CHAPTER 234: THE LINE I WON’T CROSS

Yeah, that’s just who I was. Before, now, and in the future.

And I’m not gonna change, not that easily, and certainly not into some heartless bastard who betrays his own principles.

I’ve ’read’ enough stories where many characters, hero or not, turn into the very monsters they swore to fight - those who started with noble ideals, only to become worse than the villains they despised.

Sure, they might have had circumstances, ones I couldn’t even imagine, and certainly not want them to happen to me or anyone else.

But that’s no excuse. Not really.

Because at the end of the day, it’s always a choice.

And I made mine a long while ago, from the beginning of my new ’life’.

But I made and will make mistakes.

I’m just an ordinary human after all.

I will say stupid or embarrassing things like calling Cassandra ’honey’. I’ll hesitate when I act, or act when I should think.

But I won’t cross that line.

I won’t start looking at the weak and thinking, "Their suffering isn’t my problem", when I clearly have the power and the ability to help. Nor will I justify cruelty as "necessary evil".

But I won’t hesitate to hurt those who truly deserve it.

There’s a difference between justice and cruelty, and I intend to walk that line carefully.

Because the moment I start making excuses is the moment I lose myself.

One compromise leads to another, and before you know it, you’re a villain in someone else’s story.

...Well, scratch the last part, since you will always end up being a villain in someone’s story no matter what you do or how good you are. That’s just how the world works—yeah, messed up.

But that’s fine too.

If protecting the innocent makes me a villain in the eyes of tyrants, then let them hate me.

If showing mercy to the desperate makes me a fool to the cynical, then let them laugh.

I’d rather be hated for doing good than praised for doing nothing.

I won’t become cruel, but I won’t be naive either.

I’ll help those in need, even if I get nothing in return.

I’ll stop those who harm others, even if I get hurt in the process.

And I’ll do it without losing who I am.

That’s my line.

That’s my choice.

And I’m sticking to it...

"..."

Let’s resume it after getting her to safety...

I exhaled slowly, the weight of my thoughts settling over me.

{How much further are we?}

I asked silently.

{Not far, friend... Five kilometers in your words.} The Rime Weaver replied.

{I see, thank you for the help.}

Five kilometers, huh? It should take 10 minutes or more.

I glanced at Cassandra.

"We are almost there, Lady Cassie," I said, breaking the silence.

Cassandra glanced at me. "Eh, where? Are we already at the barony?"

"No, of course not," I chuckled faintly. Guess she was a bit asbentminded. "I’m talking about our first stop and a place to stay the night."

"Oh, I see. That makes sense." She muttered while looking away.

"It’s the first town one can find after entering the Luthaire barony. It also has an inn where we can rest properly for the night."

Cassandra nodded in understanding, and we both got quiet once again.

After approximately 15 minutes, we arrived at the town. There was a bit of extra checking at the entrance since it was almost midnight. But the guards let us go, seeing we were a ’couple’. They were better than the ones in the city, at least.

Anyway, since I stayed at the inn before, I led the way myself, and we quickly found the familiar sign of the ’Wandering Man’s Inn’.

"Alright, let’s go inside."

I pushed open the heavy wooden door, the bell above chiming a soft welcome.

"Oho, look who it is." I heard a familiar voice calling out before we even entered fully.

"Tsk, you are sharp for someone so old," I replied with a smile while walking toward the counter.

"Well, isn’t it because there is only one half-elf around here?" the innkeeper, a grizzled dwarf with a surprisingly nimble wit, retorted. "And a pretty lass with him this time. Don’t tell me you are finally settling down?"

"You jest, old man." I scoffed before pulling a few coins from the counter. "Room for two."

The dwarf innkeeper, Borin, gave a hearty chuckle as he scooped up the coins with his thick fingers. His braided beard swayed as he shook his head.

"Two rooms, eh? What’s the matter lad, afraid the lady will see you snore like a drunken bear?"

Cassandra let out an unexpected giggle at that, quickly looking away when I turned over.

"I do not snore," I said with an exaggerated dignity.

"Could’ve fooled me," Borin winked at Cassandra. "Listen, last time he stayed here, the guests three rooms down complained about the noise!"

Cassandra’s eyes sparkled with amusement behind her veil. "Then... Please give me a room at the opposite end of the inn."

"Haha," Borin laughed out, pointing his fingers at me. "You really found the right one, lad. She’s got the spirit."

"She can keep you in line, too, eh?" Borin continued with a mischievous grin, stroking his beard. "Maybe teach you some manners while at it. Especially respecting elders like me."

I rolled my eyes at his teasing. "You are enjoying this far too much, old man."

"Oh, I am, lad. I am." Borin’s eyes twinkled in mischief as he leaned forward to the counter. "Especially since you brought entertainment this time. She’s already got you flustered just standing there - no wonder you got so worked up at the city."

"...You already heard?" I took a more solemn tone.

"Yeah, just a while ago, from my granddaughter who returned from the shop." Borin chuckled. "Seems like you caused quite a stir there as well."

"Anyway, here," he slid two iron keys across the counter, which I easily caught. "Rooms 7 and 8 - far enough to keep up appearances, but close enough if trouble comes knocking." His fingers tapped the counter meaningfully. "And before you ask, yes, they’ve got proper locks and thick walls."

"...Your discretion is appreciated, sir." Cassandra said after taking the key from me.

"Bah, don’t mention it." Borin waved his hand dismissively. "Just don’t forget this old innkeeper when you two finally tie the knot, eh?"

"Eh?"

Eh?