spring is essentially an outdoor bath. There's no roof, just a simple fence around it, allowing a view of the sky and the surrounding mountains.

"Wow!"

Just then, from somewhere, little Chibi appeared and jumped into the hot spring with a splash.

"Oh?"

The old man looked surprised at Chibi. Soon, Pokota, the fawn, and the piglet also appeared, swimming around energetically in the hot spring.

"Ponpoko!"

"Kyun!"

"Pu"

"Now, everyone, swimming in the hot spring is bad manners."

"Hehe, they're lively kids."

The old man watched the children with a warm, grandfatherly gaze.

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After thoroughly enjoying the hot spring and feeling warm and cozy, I had the old man ride on Kuro-chan's back again.

"How was the hot spring?"

"Hmm, it seems to have washed away all my fatigue and discomfort. I feel a bit younger."

"That's a bit of an exaggeration, isn't it?"

Unfortunately, the old man only heard Kuro-chan's comment as a chirp. However, his complexion had definitely improved, and he seemed more energetic in his voice and movements. The hot spring really is amazing.

"I feel better, and my appetite has returned."

"That's perfect! When we get back to the village, I'll prepare a meal for you!"

We talked as we returned to the village.

"Alright... Bushi! Ram! Can I ask you to help?"

"Sure, I understand... I'm a bit nervous."

"Leave it to me, Mako!"

I immediately assigned the two as chefs to prepare a meal for the old man, using the local specialties.

"Is this place okay?"

"Yes, please."

I led the old man to a simple outdoor dining area, similar to the one we set up in the capital, with tables and chairs and a roof to protect from the elements, and had him sit down.

"Do you drink alcohol?"

"Well... just a little."

Since we haven't surveyed the local alcohol yet, we had to use what we bought from the town's liquor store. However, we had the alcohol-loving Berserks and Ram taste-test to ensure it paired well with the local specialties.

"Here you go!"

"Here it is!"

Maul and Meala, who had become quite adept at waitering in the capital, brought the dishes.

"Wow... this is..."

The old man's eyes widened at the dishes they brought. A salad made with vegetables imported and grown from Abatos Village, smoked salted meat that paired well with the local alcohol.

"This small pot is...?"

"Um, 'shabu-shabu'... I guess that doesn't make sense... It's a dish where you quickly cook meat, fish, and vegetables."

I used a small iron pot I had synthesized to create a shabu-shabu-style pot, along with grilled salmon, clams, and shrimp. A variety of delicious dishes, both visually and in taste, were placed before the old man.

"Itadakimasu."

The old man began eating, nodding and smiling with each bite. The natural sweetness of the vegetables, the smoky flavor, the texture of the seafood, and the sips of alcohol—he was enjoying the meal very elegantly. He must be from a very noble background, I thought.

(But it's strange for someone like that to be found collapsed alone... Hmm...)

Regardless, he finished the meal.

"Perhaps this is the most satisfying meal I've had in my life..."

He gave us such a compliment. It was so nice to hear. I need to tell Bushi and Ram.

"Phew... It's been a while since I've had this much to drink."

"Ah, you seem quite tipsy."

The old man's cheeks were flushed, and his body swayed slightly. After the hot spring and a full meal, his body was warm, and he was probably getting sleepy.

"Why don't you rest today and go to the sea tomorrow?"

"Hmm... Yes, that sounds good..."

Supporting the thoroughly drunk old man, I led him to one of the buildings designated for guests, separate from the Berserks' living quarters. I had him lie down and go to sleep. His face, as he drifted off, was very peaceful.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

The next morning, early in the still-dark dawn, we set off for the sea with the old man, riding in a cart pulled by Entia. Iksa and I accompanied him. Our destination was the beach owned by Iksa.

"Wow..."

As soon as we arrived, the sun began to rise over the horizon. The old man stood on the beach, gazing straight at the orange light illuminating the water.

"...It's beautiful."

"Yes, it is."

Narrowing his eyes, the old man seemed deeply moved.

"...I recently lost my wife."

He began to speak.

"I thought I didn't have much time left, and suddenly, I wanted to see the sea of Vayzel one last time, so I came here."

"...I see, but—"

"Yes, there were many ways to travel. But I decided to walk alone, without any equipment or telling anyone."

"I don't know where you came from, but walking such a distance that you'd fall ill is reckless."

"Yes, I wanted to be reckless."

The old man chuckled.

"Perhaps I was giving up. I had neglected my beloved wife for most of my life."

"Was it because of work?"

"...That's part of it, and also because I had many enemies."

Many enemies... I see.

"Because I valued her, I thought I should keep her at a distance."

"Yes. In the end, I was too busy with daily tasks to notice she was ill. She didn't want to worry me, so she asked everyone around her to keep it a secret. When I finally saw her again, she was already gone."

"..."

"I simply regretted it and gave up. If I was going to suffer and die in a foolish way, then that was fine. I came here without much thought and met you. I'm glad I did."

At that, the old man smiled.

"It's been so long since I've had such delicious food and drinks! There's still so much to enjoy in this world! I can't just die yet! ...That's what I thought."

The next moment, he burst out laughing loudly. I was taken aback for a moment but then laughed along.

"Yes, that's the best way to think! To be honest, I'm fighting to save those Berserks in the village. I try not to get depressed and to keep looking forward."

"…? Fighting?"

The old man, looking puzzled, asked. I explained the situation to him. The Berserks in the village had been expelled from the tourist city and treated unfairly. I was trying to revitalize the village as a tourist destination to fight back.

"Really... such a thing..."

The old man was surprised by my story. Then—

"Over here!"

"Welcome back!"

Someone, or rather, several people, ran towards us on the beach. They were all men, dressed in black, with neatly styled hair and handsome faces, giving off an impression of well-bred young men or hosts. However, they were also clearly well-built, exuding a sense of not being ordinary.

"Commander, we've been looking for you."

"We didn't expect you to be here..."

"You suddenly disappeared, which was worrying. What happened?"

They spoke to the old man one after another. I heard the word "Commander."

"Sorry, everyone... I'm heading back now."

The old man was led away by the men, walking back along the beach. I wondered if they would be okay without Entia.

"Ms. Mako."

Just then, the old man called out to me.

"The hot spring in your village was very comfortable. The food was delicious, and most of all, your kindness filled my heart."

"Thank you... I appreciate that."

I was caught off guard by his sudden gratitude and hurriedly bowed.

"I will definitely repay this kindness."

With those final words, the old man left. I was left on the early morning beach with Iksa and Entia.

"I feel like I've seen that man's face somewhere before..."

Watching the old man leave, Iksa muttered.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Later, we found out that the old man was an extremely important person.

And we had no idea that he would repay us in a way that would change everything.