Finally, Gadou was defeated, and the enemy retreated.
Veronica, who should have fallen in battle, was already up and smoking. Piyo and Cecilia remained bedridden.
“Pauline, thank you. How are the two of them?”
“U-um. It’s problematic. Piyo-chan seems fine, but Cecilia-san has a fever.”
Piyo was sleeping soundly, likely only knocked unconscious. Cecilia, meanwhile, was sweating on her forehead and grimacing in pain.
“Um, I’m also a patient. Ow, ow, pant, pant, I’m going to die from this painful infection.”
Karubene arrived, putting on a pained expression. Come to think of it, she had been stabbed in the back with a sword. Although Cecilia’s sword was thin, as Karubene said, if it was left untreated, she could get an infection and develop a high fever. The pain would likely continue for a while. It might be best to go to a hospital and get examined.
“Are there any hospitals around here? I think it’s dangerous to judge with an amateur’s eye.”
“I think so too. But it’s already night, and I don’t know if they’re open.”
As Pauline said, even if there was one, it would likely be tomorrow before they could be seen. For the time being, they spread out a map while warming themselves by the bonfire. Would there be a hospital anywhere around here…
“Arisugawa, how about this place?”
Sharin called out to me, and when I looked, I discovered a small clinic relatively close by. What’s more, it said it offered night services. It was a godsend in hell. They would probably be able to provide at least some treatment here.
“Veronica, are you alright? If you can walk, I’d like you to guide us here.”
She took the map with an annoyed look. I felt bad bothering her when she was tired, but right now, Veronica, the Dark Harpy, was our only hope.
“Where are we walking now? Here? I don’t really understand. We have to go into some houses nearby?”
Indeed, it was difficult to tell exactly where we were. It was made even more complicated by straying a little from the road. For the time being, calculating from our previous path, Veronica and I decided to head towards the hospital, taking the lead. Piyo and Cecilia were in the cart, and Karubene was riding on Philiana’s back.
“Philiana, are you okay?”
“Yes, you’re pushing from behind, so I’m fine.”
We proceeded through the dark forest, relying on the light of a lantern. Having been in a bright town, this was a rare experience. I hoped we could get out of here quickly.
“Enfufufu, I-founnd-youuu.”
A bewitching female voice echoed through the quiet forest. A strangely warm atmosphere enveloped the surroundings. Could it be another assassin already?! Perhaps they were waiting for us after Gadou. I drew my dagger and entered a defensive posture.
“Where are you?! Show yourself!”
“Fufufu, I will, even without you telling me to.”
The new assassin who appeared from the darkness was not a Dark Elf, but a woman wearing a revealing swimsuit-like costume.
