"Grul! Come back whenever you feel like it!"
"Three cheers for you, brother!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Better not be cocksure when you come back, you big oaf!"
"S-stay alive, I can at least heal you if you are alive, Grul."
"You can already handle yourself; show your enemy the might of the Empire's finest techniques."
"Grul, I'd prefer that this contract be signed by pen; not blood. So, stay safe on your journey."
"Grul, I want you to try out the new crops I'm farming once you come back!"
I looked back at the crowd of people in front of me.
It was the time for me to leave the settlement.
Firstly, to return to my cave home, and secondly, to deal with that Elk fool and finally check the ruins.
"GRUL!"
Suddenly, as I mused over what I'll first and foremost once I was out of that gate, I felt a tiny creature take hold of my leg.
Farida.
And right behind her, Khovor.
Both of them looked like they cried a lot last night after hearing that I was going to leave soon.
"Will…will you come back? For us?"
Oof!
The way she said it…the way they looked…it makes my heart ache.
If I could, I'd stay with them here forever and guide them to being the Overpowered duo of the next generation until I grow old and grumpy, like Kael.
"Hm?"
Oh, sh—I think he heard what I was thinking—look away, Grul, pretend you didn't think.
Refocusing my gaze at the two adorable little brats, I felt my heart throb, putting these two in this kind of situation.
But I had to do it now.
Crouching down to meet them at eye-level, I gave them the most sincerest look I could muster as someone with tusks as teeth.
"Yes, I come back. Definitely."
"Promise!"
"Pr…omi…se…"
"Promise."
After making sure they heard my words clearly, they hugged me.
I hugged them back.
Thinking about what may happen to them whilst I'm gone, I wondered if I should take them with me to the cave.
But I knew; the environment there was far too dangerous for them, and even with my presence, I knew they were safer here.
The only thing I could do was rely on Silver to take care of them and ensure no harm came to them.
Speaking of Silver…
As I let the kids' tears fall on my armor, I glanced at Silver, getting his attention, and then glanced at the kids.
Silver understood what I meant, and nodded with a subtle smile.
They were in good hands.
After they let out all of their jarred-up emotions, they backed away from the hug.
Seeing how scrunched up and wet their new dresses and outfits were—that I requested they get from Silver—after their crying outbursts, I dusted them off with my hands that were as large as their heads.
My hands gently moved to the origin of their tears; their eyes, brushing them off, too.
And then—
"Crybabies."
—I teased them a bit, because why not?
Of course, they didn't take too kindly to my teasing, 'Hmpf!'ing me and giving me an annoyed look.
But at least the mood was slightly better.
After finally placating the kids one last time, I set off into the wilderness, with the people of the settlement behind my back.
Last time, it was only Silver and Kael that were there to see me off.
Now…almost everyone in the settlement was there.
It seems I made a second home for myself here, without even knowing it.