The Traveling Hero Won't Let The Innkeeper's Son Escape Chapter 4 Part2

Chapter 4.2 — The First Village's Hero is supposed to marry his cute female childhood friend… (4)

As a child, Alec allowed his abilities to blossom into fruition and nowadays, his swordsmanship and magical powers have reached a terrifying level. That natural talent, enough to be thought of as a protagonist's cheat, is something that Ruth, who has memories of his previous life, can understand. That's why Ruth would agree if one were to say that Alec has the makings of a hero.

"…But, why did it turn out this way? Up until now, there wasn't anything about being a hero…"

"I don't know. But, I have heard about the heroes in the past from Father. They… are the ones who saved the world a hundred years ago. Father said that it seems that conflicts have arisen from all over the world and it should be about time for someone to appear and accept the divine oracle."

"So you heard that from Father?"

Since Alec is usually together with Ruth whenever Father has to talk to him, Alec must have definitely heard about this when he was alone. Based on that, it feels like Father's actions were intentional. Could it be that he already saw Alec's potential to be a hero before all this?

"Then, suddenly, it seems like those guys dispatched from the royal capital came to the village chief's place this evening… I was then called over and after I touched the crystal they were holding, it broke without warning. After that, they started to call me a hero…"

It seems like after Marianne called him over that evening, such an event happened.

After that, the village chief and the men proceeded through the conversation as they pleased. It seems that Alec was going to leave the village and head towards the royal capital at the crack of dawn tomorrow. In doing so, they were told that they mustn't announce this to anyone around them and it seems that, until now, Alec was being confined for resisting.

The commotion outside was probably the village chief, the ones by the chief's side, and the people from the royal capital searching for the escaped Alec.

"Those guys went too far. It was like they were ignoring what I want. Because I'm the hero, of course, I have to depart on a journey for world peace…of course, I have to save the people. What are they saying, even I have things I want to do, who cares about being a hero? If I can live on as myself, as 'Alec', then that's more than enough."

"…That's true…"

When Ruth agreed, Alec increasingly tightened the hug between them. His unexpected rush of emotions seems to have stopped but his heavy breathing has yet to settle. Ruth stroked Alec's back to calm him down and slowly, Alec's grip on Ruth began to weaken. However, it doesn't seem like he has any intentions of letting Ruth go yet. At that child-like behavior, while giving Alec a bitter smile, Ruth started to think about their conversation from earlier.

(It's true that the whole hero matter was a complete shock to Alec. Suddenly having to bear the burden of people's lives and to go save the world, it's understandable that he would want to say "who cares"…but…)

However, Ruth who played games in his previous life knew how important the hero is to the world. A sword that can only be wielded by the hero, a door that can only be opened by the hero, a tribe that only recognizes the hero- those sort of things is the standard in games.

Of course, because this world isn't a game, obviously it would be different from what Ruth knows. Despite that, Ruth sensed that Alec has a special presence. Perhaps it's because the village is slightly far from the royal capital, but because there is little information that comes in about other countries and villages, Ruth doesn't know what the world has become. However, for them to come to this remote village in the mountains to pick up Alec, the only reason must be what Alec heard from Father about the world's need for a hero.

(But…but, even so, to carry people's lives and to save the world… I can't say that…)

Ultimately, Ruth is the son of an innkeeper in a small village. The heavy feelings Alec harbors, as a hero, is something that Ruth will never understand. Whatever Ruth says will never be anything other than words from a person who doesn't know about anything. That's why not even Ruth knows what he should say to Alec. He believed that his own cheap opinions had no place in this.

"I get what you mean…and so, what do you want to do, Alec?"

When Ruth said that, Alec, who buried his face in Ruth's shoulders, finally lifted his head. That appearance had none of his usual toughness and was dyed in bewilderment. Their faces were close enough for their noses to touch but Ruth did not turn his head away. Now is not the time to get embarra.s.sed.

"I…"

"You said you didn't want to be a hero, right? Do you want to run away?"

"If you run away and say that you want to live in peace, then I will do everything in my power to help you. I would never betray you."

"Ruth…"

"However, Alec, I want you to know this."

"What is it?"

"In this world, there is surely no one else besides you who can be called a hero. I believe that only you hold that sort of power. I want you to properly know that."

Ruth can't stop Alec from running away. After all, the mere son of an innkeeper can't take Alec's place to become a hero.

Despite that, there is one thing he's sure about. There is a reason why he is called a hero. Furthermore, various powers were gifted at birth, like that of a hero, to bear the weight of the world. He might think that they were unnecessary but Alec is who he is today thanks to those powers. Surely, if he never had those powers then Alec's fate would have been completely different.

For this reason, Ruth wants Alec to be fully aware of his decision to run away while holding the powers that he was gifted upon. But, more than anything, Ruth doesn't want Alec to regret anything later when he has to know of a world that had to change because there weren't any heroes.

"…I know. I never thought that there was a lot of people who are heroes. But…me being a hero…am I fit for it?"

Alec looked down, seemingly insecure in himself, as he said that. An unimaginable level of discomposure emanated from the once usually confident Alec.

However, even Alec was just an ordinary village boy up until yesterday. At this rate, getting married, finding a job, and raising children is a dying dream. Alec probably believed that childish everyday life would continue. Then suddenly he has to become a hero. There's no way he would agree so easily. When thinking of it that way, Alec's reaction is understandable. After all, Alec isn't a game character.

"Alec, just because you're a hero doesn't mean you need to carry all this burden by yourself. You should make some friends and solve problems together with them. And…"

"…And?"

"I'm here for you too, right? An innkeeper's son can't help the hero but, if it's for "Alec's" sake, I'll do whatever I can. You can come back anytime you're tired and I'll always hear you out whenever you want to complain. Plus, you can stay over at our inn free of charge with the hero discount."

Ruth gave Alec a  toothy grin to rea.s.sure him. It feels like he just said something extremely cheesy but, in times like these, you must say these sort of things without being getting embarra.s.sed or else the meaning won't be properly conveyed. This is something Ruth understands from his 30 years plus 19 years, a total of 50 years worth of life experience.

"…Ruth…"

As if overcome with emotion, Alec's face turned bright red and started to tremble. He choked up as if something was stuck in his throat and released his hands from Ruth's back. He pressed his right hand to his heart and looked down.

"H-Hey Alec, are you okay?"

"I…I'm fine… it just hurts a little…"

Ruth stroked the Alec's back, who didn't look fine at all, but Alec quickly used his free hand that wasn't pressed to his chest to grab Ruth's hand. Ruth thought about whether he wants to leave his hand there as it is1For this part, I wasn't too sure about this translation but that way I read it was like that… if anyone else read the raws and have a different interpretation then go ahead and let me know! and clasped both of his hands around Alec's hand to cheer him on. Alec tightly squeezes his hand back in response. It seems like this is already enough.

MARY: h.e.l.lo everyone! Thank you for waiting and here is the second part. If y'all see any mistakes then please let me know!

WAIT! I HAVE SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS!

First things first, I am looking for a editor! I know my grammar isn't the best which is why I figured it's about time to try to find a editor (been doing everything solo ORZ). If anyone is interested then do please apply through ISO translations!

As for future chapters… for chapter 5 & 6, I am aiming to release them simultaneously because they're preeetty intense but I'll try my best…. At the very least I don't plan on splitting them up like 3 & 4.