Vol 2 Chapter 5.2 (1/2)

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Chapter 5.2

Volume 2 Chapter 5: I listened to the Guardian Deity’s wish (part 2)

I didn’t expect Tiel-chan to be the next one after Gai. Do the two of them share the same fate?

No, that is irrelevant now. I should first confirm Tiel-chan’s condition, then consult Cecilia about Gai.

On our way to Aquarain’s mansion, I received the gist of the story from Cecilia.

It seemed that Happiness couldn’t find Tiel-chan’s whereabouts while she was working. Feeling that something was strange about it, Happiness went inside the mansion to search for her, and that was when she found Tiel-chan collapsed on the floor with a broom beside her. She tried shaking her body, but regardless of how many times she did so and called her name, Tiel-chan did not get up. She knew that something must be wrong with Tiel-chan, so she informed Cecilia and Sophia-san about it in a hurry. They then carried Tiel-chan to her room.

“I wasn’t capable of curing Tiel-chan.” [Cecilia]

Cecilia hung her head in disappointment. If even Cecilia, the one chosen as one of the members of the hero’s party, couldn’t cure her, then…

“Did Tiel-chan collapse because of her chronic illness?” [Youki]

“I think so. The wounds received due to Mirror should’ve been healed by Sheik-kun, Youki-san and me already.” [Cecilia]

“I don’t think that working as a maid in Aquarain’s house would have led to any injury, and even so, any injury incurred wouldn’t have been so serious that she would collapse from it.” [Youki]

“Yes. That’s why the only possibility left is that her illness has become worse. I asked Sheik-kun, who was playing around in the garden, to look after her.” [Cecilia]

“Then, wouldn’t it be fine to just leave her to Sheik’s care?” [Youki]

Any advanced healing magic would be useless against human conditions like illness or disease. Even my magic. Thus, only Sheik’s medicine might have the effect on her, but… for some reason Sheik needed me to be there.

“Sheik-kun asked me to call Youki-san over in any case. By the way, did something happen on your end, Youki-san?” [Cecilia]

“Something similar happened on my side too. Gai… that gargoyle is in a terrible condition.” [Youki]

“Terrible condition… Is it the same situation as Tiel-chan?” [Cecilia]

She could guess it from the way I spoke.

Well, it was to be expected since I had said it in a way that was easy to understand.

“Yeah, he probably has only five days left.” [Youki]

“Five days?! There isn’t much time left at all!” [Cecilia]

The fact that there wasn’t much time left came as a bombsh.e.l.l. Even though Cecilia would usually remain calm, it had her completely taken aback that she couldn’t hide her discomposure…. I was pretty shocked as well, when Gai told me about it himself, so it was not surprising.

“No, but I’ve asked Duke about method to cure Gai already. It seems that as long as I can find the magic ore, or something, then he can be saved.” [Youki]

“I’m glad… So you’ve already found the method to cure him.” [Cecilia]

She patted her chest in relief. There was also a time when Cecilia suspected that Gai was a bad demon. However, after observing Gai’s interaction with Tiel-chan, she might have realized that Gai is not a dangerous demon …He might be ‘dangerous’ in a different way, though.

“Yeah. So once we get our hands on the magic ores, Gai will be fine. Tiel-chan’s the problem now.” [Youki]

“True. It would be good if her condition improves…&rdqu

o; [Cecilia]

At that point, the atmosphere became heavy, making it impossible for me to grasp the timing of the conversation.

When I looked outside through the window, I could see the mansion gradually coming into view.

“Cecilia Ojou-sama, Guest-sama, we’ve arrived.”

A voice could be heard from outside when the carriage pulled to a stop. Cecilia and I then alighted from the carriage and entered the mansion.

… It might not really matter, but I wished that coachman could at least try remembering my name. We have met many times by now, but all he kept calling me was ‘Guest-sama’.

“Youki-san, is there something wrong? It looks like you’re not satisfied with something.” [Cecilia]

“Ah, no. It’s nothing.” [Youki]

In attempt to gloss over it, I laughed.

It wasn’t really the coachman’s fault, and it wasn’t as bad as how the two guardsmen treated me when I first came here as well.

“Is that so… Then let me guide you to the room where Tiel-chan is resting now.” [Cecilia]

“Yes, please.” [Youki]

Following Cecilia, we walked along the long corridor, pa.s.sing by several servants on our way.

Upon encountering us, all of them lowered their heads towards us, but their movements were awkward and they appeared fidgety. And…they looked dispirited for some reason.

“Hey, Cecilia. The servants look dispirited, don’t they? Also, it might be rude to say this but, their movements are kinda awkward, or strange.” [Youki]

“…It’s possible that the news about Tiel-chan collapsing has spread. Since all of them knew that Tiel-chan had a weak body.” [Cecilia]

“Eh? Really?” [Youki]

“Yes. They’ve praised her, saying that she’s a hard worker even though she has a weak body. Of course, Sophia-san’s also one of them.” [Cecilia]

…Tiel-chan must have been a really diligent worker to have that Sophia-san praised her.

Could it be that she had forced herself to do so because she had witnessed the moment when Happiness was preached?

I should stop thinking about such dangerous thoughts. It would be dangerous since Sophia-san could use mind reading technique. I would end up getting a sermon.

“We need to help Tiel-chan get well again for the sake of the servants as well.” [Cecilia]

“Yeah, you’re right.” [Youki]

While we were having such conversations, we finally arrived at the room where Tiel-chan was resting.

After knocking on the door, we entered the room to find Tiel-chan sleeping in the bed and Sheik with a complicated look on his face. It was rare to see that expression on him.

“Ah, Captain. You’re finally here.” [Sheik]

His tone sounded different than usual as well.

“Sorry for being late. I’ve got things to handle on my side too… I’ve heard about it from Cecilia. How’s Tiel-chan’s condition?” [Youki]

“I’ve taken the emergency measures. The medicinal herbs in hand now are not enough for her to make a complete recovery. There are not enough medicinal herbs to compound the medicine for her.” [Sheik]

Sheik said with a troubled look.

At this point, I realized why he had called me over.

“I see. So you want me to help gather the insufficient medicinal herbs?” [Youki]

“As expected of Captain!” [Sheik]

“Not a problem. Sheik can’t leave Tiel-chan’s side now too.” [Youki]

“Un. The medicine I’ve used is only a temporary measure so I can’t leave her side for now.” [Sheik]

“Sheik-kun got along well with Tiel-chan… so you’re worried, aren’t you?” [Cecilia]

“…Un. I guess.” [Sheik]

Sheik nodded at Cecilia’s words.

He must have conversed often with Tiel-chan since they’re close in age. The conversation should be mainly about Gai, though.

Anyway, the one who was most anxious when Tiel-chan collapsed was probably Sheik. It was possible that he wanted to gather the medicinal herbs personally.

“Sheik, leave it to me. I will collect all the necessary herbs on your behalf!” [Youki]

I would like to show my cool side not only to Tiel-chan, but Sheik too. I gave him a thumbs-up.

“No, Youki-san. I will be the one to collect the herbs.” [Cecilia]

“Eh?” [Youki]

“Cecilia-ane will?” [Sheik]

I had not expected Cecilia to cut in. Sheik seemed to be surprised too. Would there be a problem if I were to be the one to collect them?

“Youki-san, have you forgotten about Gargoyle-san?” [Cecilia]

“I’ve not forgotten about him. But, as long as we can get magic ores, Gai will…” [Youki]

Recover….Yes, he should recover.

However, I didn’t know if magic ores would be easily obtainable.

Where can I find one? Are they sold somewhere? Will it be expensive? I didn’t have any information about it at all.

“Hey, Sheik. How much herbs do you still need?” [Youki]

“Umm, I’ve created a list before Captain came… Here.” [Sheik]

Having said that, he handed me the list, which contained the names of medicinal herbs that I had not heard of before.

There were only about ten different kinds listed, but I wasn’t sure if I could gather them all in just two or three days.

“d.a.m.n… It might be hard for me to do it alone.” [Youki]

“Hey, you mentioned something about gargoyle… What’s that about?” [Sheik]

“I guess I haven’t told Sheik about it yet. Actually, Gai’s in a terrible condition. I have to obtain magic ores within five days.” [Youki]

“…Is what you said, true?”

Suddenly, a faint voice could be heard from the bed, causing everyone to turn towards it.

It seemed that Tiel-chan had woken up due to our conversation. Moreover, she had overheard the things that we didn’t want her to know most.

“W-What are you doing, Tiel-chan. You should be sleeping now.” [Sheik]

He had reverted to his usual tone, probably so he could set Tiel-chan’s mind at ease.

“Sheik-kun, I’m sorry to have made you worry. Youki-san, is what you said earlier, true?” [Tiel]

I felt hesitant about telling her the truth, but it would be cruel to lie to Tiel-chan when I look at her current condition. It might be better to be honest than to mess up if I were to be untruthful.

“Yeah, but…” [Youki]

“Is that’s the case then, don’t mind me. I will be fine. Please… Please save Guardian Deity-sama!” [Tiel]

She pleaded me, as tears flowed down her cheeks.

For Tiel-chan, her own condition was of least importance. Gai seemed to be the most important thing to her.

Nevertheless, that was something that I couldn’t do. I was planning to tell her that I would try to do something about Tiel-chan’s issue too, but…

“It will be fine, Tiel-chan. Youki-san will definitely do something about Gargoyle-san.” [Cecilia]

I was silenced by Cecilia.

“Is that, true? I’m… glad.” [Tiel]

“Yes. But you shouldn’t tell a lie, saying that you’ll be fine, alright? Sheik-kun and I will handle Tiel-chan’s matter. So, be a.s.sured and get some rest.” [Cecilia]

Cecilia caressed the top of Tiel-chan’s head as she said so.

Shortly after that, she shut her eyes and fell asleep again. Could it be due to Sheik’s medicine, or was it because her mind was finally set at ease?

Cecilia, who was originally gazing at such spectacle with a blank look, suddenly turned around.

“Youki-san, I did not say those words earlier just to rea.s.sure Tiel-chan.” [Cecilia]

“Eh, you were serious?” [Youki]

“Yes. Besides, healing and treatment are my job. Leave that to me.” [Cecilia]

I couldn’t insist on it anymore after she went that far. It might sound pathetic, but it would be almost impossible if I were to do it alone.

“Then, I’ll leave the medicinal herbs seeking task to you, Cecilia. Do you best too, Sheik. I’m sorry I couldn’t lend a hand.” [Youki]

“Leave the matter about Tiel-chan to us. We’ll leave Gargoyle-san to you.” [Cecilia]