They walked in silence as the rain continued to soak their clothes. Roe began to shiver, his chattering teeth annoying the man beside him, who sighed in irritation.
"Let's find an inn to rest for a bit. We'll continue our journey tomorrow," the man said.
Roe felt a wave of relief and even a twinge of excitement. Despite the fact that this man had killed three men in front of him earlier, something about him exuded trustworthiness. It made Roe feel safe.
They trudged along the muddy path until they reached a two-story inn. Warm light glowed from its windows, and the smell of food wafted out, making Roe's stomach growl. Drool slipped from the corner of his mouth as he inhaled deeply, savoring the aroma. The man noticed and chuckled, shaking his head before heading inside. Roe quickly followed.
The receptionist was a young woman with a pretty face and brown hair. The glances the men in the room cast her way suggested she was considered the local beauty. Roe, too, took a moment to admire her before his attention shifted to the inn's interior.
His head swiveled left and right as he admired the furniture and decorations, his curiosity consuming him. Meanwhile, the man approached the counter and made arrangements.
"Two rooms and warm baths. If we're not too late, we'd also like some dinner," the man said, placing two bronze coins on the desk.
The young woman smiled, swept the coins off the counter, and gestured for them to follow.
"Right this way, please."
The man grabbed Roe's shoulder, pulling him out of his reverie, and together they followed the woman upstairs. Their rooms were side by side, and she informed them that hot water would be brought up shortly.
After she left, the man entered Roe's room, placing a pair of pants and a shirt on the bed before walking toward Roe with an open hand.
Roe tensed, stammering, "I… I don't have any money."
The man chuckled, reaching for the sack Roe was clutching. Roe immediately stiffened and clung to it tighter.
"Relax. I'm trying to help you. Like I said before, it has already chosen you. Even if I tried to take it, like those fools, it would be pointless. Now, hand it over."
Roe hesitated, a mix of fear and reluctance flashing across his face. After a long moment, he sighed and handed the sack to the man.
"What's your name, kid?" the man asked as he took the sack.
"Roe… just Roe," he replied, his expression tinged with sadness. He'd never known his parents or any family. The old woman who raised him gave him his name but nothing more.
"I'm Clomanius Hellsing," the man said, his tone firm yet kind. "From now on, I'll be taking you in. But understand this—the path I walk isn't for the faint of heart. Are you prepared for that? Are you willing to follow me, Roe?"
Roe's eyes met Clomanius's, and a spark of determination ignited within them. "If you're willing to take me in, what right do I have to refuse such a generous offer?" Roe stood and bowed deeply.
Clomanius waved dismissively. "No need for that. This sack will stay with me for now. When we reach our destination, we'll deal with it. For now, take a bath, get changed, and come down for dinner."
With that, Clomanius left the room, and shortly after, the receptionist arrived with hot water. Roe enjoyed a warm bath, changed into the clothes Clomanius had provided, and headed downstairs.
Dinner was a feast—roasted potatoes, beef stew, a loaf of bread, and a cup of milk. Starving, Roe devoured the meal in record time, even asking for seconds before finally feeling satisfied.
Clomanius watched him with faintly glowing blue eyes, noticing a subtle aura around Roe. Though he couldn't discern its nature, he dismissed it for the time being and focused on his own meal.
After dinner, they returned to their rooms. Roe lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. A thoughtful expression softened into a smile as he considered how his life had turned around. If not for Clomanius, he would have been the one dead that day. The thought sent a shiver down his spine.
He closed his eyes and drifted into a peaceful sleep, only to be woken early the next morning by Clomanius.
"Get ready," Clomanius said briskly.
After a quick breakfast, they set off, this time in a hired carriage. It wasn't luxurious, but it was far better than walking, and Roe was grateful. Excitement bubbled within him as they rolled along the forested path.
Suddenly, the driver yelled, "Bandits! Bandits!"