Motar Village

After Goro’s death, I could see the villagers’ faces light up with relief. They cheered as if the very source of their suffering had vanished. Some fell to their knees, some wept, and others embraced one another. I felt Rin run toward me and cling tightly to my leg.

“Rei… thank goodness you’re safe.”

I patted Rin’s head.

“Haha, don’t worry. I’m strong.”

Meno walked in front of me with his head lowered.

“I’m sorry, sir. I almost put Rin in danger.”

“Well… I don’t see a scratch on Rin. But if you had handed her over to Goro, there might have been more heads rolling by now.”

Meno looked terrified.

“P-please forgive me!”

“Rei… I was the one who asked Meno to come. It’s my fault. Please forgive me.”

“Hah… forget it. What matters is that you’re safe.”

Suddenly, the atmosphere grew silent, and every villager’s eyes turned toward me. What was going on?

They all bowed their heads at once.

“Thank you, hero. Because you defeated Goro, our village is finally free from his brutal cruelty. If there’s anything we can do for you, please say so.”

A hero? Honestly, that doesn’t suit me at all.

“I’m not a hero. I just happened to be on my way to Mikaor, and I had to pass through this village.”

“Even so, you will always be a hero to Motar. Would you like to rest here tonight?”

“If you don’t mind, then I won’t refuse.”

“Of course not.”

The villagers guided Rin and me to rest in one of the huts. As we walked, I saw Meno crying in front of his grandfather.

The hut was neither too large nor too small. It reminded me of my time in Green Valley. If only they were still alive… No, I mustn’t think like that.

“What’s wrong, Rei? Is it cold?”

“No, nothing’s wrong. I was just lost in thought.”

Since there was only one bed, I told Rin to take it while I slept on the floor.

“Is that so…?”

“Yeah…”

“Rei… may I borrow your hand?”

I gave her my left hand, and Rin hugged it tightly with her small arms.

“Good night, Rei.”

“Good night, Rin.”

After that, she said nothing more. Perhaps she had already fallen asleep. Since I came to this world, countless things have happened one after another. But meeting Flora and the people of Green Valley, Garban and Annie, Meno and the villagers of Motar, and most importantly… meeting Rin, has been a blessing. Unlike my previous world, where I lived in loneliness, here I have another reason to protect others.

Come to think of it, when did I become so adept at handling a weapon, especially this katana? In my old world, I had never studied martial arts. Yet every time I wield it, I feel something strange—my senses sharpen, my body feels lighter. I don’t know where this feeling comes from, but I’m grateful for it. Well… this long night won’t end if I don’t sleep. Tomorrow morning, I’ll set out for Mikaor. I closed my eyes and drifted off.

Morning sunlight shone through the hut’s window, landing on my face. I woke to find Rin still asleep, clutching my left hand.

“Rin… it’s morning. Time to get up.”

Rin stirred uneasily and murmured.

“Father… Mother…”

She was talking in her sleep, and I saw tears sliding down her cheeks. So those horrible memories still haunted her. She’d only been acting strong all this time, hadn’t she? Silly girl. I stroked her head gently to soothe her. I’d let her rest a little longer.

Soon after, she woke up.

“Eh… Rei, did you just wake up too?”

“Well… actually…”

I pointed to my hand still trapped in her grip.

“E-eh, sorry!”

She let go at once, lowering her head to hide her flushed face.

“Haha, it’s fine. Come on, let’s wash up before we head out. There should be a well in this village.”

“All right…”

When I stepped outside, I found Meno sitting on a chair by the hut, asleep. What was he doing here? He yawned and stood.

“Oh… you’re awake?”

“What are you doing here?”

“Well… I wanted to repay you by guarding the hut so our village’s hero could sleep soundly.”

I smacked his head.

“Ow! Why did you hit me…?”

Rin giggled at the sight.

“Don’t call me hero. Just call me Rei.”

“Eh? But why?”

I clenched my fist.

“Ah, fine, fine! I understand!”

I lowered my fist.

“Does this village have a well?”

“Oh, of course. Come, I’ll take you.”

We followed Meno to the well. Along the way, many villagers greeted us warmly, smiling and inviting us into their homes.

At the well, Rin and I washed our faces.

“Rei, Rin, I know you’re in a hurry, but… could you come with me for a moment? The villagers have prepared something for you before you leave.”

Seeing Meno’s earnest face, and the sincere looks of the villagers, I thought it would be fine to delay a little. Rin also seemed willing to accept their kindness.

“Well… if it’s just for a bit.”

“Thank you! Come with me to the town hall.”

Meno looked overjoyed as he led us there. Whatever they had prepared, I hoped it wasn’t too much.

When we entered the hall, every villager was gathered inside, waiting for us. The tables were overflowing with food—fruits, meats, and drinks made from fresh fruit. Surely I wasn’t expected to eat all of this…

Rin and I sat at the table Meno pointed to.

“To our friends who banished the darkness from Motar! Cheers!”

“Ohhh!”

Everyone raised their glasses high, then turned their eyes to me.

“Eh? What is it?”

Meno whispered to me.

“Raise your glass, Rei.”

I followed him and lifted mine. The crowd erupted in cheer and the feast began. Thankfully, I didn’t have to eat everything by myself, though the table before me was still piled high. I glanced at Rin, but she too looked overwhelmed by the choices. Seeing her like that eased my own nerves.

Rin and I ate just enough to be satisfied. The villagers then packed some light food and drinks into gourds for our journey.

They escorted us all the way to the village gates.

“Come visit Motar again someday! We will always welcome you!”

I raised my hand and waved. Perhaps someday, I really would return to this village.