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“Do-don’t cry.”

 

They say that men were weak to the tears of women, but I learned that I was also weak to the tears of men.

Even if it was this old man. I felt uncomfortable. Well, maybe it was especially uncomfortable because it was an old man.

I couldn’t exactly hug him.

I could only stand there. Apologetically, I put a hand on his shoulder.

 

It took a while for him to stop crying.

 

When he was done, he looked a little embarrassed and said,

 

“…Sorry about that.”

“No, it’s fine.”

 

And then Goran explained to me.

 

“I heard from the gatekeeper that someone called Ruck had visited. I knew that if it was really you, you would come to the Adventurer’s guild next. And so I was waiting here.”

“Well, I’m sorry for making you wait.”

“Bah, it’s nothing at all.”

 

Right then, tea and snacks were brought into the room.

I took a bite.

It was delicious. The first time I had eaten in 10 years.

 

“…This is good.”

“Is it? What were you eating in that place between our dimensions anyway?”

“I actually didn’t eat anything.”

“I’m surprised you were able to live like that.”

“As for that…”

 

I told him about Drain Touch.

Goran listened with great interest, but then suddenly turned frantic.

He swiped the snacks from off the table.

 

“You really haven’t eaten in 10 years?”

“Yeah…”

“Isn’t it dangerous to eat solids after a long period of fasting?”

“Well, now that you mention it, they do say that…”

“I, I’ll have them bring you some rice water.”

“I’m fine. I don’t know how, but I feel just fine.”

 

I said and tried to persuade him, but Goran was not convinced.

 

“You survived through so much to come here, I’m not going to let you die over something like this. You will be able to eat plenty of delicious food later.”

 

So saying, he ordered the staff to bring me some rice water.

I was thankful that he felt so concerned.

But the snack had tasted so good, which was too bad.

 

As the rice water was being prepared, I told Goran about what had happened in the place between our dimensions.

Then I drank some fruit juice that had been brought after the tea.

 

“The juice is also delicious.”

“Right?”

 

When we were finished talking, the rice water was brought in.

The man carrying it was wearing a mask. He was incredibly suspicious looking.

 

“Ah, you are finally here. Eric. Ruck’s returned to us!”

“Oooh, Ruck! It really is you!”

 

The man took off his mask. It was the Hero, himself. Eric.

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