A Former Police Officer Who Died And Get A Second Life!-Chapter 168: A Promise for the Future
Albe had returned after finishing setting up the traps.
"I think this much space should be enough," Qiong Xing replied. "Next we should prepare a place to sleep... and a bath."
As someone from earth, that was one thing he absolutely could not compromise on.
"That’s sounds good."
After living in this world for some time, Qiong Xing had realized something.
The people in this world rarely took baths.
Usually only the wealthy or people who lived comfortably could afford such luxuries.
The reason the hideout had one was probably because it belonged to Joa and because beastmen experienced heat cycles.
Otherwise, after certain... activities, the smell inside a room could become quite intense.
It was not something suitable around children.
Most people in this world simply washed themselves lightly with water.
But for Qiong Xing, he wanted to bathe properly every day.
Albe apparently had not grown up with that habit either.
However, since coming to the hideout, he had started bathing every day.
Qiong Xing believed that meant Albe also found it refreshing and enjoyable.
Since Albe agreed with the idea, the two of them began working together to build the bath area.
"This is pretty... huge. Four or five adults could probably fit in here."
"They say bigger is better than smaller. So... this should be better."
"I don’t really get it, but sure, why not? Caribert could probably swim in this."
"Oh, that reminds me. Can Cari swim?"
"...You haven’t taught him?"
"...I can’t swim."
"...I see."
Of course Qiong Xing would love to teach him. But how could someone who couldn’t swim teach another person?
Albe looked at him with a face full of pity.
In revenge, Qiong Xing poked him in the side.
"Next time, let’s go to the nearby river together. Since you were the one who suggested it, Albe, you should be the one who teach Cari swimming."
Qiong Xing spoke with a slightly sulking tone, adding that he obviously couldn’t do it himself anyway.
Albe seemed to feel a little guilty and apologized with a quiet "sorry."
"Well then, the bath is settled. As for the sleeping area, let’s leave that for next time. We didn’t bring any bedding with us after all. Since we’re free until Leander and the others return... what should we do?"
"If possible, the best thing would be for you not to move around."
"Then please talk with me. That should be fine, right?"
Qiong Xing didn’t mind relaxing, so he sat down beside Albe in front of the campfire.
"Albe, would you prefer a younger brother or a younger sister?"
"Either is fine, but since I already have a younger brother, maybe a younger sister would be better."
Albe then smiled and said he was looking forward to it.
Qiong Xing gently took his hand and placed it on his stomach.
Albe looked surprised for a moment when he felt the small kicks. Then he seemed deeply moved, realizing that there really was a baby inside.
"Wow... If it’s this active already, it’s going to be tough after the baby is born. I can already picture Leander and the others running all over the place."
"You’re talking like it has nothing to do with you," Qiong Xing replied. "But I can clearly see you running around with them too."
"Ah... I can’t deny that. I’ll probably spoil the kid."
"Oh my. Then I suppose I’ll have to be the strict one."
When Qiong Xing laughed and said raising children was going to be hard work, Albe laughed and agreed.
"Albe... I heard that demons live very long lives. You will probably live much longer than me. So... no, because of that, there is something I want to ask you."
Human lifespans were short compared to other races.
Qiong Xing would probably leave everyone behind someday.
When that time came, who could he trust?
Not Leander and the others who said they would follow him in death and not Katarina and the other humans either.
It had to be someone who would live long and stay close to the family.
"There will probably be more children in the future. But I won’t be able to watch over them until the very end. I’m not asking you to raise them. I just want you to watch over them. You don’t have to do anything special. Just stay by their side. No matter what happens, please let them know that someone will always be there for them."
"...Are you sure you want to ask me something like that?"
Qiong Xing knew very well that what he was asking might be a burden.
"I want it to be you, Albe. No... it can only be you."
Even so, Albe was the only one he could ask.
"Among the people I trust, the only one I can leave things to without worry is you."
"Isn’t that kind of unfair? If you say it like that, I have no choice but to agree."
Even while giving a wry smile, Albe nodded.
Seeing that, Qiong Xing felt that he had made the right choice in asking him.
...
For some reason, that day Qiong Xing had felt restless since the morning.
He felt restless and uneasy...
Even though he wanted to calm down, his legs felt twitchy.
It felt like he had the urge to move them around.
His hands even wanted to flap around for no reason.
His stomach also felt tight.
Qiong Xing woke up very early in the morning and quietly left the room so he would not wake the others who were still sleeping.
With nothing to do, he held his heavy stomach and slowly walked around like an old man taking a morning stroll.
During that walk, he ran into Fei who also seemed to be out for a walk.
"Good morning."
"Morning. You’re up pretty early, aren’t you?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
"Well... I feel a bit restless. I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d go for a walk."
"...Maybe it’s nothing, but did you tell anyone before you came out?"
