Chapter 29: Lux Guilt End
**Scene: Back at the Village**
Lux stood amidst the villagers, his heart heavy with the weight of their gratitude and the memories of those he couldn't save. As he glanced around, he caught sight of the father whose daughter had been among the hostages, a mixture of relief and sadness etched on his face.
**Lux:** (gently) "I... I'm sorry. I failed to protect your wife. I should have... I wanted to speak to you sooner, but I've been carrying this guilt."
The villager looked up, his eyes brimming with tears, but he managed a faint smile through his sorrow.
**Villager:** (voice trembling) "It's... it's okay. Thank you for bringing my daughter back safely. For that, I'll always be grateful."
Lux nodded gratefully, his gaze drifting to the young girl who stood beside her father, looking at him with admiration and gratitude.
**Villager:** (teasingly) "Looks like my daughter has taken quite a liking to you, mister."
**Lux:** (smiling softly) "She's just a child, still so young. She has a long way to go."
The girl, emboldened by her father's teasing, stepped forward with a shy smile.
**Girl:** "Mister... if I grow up and become an adult, will you... take me as your bride?"
Lux was taken aback by the unexpected question, his cheeks turning slightly pink, but he responded with a gentle smile.
**Lux:** "Oh, well... that's very sweet of you. But you're still so young. You should focus on your dreams and adventures first."
The father chuckled warmly, leaning in to whisper to Lux.
**Villager:** (whispering) "She's always been a dreamer, lost in her stories of love and heroes. That's why."
Lux's smile widened, touched by the girl's innocence and the father's understanding. He ruffled the girl's hair affectionately.
**Lux:** "Well, keep dreaming big. And maybe someday, you'll find a hero even greater than me."
The girl beamed up at him, her eyes sparkling with admiration and hope. Lux turned back to the villager, his heart lighter knowing that despite the darkness they faced, there was still love and laughter to be found in the village.
**Lux:** "Thank you... for everything."
With that, Lux bid farewell to the villagers, a newfound warmth in his heart as he rejoined his comrades, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them next, together.