I was receiving treatment at the hospital when Rainer finally arrived.
“Everyone, the carriage is ready. Can you move?”
Could it be that he was preparing this for us? She must be at her limit too. I really wanted to rest a little longer, but if I dithered here, all of his efforts would be in vain.
“Alright everyone, let’s go. Can you pack your luggage? Veronica, dawn has broken, are you okay?”
“You should worry about yourself.”
She pulled her hood down deep and went out, carrying my luggage on her back as well. Guided by Karum, we headed towards three carriages that were parked there. They were small, but I thought they were well-arranged. The young staff member who had been nearly killed by the Youko was there.
“Oh, aren’t you the one…”
“You remember me?! I’m the one you saved that time~ I wanted to do something to repay you, so I desperately caught the horses!”
He had caught the horses that had run away? He was injured too. And repayment? I deserved to be scolded, even if it was from our side.
“Ah, don’t worry. I’m a medical practitioner, after all. I’ll uphold my professional secrecy!”
As he urged us on, I got into the carriage.
“Um! Cecilia-san!”
Karum called out to Cecilia before she got into the carriage.
“Thank you very much. Thanks to you, Cecilia-san, I think I was able to help everyone a little. And, um, if the journey ends, would you teach me how to fence? If you have time, of course.”
“Hmm, alright. You have quite a talent. But a broken sword won’t do. Here, use this.”
With that, Cecilia took off the sword she was wearing and handed it to Karum. The recipient was bewildered, unable to grasp the situation.
“Eh, but this is a sword that only elves can use. I…”
“If I could use it, you can too. Besides, I have a new one, so I’m fine. I’ll keep it for you until you come next time, so don’t break it.”
Karum, who received the sword from Cecilia, hugged it tightly. Tears fell from her mismatched eyes onto the hilt.
“Y-yes, I won’t let anyone call me a chicken anymore. Please be careful too, Cecilia-san.”
Cecilia waved her hand lightly and got into the carriage. From the window, I could see Karum’s figure receding. She was waving to us with the Satyr youth. Cecilia confirmed this with a satisfied expression and then took out an elven sword brought by Karubene.
“Now then, isn’t this quite a good sword?”
“Wait a minute, that’s mine.”
Ignoring Karubene’s sulking, she gazed at the polished blade.
“You know, elven swords are generally a secret. It would be troublesome if anyone found out how to make them. Besides, you stole this, didn’t you? I can’t just hand it over saying, ‘Here you go.'”
Karubene clicked his tongue with disgust and sat down heavily again.
“This town isn’t too bad, you know. It has all the necessary facilities and seems like a good place to live,” Cecilia murmured as if to herself. In contrast, Sharin, who had been looking gloomy since earlier, was sitting opposite her, avoiding eye contact with anyone. I didn’t know what to say to her either. It wasn’t intentional, but I had stabbed her. I wouldn’t have been able to attack a companion if it weren’t for Lauren’s power.
“Nyuu, what’s wrong, feeling down? That’s unusual for a Catwoman. You can make such a sad face too.”
As if sensing the atmosphere, Karubene teased Sharin, peering into her face.
“…Um, I’m sorry. Because I was incompetent, I caused trouble…”
“Haha, then I guess I have a debt to collect. I’ll forgive you with a glass of wine.”
“No, ignore this idiot. More importantly, are you alright? The wound on your back.”
My heart skipped a beat at that question.
“Well, it hurts. But I’m grateful to be freed from the threads. When I was connected to them, my whole body was throbbing with pain. It was like living hell.”
I understood, because I was also controlled by Lauren. However, in her case, she must have been enduring even greater pain.
“Ah, I wish I had punched you one good time.”
With that, Karubene fell asleep, telling me to wake him up if anything happened. Cecilia also closed her eyes. I felt awkward and turned my head, closing my eyes as well.
