Chapter 24
Chapter 24
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: A Wandering Companion
-----------------------------------------------------------------
It took quite a while to calm down Louis, who was stamping his feet and fidgeting anxiously.
Even after showing him several times that all my limbs were intact, he kept asking if I was really okay, making me break out in a cold sweat.
It was a good thing Lander had helped from the side; if I'd come alone, Louis would've dragged me to bed by the scruff of my neck.
"My stomach hurt so much. I heard you'd been hurt but didn't know where you were, and even after finding out the branch manager was looking after you, I couldn't come see you, so I worried myself sick all by myself."
"Why's a kid worrying about a grown man? Pointlessly."
"Does worrying have an age limit? Besides, considering your age, it's even more worrying. Young folks like me heal quick from injuries, but once you're past forty like you, even a little sprain turns into a chronic problem. Just like my dad. And with no family, you're obviously all alone."
"Here we go again. Lander, explain it to him once more. About how I'm in a great place getting top-notch treatment."
Lander said, lifting his beer mug.
"Louis, you really don't need to worry anymore. I'm fully recovered with no aftereffects, and if anything comes up, the branch manager will help out."
"That's the problem with men. They always try to brush off serious stuff. You too, Lander. You knew, so why not tell me ahead of time?"
"I'm sorry about that. Things were hectic, so I couldn't look after you."
"Of course, it's right to prioritize the injured party. It makes sense. Still, I'm a bit upset. If you'd given me a heads-up, I wouldn't have worried so much."
Louis pouted. He couldn't scold someone who'd been worried for him. He just moistened his throat with beer and smiled.
"But why couldn't I visit? I even told the branch manager I'd just peek in for a second, but she flat-out refused. Mrs. Ans outright wailed. And still, they said it was inconvenient."
"The branch manager's acquaintance, the healer, was extremely stubborn. She refused all visits to avoid any interference with the treatment. I only saw Guchi's face for the first time today."
Lander explained. He didn't mention the magical beast attack or the magic engineering facility beneath the village.
He watched Lander closely as he chatted with Louis. Bank was one thing, but what about this guy?
"Got it. If I keep yapping, you'll run off, so I'll stop here for today."
"Today? Guess I shouldn't come back starting tomorrow."
He said. Louis told him to do as he pleased and brought out some snacks. Unlike the bland food from underground, these were oily dishes.
A familiar smell. He chewed and swallowed with beer. It soothed his cluttered mind. Familiar things were good for that reason.
"If it's not enough, let me know. To celebrate your safe return, it's on me tonight."
"Can't complain about treatment like this. Getting hurt wasn't all bad."
"Don't jinx it. Health is the best thing."
Louis answered "Yes" to another customer's call and left the table.
"You need to be careful not to get hurt."
"Yeah. Twice would've been nagging hell."
Lander put food in his mouth. He moved his jaw slowly, just like the first time he'd seen him here.
"I've seen a few self-proclaimed gourmets. They all savored it slowly like you. Like food that much?"
"Not sure. Hard to say if I like it or just don't dislike it. As a kid, I didn't enjoy eating much. Back then, I shoveled it in just to survive. Once I had some leisure, I started eating slowly on purpose, and naturally, I discovered more flavors."
"That's what people call liking food."
"Then yeah, I like eating."
Lander finished speaking and took another bite. His leisurely movements didn't match the rowdy tavern. He waited until Lander swallowed.
"You must have a lot of questions."
Lander said, as if reading his mind.
"Will you answer if I ask?"
"Does my answer matter?"
"You're saying things like Bank."
Guchi replayed the moment he'd faced the magical beast.
"I thought it was my turn this time. I've encountered magical beasts a few times before. Got lucky and survived each one. But I figured my luck had run out. I tried drawing its attention to save Perrun, but honestly, I'd given up. Magical beasts—or monsters—aren't something a regular person can handle."
"You handled it brilliantly, Guchi. I arrived late, but I could tell from the scene. You understood its traits, provoked it just right, and bought time."
"That was the only thing I could do. Didn't go as planned, though. Never boasted about my sword skills, but I thought I could at least protect myself. Figured I could at least scratch its shell. But even swinging with all my might, it just bounced off pathetically. Hitting a rock would've done better."
"Not freezing up in that situation is impressive enough. Most people think of running only after their limbs get torn off. Human reason vanishes before a top predator."
It was still vivid. Those gleaming massive eyes. Demonic eyes that shattered his mental defenses and reminded him only of despair.
He shuddered lightly. Just recalling it dried his throat. He gulped down the lukewarm beer.
"Can you tell me how many times you've faced monsters?"
"I counted up to five. After that, I stopped."
Louis, who'd stepped away, brought more snacks, saying eat up. Finely chopped baguette mixed with unidentified meat. A faint sour fruit vinegar scent rose too.
While Lander thanked him and ate, he mulled over what Lander had said.
Five times. At least five encounters with magical beasts, and he'd survived. Elite explorers or top scavengers hitting untamed zones made sense, but a lowly ex-soldier?
"You've got me as curious as Bank about what you used to do."
"Knowing won't help your life, Guchi."
"Maybe not. Hardly ever profited from curiosity. But you're more talkative than Bank."
"The branch manager's tied down by all sorts of things. I'm a free citizen now."
"You and Bank—known each other long?"
"I figured the branch manager explained."
"Bank insisted you weren't acquaintances."
"If that's what he said, then that's it."
"Bank would chuckle at this conversation."
"He probably expected it. If he wanted tight info control, he'd have sent you two to Alpesia. As political prisoners, that's at least ten years locked up."
"He said the same. Hearing it from you makes it chilling."
He glanced at Lander's backpack on the bar.
"Where you headed?"
"Dun for now."
"That's quite a distance. What're you planning there?"
"Nothing set. Oh, there's one restaurant I need to check. After poking around Dun, I'll follow my wife's diary for the next move."
"Wandering life."
"Yeah. Might settle if I find a spot I like. But first, her hometown."
"Your wife's hometown the goal of the trip?"
"For now. Once there, I'll think things over. What about you, Guchi? Plans ahead?"
He crossed his arms.
"Similar life to you. Drifter hunting rare beasts here and there. Heard I'd die in some foreign land countless times, but luck's held me this far."
"Hunting."
"Interested?"
"The hunting I saw was an extension of fancy hobbies. Chasing painted deer. Tried it a few times, not my taste."
"Releasing and chasing penned game ain't fun. Real thrill's tracking and capturing ones that could pop up anywhere. You've hit untamed zones too, right?"
"Yes, a few times."
Lander set down his fork. He'd steadily eaten snacks between words and cleared the plate.
"Listen, Lander. Wanna work with me?"
"Work?"
"Hunting. No need for pasts or identities—just your skills. You're on a trip with a destination anyway, and once it's done, you'll need something. I'm looking for a partner right now."
"Need something... Not sure."
Lander gave a vague smile. He hid his past and status, but his emotions were honest.
And Lander's current expression sparked a hypothesis.
"Just to check— you tired of living?"
"Why ask that?"
"That's the vibe. Like you got no place to return to—or don't need one. I've drifted decades, but I've got a few havens. When worn out, I crash there, recharge, go again. This place is one."
"Don't look like I have any?"
"Not to my eyes."
Lander toyed with the fork in front of him.
"Honestly, no clue. If life's fun or boring. Deeper issue's not knowing why to keep living."
"Because of your wife?"
"Her absence is the biggest reason, for sure. My situation pushed too. Starting the trip, had vague hopes. Maybe walking changes something, eases the lingering grief somehow."
Lander gazed wistfully at a corner shelf, forlorn. But the sadness faded quick, back to his relaxed self.
"Like you said, maybe life's a drag."
"I see."
Lander grabbed his backpack and stood.
"I'll be off."
"Time to head out?"
"Yes."
He stood too.
"How about a travel buddy?"
"Wherever you go's your call, Guchi."
"Then permission granted."
"Fine traveling together, but don't think I'll be your partner—okay with that?"
"No worries. No gigs right now, so I'll tag along for the trip. If you change your mind, we work together. Purely selfish hovering—don't mind."
"Better straightforward greed than dubious goodwill."
He extended a hand for a shake.
"Let's get along, us drifters for a while."
Lander eyed his hand, then slowly offered his.
"Sure."
He left the tavern with Lander. Heading to the village entrance, a voice called from behind. Louis.
"Not even a goodbye!"
"We'll see you again. More importantly, next time, have a partner and be married. Don't worry your dad."
"Not your worry. But you're going together?"
"Looks like it."
Louis cupped hands to his mouth and yelled.
"Lander! Come back for sure. And take good care of the old guy next to you!"
"Yes. I'll drop by again."
Hearing Lander, Louis waved big over his head, then went inside.
"Got one spot to return to now."
He said. Lander answered with a faint smile and stepped forward.
(To be continued next time)