Boukensha Ni Naritai To Miyako Ni Deteitta Musume Ga S Rank Ni Natteta Chapter 18

Although the long-awaited Spring Festival has begun, Belgriff can’t help but feel somewhat miserable because of the pain he feels in all the muscles of his body .

The power that Angeline wielded yesterday forced Belgriff to use all his ability and to make movements to which he was not accustomed . Now, every time he moves his body, his muscles howl from the pain . But at least there’s a good reason for that suffering . He’s discovered that Angeline is much stronger and more capable than he thought .

Although he can’t be completely sure that his daughter will be safe just because she won yesterday’s match, the attack Angeline used on this occasion was too powerful to ignore, and that gives Belgriff some peace of mind .

However, risking the father-daughter bond he has with Angeline has not been the smartest of his tactics, as now, she keeps following him around . Every now and then she puffs up her cheeks and hugs him whenever she can . And if he ever tried to push her away a little, her eyebrows would twitch and she would make a grunting noise . Belgriff has no choice but to give up and sigh a lot .

“…Angie . ”

“What?”

“Well… it’s kind of awkward, do you think you could let me go?”

“No, not yet . ”

In the end, Belgriff has to attend the Spring Festival with Angeline riding on his back, which generates curious glances and laughter among the villagers .

“Hahaha! Hey, Bel! That’s a big baby you got there!”

“Haha, yes, a little… Angie, people are watching . Why don’t you get off?”

“No!” says Angeline firmly and then holds Belgriff tighter, he simply smiles wryly with an expression of defeat .

Unlike other festivals, the Spring Festival is organized by and for villagers, and one of the largest celebrations is held in the church . Father Maurice offers words of prayer as the villagers close their eyes and join hands .

Everyone who knows the harshness of nature is humble and devoted . And the people of Tornela are no exception, but unlike the Imperial Capital and Ophen, many people still believe in nature spirits, so the religion of Vienna and indigenous beliefs are constantly mixed . Villagers, including Belgriff, offer their prayers to the Chief of the G.o.ds, Vienna, but also make offerings to the spirits of nature .

After the ceremonies are over, the villagers head to the village square where they eat, drink, sing, and play to their hearts’ content . Although not as good as the traveling bards, the village artists take out their instruments and play cheerfully and the young girls dance cheerfully .

Stew and wheat porridge is simmered in a large pot . Sweet bread is kneaded with dried yams and rock cowberries . Meat and fish are roasted in a bonfire and the apple cider barrels are opened .

The many souvenirs that Angeline has brought from Orphen also make a presence at these festivities . The villagers are delighted with the sugar confectionery and mulled wine that cannot be found in Tornela . Little by little Angeline recovers her normal att.i.tude and Belgriff can finally breathe a sigh of relief .

The old adventurer sits in one of the corners of the square and watches the performances and dances while drinking some apple cider . Angeline approaches him, but instead of hugging him, she just sits next to Belgriff and has a drink on her own . Seeing the scene, Anessa and Miriam smile cheerfully .

“What?” asks Angeline with a curious expression .

“Nothing… It’s just that now you look like father and daughter, right, Miri?”

“Yes, they get along very well~ . ”

“That’s right . Fufufu . ” Angeline smiles and leans on her father .

The muscle pain returns at that moment and Belgriff frowns . “Angie, it hurts a little when you do that . ”

“That’s not good . You have to be more mature, Daddy . ”

“Hmmm…” Belgriff strokes his beard with a complicated expression on his face .

There’s chatter here and there, and the loud but cheerful voices of the singers make the laughter even louder . The young men of the village shyly approach Anessa and Miriam and give them bouquets of colorful flowers, while the young ladies tease them about it .

Angeline and her party will soon have to return to Orphen . Their presence is necessary in that place so there’s no way to avoid it . Thinking about it, Belgriff can’t help but feel a little lonely, but he’s also glad to know that so many people trust and depend on his daughter . He can’t let his feelings get in her way .

Without realizing it, Belgriff has emptied several cups of apple cider and the aches and pains in his body have diminished .

Angeline, who until a few minutes ago was angry, seems to be in a better mood and looks at the villagers with a warm gaze .

At that moment Hoffman approaches them .

“Hey, Bel! You want a drink?”

“I’ll gladly accept it . The Spring Festival also looks good this year . ”

“Haha, it’s by the grace of the spirits and the blessings of the Chief of the G.o.ds, Vienna! “After saying that, Hoffman sits next to Belgriff . “Haa… I want to talk to you about road maintenance . ”

“Hm… What happened?” Belgriff leans forward and puts his elbow on his knee .

Due to Angeline’s visit, Belgriff has not been able to attend the village meetings as before . Every time he sees the other villagers arguing hotly, Belgriff has no idea what they’re talking about .

“The elders were reluctant, but yesterday, they finally agreed . Now, we can give an answer to Lord Bordeaux” . Says Hoffman with a smile while drinking a sip of cider .

“That’s good . With this, Tornela will not be left behind by the rest of the world . ”

Hoffman laughs out loud at that and pulls a letter out of his pocket . “Speaking of which, Bel . I want to send my answer to Lord Bordeaux… could I ask you to deliver it?”

“Me?” Belgriff is pretty confused with the request, maybe because of all the cider he drank .

“This is an important letter . I can’t give it to just anybody . You have good skills and, above all, the trust of the Bordeaux family . I hope you’ll accept this little quest and tell me everything when you get back . ”

“If you ask me, this should be a job for the village chief . ” Says Belgriff with a mischievous smile that makes Hoffman’s eyebrows twitch a little .

“I’m also asking because you mentioned earlier that my manners are strange . ”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding . I understand . ”

As the two of them laugh and drink cider, Angeline, who listened to the conversation without saying anything, finally leans forward .

“When will you leave?”

“When…? Hmmm . ”

“In my opinion . The sooner you leave, the better…”

Hearing that, Angeline’s eyes light up and she embraces Belgriff’s arm .

“If so, we can leave together when I return to Orphen!”

“Hmm… Yeah, that’ll save us a lot of trouble . ”

Certainly, if Belgriff leaves on the same day Angeline returns to Orphen, they will be able to save time and money by sharing the same carriage . And they can spend more time together . From Angeline’s point of view, traveling with her father will be an unforgettable experience .

“All right . Angie, I hope you and your friends can protect me from any danger . ” Says Belgriff emptying the rest of the apple cider in one gulp .

“Great! When do we leave?”

“If possible, I’d like to leave early tomorrow, but… Angie, would you like to spend more time in Tornela?”

“That doesn’t matter if I can spend more time with you, Daddy . Tomorrow is good!” Angeline gets up happily and talks to Anessa and Miriam, who are still dealing with the young men of the village . “Tomorrow we’ll go back to Orphen! My Daddy’s coming with us!”

“What! Mr . Bell too?”

“Wow, is Mr . Bell coming back with us~?” The two girls approach Belgriff with huge smiles on their faces and shake his hand .

“Not exactly . I have another a.s.signment . I have to go to the Bordeaux territory . ”

“Oh, I see… It’s a shame…”

“Mmmm… And I thought we could go on adventures with Mr . Bel~ . ” Anessa scratches her cheeks with an expression of disappointment and Miriam puffs her cheeks .

Before he realizes it, the girls got used to his presence . It’s a shame he can’t accompany them to Orphen . However, if they are really going to leave this early, they have to prepare several things . So Belgriff and the girls return home even though the Festival is not over yet .

The round trip to Bordeaux will take Belgriff at least a week . During all that time, the house will be left alone, so he has to clean as much as he can . And to prevent undesirables from messing with his stuff, Belgriff puts all his valuables in a safe .

However, because of his muscle pain, he can’t move around as smoothly as usual, and it takes him a long time to prepare his things .

As they prepare for the journey, the sun sets on the horizon and night arrives in Tornela . The Spring Festival goes from dances and songs to the big banquet and the villagers are separated into small groups of three or five people . As is customary, the banquet is plentiful and the villagers eat their fill, so it will be difficult for them to eat in the following days .

After a while, Belgriff leaves the house to consult with Hoffmann . Angeline is in such a good mood for the trip they’ll be making together, that she doesn’t force him to take her with him . The three girls sit quietly in front of the fireplace and clean their bodies .

“Ha~… our vacations lasted a short time~…” Miriam murmurs .

“Yeah . Looks like it was just a couple of days . But the reality is that we’ve been here for two weeks . ” Anessa says with a sigh .

“I don’t know if I can get used to the hustle and bustle of the city after living so quietly…”

“Yeah, you’re right . I can’t believe I was also able to train with Mr . Bel and Angie~ . ”

“We’re not vanguards, but it was still very helpful . I think…”

“Right, right~ . I can definitely feel that our power has increased . Have you also become stronger despite losing so many times, Angie~?” says Miriam as she pokes Angeline’s side with her fingertips .

“It’s not that I was careless or anything . It’s just that my dad is extraordinary . ”

“If you keep saying that, Mr . Bel will be mad at you again . ”

“Mmm~… If Angie stops being Mr . Bel’s daughter, I wonder if he’ll agree to be my father~?”

“What did you say?! I won’t forgive you, Miri!” yells Angeline as she jumps at Miriam .

“Kya~!”

The two play together while laughing out loud . Miriam and Angeline are rolling from side to side very close to the fireplace while Anessa, who has a worried expression on her face, tries to stop them from getting hurt .

The busy life they have led in Orphen, subjugating magic beasts almost every day and the life they have led in the peaceful village of Orphen, are very different . Right now, this S Rank party is no different than any other group of teenage girls .

Their rest has been exciting, exhilarating and certainly amusing, but it is actually difficult to say that they rested their bodies . For the last couple of weeks, they have been working every day, walking through the mountains away from the crowds and chatting in front of the fireplace at night . However, this lifestyle has gradually become normal for them and now that they must return to the busy city, they cannot help but feel somewhat nostalgic .

At that moment, someone knocks on the door, it’ s most likely Belgriff who has returned from his talk with Hoffman . Angeline, who until a few seconds ago was playing with Miriam, rushes to the door in the blink of an eye and opens it . A cold gust of wind enters through the door and threatens to extinguish the fireplace, candles, and lamps .

Belgriff takes off his coat and hangs it on the wall, frowning at his aching muscles, and also stretching his neck that seems to have become numbed by the cold .

“Haaa, the nights are still cold… Are you guys okay?”

“We’re fine~ . ”

“After getting used to the nighttime, it doesn’t feel as cold as it did at first . ”

“I’m glad you hear that . But isn’t it a shame that you have to leave the place you just got used to?” says Belgriff with a smile . Then he takes more wood and puts it in the fireplace .

“Daddy… What time are we leaving tomorrow?” says Angeline as she jumps on Belgriff’s back .

“We’ll leave around noon . Otherwise, we will get sleepy on the road . This way we can also clean the rooms and have breakfast . ”

“All right!” Angeline buries her face in Belgriff’s hair as she smiles . Apparently, she’s happy just to be with her father .

Belgriff smiles wryly, takes off his shoes and sits near the fireplace . He then carefully removes the prosthetic leg, wipes it with a clean cloth and sets it aside .

Suddenly, everyone in the house is silent .

The wind outside blows hard and shakes the door . With the wood Belgriff threw into the chimney, the fire is rekindled and dances from side to side . In that stillness, even the slightest noise intensifies quite a bit .

Miriam sways from side to side with a nonchalant, sleepy look, and Angeline, still hugging Belgriff’s back, begins to close her eyes .

With a pop, a lump of burning coal flies out of the chimney . Belgriff quickly catches it with his bare hand and throws it back into the fire .

“Wow, wasn’t it hot? “asks Anessa as he watches Belgriff’s action .

“Hmm? The coal? If you spend several years swinging the sword, the skin on your hands thickens . If I had held the coal for a while it would have burned my hand, but if it is only for a moment, then there is no problem . ” After saying this, Belgriff shows Anessa his palm . Certainly, his skin looks tough and coa.r.s.e .

Anessa extends his hand involuntarily but immediately stops with a surprised expression .

“Hmm… Is it okay if I touch your hand?”

“Yeah, no problem . ”

When the girl touches the hand of the old adventurer, she has an indescribable sensation . Belgriff’s hand has calluses so hard that they resemble small stones and the skin is so thick that even knives are unlikely to cut it . However, it is not an unpleasant feeling . Somehow these marks, corns, and scars are evidence of everything Belgriff has lived through .

“It’s amazing . I’ll also do my best to achieve it,” says Anessa, somewhat embarra.s.sed by her own youth .

“This is just evidence of my lack of talent . I wasn’t able to grow any other way . ”

Belgriff smiles, then he reaches for a gla.s.s near the fireplace and pours some hot water .

“Well, it’s been a long time since I left Tornela… I hope you can take good care of this old man, Miss Adventurer . ” Belgriff jokes and drinks the water . Anessa smiles tenderly .

Angeline is dozing but manages to open her eyes a little and curl up on Belgriff’s back . “I’m sleepy…”

“Yes, we should also sleep because tomorrow we’ll be very busy… In fact, I think Miss Miri is already asleep . ”

“Oh, this girl, seriously…” Anessa didn’t even notice, but Miriam is already lying in her bed, sleeping .

Belgriff gets up carefully and takes Angeline to her bed, then blows out the lamps and candles . Only the chimney light remains, so the roof of the house is completely covered by shadows .

Belgriff then goes to his bed and lies down .

Anessa also seems tired, as moments after lying down, her breathing relaxes and she falls asleep .

Belgriff slowly closes his eyes . He can hear Angeline breathing in the bed next to his, and from time to time, the crackling sound of wood in the fireplace .

He never imagined he would have to leave Tornela, but for some reason, he finds it interesting . He is also glad to spend more time with his daughter . After all, the house is very quiet when Angeline is in Orphen . He’s not ashamed to say that he wants to spend more time with his little girl .

However, he also feels anxious, since, without him, Tornela has no more people who can deal with magic beasts . But when he mentioned this to Hoffman, he laughed .

Hoffman a.s.serted that some of the children Belgriff has been teaching swordsmans.h.i.+p to have the skills necessary for the job . Besides, it’s not like Tornela is going to disappear just because Belgriff goes out for a couple of days .

Belgriff knows that Hoffman is right and can’t help but feel embarra.s.sed by his anxiety and overreaction .

Anyway, for now, he must rest . However, he cannot easily fall asleep, perhaps a discomfort caused by his age . Fortunately, now that he’s not moving so much, the muscle aches hardly bother him . Yesterday’s fight had really demanded a lot from him .

When Belgriff decides to start counting sheep, he hears Angeline’s voice .

“Daddy… Are you awake?”

“Yes, I’m awake,” replies Belgriff with his eyes closed .

“Fufufu… Even though I was recently sleepy, I can’t sleep now . ”

“Yes, it’s the same with me . ”

“I, well… Wouldn’t you like to live with us in Orphen? I make a lot of money and if I rent a big house we can all live together…”

Belgriff remains silent and closes his eyes for a while, but finally slowly stretches his arm and caresses Angeline’s head .

“That sounds fantastic . ”

“Yes…? “Angeline is very excited about the answer . However, Belgriff continues to speak .

“But if I do that, I won’t be able to come back to Tornela anymore . ”

“Well… that…”

“This is my home village… No, this is our home village, Angie… Your offer makes me really happy, but I want to continue protecting the place where you can come back and call home . If I’m not mistaken you also like Tornela, don’t you, Angie?”

“Yes, I like it,” says Angeline with a certain air of disappointment . “All right . But we’ll stay together until we reach the Bordeaux territory!”

“Sure, sure . So go to sleep now . ”

“Yes . Good night, Daddy . ”

“Good night, Angie . ”

The night in Tornela remains serene and silent…

Although the long-awaited Spring Festival has begun, Belgriff can’t help but feel somewhat miserable because of the pain he feels in all the muscles of his body

The power that Angeline wielded yesterday forced Belgriff to use all his ability and to make movements to which he was not accustomed . Now, every time he moves his body, his muscles howl from the pain . But at least there’s a good reason for that suffering . He’s discovered that Angeline is much stronger and more capable than he thought

Although he can’t be completely sure that his daughter will be safe just because she won yesterday’s match, the attack Angeline used on this occasion was too powerful to ignore, and that gives Belgriff some peace of mind

However, risking the father-daughter bond he has with Angeline has not been the smartest of his tactics, as now, she keeps following him around . Every now and then she puffs up her cheeks and hugs him whenever she can . And if he ever tried to push her away a little, her eyebrows would twitch and she would make a grunting noise . Belgriff has no choice but to give up and sigh a lot

“…Angie . ”.

“What?”.

“Well… it’s kind of awkward, do you think you could let me go?”.

“No, not yet . ”.

In the end, Belgriff has to attend the Spring Festival with Angeline riding on his back, which generates curious glances and laughter among the villagers

“Hahaha! Hey, Bel! That’s a big baby you got there!”.

“Haha, yes, a little… Angie, people are watching . Why don’t you get off?”.

“No!” says Angeline firmly and then holds Belgriff tighter, he simply smiles wryly with an expression of defeat

Unlike other festivals, the Spring Festival is organized by and for villagers, and one of the largest celebrations is held in the church . Father Maurice offers words of prayer as the villagers close their eyes and join hands

Everyone who knows the harshness of nature is humble and devoted . And the people of Tornela are no exception, but unlike the Imperial Capital and Ophen, many people still believe in nature spirits, so the religion of Vienna and indigenous beliefs are constantly mixed . Villagers, including Belgriff, offer their prayers to the Chief of the G.o.ds, Vienna, but also make offerings to the spirits of nature

After the ceremonies are over, the villagers head to the village square where they eat, drink, sing, and play to their hearts’ content . Although not as good as the traveling bards, the village artists take out their instruments and play cheerfully and the young girls dance cheerfully

Stew and wheat porridge is simmered in a large pot . Sweet bread is kneaded with dried yams and rock cowberries . Meat and fish are roasted in a bonfire and the apple cider barrels are opened

The many souvenirs that Angeline has brought from Orphen also make a presence at these festivities . The villagers are delighted with the sugar confectionery and mulled wine that cannot be found in Tornela . Little by little Angeline recovers her normal att.i.tude and Belgriff can finally breathe a sigh of relief

The old adventurer sits in one of the corners of the square and watches the performances and dances while drinking some apple cider . Angeline approaches him, but instead of hugging him, she just sits next to Belgriff and has a drink on her own . Seeing the scene, Anessa and Miriam smile cheerfully

“What?” asks Angeline with a curious expression

“Nothing… It’s just that now you look like father and daughter, right, Miri?”.

“Yes, they get along very well~ . ”.

“That’s right . Fufufu . ” Angeline smiles and leans on her father

The muscle pain returns at that moment and Belgriff frowns . “Angie, it hurts a little when you do that . ”.

“That’s not good . You have to be more mature, Daddy . ”.

“Hmmm…” Belgriff strokes his beard with a complicated expression on his face

There’s chatter here and there, and the loud but cheerful voices of the singers make the laughter even louder . The young men of the village shyly approach Anessa and Miriam and give them bouquets of colorful flowers, while the young ladies tease them about it

Angeline and her party will soon have to return to Orphen . Their presence is necessary in that place so there’s no way to avoid it . Thinking about it, Belgriff can’t help but feel a little lonely, but he’s also glad to know that so many people trust and depend on his daughter . He can’t let his feelings get in her way

Without realizing it, Belgriff has emptied several cups of apple cider and the aches and pains in his body have diminished

Angeline, who until a few minutes ago was angry, seems to be in a better mood and looks at the villagers with a warm gaze

At that moment Hoffman approaches them

“Hey, Bel! You want a drink?”.

“I’ll gladly accept it . The Spring Festival also looks good this year . ”.

“Haha, it’s by the grace of the spirits and the blessings of the Chief of the G.o.ds, Vienna! “After saying that, Hoffman sits next to Belgriff . “Haa… I want to talk to you about road maintenance . ”.

“Hm… What happened?” Belgriff leans forward and puts his elbow on his knee

Due to Angeline’s visit, Belgriff has not been able to attend the village meetings as before . Every time he sees the other villagers arguing hotly, Belgriff has no idea what they’re talking about

“The elders were reluctant, but yesterday, they finally agreed . Now, we can give an answer to Lord Bordeaux” . Says Hoffman with a smile while drinking a sip of cider

“That’s good . With this, Tornela will not be left behind by the rest of the world . ”.

Hoffman laughs out loud at that and pulls a letter out of his pocket . “Speaking of which, Bel . I want to send my answer to Lord Bordeaux… could I ask you to deliver it?”.

“Me?” Belgriff is pretty confused with the request, maybe because of all the cider he drank

“This is an important letter . I can’t give it to just anybody . You have good skills and, above all, the trust of the Bordeaux family . I hope you’ll accept this little quest and tell me everything when you get back . ”.

“If you ask me, this should be a job for the village chief . ” Says Belgriff with a mischievous smile that makes Hoffman’s eyebrows twitch a little

“I’m also asking because you mentioned earlier that my manners are strange . ”.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding . I understand . ”.

As the two of them laugh and drink cider, Angeline, who listened to the conversation without saying anything, finally leans forward

“When will you leave?”.

“When…? Hmmm . ”.

“In my opinion . The sooner you leave, the better…”.

Hearing that, Angeline’s eyes light up and she embraces Belgriff’s arm

“If so, we can leave together when I return to Orphen!”.

“Hmm… Yeah, that’ll save us a lot of trouble . ”.

Certainly, if Belgriff leaves on the same day Angeline returns to Orphen, they will be able to save time and money by sharing the same carriage . And they can spend more time together . From Angeline’s point of view, traveling with her father will be an unforgettable experience

“All right . Angie, I hope you and your friends can protect me from any danger . ” Says Belgriff emptying the rest of the apple cider in one gulp

“Great! When do we leave?”.

“If possible, I’d like to leave early tomorrow, but… Angie, would you like to spend more time in Tornela?”.

“That doesn’t matter if I can spend more time with you, Daddy . Tomorrow is good!” Angeline gets up happily and talks to Anessa and Miriam, who are still dealing with the young men of the village . “Tomorrow we’ll go back to Orphen! My Daddy’s coming with us!”.

“What! Mr . Bell too?”.

“Wow, is Mr . Bell coming back with us~?” The two girls approach Belgriff with huge smiles on their faces and shake his hand

“Not exactly . I have another a.s.signment . I have to go to the Bordeaux territory . ”.

“Oh, I see… It’s a shame…”.

“Mmmm… And I thought we could go on adventures with Mr . Bel~ . ” Anessa scratches her cheeks with an expression of disappointment and Miriam puffs her cheeks

Before he realizes it, the girls got used to his presence . It’s a shame he can’t accompany them to Orphen . However, if they are really going to leave this early, they have to prepare several things . So Belgriff and the girls return home even though the Festival is not over yet

The round trip to Bordeaux will take Belgriff at least a week . During all that time, the house will be left alone, so he has to clean as much as he can . And to prevent undesirables from messing with his stuff, Belgriff puts all his valuables in a safe

However, because of his muscle pain, he can’t move around as smoothly as usual, and it takes him a long time to prepare his things

As they prepare for the journey, the sun sets on the horizon and night arrives in Tornela . The Spring Festival goes from dances and songs to the big banquet and the villagers are separated into small groups of three or five people . As is customary, the banquet is plentiful and the villagers eat their fill, so it will be difficult for them to eat in the following days

After a while, Belgriff leaves the house to consult with Hoffmann . Angeline is in such a good mood for the trip they’ll be making together, that she doesn’t force him to take her with him . The three girls sit quietly in front of the fireplace and clean their bodies

“Ha~… our vacations lasted a short time~…” Miriam murmurs

“Yeah . Looks like it was just a couple of days . But the reality is that we’ve been here for two weeks . ” Anessa says with a sigh

“I don’t know if I can get used to the hustle and bustle of the city after living so quietly…”.

“Yeah, you’re right . I can’t believe I was also able to train with Mr . Bel and Angie~ . ”.

“We’re not vanguards, but it was still very helpful . I think…”.

“Right, right~ . I can definitely feel that our power has increased . Have you also become stronger despite losing so many times, Angie~?” says Miriam as she pokes Angeline’s side with her fingertips

“It’s not that I was careless or anything . It’s just that my dad is extraordinary . ”.

“If you keep saying that, Mr . Bel will be mad at you again . ”.

“Mmm~… If Angie stops being Mr . Bel’s daughter, I wonder if he’ll agree to be my father~?”.

“What did you say?! I won’t forgive you, Miri!” yells Angeline as she jumps at Miriam

“Kya~!”.

The two play together while laughing out loud . Miriam and Angeline are rolling from side to side very close to the fireplace while Anessa, who has a worried expression on her face, tries to stop them from getting hurt

The busy life they have led in Orphen, subjugating magic beasts almost every day and the life they have led in the peaceful village of Orphen, are very different . Right now, this S Rank party is no different than any other group of teenage girls

Their rest has been exciting, exhilarating and certainly amusing, but it is actually difficult to say that they rested their bodies . For the last couple of weeks, they have been working every day, walking through the mountains away from the crowds and chatting in front of the fireplace at night . However, this lifestyle has gradually become normal for them and now that they must return to the busy city, they cannot help but feel somewhat nostalgic

At that moment, someone knocks on the door, it’ s most likely Belgriff who has returned from his talk with Hoffman . Angeline, who until a few seconds ago was playing with Miriam, rushes to the door in the blink of an eye and opens it . A cold gust of wind enters through the door and threatens to extinguish the fireplace, candles, and lamps

Belgriff takes off his coat and hangs it on the wall, frowning at his aching muscles, and also stretching his neck that seems to have become numbed by the cold

“Haaa, the nights are still cold… Are you guys okay?”.

“We’re fine~ . ”.

“After getting used to the nighttime, it doesn’t feel as cold as it did at first . ”.

“I’m glad you hear that . But isn’t it a shame that you have to leave the place you just got used to?” says Belgriff with a smile . Then he takes more wood and puts it in the fireplace

“Daddy… What time are we leaving tomorrow?” says Angeline as she jumps on Belgriff’s back

“We’ll leave around noon . Otherwise, we will get sleepy on the road . This way we can also clean the rooms and have breakfast . ”.

“All right!” Angeline buries her face in Belgriff’s hair as she smiles . Apparently, she’s happy just to be with her father

Belgriff smiles wryly, takes off his shoes and sits near the fireplace . He then carefully removes the prosthetic leg, wipes it with a clean cloth and sets it aside

Suddenly, everyone in the house is silent

The wind outside blows hard and shakes the door . With the wood Belgriff threw into the chimney, the fire is rekindled and dances from side to side . In that stillness, even the slightest noise intensifies quite a bit

Miriam sways from side to side with a nonchalant, sleepy look, and Angeline, still hugging Belgriff’s back, begins to close her eyes

With a pop, a lump of burning coal flies out of the chimney . Belgriff quickly catches it with his bare hand and throws it back into the fire

“Wow, wasn’t it hot? “asks Anessa as he watches Belgriff’s action

“Hmm? The coal? If you spend several years swinging the sword, the skin on your hands thickens . If I had held the coal for a while it would have burned my hand, but if it is only for a moment, then there is no problem . ” After saying this, Belgriff shows Anessa his palm . Certainly, his skin looks tough and coa.r.s.e

Anessa extends his hand involuntarily but immediately stops with a surprised expression

“Hmm… Is it okay if I touch your hand?”.

“Yeah, no problem . ”.

When the girl touches the hand of the old adventurer, she has an indescribable sensation . Belgriff’s hand has calluses so hard that they resemble small stones and the skin is so thick that even knives are unlikely to cut it . However, it is not an unpleasant feeling . Somehow these marks, corns, and scars are evidence of everything Belgriff has lived through

“It’s amazing . I’ll also do my best to achieve it,” says Anessa, somewhat embarra.s.sed by her own youth

“This is just evidence of my lack of talent . I wasn’t able to grow any other way . ”.

Belgriff smiles, then he reaches for a gla.s.s near the fireplace and pours some hot water

“Well, it’s been a long time since I left Tornela… I hope you can take good care of this old man, Miss Adventurer . ” Belgriff jokes and drinks the water . Anessa smiles tenderly

Angeline is dozing but manages to open her eyes a little and curl up on Belgriff’s back . “I’m sleepy…”.

“Yes, we should also sleep because tomorrow we’ll be very busy… In fact, I think Miss Miri is already asleep . ”.

“Oh, this girl, seriously…” Anessa didn’t even notice, but Miriam is already lying in her bed, sleeping

Belgriff gets up carefully and takes Angeline to her bed, then blows out the lamps and candles . Only the chimney light remains, so the roof of the house is completely covered by shadows

Belgriff then goes to his bed and lies down

Anessa also seems tired, as moments after lying down, her breathing relaxes and she falls asleep

Belgriff slowly closes his eyes . He can hear Angeline breathing in the bed next to his, and from time to time, the crackling sound of wood in the fireplace

He never imagined he would have to leave Tornela, but for some reason, he finds it interesting . He is also glad to spend more time with his daughter . After all, the house is very quiet when Angeline is in Orphen . He’s not ashamed to say that he wants to spend more time with his little girl

However, he also feels anxious, since, without him, Tornela has no more people who can deal with magic beasts . But when he mentioned this to Hoffman, he laughed

Hoffman a.s.serted that some of the children Belgriff has been teaching swordsmans.h.i.+p to have the skills necessary for the job . Besides, it’s not like Tornela is going to disappear just because Belgriff goes out for a couple of days

Belgriff knows that Hoffman is right and can’t help but feel embarra.s.sed by his anxiety and overreaction

Anyway, for now, he must rest . However, he cannot easily fall asleep, perhaps a discomfort caused by his age . Fortunately, now that he’s not moving so much, the muscle aches hardly bother him . Yesterday’s fight had really demanded a lot from him

When Belgriff decides to start counting sheep, he hears Angeline’s voice

“Daddy… Are you awake?”.

“Yes, I’m awake,” replies Belgriff with his eyes closed

“Fufufu… Even though I was recently sleepy, I can’t sleep now . ”.

“Yes, it’s the same with me . ”.

“I, well… Wouldn’t you like to live with us in Orphen? I make a lot of money and if I rent a big house we can all live together…”.

Belgriff remains silent and closes his eyes for a while, but finally slowly stretches his arm and caresses Angeline’s head

“That sounds fantastic . ”.

“Yes…? “Angeline is very excited about the answer . However, Belgriff continues to speak

“But if I do that, I won’t be able to come back to Tornela anymore . ”.

“Well… that…”.

“This is my home village… No, this is our home village, Angie… Your offer makes me really happy, but I want to continue protecting the place where you can come back and call home . If I’m not mistaken you also like Tornela, don’t you, Angie?”.

“Yes, I like it,” says Angeline with a certain air of disappointment . “All right . But we’ll stay together until we reach the Bordeaux territory!”.

“Sure, sure . So go to sleep now . ”.

“Yes . Good night, Daddy . ”.

“Good night, Angie . ”.

The night in Tornela remains serene and silent….