"There are so many baby dinosaurs here," Olga exclaimed.
She had lived on this island for so long, but this was her first time venturing so deep into its center.
"Can anyone really survive in a place like this?"
Along the way, they had fought off countless dinosaurs. This place was truly a paradise for them.
"Don't overestimate the intelligence of these dinosaurs," Renji said matter-of-factly. "With a little thought, fooling these dumb creatures is quite simple."
"Huh?"
Olga, who had been eating only fruits for 200 years, wondered: So the reason she hadn't eaten meat for so long was because she didn't use her brain?
"I wasn't talking about you. Don't take it personally," Renji quickly added, worried Olga might overthink it.
Olga responded with an annoyed glare. Did he think she was a three-year-old? His meaning was obvious, and she couldn't possibly miss it.
Well, it seemed he had been misunderstood. He hadn't meant it that way...
"Sigh!"
Two sighs sounded simultaneously.
"Why are you sighing?"
Olga looked at Renji, thinking he had no reason to sigh.
"Not me..."
Renji spread his hands, indicating he wasn't the one sighing.
"Then who?" Olga asked, her eyes lighting up. "Could it be..."
"The person we're looking for is just ahead," Renji said, nodding toward the path ahead.
"..."
"Who's there?"
A trembling male voice came from around the corner, filled with excitement.
"Did someone else come into the lantern's stomach?"
A man wearing a dinosaur costume pushed through the bushes and stumbled toward them.
"Wow! A talking dinosaur," Olga said, hiding behind Renji.
"How rude!" The man lifted the pink hood of his costume. "Look closely, and you'll see I'm human."
Renji: "..."
"Do you need a closer look..."
The man's face was covered in fine beads of sweat, his double chin quivering, revealing the tension and exhaustion of living in such a dangerous environment.
This usually optimistic man now seemed somewhat defeated and weak, as if he had lost the courage and determination to keep fighting for survival.
"Can you not speak?"
The man shook his head, his eyes showing a hint of regret.
"Hey, old man, you shouldn't say things like that," Renji retorted directly.
"Then why didn't you speak earlier?" The man smiled, relieved. "Never mind, it's been a long time since I've talked to anyone like this..."
"Were you also swallowed by the lantern?" The man straightened his clothes, trying to present his best self.
"Your... your voice..."
Olga's trembling voice came from behind Renji.
"Olga? Is that you, Olga?!"
The man's eyes widened with excitement. He would never forget that voice, even in death.
"Are you alive?"
Tears streamed down his face as he staggered toward Renji.
But just as he was about to see the figure behind Renji, he stopped.
He hesitated. His daughter had lived alone for over 200 years, and she hated him because of the Pure Gold. He didn't know how to face her after all this time.
"Olga, stop hiding. The person I brought you to meet is right in front of you."
Renji poked Olga's arm.
However, the girl felt no joy or warmth. Instead, a surge of resentment filled her heart.
"He's my father?" Her voice was filled with anger and pain. "He's the one who created the Pure Gold, attracted the pirates, and caused my mother's death!"
The man's face turned pale. He couldn't deny the truth in his daughter's words.
"I..."
He stammered, trying to explain, but the words caught in his throat.
Tears streamed down the girl's face as she finally released years of pent-up anger and sorrow.
"Why did you do it?" Her voice trembled. "For what?! Didn't you know your actions destroyed our family, ruined my childhood?"
"..."
The father had no answer. His heart ached with unbearable pain.
He knew his actions were an irreparable mistake, a wound that could never be healed.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I did to you and your mother," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "I'm willing to bear the consequences."
The girl silently shook her head. Though part of her longed to reconcile with her father, a thorn remained in her heart.
She chose to continue carrying the weight of her resentment and pain, hiding behind Renji and nursing her wounds.
"Some things are better said out loud."
Renji gave the man a deep look, sensing the conflict and pain in his heart.
"Without telling her the truth, the misunderstanding between you will never be resolved," he said. "Only the truth can set things right."
"What do you know?"
The man couldn't gauge Renji's depth. In front of him, it seemed he had no secrets.
Renji remained silent.
The man knew Renji wouldn't say more, so he didn't press. But he still hesitated.
"But the truth is too cruel for her..."
Renji pulled Olga in front of him. "You've both lived for over 200 years. What's left to hide?"
The man was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Alright, I'll tell her everything."
His voice was low and weary. "No matter the outcome, I'm willing to face it."
"What are you talking about? I don't understand," Olga said, confused.
"I hope you can clear up the misunderstanding and rebuild your relationship. After all, it's better for father and daughter to speak openly."
Renji quietly stepped aside, leaving the space to the two of them.
"..."
"So... it was because I had a terminal illness that you and Mom decided to create the Pure Gold?"
The girl stood there, stunned, her emotions swirling like a storm.
"It was because of me?" Her voice trembled, her eyes filled with disbelief. "They did it for me..."
Her father was silent for a moment, then nodded gently, his eyes filled with sorrow and regret.
"Yes, it was for you," he said, his voice low and heavy. "We couldn't bear to lose you, so..."
The girl's heart felt like it was being torn apart. Her entire world seemed to be crumbling.
"I... I don't know what to say," she whispered, her voice shaking. "What should I do?"
The man stepped forward and gently took her hand.
"I'll always be by your side, no matter what happens," he said. "You're not alone."
The girl felt the warmth and comfort of her father's presence. Slowly, her emotions began to settle.
Perhaps, facing the truth was painful, but at least she wouldn't be alone anymore.
...
... (TL/N): If you are intressted you can read up to 30 chapter on patreon.com/Yanet96 search with this link.