What! I Got Reincarnated as a No-Name Character in the World of an Otome Game

Chapter 5 (Revised)

Months had passed since Rune last brought me along on our perilous journey, hopping from one village to another in search of something elusive. Despite Rune's occasional words, his true intentions remained a mystery to me, hindered by my inability to comprehend the complexities of the world's language. While Rune shouldered the burden of our quest, his rare utterances leaving me grasping for understanding, I remained a silent observer, uncertain of our destination or purpose.

As we journeyed through more places, Rune assumed the roles of both protector and provider, shielding me from the dangers that lurked along our path. Nox, our steadfast companion, stood by Rune's side, offering additional protection to our small band. It was during these travels that I came to realize the stark contrast between my current existence and the ease of my former life. The sight of the vast blue sky evoked a longing for the simplicity I once knew, reminding me of the hardships of this harsh world.

Yet, despite my yearning for familiarity, I recognized the greater burdens borne by Rune. His life had been marked by adversity long before my arrival, and he bore the scars of a wandering orphan. In my previous world, he would have been sheltered in an orphanage, attending elementary school, but here, such comforts were nonexistent. I understood then that my previous worldview held no sway in this unfamiliar realm, and while I longed for the comforts of my past life, I accepted the challenges of our current journey with silent resolve.

Halting in our trek, I paused to catch my breath, the weariness of our journey settling upon me like a heavy cloak. "Tired?" Rune's voice, soft and concerned, broke the silence. I managed a weak shake of my head before pushing myself to continue walking. I couldn't bring myself to admit the truth, to burden him further with my exhaustion.

With each step, guilt weighed heavily upon me. Despite my physical limitations, I knew I should be the one offering protection and guidance. Mentally, I felt the weight of adulthood pressing down upon me, a stark contrast to Rune's youthfulness. Yet, here I was, reliant on him to carry me when fatigue overwhelmed me or when injuries slowed my pace. Each time he hoisted me onto his back, a sense of shame washed over me, a painful reminder of my inability to fulfill my role as the adult in the group.

As my stomach emitted an audible growl, Rune's instinctive reaction was to summon Nox with a whistle. "Protect her," he commanded before setting off to forage for food. I longed to call him back, to plead with him not to leave me alone, but my strength had dwindled to the point where even reaching out to grab his clothes felt impossible.

Despite the meager resources my mother had left me, they had long since been depleted, and it was Rune who now provided for us. I couldn't fathom how he managed it, but each time he ventured out, he returned bearing sustenance, often accompanied by fresh wounds and bruises. The sight of him injured tore at my heart, and tears would inevitably fall as I consumed the food he had risked his life to obtain. Each bite served as a painful reminder of the sacrifices Rune made for our survival, leaving me with a profound sense of gratitude and guilt intertwined.

Rune's kindness towards me baffled me. How could he show such compassion to a stranger he stumbled upon by chance? I couldn't fathom it. As I wiped away the tears threatening to spill from my eyes, I couldn't help but feel ashamed of my own weakness. I had never considered myself a crybaby, but the harsh realities of our journey had a way of breaking down even the strongest facade.

In my previous life, adversity was a foreign concept. I had sailed through existence with ease, shielded from hardship by privilege and comfort. Now, faced with the challenges of this unfamiliar world, I found myself struggling to adapt. Yet, despite the overwhelming difficulties, I knew I couldn't allow myself to wallow in self-pity. Rune's unwavering kindness served as a constant reminder that others faced hardships far greater than mine. And so, I resolved to push through the tears, to endure whatever trials lay ahead with silent determination and gratitude for Rune's inexplicable generosity.