Sousetsuka

3





"Oy!"

The big man called out to Nark.

"Bring me the whole bottle of this stuff."

Nark took another bottle of fermented Kizolt liquor. It's still unsealed.

"Three silver coins."

The big man silently handed over the money.

So they do have money.

After taking the coins, Nark moved to the kitchen, lit up a twig with <Ignition> magic and lightly warmed some dried Posu.

He put them in a plate and brought it it to the table.

"Ah. This must be dried Posu. Smells good."

"This one's on us."

"Oh that's so generous of you. This is really a nice inn."

"Yeah?"

"The building itself may be old but it's made of solid wood. The rooms are spacious, the bed is big, and the sheet is cleanly put together. There's a roof over the well, surrounded by thick plantations as a blind, so you can wash up even during bad weather. I think this is a very well done, very well managed inn."

"Yeah."

(Well dang.)

(Good observations for folks who just got here.)

(You're damn right.)

(This inn offers a comfortable space to those who get it.)

(Put a lot of work into it 'fter all.)

"And the field is well tended with some tasty-looking vegetable in it. We can't wait for the meals here."

Having your pride and joy field praised doesn't feel bad.

(These two, can it be.)

(They decided to stay here at <Rafin's Rock Terrace Inn> after they saw vegetable growing in our field.)

Now I gotta cook up some real unique stuff tonight, thought Nark.

"Nark-san. Do you have some time to spare?"

The lanky young man pulled out an empty chair.

No. He looked lanky at a glance due to his supple gestures, but looking closer, he's got unexpectedly firm core and muscles.

"Whaddya need."

Nark sat down while saying that.

"We passed by the dungeon earlier, but we didn't see the building for Adventurer Association, does this town not have one?"

"Nah, there's one. However, this town's Adventurer's Association don't deal on dungeon. All stores around the dungeon are managed by the town lord."

"Eeh. That's a surprise. So even stores that sell equipment and consumables are managed by the town lord themselves. I saw many solid buildings made of stone lined up there."

"Information desk, trades, dineries, general stores and even brothels are all managed by the town lord. Can't have a store opened up within a 2000 step radius 'round the dungeon, that's the rule."

"Ah, so that's how it works. I see. By the way, I've heard there's only one type of magic beast spawning in this dungeon, is that story true?"

"What? You really don't know that?"

"Yes."

That's a bit weird.

Dungeon Tsubolt is not a dungeon rookie adventurers want to dive in.

Without enough experience, sufficient ability and decent equipment, an adventurer won't last long even on a very shallow floor. But these two are obviously no rookie.

Yet can they really not know that Dungeon Tsubolt is one of the so-called <Unique Type Dungeons>.

"Dungeon Tsubolt is a Unique type Dungeon. Every floor's only got unique types of <White Spectre (Zaag)> spawning."

"What's a unique Dungeon?"

"The heck, you're asking that? Hold it. Ya folks ain't gonna tell me this is your first dungeon escapade, are ya?"

Among adventurers there are those who only do dungeon diving called <Dungeoneers>, and there are also those who only work above ground.

"No. We delved into a relatively deep floors in other places. I have only ever done one dungeon myself, but this Lecan-dono here has explored quite a lot of dungeons."

"Hmm? Still tho', ya can find out basic stuff like this if you go to information desk."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Information desk?"

"Haven't gone there eh. Gotta go to the information desk if ya wanna purchase maps. You can just ask for more details there."

The slender young man glanced at the big man. The big man sipped his cup.

"No. I think we won't be buying a map."

"Ah. Yer' gonna hire a <Rat (Cirlan)> eh."

"Rat?"

"I'm talkin' bout guides. The guides here got the town lord's licenses see. Most won't try to steal or deceive their employers."

"Ah, so that's what guides are called here. By the way, what are Unique Dungeons?"

"Not unique dungeons. Unique type Dungeons. It's a dungeon where only unique types of a specific magic beast spawn. Only unique types of White Specters spawn here in Dungeon Tsubolt. Those things're far stronger than yer' average White Specters."

"So it will be the same kind of magic beast that gets stronger as you go down?"

"Yeah. Ah they may be the same kind, but some differ as <Red Body> and <Black Body>."

"<Red Body> and <Black Body> is it."

"<Red Body>'s the common body, while <Black Body>'s got some really hard body like they're wearing armor."

"This dungeon is 120 floors long, is it not?"

"That's right."

"How many times does it get conquered per year?"

"Hm? Beats me. Not really sure, but think some peeps beat down the giant variant on the lowest floor once a year."

"Giant variant on the lowest floor? What about the Dungeon Boss, should be on the final floor."

The big man, Lecan, spoke out.

"Aa. This dungeon's special. There's no boss on the lowest floor. Naturally this dungeon never hibernates either. S'why some call it <Sleepless Dungeon>. <Dungeon of Swords> is more well known tho'."

"Hou."

"So that means, the town lord won't summon you even if you conquer the lowest floor then?"

"Oy oy, yer' already worryin' 'bout last floor when ya haven't even got in? But yeah. Not like the town lord's gonna reward you or something even if you beat the giant variant on the lowest floor. More like, ya only got yer' own words as proof of beating the giant variant on the lowest floor."

"Isn't there some sort of mark you get for defeating that giant variant?"

"Naw nothin' like that. But giant variants 'round the lowest floors sometimes drop swords with <Damage Restoration> Grace. Only drop around floor 100 though if one even drops that is."

"What'd you say."

The big man put the cup down and bent his body forward. Pierced by the look in his right eye, Nark forgot to breathe for a moment. Nark also realized something then.

(This guy never opened his left eye.)

(Musta lost it.)

(Why not just heal it up with a red potion?)

(No wait, hold up.)

(Could it be, red potions don't work?)

One adventurer came up in Nark's mind. A dungeoneer by the alias <Skeleton Ogre>, the meat on his right jaw has been gouged out, so the bone under it is visible. That man's wound couldn't be healed with red potions either. It's said such cases aren't that rare among adept adventurers who rest on the summit.

(Yer' tellin' me this guy's as good as <Skeleton Ogre Zoltan>?)

"Did you say a sword with <Damage Restoration> grace gets dropped?"

Nark came back to his sense with Lecan's second question.

"Y-yea. 'S a Grace that restores blade to its original state even after it gets chipped."

"Some stores should sell that kind of swords then?"

"Nah. Swords dropped on the lowest floor usually got additional Graces on top of its high innate performance. Adventurers who got a sword like that use it for themselves. Even if they did sell one, someone else would snatch it up right away. So you ain't gonna find one in a store."

"I see."

The big man grabbed his cup once again.

Nark felt like he could saw a suspicious glint in his eye.

"Ah yeah, another thing, ya don't hafta beat a giant variant twice to create a <Mark> in this dungeon."

"Hou. So you only have to beat them once to get a <Mark>."

"That's not what I mean, you get a <Mark> simply by getting down to a floor."

"Hou."

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1





It's already been 20 years since Nark succeeded his parents to run <Rafin's Rock Terrace Inn>.

Unlike his father who was a depth-crawling adventurer of <Dungeon of Swords>, Nark has never stepped foot inside a dungeon in his life. But he's had experience working as an adventurer, and seen a fair share of veteran adventurers in his life, so he's confident in his ability to distinguish them.

From Nark's point of view, the adventurers Arios and Lecan were clearly a cut above the rest.

The two came to the inn on the eighth day of month 1, Zaka Kingdom year 117. A cold wind blew in when the two arrived on that awfully cold day.

"Hello."

As Nark who was washing his knife behind the counter turned to look at the door, he saw an amiable-looking young man coming in through the door. He's got a slender figure. But you can tell at a glance that the light armor he's wearing is no ordinary equipment, he must be an adept adventurer.

"Oy. Close the door right away."

"Oh yes. Excuse me. Come now, Lecan-dono. Please get inside."

Nark was taken aback when he saw the individual who came in after the slender man.

For a moment, he thought a dungeon-dwelling magic beast had showed up.

That was just how big and overpowering that adventurer was.

He's wearing a light armor with the same material and design as the young man. Meaning these two aren't impromptu party members, they've worked together in a party for some time.

"Err, do you have rooms available?"

"Yea. We do."

"Two rooms?"

"No problem."

<Rafin's Rock Terrace Inn> only has five rooms. Each room can only house one person.

But three of those rooms are permanently in use, so only two rooms are vacant.

"How much is it for one night?"

"Five big copper coins without meals."

Ordinary guests would have gone out right away and never come back once they heard that.

Of course they would. The inn is situated quite far from the dungeon, neither is it facing a big alley. The building isn't exactly high-class. It doesn't have a horse stable. The furniture and facilities don't look remarkable either. And it's got no bodyguard. Five big copper coins to stay in this kind of inn is just too much.

However, the slender young man moved on to the next question without so much as looking surprised.

"How much is breakfast and dinner?"

"Breakfast is one big copper coin. Lunch is two big copper coins. Dinner is three big copper coins."

"Hee. We can have lunches too then."

"If ya ask for it in the morning, sure."

The young man turned around and looked at the big man behind him.

The big man gave no response. Which is probably his answer.

"Then, rooms for two please."

"OK. Go up the stairs, yer' rooms are one at the end and the one next to it."

"Understood. May ask you to prepare dinner for us now?"

"Yeah sure. Gotta wait for the missus to come back, but ya should get it by the Fourth of Water Buffalo. What's yer names?"

He asked their names to put in the inn register.

"This big man here is Lecan. I am Arios. And you mister landlord?"

"It's Nark."

Afterward, Lecan and Arios went upstairs to their rooms.

Nark drew water, heated it up and brought it to the two's rooms.



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

2





About half a period later, the two came back down with refreshed looks to them.

The dining room has four tables each having four chairs.

"You got booze?"

The big man, Lecan, asked.

It's a calm yet deep voice. Sounding somewhat similar a groan of a wild beast.

"Yea."

(This guy's presence ain't like yer' ordinary folk.)

Nark has never gone in a dungeon, but he did work as an adventurer for a time in his youth. Besides, he's lived in this town, Tsubolt, for decades, and had opportunities to see several big-name adventurers in person.

This big man, Lecan's got the aura of a big-name adventurer to him.

And despite his lumbering size, he produced almost no sound when he was coming down the stairs, he's undoubtedly skilled.

"For two."

"Yea."

Nark went behind the counter, took fermented Kizolt liquor from the shelf, and two wooden cups before pouring the liquor in them. The fermented liquor was not stored in a barrel or a clay pot, but in a glass bottle. A transparent amber-colored bottle with an allure that never gets old no matter how long you gaze at it. It's a high-class booze.

He put two cups on the table.

"Two big copper coins for two cups."

The big man took two big copper coins from his chest pocket and left it on the table.

Nark took them and headed back to the counter when he heard someone spoke behind him.

It's the slender young man's voice.

"Cheers (Joo Jood)!"

Then a sound of wooden cups getting knocked together.

The big man didn't say a word.

"Man, that was too much, Lecan-dono. I never would have imagined we would run all the way here from Vouka."

Nark stopped moving for a second.

(What?)

(Running from Vouka to this town?)

(Nah can't be.)

(Ah, right.)

(Must be out of cash, these folks couldn't take a carriage.)

Nark started walking again, but then he it hit him that no penniless man would stay at his inn.

"I cast <Recovery> on you. <Acceleration> too."

(<Recovery>?)

(Yer' tellin' me that big dude did?)

(Guy's a <Recovery> practitioner with those looks?)

(And <Acceleration>?)

(Never heard that magic before, does it speed up yer' running or something?)

He got behind counter and fetched a jar with dried Posu inside.

"<Acceleration> is such a wonderful magic. That really took me by surprise. And yes, I could keep running once you cast <Recovery> when I was about to drop dead. But, that only made me feel like a dying horse who got whipped right back up, you know?"

"Which got us here in eight days. Would have taken 40 days on a carriage."

"Did we really have to be such in a hurry?"

"The faster we get here, the faster we get in the dungeon."

"No no, let's enjoy the trip more. Talking with new people along the way, gazing at the sceneries and townscapes, and enjoying local cuisines in the regions we pass by, doesn't that sound fun?"

"We had meals and booze along the way here."

"Yes, when we were in a lodging. We literally spent all day running forever."

"I wanted to get in <Dungeon of Swords> ASAP though."

"Okay okay."

(Eight days?)

(Nah, musta misheard that.)

(No way you can run here from Vouka in just eight days.)

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Scholar Sandra



1





<Rikonen District> is a residential area located in the northwestern part of Vouka town.

It's a quiet neighborhood where middle class people reside, it's got its name from the Rikonen tress growing on the sides of the road.

One woman has purchased a snug house situated around the middle area of this Rikonen District. It was originally a house built by a renowned transcriber with a small yet tasteful garden inside, fit for anyone wishing to live a quiet life alone.

The woman who bought this house is quite at an advanced age, yet she's got this springiness about her, and despite her rather rough speech, she's furnished with high scientific attainments.

For a period of time, even the close neighbors weren't aware that this woman had started living in the house.

Her existence only became known after a certain event in the neighborhood.

The eldest son of someone who lived there, then 12-year old Bonfur fell from the veranda of his house and hit his head on a garden stone.

The mother Rikanu was panicking around in a half-frenzied state, the father Jaston had resigned to his son's impending death despite sending an employee run to a medical center.

That was when this woman showed up and offered a medium red potion.

Rikanu took the potion like she was snatching it from her and frantically sprinkled it over her son. The son who was bleeding on the head miraculously recovered, and by the time a medical practitioner arrived, they couldn't find anything wrong with him.

A medium red potion fetches one big silver coin, but that's the lowest price one goes in a dungeon city, in ordinary towns, it can go ten to sixty times higher. Furthermore, they're not something stores display on the shelves, you just can't buy them whenever.

That woman who called herself Sandra spoke to Jaston who offered to compensate her for the potion how that red potion was something she bought in a dungeon city she was visiting as a research material, and for him to take it as a greeting present for her moving in.

Jaston, an experienced middle-class headhunter is no stranger to bargaining tactics. He could tell that Sandra was serious about not seeking compensation.

Jaston who had been completely amazed by this told Sandra to go ahead ask him anything should she need something.

Sandra took upon his offer right away and said that she was looking to hire a maid so she would like a recommendation on a good establishment.

As Jaston is exactly running that kind of business, he told her that he would look for a maid that fit her criteria, which Sandra then enumerated.

She's not particular with ages or looks. She's looking for a quiet and obedient individual.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The maid's work will be cleaning, tending garden and washing.

She is to come to the house every two to three days, and to finish the work in half to an hour time.

Sandra herself frequently goes out to faraway places for her work, so she's often not at home. She'll left the key to the maid, and she expects her to work even while she's gone.

There's no room the maid can't enter. Cupboards and drawers she doesn't want open will be locked. She doesn't want the maid to touch papers and documents that may be lying around.

As she likes to brew tea on her own, the maid isn't expected to do that.

She cooks for herself, so there's no need for that either. As she won't prepare meals for the maid, they're expected to have eaten before coming in.

Sandra isn't really fussy about built-up dust, so the cleaning doesn't have to be too thorough. The maid can come and go as she pleases since it will also serve to ventilate the house.

After stating those curious prerequisites, Sandra handed over a big magic stone as the wage for a period of time.

Jaston firmly denied it at first. He was planning to shoulder the wage for the maid. But after a heated argument, he relented and took the magic stone.

He was not too familiar with magic stones, yet he still found it magnificent to the point he thought of gazing at it for a while. 'I can just hand over a sum amount of money worth this magic stone later', thought Jaston.

Later on when he showed it to a magic stone merchant, he was dumbfounded when he found out about the price.

At first he sent a young maid for the job, but she got married and stopped the gig, thus he sent an elderly maid next. This one is still working for Sandra even now.

According to the maid, Sandra's house is filled with books, documents and weird articles in every room. As books are expensive, Sandra must be quite affluent to have so many.

Curiously enough, there's barely any cookware in Sandra's house. The maid would sometimes found leftover garbage from store-bought food, and very rarely she would make soup Sandra would gulp down, but it's a mystery just what kind of food she persists on.

Sandra frequently goes out in a long excursion. Even when she's back, she often goes out in daytimes, and conversely people tend to see a flicker-less light, magic light, late at night. People guessed that she was an avid and wealthy researcher who wouldn't pinch on magic stones. She would present in her house very rarely, like once every tens of days. Mysteriously enough, there's a surprising lack of people who have seen her go in and out of her house.

Her nickname <Scholar Sandra> was first coined by Jaston. The neighbors called her Sandra-san the scholar, and then it got stuck before anyone realized.

Bonfur the boy she saved would often come to thank scholar Sandra, and got along well with her now. Sandra herself never went out of her way to get in touch with people, but neither would she act apathetic to those who visited her.

At times, Sandra would gently talk about simplified versions of advanced research that would pique Bonfur's interest, another time she would talk about true facts and secrets of histories, then one time was about songs and tales from another country, all which tightly seized Bonfur's mind.

Eventually Bonfur came to call Sandra, 'sensei', he would intrude on her house whenever he saw her home to listen to her stories. Sandra would send her maid to buy expensive tea and snacks, but most of those snacks ended up in Bonfur's stomach.

Bonfur is 22 year old now, he's started managing his father's business. The father would look fondly on his son's growth and begin to consider retiring.

On the sixth year after Sandra took residence in that house, Jaston's wife, Rikanu fell down with a high fever of unknown cause, her condition worsened badly and the medical practitioner couldn't do anything for her, that was when Sandra who had come to visit asked them to leave her and Rikanu alone in the room, in which they did, afterward Rikanu's condition improved.

Sandra asked Jaston to keep it a secret. Jaston swore to bring it to his grave.

That was how Sandra became Jaston's family's neighbor as well as savior. Apparently, a few other neighboring houses are also indebted to Sandra in some ways.

Sandra never interacted with the neighbors, no one even saw her going out of house to meet another. Hence, there's only a handful of people who knew Sandra's name and face.

Nevertheless, no one in Rikonen District would speak ill of Sandra.

Incidentally, an apothecary by name Shira lived deep in an area of dilapidated buildings at the opposite end of town to Rikonen District. She was an individual who made highly effective medicine, those who know know, but her social disposition was extremely lacking, in fact, barely anyone knew Shira's face.

How that Shira was visited by <Herb Saint> Guide Skalabel and even got called master by him is a popular pastime talk in the town. It's also said that Shira is living a secluded life somewhere, so no one knows where to see her.

If someone who knew apothecary Shira's face saw scholar Sandra's, they might speak how they are the exact same person.

However, apothecary Shira would wear ragged and dirty clothes, while scholar Sandra always wore elegant and tidy outfits. They live apart and the air around them is quite dissimilar as well.

At the end of the day, humans don't only see faces, but also social class, clothes, bearings, residence and how someone socializes with others, they look at how someone lives their life as a whole, as such no one would make the connection between the two, that they're one and the same.

Even if someone did manage to, it's clear that they're completely different people when you compare how Sandra lived for the past ten years in the district in contrast to how Shira lived. Even though it's the same town, their places of residents are too far apart. It's impossible for her to be at Shira's house at daytime, and Sandra's at night. Human cannot be at two different places at the same time.

Scholar Sandra is deep in another research today.

A research no one is privy to.




[Intermission 2 Scholar Sandra] End/Next [Episode 28 Rafin's Rock Terrace Arbor]

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17





In the end, there was barely anyone who came to Vouka looking for Shira.

This was due to Guide Skalabel and his entourage spreading news about her disappearance in towns they passed by.

Many personages expressed their interest to meet Eda through the town lord, Crimus Ulban, however.

Eda would generally turn down such requests. Furthermore, after consulting with Norma, she decided to charge one big gold coin per casting of <Purification>.

No one will pay one big gold coin for one session no matter how rich they are. Those who suffer serious injury or illness can just resort to <Recovery>. Besides, the true value of <Purification> is made apparent after successive casting.

In the end, not one soul sought Eda's <Purification>.

Several town lords' messengers requested an audience with Eda through Crimus. For these kinds of requests, she would go meet them at the town lord's mansion.

Vantaroy town lord's messenger said this to Eda.

"Watching over you was a task Guide Skalabel entrusted to my lord. We shall regularly send someone to check on you, please feel free to turn to them should you need anything. Ensuring your continued freedom impeded by no one is Guide Skalabel's wish."

This was in fact a form of warning to Crimus. An indirect statement by Vantaroy's town lord to him, 'We're always monitoring your actions'.

Requests for Eda's <Recovery> had dried up as well. At the end of the day, one gold coin fee is just not affordable. Noble houses would have someone with <Recovery> under them, while the wealthy and merchants could just go to the temples for <Recovery>. As the monetary offering for it doubly serves as charity, receiving <Recovery> at the temple is more preferable to them.

Their neighbors also found out about Eda being a user of <Purification> who was also a savior of <Herb Saint> Skalabel, and while they were a bit bewildered at first, they treated her like they did before after some time.

There was a period of time when groups of people tried to push their way to see Eda, but they went right home with a glare from Lecan.

Jericho would go out during daytime despite living in Lecan's and Eda's house. They went to Shira's house. Cleaning up the house and tending the herb garden.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
Arios came back four days after herb saint's departure.

Arios resumed tutoring Eda on defensive stance as well as gait style using short swords, but after a while, he declared that Eda didn't seem able to learn <Stealth Step>.

The three's light armors were finally done early on month ten, way later than initially scheduled.

Eda's light armor is made to emphasize flexibility and speed, bearing a vivid blue color.

As for Lecan's and Arios's, the important parts like the chest area, shoulder pads, knee guard are blue colored, while all other parts are red.

They also got paid for the Great Octocular Spiders' materials. Totaling in a large sum of 19 platinum (white gold) coins excluding the fee for the armor. It was split among the three. Arios also got the payment for his Queen's Venom, but Lecan didn't pay attention to the amount. He was not interested. But Arios handed him five small bottles with Queen Venom inside nonetheless.

"I'm sharing them."

Eda has started to accept quests at the Adventurer's Association. There were times where she would take on the quests alone, and times where she would go with a party of young adventurers. By young here is around 15, so they're technically older than Eda, but they were none the wiser. Eda is famous as a gold rank adventurer now, and the fact that she looks like a young girl she is appears to have quite an distinctive impact.

Lecan went to two dungeons.

The first one was a small dungeon to the north of Skerus. The dungeon only had 12 floors, but he had some fun.

The other one was Dungeon Golbul. One night, he had the urge to fight the Greatarm Ogre.

He quickly went in the dungeon, quickly beat the ogre, and quickly dashed out. Commander Doug was waiting for him outside, so he greeted him, showed him a glimpse of the dungeon item and went back to Vouka right away.

The dungeon item was a mantle.

It's got defensive properties against physical and magical, a sort of lesser version of Lecan's own <Overking Bear>'s overcoat. He gave it to Eda since she wanted it. She tried to pay for it, but Lecan wouldn't take it, saying it's a thanks for the <Purification> every night.

Lecan would spar with Arios sometimes.

Arios's swordsmanship has gotten more flexible compared to before. In other word, it's gotten crafty. He even managed to prevail against Lecan often. The results would likely come out differently in a real combat, but in terms of pure sword skills, Arios comes out on top.

Meanwhile, month ten was nearing its end.

"Lecan. You're leaving this town after new year, right?"

He never mentioned anything about that, Eda must have sensed that from the mood. Or perhaps she learned how to read Lecan's trains of thought.

"Yea."

"Are you going to dungeons?"

"I'm thinking of heading for Dungeon Tsubolt first. Haven't decided after."

"You're going alone?"

"Arios wanted to come along."

"I see."

"What're you gonna do?"

Lecan would take Eda along if she said she want to tag along.

"Honestly, I wanna come with you. But if I did that here, I'm gonna stay Lecan's baggage forever."

Eda's <Recovery> is potent enough to be considered a trump card in dungeon explorations. Adding to the fact that Eda is good with her bows, has reached a certain level of mastery in close quarter combat's evasion and defensive, and her life force is plentiful enough. She's absolutely not a burden.

However, the baggage here doesn't refer to her fighting prowess. Thus far, Eda has been living and growing up under Lecan's protection. And she feels like that can't go on as it is.

"I want to try living by myself for awhile. I'll show you I can live independently. I'm going to become someone Lecan will come for and ask to be with. I'm gonna give it my all so I can heal your left eye."

"I see."

"Lecan."

"Hm?"

"I love you."

Lecan almost said 'me too', but he stopped short. It's not Eda's <Love> that Lecan's got. The feelings Lecan hold for Eda are a bit different from that word. However, Lecan couldn't find quite the word to express that verbally.

As such, instead of words, he patted Eda's head. Ruffling through her hair rather roughly.

Eda laughed while crying.

On the last day of that year, Lecan and Arios left the town.

Their destination is Dungeon Tsubolt.

Snow was falling that day.





[Episode 27 Medical God Dialogue] End/Next [Intermission 2 Scholar Sandra]

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15





Vouka town lord, Crimus Ulban remained standing in the entranceway of his mansion.

The Herb Saint Entourage must have just got out of the town via the west gate by now.

Vouka's guard led by commander Tesla is escorting them to the nearest village.

The town lord has to stay here to meet and greet the four noble houses as well as those who have come to see the entourage off.

"Norma, Eda, we're going home."

"Yeah. Let's."

"Un. Home we go."

"Ah, Lecan. A moment please."

It was the town lord who called out to Lecan.

"What do you need?"

"Thanks for your hard work. I owe you one."

"Yea."

"Hold it! I told you to wait!"

"Get on to it already."

"We have been getting requests to meet, no, have an audience with Shira-sama."

"Nothing to do with me."

"I couldn't tell her earlier. Any and all outside contacts were prohibited during Guide Skalabel's stay. So things will get busy from now on."

"Told you I don't give a crap."

"This won't be for a while, but Vantaroy's town lord has expressed interest to visit Vouka as well. That Vantaroy town lord, coming here in flesh!"

"Good for you. Later."

"Don't you go off now! Wait a second."

"Get to it."

"I would like Shira-sama to stay in the guest house for a while."

"Tell that to Shira."

"Where has Shira-sama gone off to?"

"No clue."

"There's no way you don't know."

"Didn't you see? Shira vanished."

"Yes, she did. That was a wonderful magic. Wait, was that even magic?"

"Must be. Can't imagine what kind though."

"Where did she go?"

"I gave you the answer already."

"Are you really not aware?"

"I really have no clue."

"When is she coming back?"

"No idea."

"Do you believe you can convince me with that?"

"I don't give a damn either way."

"We have a huge queue of people wanting to meet her. As well as letters I must give her. There will be a mountain heap more of those from now on. Lots more letter will come."

"I'll give you an advice."

"Please by all means."

"Shira will not show up in this town ever again. So you'd better decline those asking for a meeting. Write the return letters yourself. They're just gonna turn into garbage left at Shira's house."

"You're joking, right? Tell me you're joking."

"Zip it. Shira won't show herself up ever again. It's me who found that most unfortunate."

After saying that over his shoulder, Lecan took Norma and Eda away from the town lord's mansion.

He felt a bit sorry for the town lord, but he surely has gained a lot more than he lost from all what's going on, so Lecan didn't feel bad leaving him to deal with all the aftermath.

They parted with Norma along the way, then went to fetch Jericho with Eda before going back home.


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16





Lecan saying that Shira won't show up in this town ever again came as a huge shock to Eda, she asked Lecan where Shira is.

Lecan replied back.

Standing out in public is the thing Shira hates most above all else, and now that her name has been spread far and wide, she likely won't ever make an appearance in this town.

As for Shira's whereabouts, even Lecan is clueless on that. However, Shira can't possibly abandon Lecan and Eda.

One day, she would likely appear before them.

Both him and Eda have some growing up to do so they can proudly meet her, to get her say, "My, you two have really grown up", when she saw them.

Besides, it's Shira they're talking here, she must be watching over him and Eda somewhere without them realizing.

Entrusting Jericho to Eda is a promise for their eventual reunion.

After hearing that, Eda wiped her tears and nodded, 'Un'.

The following day, Lecan didn't go anywhere.

He shut himself in the house and carefully probed the whole town with <Life Detection> while quietly sipping some liquor.

But he couldn't find the reaction he sought.

He did the same the day after.

On the night of the third day, there was a hit in the town. The presence of an enormous mana. A nostalgic presence.

That presence vanished right away. However, he has memorized its location.

Lecan erased his presence with <Concealment> and headed toward the northwest direction under the night sky of Vouka town. Running on walls, jumping over roofs, he arrived at the place.

It's a snug house in a quiet neighborhood.

There's an inner garden inside, with a veranda on the second floor facing that garden, there an elderly woman is sipping tea while watching the night sky.

Lecan gently landed on that veranda.

"Hey there. That was quick. I've got your tea ready over here."

"That's some fancy outfit you're wearing."

"This is how I look when I'm here."

"Since when."

"Let's see now. I think since about ten years ago."

"I don't see a big chimney anywhere here. Neither an underground cellar."

"Yep there's none. Think I'm done with medicine now. I have so many good successors all grown up after all."

"The medicine stores that sell your medicine will be devastated."

"Oh not at all. This town has quite a few skilled apothecaries now. And I've presented cold medicine and remedy recipes to five apothecaries I know. I'm sure they're elated."

"I see."

Lecan sat down and drank his tea.

"This is a good tea. Can I come here again to drink another cup?"

"Once in a while, sure."

They gazed at the night sky for a while.

"Say. You're planning to leave this town at the end of this year, aren'tcha?"

"Yea."

"What about Eda-chan?"

"Still undecided. But I think leaving her to fend for herself for once will be a good experience."

"Really."

"What do you think?"

"Well. I'm sure Eda-chan herself has been thinking of having a go at being independent from you."

"Yeah?"

"And she also wants to become someone you could accept. Or so how I see it at least."

This wise woman does not speak without any basis.

Meaning she must have had conversations with Eda that led her to believe that.

"Yeah I think that's for the best."

"It's also for your sake, you know. Don't worry about that girl. I've left Jericho with her."

"Guess there's nothing to worry about with Jericho around."

"Jericho will notify me if there's something amiss."

"I see."

Something suddenly hit on Lecan while he was looking at the bottom of his emptied cup.

"Oh yeah, during that night when Roland tried to set up a magic barrier, you said that <Sleep> boosted by that magic barrier installed with a dungeon-depth magic stone and grace items won't work on Eda or me."

"I sure did."

"That doesn't sound right."

"Hee?"

"Eda might have resistance to mind magic. Her life force's been quite bolstered as well. But I don't believe that will be enough to defend against <Sleep> cast by Roland with the help of magic barrier and grace items. All the more since I didn't have <Necklace of Intuador> with me back then."

The silver ring he always has on his finger passively raises abnormal status resistance, but the effect has its limit. In fact, Marakis's magic did manage to reap Lecan's consciousness if only for a moment.

"That was a feint for that Derston boy."

"What?"

"You musn't let your guard down against that boy."

Lecan himself also noticed that the most troublesome individual to make an enemy of among the Herb Saint Entourage was the temple knight Derston Barmoa. He might look like he was faithfully working as Skalabel's escort this time around, but that man must have been the one with the highest drive toward Elex Temple's interest. Which isn't guaranteed to always coincide with Shira's and Lecan's interest. That man was always coldly observing Shira, Lecan, Eda and Norma behind his all-smiles exterior.

In other word, that conversation was Shira's way to warn Derston not to mess with Lecan and Eda.

Come to think of it, Shira did allude to her deep connection with Yacklubend then. Derston must think that antagonizing her would require quite a bit of resolve after that.

"I see. Got it. So where's your other nesting holes at?"

"Oh, what are you on about?"

"Back then you spoke how a shrewd rabbit would dig up four nesting holes. You also mentioned how you have bases in several cities around this country."

"Oh, did I really say that?"

"You did. Back when we got called to the temple."

"I'm honestly surprised by your good memory."

"So where's your other nesting holes at."

"I wonder. You tend to forget things as you age, see. How many nests I dug, and where, can't remember every one of them. But it'll probably come back to me when the needs arise."

(This granny is the one you can't let your guard down on the most.)

Lecan drank up his tea.

"Thanks for having me."

"Feel free to grab all the medicine making tools you want in my house. Take care of yourself now."

"Yea. Thank you."

Lecan put <Concealment> on himself once again and leaped in the night town.

That night hosted beautiful stars in the sky.

Lecan leaped around from walls to walls.

He spun in the air, raised his leg ups, flapped his arms around, somersaulted sometimes, dancing with the stars.

That night was simply too good a moment to pass up dancing.

A feeling Lecan couldn't quite describe was overflowing out of his chest, he just couldn't keep still for a second.

The wind was cold.

A pleasant kind of coldness.

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 14





"Then, Norma-dono. There is no problem with Guide Skalabel casting <Purification> on himself from now on, is there?"

"Yes. I believe so. There is no precedence for this case, and we have to rely on deduction of deduction my father left, however no trace of crystallization remains in Guide Skalabel's body, that is for sure.  I believe the resistance has vanished for now as well. In which cases, the greatest <Purification> in the kingdom should pose no danger now."

"Your words bring hope to us. Truly, our meeting has been a great blessing."

"I'm grateful to gods for this chance as well."

"Hohoho. Once we arrive at the capital we shall arrange a transcriber that will stay in Vouka for around a year time. Though it will likely be early next year at the latest. Norma-dono, you won't mind letting them stay in your place, will you"

"Yes. We have got the space after all. If the transcriber finds it unsatisfactory, I will look for a lodging nearby. Ah, and also."

"Yes?"

"After about a decade, just to be safe, please have other people cast <Purification> on Guide Skalabel."

"Eh? No, but that's."

"It should be possible to gather multiple <Purification> users at the capital, and especially if Guide Skalabel calls for it, shouldn't it?"

"Ah! I see now."

"Three would be better than two, each of them should be equipped with mana boosting equipment, and given Blue Potions, make them cast as much <Purification> as they could. As the Crystallization should not progress to an advanced state like before by then, I believe that should be sufficient to solve the issue even without someone with an abundance of mana like Eda present."

"Oh, Elex Temple can prepare three <Purification> users no problem. Oops, please keep that confidential."

Next to the two in deep talk, Vouka town lord, Crimus Ulban was waiting while looking all smiles. As many people are waiting for their departure, he must be fretting bad on the inside.

"O Master, Master. You have my most heartfelt gratitudes."

"You've been saying that all this time already. Stay in good health. Don't come again now."

Scribe, scribe, the young apothecaries were still on the clock even now.

Shira looked at Eda next to her.

"Oh, yeah. Eda."

"Yes."
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"I need you to do something for me."

"Un. What is it?"

"I'd like to leave Jericho with you."

"Eh? Oh, sure no problem."

"Jericho's got money on them, they can go get their favorite fruit on their own, so you only need to prepare a room for them to stay in."

"That's OK, we've got some spare room anyway."

"Guide Skalabel. I think it's about time for your speech."

The one calling out to Skalabel was the person in charge of the entourage's escort, vice commander of the Royal Knights, Neisan Aspell.

"Yes, indeed. Neisan-dono, if you would."

"Affirmative."

Neisan walked ten steps ahead, inhaled greatly and started talking at a tremendous volume.

"To all of you present here, listen well! The words I shall speak now are the very words spoken by Guide Skalabel himself!"

The rustle quieted down at once. The town personages crowding the yard to the gate, and even the townspeople waiting outside the gate gradually went silence. Once it was completely silent, Neisan spoke with a thunderous voice.

"During this visitation, I, Guide Skalabel have been rejuvenated and regained my health back, thanks to an arrangement made by my teacher Shira-sama!"

A faint rustle broke out in the silence.

"It is all made possible with <Purification> performed by Shira-sama's pupil, apothecary Eda-dono!"

The rustle got bigger. Gradually growing louder, with no sign of stopping.

"Eda-dono is!"

Neisan's word swallowed down the commotion.

"A savior of our Guide Skalabel!"

OOOOH, a cheer erupted.

"This town, Vouka is a town of grace that has given us a new life!"

WAAAAA, another huge cheer. That was the highest honor the townspeople could hear. The cheers won't calm down.

"IF!"
 
Neisan glares at all the people around with a frightening look on his face.

"Anyone dares to harm Eda-dono, or obtrude on her!"

Neisan's voice got louder, deeper and tougher.

"Shall face us as enemy!"

Neisan paused a bit here until his word sank in the people's minds.

"Harken!"

The people waited for the next word with a bated breath.

"Stand not in the path Eda-dono takes!"

Neisan greatly inhaled even more, knotting powerful words.

"For that is my wish. That is all!"

Someone clapped.

Not sure why they clapped here, perhaps it was to express their delight at Skalabel's regained health.

The applause eventually got spread among everyone who gathered there, lasting for a while.

"Thanks, Skalabel."

Guide Skalabel bowed deeply at Shira.

And when he raised his head, Shira was gone.

"O Master?"

He searched around but Shira was nowhere to be seen.

At that moment, apothecary Shira left the public eye for eternity.

Skalabel knelt on the spot, and prostrated toward the place where Shira was.

His pupils followed suit.

The priests followed suit.

The knights, squires, and even Prime Minister Office's officials followed suit.

Then they got on their carriages and horses, and departed for the capital.

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13





On the fifth day of the talk, they discussed about poison.

According to Shira, poison and medicine are two sides of the same coin, dissecting them into three categories, pure poison, dangerous poison that can be used as strong medicine, and poison that should be recognized as medicine instead, she'd then spell out which poisons were those exactly and their rules of use.

"Unlike medicine, it's difficult to do a trial on poison, see. So I'm not going to prattle on theoretical stuff and the likes, instead I'll give you concrete examples, which poison at what dosage for what symptoms that satisfy certain conditions, and what to expect from it. Listen well now, make sure you do not mix up the names and the dosage."

That day, Amamir learned many ways to use all kinds of poisons he initially found unthinkable. The revelation overturned all common sense to him. Shira even mentioned poison that could ease your pain in exchange for your life expectancy, which was a knowledge that could result in a huge chaos.

The topic on the sixth day was a comparison on the ways natural healing, medicine, <Recovery> and Red Potions work, as well as the mechanisms of disease and wound healing.

On the seventh day, they discussed about the changes in human body functions as it grows older. When they first heard about how mother's milk is produced and its virtues, Amamir and Kotojia gestured the holy mark to offer their gratitudes to gods. Other apothecaries were on the verge of tears as well. This particular talk had quite an impact to them.

On the eighth day, they discussed about general outlooks on the strength to live and let live. No one else besides Shira and Skalabel could get in the discussion. Amamir frantically tried to etch the exchange he himself couldn't quite grasp into his mind.

Enumerating all the topics so far, the first day was about life, the second day was about the relation between organic and inorganic life, the third day was about eating, diseases and mechanisms of the body, the fourth day was about medicinal plants, the fifth day was about poison in medicine, the sixth day was about healing, the seventh day was about growth and old age, the eighth day was about general outlooks on the secrets of medicine, as well as multi-layered knowledge on everything related to life and medicne.

Every single one of those is a topic Amamir is deeply entrenched in, yet he found himself utterly overwhelmed by the unforeseen ways and directions those medicine, poison and food he was familiar with could be utilized, put together in a deep and vast systematic compendium.  At the same time, Amamir was convinced that this talk between Skalabel and Shira would mark the beginning of a new era for apothecaries and medical practitioners.

On the ninth day, Shira would answer any questions anyone asked her.

Skalabel turned over this chance to the younger generation, relegating himself to listening to them piece by piece.

The one with the most questions thrown that day was the young apothecary, Cawin.

The runner-up was Norma.

The third one was Kotojia with Amamir on the fourth.

Lecan and Eda didn't have any question.

On the fourth and ninth day, everyone was supposed to have dinner together at the town lord's mansion dining hall. However, Shira and Eda were absent, and the priests and the apothecaries were relatively quiet, seemingly not wanting to tire out Skalabel.

Skalabel had Eda cast <Purification> on him every night.

Every morning, Norma would examine Skalabel, confirming his progress.

And thus the nine day stay came to an end, on the 17th of month 9, the Herb Saint Entourage would depart for the capital.

Records from this talk, centered around Shira and Skalabel's words, would be compiled by Amamir, under supervision of Skalabel himself, which he then submitted to the king under the name [Medical God Dialogue] three years later. Respecting Skalabel's wish, the king commissioned a huge amount of copies of the transcript which then got spread to every temples and territories. Then people started to transcribe the book themselves before it spread out into many countries like a wildfire. Eventually it was recognized as a sacred book to all apothecaries, medical practitioners and researchers of human life, and the name of its compiler, priest Amamir Tarance, was immortalized for eternity.

Here's what written in the preface by Amamir.



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Sometimes, I wonder if that was all naught a dream even to this day.

That blissful, insightful fleeting moments of learning would visit me in my dreams at times. Upon waking up, my mind would tell me that cannot have been of this world. That's how much abundantly fun, and mystically shocking those nine days were.

Guide Skalabel has forbidden us to leave the name of that luminary for posterity's sake. I have finally understood his sentiment now.

That luminary is an existence that could not be expressed by mere names. There is no name that could befit that luminary. Thus I shall henceforth refer to them as <Medical God> in this book.

Whether that is appropriate or not is up for a debate between Elex temple, Ceres Temple, Raikos Temple, and the rest of the temples, but allow me to indulge myself just this once, in spite of arguments against.

However, this nomination is by no means meant to put a living being on a pedestal as god, nor is it meant to desecrate the sacredness of gods unto this mortal realm.

That is because that luminary has disappeared forever from this world, vanishing without a trace once they were done with their work in this transient world after we informed them of our return to the capital. The Great Gods had sent that luminary to show us apothecaries dreams spanning over a few days in order to save those suffering from diseases and injuries. As such, I would like you to understand that this <Medical God> title refers not to that luminary in flesh themselves, but to the compassion and wisdom the Great Gods showed us through that luminary.

This book is a record of discussions between Guide Skalabel and his teacher done at the guest house of Vouka town lord's mansion from the 8th to the 16th Month 9 of Zaka Kingdom Year 116. All remarks not spoken by either of those two will not have the speaker's names marked. This book has been compiled by me, Amamir with apothecary Shizam and apothecary Mashram's cooperation, under supervision of Guide Skalabel.

The names of those present during this talk and those who accompanied the entourage are credited at the end of this book. They shall be living witnesses for the reality of this mystical talk taking place.

But whether this talk was but a dream nor a reality affects not this book's worth in the slightest. Likening this book to that of a well of deep knowledge shall be made obvious the more it is read.

I hold no doubt that this unending source of overflowing water shall enrich and save all the people in this world.

I pray these bejeweled words in this book remain undistorted, unsoiled, uncorrupted. I pray for people of this world to enduringly tackle on the secrets written in this book, to shed light on all the graces hidden and bring them unto this world, to save all the people in this world leaving nary any behind, for lights of gods to fill this world.

O future apothecaries, medical practitioners and researchers of life, rejoice.

In the name of great god Elex. Yale.

Month 9 of Zaka Kingdom Year 119 - First Class Priest of Elex Temple Amamir Tarance.

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 12





They dispersed early after dinner the night that day.

Amamir who was left at the town lord's mansion was visited by the officials who asked him about the talk in detail.

Amamir explained how Skalabel got strikingly better thanks to <Purification> from Shira's side, and how this must be kept secret until the last day.

He also emphasized how the talk between Shira and Skalabel covered so many ground-breaking matters that would advance knowledge about medicinal plants by leaps and bounds, that they're not something that should be carelessly publicized without Skalabel's supervision.

The stuff about medicinal plants were whatever to the officials. What they're worried about is one, whether Skalabel would return to the capital safely, two, whether Skalabel had plans to go somewhere else besides the capital.

In short, they're worried about Skalabel's well being most of all. And if he has any intention of making another journey like this one.

It'd be bad if by any chance he ended up wanting to revisit Vouka, or worst of all, wishing to stay for long.

No telling just where and what kind of ripple effects that would produce. It would greatly shake the populace at the capital and require additional fundings.

That said, the Prime Minister Office won't abandon Skalabel nor will they try to force him do something he's unwilling to. The king trusts him greatly, he's very popular amongst the capital's populace and on top of that, he's relatively cooperative with Prime Minister Office, he's a politically useful figure to have around.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
As Amamir himself also came from a noble background, he understood where these officials' worries lay, thus he touched upon topics that would assuage them.

Guide Skalabel never mentioned anything about wanting to go here again, neither did Shira's side showed any sign of wanting that. On the contrary, despite welcoming this visitation, Shira's side looked a bit bewildered about it and likely even found it bothersome.

And distilling Skalabel's intentions, it's pretty much definite that he wishes to bring back the knowledge he gained here to the capital to further help rearing new budding apothecaries there, the capital is where Skalabel will be active at.

After explaining that far, Amamir also talked about how Skalabel has plans to spread books authored by a scholar by name of Sasfrey in the world, hinting that the project can't be done if it's not at the capital.

He then hinted on the schedule for this trip.

One or more two extra days pose no big problem, and the arrangement made with the prime minister even accounted for four extra days if it would come to it. With Skalabel currently being extremely motivated, now is exactly the most crucial time. These officials would live up to their reputations if they could aid him well here, and Amamir himself would personally report their performance to the prime minister.

Due to his position at Elex Temple and lineage, Amamir is someone these officials look up even higher than Skalabel.

By making use of that fact, Amamir managed to secure Skalabel's freedom as well as the officials' peace of mind, bringing him in this trip was truly the correct choice.

Lecan got to hear all this from Amamir while they were eating together. Once he was aware of that, Lecan ceased trying to read these officials' and their employees' intents more than necessary.

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10





When they got back to the lounge after lunch, there was a magic tool put next to a flower vase.

Its magical structure looks familiar. It's that <Yacklubend Tele Voice Jar> or something.

Surprisingly nothing feels out of place. No one seems to question just what is that either.

However, a magic tool with such a huge magic stone in it stands out so awfully obvious to Lecan instead. Like shouting at him 'hey I'm here'.

"Shira, do you know about <Yacklubend's Tele Voice Jar> magic tool?"

"I sure do."

"Does our talk in this room right now get leaked outside?"

"Nope. But this is a good chance as any, let's have a little practical lesson. I'm gonna undo the barrier for a bit now."

Lecan understood Shira cast some sort of magic, but he had no idea of the specific.

"There's mana flowing out of that tele voice jar toward its paired jar in the town lord's mansion. Can you see it?"

Lecan concentrated on the jar, following after the flow of mana.

"Yea. I see it."

"Try loading your mana into that flow of mana toward the receiver jar, pouring lots all at once."

Loading your own mana into mana emitted by a machine is quite a task. But after a period of strenuous struggle, Lecan grasped the knack.

And then he poured much of his mana into it at once.

"Huh? Lecan. Did you hear something from the town lord's mansion direction? And also screaming."

"Beats me. Who cares."

"Quite an interesting spectacle you showed me."

"Guide Skalabel. Just, what has Lecan-dono done?"

When the barrier was undone, sounds from this room must have started coming out of the receiver jar. Dunno who, but the one listening in must have brought their ears close to the receiver jar in excitement.

"Shira. What happened?"

"What will happen when you cram in ten barrel worth of stuff inside a barrel?"

"It's gonna burst open."

"Then, that's."

"I see."

There's many apothecaries around. Quite a lot of them can perform medical treatment as well. The knights have red potions too.

Nothing to worry about.



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11





The enthusiastic talk continued afterward, until it was about time for dinner.

Dinner on the fourth and ninth day will be held in the town lord mansion's dining hall, the priests and apothecaries will also be having their meal there. The town lord is present as well.

Just when they were about to move out, Eda grabbed the chance when the conversation ended and spoke to Skalabel timidly.

"Umm, Skalabel-sama. Can I have a minute. I mean, may I have a bit of your time."

"Eda-dono. What can I help you with?"

"Skalabel-sama, you came here to cast <Purification> on Shira-baachan didn'tcha, I mean, did you not?"

"Indeed I did."

"But that's over now, right?"

"That is correct."

"Then, can you please in exchange, once, just once."

"Once?"

"Can you please cast <Purification> on Lecan once?"

Lecan was surprised. That thought never even crossed his mind.

"My <Purification> is no good. Been casting it every night, but it's no good. My <Purification> can't fix up Lecan's left eye. They said it won't work if the <Purification> isn't a high level because of Fixation thing. But if it's Skalabel-sama's <Purification>, then."

"And this Fixation, is?"

Norma answered Skalabel's question.

"As Guide may have known, adventurers who frequent dungeon depths are sometimes unable to heal their old wounds even with Large Red Potions. I believe that is because red potions have fixed rate of healing potential, as well as limitations like decreased effects with successive uses, due to all that, its healing effect may not reach certain parts of patients whose life force is too large."

"Fumu, fumu. Intriguing. I believe that is likely a correct interpretation."

"But then, there are also cases where their wounds don't get healed even though they have <Recovery> cast on them and displayed healing effects. After checking Lecan's left eye, I believe it's due to a phenomenon, different from <Overwritten> we discussed yesterday, in which a wound gets recognized as a normal state in the deeper part of body."

"Indeed. I have witnessed such things myself."

"It's a high-level magically induced state, but I've yet to understand its mechanism. For argument's sake, I refer to this state as <Fixation>."

"I see, I see. Quite enlightening. I do dabble in medical treatment but my main profession is an apothecary thus I never delved into such research. But if I am not misunderstanding things here, <Purification> with enough depth can restore both <Overwritten> and <Fixation> then."

"Yes, that's what I have concluded as well. Hence why I told Eda that her <Purification> may some day heal Lecan's left eye if she keeps improving on it."

"So that is how it is. Of course, I would be delighted to cast <Purification> on Lecan-dono."

"T-thank you so much! Aren't you glad, Lecan."

His left eye can see again.

It'd be wonderful if that really comes true.

The lost of sight in Lecan's left eye may not have hindered him in battle thanks to <3D Perception>.

But it's just not the same as spectacles seen from naked eyes.

Lecan has come to truly appreciate sense of sight precisely because his left eye has lost it.

Perhaps deep in his heart, he has always longed for his lost vision be restored to his left eye.

"Lecan-dono. I shall now cast <Purification> on you."

Skalabel readied his wand.

That was when Lecan saw Eda's face.

She looks pleased. Pleased, for Lecan's sake.

However, in reality Eda must have wanted to heal it herself. That was why she kept casting <Purification> every night with utmost effort. And how she kept getting dejected at her failure every night.

Can it really be said that Eda absolutely has no regret or chagrin, asking Skalabel to cast <Purification> on Lecan like this?

"No. Guide Skalabel. I'll have to decline."

"Hou? It might bear no fruit, but there is no harm in trying, is there?"

"It's not like I can't fight just because my left eye can't see. Meaning there's no need to rush. I'd be ecstatic if it could see again though. Well, I can wait."

"By wait, what are you waiting for?"

"Either for a <God Cure> I found in a treasure chest, or for Eda's <Purification> to get better."

"Hahaha. I see, I see. So that's how it is then. You truly are an extraordinary man, Lecan-dono. That's unthinkable normally."

"Eh? Eh? What? What's this about? Lecan, it's once in a lifetime chance you know. You can have the highest level <Purification>, you know?"

"Hahahaa. Eda-dono. Lecan-dono is saying that he wishes not of my <Purification>. He would like your <Purification> to heal him."

"Eeh? Mine?"

"Or perhaps he wished to obtain a <God Cure> with his own hand. I see, so this is adventurer's dream. Lecan-dono lives for his dream. Most impressive indeed."

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7





On the fourth day.

Amamir had desks brought to the lounge for the record keepers' use. The two of them also had their breakfast brought to the lounge. All the record so far was initially stored in the town lord's mansion, but starting today it would be put in the lounge. Probably a countermeasure for if the accompanying priests went ballistic.

Originally, Amamir was planning to let one of the record keepers disclose the record to those people.

But after hearing and seeing what the conversation was like, he ended up changing his mind, thinking it'd be best not to make it public recklessly.

Amamir is a gentle mild-mannered man, but he won't budge once he's decided on something. The accompanying priests and apothecaries are well aware of that trait. Hence they went for Kotojia instead.

They kept pressing on Kotojia from morning to noon. They knew the main gist of the talk, with Shira answering Skalabel's questions, so they're pressing Kotojia on what kind of topics have Shira brought up thus far.

The record keepers, two young apothecaries, get moved to the lounge early in the morning before those people arrive, and won't go out until night, they also have meals in the lounge, securing their safety.

Amamir deserted Kotojia. They cannot overcome this situation without a sacrifice. That's why Kotojia was nowhere to be found during breakfast that day, and only showed up at the guest house's lounge during tea time break after breakfast, looking all tired.

An official wearing an expensive looking outfit came over, led by Vouka town lord himself.

It's the domestic affairs secretary of Prime Minister Office.

He's supposedly two three stratum lower than the secretary who came to Vouka for the preliminary arrangement, but he's still way above Vouka town lord in standing nonetheless. It's one of the two officials who accompany the entourage to deal with expenses in this trip and to negotiate with lords in the regions they visit along the way. Supposedly they are not to intervene with the talk, just what is he here for.

A man wearing an unassuming attire follows behind them. The man must be an employee of the Prime Minister Office as well. He's got the same kind of aura as the man caught last night. He's all smiles but it's clear he's very nervous.

The secretary sat down and bowed at Skalabel.

"Guide Skalabel. I have a request to ask of you."

"Well now. What will it be?"

"Would you give the permission to allow a member of Prime Minister Office to quietly sit in the corner of the lounge during your talk."

"Well well. I believe our lineup has been determined during the early planning stage. I do not see how you want to add more now."

"My subordinate is very capable. I'm sure there will be no complications if we replace one of the record keepers with him."

"Uumu. I personally want this to be a once-in-a-lifetime lesson for our young apothecaries. In any case, we cannot decide it on our own. Lecan-dono, what do you think?"

"If we're having a change in personnel, I'd like one less person on your side and one more on ours. Yours got five, ours only got three. There's no balance. I want another member to attend Shira."

Lecan is talking about a Longarm Ape, not a human, but there's no need to specify that here.

Skalabel himself didn't want to spoil the mood they had so he brought the matter about personnel to Lecan, so he would deny it. For some reason, Lecan could infer that keenly. Thus his mild refusal.

"It is as you heard, secretary-dono. Lecan-dono bears a good point. A change in personnel should be a decrease on our side. Let's forget this talk ever happened, shall we?"

The secretary left after bowing.

Felt like the male employee who was following the secretary threw a glance at the maid standing next to the dining table.


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


8





On the fourth day, the talk was about concrete effects of various medical herbs. But limiting it to one specific effect of a medical herb before moving on to next. Thanks to the topic they covered the previous day, Skalabel could clearly ask which specific effects emerges on which specific body parts, and what kind of functions that specific part should have had.

The topic has gotten to a part where Lecan could also grasp it to a point. He's not really good with abstracts, but topics regarding functions, parts and effects he learned at Norma's place came in handy.





9





It's lunch time. Which will be a buffet style dine at the guest house's dining room. Entourage priests and apothecaries are allowed to enter the guest house during this period.

These priests and apothecaries are staying at four noble houses. They asked their breakfast be packed and went to the town lord's mansion at a really early hour for a noble. And then they interrogated Kotojia. Which continued on until the guest house breakfast time almost ended.

Once Kotojia made her escape to the guest house, they would then eat their packed breakfast. And until the Halfbeak period whence they are allowed to enter the guest house, they would stay in the entry hall of the guest house, and crowd the dining room, waiting until Skalabel's group show up.

Shira declared that she didn't need lunch and retreated inside alongside Eda.

Amamir instructed the maid to carry the two record keepers' lunch to the lounge. He must believe that they can have a break since Shira isn't around anyway.

Skalabel has a good complexion on his face, his voice carries vigor in it, and his muscles and strength have returned. People were surprised and overjoyed when they saw Skalabel looked like he had been reborn anew a day after he arrived at Vouka, but then he got even better the following day. Then the day after and today, Skalabel's condition further stabilized. Over the past two days, it's clear now that this condition isn't just a transient happenstance. Everybody drew near Skalabel to inspect him closely and congratulated him. Priestess Marlia even offered her gratitudes to gods while bawling with both her hands over her face.

Amamir and Kotojia got assaulted with a barrage of questions by people sitting near them.

Many also talked and asked questions to Norma.

Some even came to Lecan asking him about medicine making crafts.

Lecan would offer his practical point of view on the matter while munching on meat and vegetable.

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 6





Lecan woke up.

No, 'woke up' is not exactly correct here. Lecan has always been monitoring the guest house with <Life Detection> and <3D Perception> even in his sleep.

Something has roused Lecan up.

There's only a few people staying in the guest house.

Skalabel and Cawin, Shira and Eda as well as two maids. Six in total.

The guesthouse has a door in the north, another in the south, with the town lord's mansion to the west.

The east side faces a grove of trees. Meaning, it's out of sight most of the time. Roland's group also tried to install the first magic tool there last night.

A knight or a knight squire is posted each in all four directions, and someone has gone through the grove of trees in the eastern side. And for some reason they're moving around without the guard interfering them.

Lecan put on his overcoat, his sword on his waist, cast <Concealment> magic and went to the guest house.

Neisan was guarding the back door. Light from a magic tool illuminates the surroundings.

Lecan undid his <Concealment> and spoke to Neisan in whisper.

"Neisan."

"Oh, is that you Lecan. Didn't saw you coming."

"An intruder in the east side."

"What"

Lecan and Neisan went around to the east side.

There's a knight squire standing under a magic tool lamp on this side as well.

"I don't see an intruder anywhere though."

Neisan thinks that no intruder can enter the building with the squire around.

There's no door on the east side. It's got a lone window, but it's a latticed one, you can't break through it without alerting everyone with sound.

Lecan stared at a vent above.

"Looks like they went in through that vent."

"From there? That's too small for anyone to enter. Besides, how'd they climb that high up?"

However, Lecan's <3D Perception> told him the intruder had entered from that vent.

And most importantly, someone is lurking on the other side of the wall.

They've hidden their presence well enough to escape Neisan and the knight squire's detection.

"One intruder on the other side of this wall. Neutralizing them. <Lightning>."

It sounded like someone fell inside.

"All right. Let's carry them outside."

"U-umu. Oy, Nissho, come with me."

"Sir."

They brought the intruder out of the back door.

The intruder is covered head to toes in black. Wearing a tight fit and elastic chainmail-like clothing.

He's carrying something around the belly. Something with a large magic stone installed. Must be a magic tool.

"<Appraisal>."


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


<Name: Yacklubend Tele Voice Jar (Sender)>

<Type: Magic Tool>

※ Send voices to the receiver

※ Maximum range 1000 steps

※ Shorter range when there are obstacles





Neisan shined the lamp magic tool on the intruder's face.

"Lecan. This man is an employee of the Prime Minister Office."

"Hou."

He had suspected as much.

Still, he was initially wary Kogurus's side would try to do something stupid, yet as it turned out all the trouble was perpetrated by the capital's people instead.

The previous Lecan would have threatened them here, like 'I'll overlook you this time, but the next time you're pulling this crap, I'll kill you and those who ordered you'.

However, thanks to many things he went through lately, he has learned to delve deeper into guessing the other party's intentions and circumstances.

Naturally, you'd think this intruder moves under the prime minister's orders.

The PM probably ordered his subordinates to report back the content of the talk, but since <Farhear> didn't work, they resorted to installing <Tele Voice Jar>. That flow of events sounds plausible.

But then what if they were under order from another party that's not the PM.

In that case, the intention was likely to make the PM lose face for causing trouble.

That means they shouldn't make a commotion here. Killing him is out of question.

(Mwu?)

Lecan noticed controlled breathing from the man lying down next to him.

The man is conscious.

Pared down <Lightning> can paralyze opponents without killing them.

There are times when they pass out, and when not. Even if they did, it'd only be for a short time.

This is affected by equipment, stamina and resistance.

"Neisan. This assassin was found and caught by Shira's bodyguard, me."

"Oy oy, Lecan. We dunno if he's an assassin yet."

"I'm allowed to kill this guy."

"Isn't that way overboard?"

"If I leave it to you to handle this guy, what's the treatment gonna be like?"

"This man is acting under his excellency prime minister's order. It's unfortunate that he didn't coordinate with us first, but we cannot punish him if his action was done to ensure Guide Skalabel's safety. We're probably gonna release him."

"Didn't you interrogate those mages to make written evidence."

"They were caught red-handed putting the night watch to sleep. The magic tool they were trying to set up was also something that would hinder Guide Skalabel as well. Or rather, these guys work directly under Prime Minister Office despite their lower standings. Can't just interrogate them willy nilly."

Lecan came up with a conclusion after thinking a bit.

"All right, let's act like this never happened."

"Haa?"

"We'll discard this man somewhere in the yard, He'll probably go away on his own once he can move."

"O-ou. We're fine with that if you are."

"<Fire Arrow>."

Lecan shot the magic tool with <Fire Arrow> while being careful not to hit the intruder.

Neisan and the knight squire yelped lightly.

The spell shot through the most complex part of the tool he found with <Mana Detection> and <3D Perception>. That must have been the core part, the magic tool should be useless now.

"My hand slipped and broke the magic tool."

After some barefaced monologue, Lecan spoke to the intruder.

"Contact me and Neisan the next time you're trying to sneak in. We're gonna look the other way if you do. Naturally, we'll monitor your every move and dismantle anything you install though."

"Wait what's even the point then?"

Lecan recited a spell while ignoring Neisan's question.

"<Float> <Move>."

The intruder's body floated up and drifted toward the shade of a tree before falling down.

Lecan called the man an assassin in jest, but he didn't have the aura of one. He must be a spy and nothing more.

"Now then, back to bed. Neisan, good night."

"Yeah, good night, Lecan."

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 5





After a while, Norma stopped crying and let go of Lecan, taking a slight distance from him.

The two stayed silent.

(No clue what to say here.)

His savior came from outside.

"Lecan. Got a minute there?"

Vice Commander of Royal Knights, Neisan Aspell has come to visit.

"Yea. Come on in."

"Pardon me. Aa."

Neisan stopped moving for a second when he saw Norma sitting next to Lecan.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"No. Never mind it."

Far from that, Neisan's visit was a lifeboat.

"Norma. He's Vice Commander of the Royal Knights, Neisan Aspell."

"Norma-dono. Excuse me."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Norma a medic."

"I have heard about how great of a scholar your father was."

"It's an honor."

Lecan picked up a bottle of liquor.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Want a sip?"

"Yea. Sure."

Lecan handed a Neisan high-class liquor bottle and a silver tumbler before gesturing for a toast with his own. Neisan, Lecan and Norma drank up the content of their tumblers.

"This is good."

Lecan pushed the bottle toward Neisan without taking another sip. Neisan poured his own drink.

"I was thinking about reporting the matter with Roland."

"I see."

"He came back to the town lord's mansion this morning."

"Morning? Quite late."

It was last night when the Vice Commander of Royal Mages, Roland Batt was found by Lecan trying to sneakily set up a barrier in the guest house and got himself banished to Shira's house by Shira herself, he could have gone back before morning came.

"He said he couldn't get out of the house because of an ape."

"Hou."

The barrel Roland got <Exchange>d with was probably a barrel in the warehouse. He'd have to pass through Jericho's room if he wanted get out of the house from there unless he climbed over the wall.

"When we asked what happened, he kept screaming out 'ape, the ape'. Just what was going on over there."

"Beats me."

Jericho would have let him go on his merry way had he gone out of the house without doing anything. Roland was probably attempting to do something inappropriate there. And Jericho gave him a hard time for it. Not sure how though.

"Anyway, we had long gotten the written evidence from the two mages and mage squires by the time Roland came back. With oaths and signs in tow. We've secured the magic tools as evidence as well. There's no way to weasel out of this one."

"In the end, what was he trying to do anyway?"

"Apparently they were trying to get their hands on Lecan's and Shira-sama's magic tools."

"Magic tools?"

"Indeed. Powerful and unusual magic tools."

"Dunno what you're going on about, but Skalabel was also present in the guest house. What's he doing attacking the house."

"He was insisting that he needed to confiscate the suspicious magic tools Shira-sama and Lecan had with them in order to protect Guide Skalabel. Even so, that doesn't give him the right to deploy that thing. He was planning to neutralize everyone in the guest house, including us guards and snatched Shira-sama's and Lecan's magic tools afterward."

"You gonna hand out punishment to Roland?"

"No. Not like it can't be done, but his family won't stay quiet if we did. We will hand over the written evidence and proof to Prime Minister Office once we're back at the capital. They will probably make up some reason to make him quit Royal Mages on his own."

"So you're letting him roam free here?"

"Guy looks like he's lost all his vigors. And he was always been a hard-nosed man. Apparently, Shira-sama's magic came as a huge shock."

"<Exchange> huh?"

"Yes that. I heard it's an extremely high level spell. Got his mind broken after tasting that for himself. I don't think he'd try to raise trouble for you or Shira-sama anymore."

"Do the rest of the mages and squires remain bound?"

"No no. We completely lack the personnel to do that. Even if we stand watch on the four separately, we'd be left with a minimum number of personnels for the guest house. We've released their confiscated equipment too."

"You're sure they won't do anything unwarranted then."

"I'm sure they won't. The two mages actually tried to stop Roland. They were against Roland coming with the entourage to begin with. But those two are common born. They can't go up against Roland."

Neisan's dinner came while they were talking.

"Sorry. Mind if I eat here?"

"Go ahead."

"I could have an early dinner thanks to the talk finishing early. Gonna stand watch after taking a quick nap after this."

"Thanks for your hard work. Hold onto this."

"This is... That Stamina Restorative huh!"

"Gathered the mats and made that myself. It's pretty much free."

"Ain't this thing quite valuable. The perfection of medicine making or something."

"Ah, nah. This one's made in a cauldron. It's got pretty much the same effects though."

"Either way, you have my thanks. I'll keep it in case of emergency."

"It's got burst effect for half an hour, but the slow dripping effect remains for half a day. It's even better than <Recovery> for continuous stamina restoration."

"Man, you're really an apothecary eh. Don't look like one though."

"Lecan-dono is also an outstanding medic. He's capable of accurately probing the insides of human body."

Afterward, Neisan spoke about the entourage's state of affairs, while Lecan gave a brief summary of the talk in the lounge. When Neisan heard about a project to mass produce Norma's father's literary work, he congratulated her enthusiastically. It seems he's completely forgotten about having a match with Lecan.

"Now then, I've imposed on you for too long. Can I come again?"

"Yea."

Once Neisan left, a maid came by right away and tidied up the table.

Lecan and Norma put hot water in their bath and cleansed their body.

But someone interrupted his sleep.

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 4





Lecan and Norma went back to the annex, and entered the living room.

Their bedrooms and bathrooms are separated, but they share the same living room.

Norma is sitting on a sofa in the back, while Lecan's sofa is on the same side as hers.

It's a habit he's got long before their seating positions at the guest house.

Though his <Life Detection> and <3D Perceptions> don't have problems detecting things behind him, it's just easier to do that on objects ahead of him.

"Want some drink too?"

Norma asked while taking a silver tumbler out of the shelf.

"Yea. I'll have one."

Lecan was poured an amber-colored liquor from two tumblers.

The two enjoyed the taste and aroma of the liquor in silence for a while.

The shelf has all kinds of snacks in it, from bean pastry, smoked meat, and dried fish. The stuff Lecan had eaten has been replenished, with more new stuff added. Employees of this residence are quite well trained.

"What a surprise this whole thing has been. Never would have imagined it would turn out this way."

"Isn't this outcome preferable to you though?"

"It's like I'm dreaming. I'm still not sure where this will take me, but my father's literary work will remain for posterity. That will likely come true regardless of form."

"They've got his books at the capital's temples already."

"That was shocking too. To think the marquis would do that."

This marquis would be Norma's uncle, the previous Marquis of Mashajain, Godfrey Wazrof.

"So he presented the books to Ceres Temple, is that something you can do just like that?"

"The custom is a bit different when a noble presents books to temples than when a commoner does."

"Hou."

"When a noble does it, the inner paper must be first class, and the letters must be beautifully written. In other words, it has to be done by a first-rate transcriber."

"I see."

"The leather cover must be of a fine quality, and the beaten gold as well as the seal must be done right, not to mention the binding. In short, it's going to cost you a lot."

"Guess making books is a serious business."

"The truly luxurious books fetch a handsome sum. And the offering money would have to match that when a noble present books to a temple."

"What's the point of presenting books to a temple."

"It's to make a declaration and to repay the favor to gods, like showing how much you have accomplished. Since you're unraveling the secret of this world by doing research. Nobles may present books to temples to signify the development of their territory's culture as well. Military might alone does not represent the quality of a noble after all."

"Sounds like some nobles would present some really extravagant books then."

"Presenting a book that's only got luxurious binding without content to match gets you ridiculed instead. They won't say it in public though."

"Then that means your uncle has recognized the content of your father's research huh."

"I didn't expect that. Really took me by surprise. But what's even more surprising is when Amamir-sama mentioned him saying Sasfrey, his little brother, wrote those books. To be frank, I just can't imagine those words coming out of that marquis's mouth. But Amamir-sama can't possibly lie. Little brother, really?"

"What kind of elder brother is this Godfrey to your father?"

"He wouldn't allow father to call him brother. It must be Godfrey-sama."

"Did your father hate or resent Godfrey?"

"Eh? No. That was never the case. Or rather."

"Rather?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"They talk normally."

Norma's father, Sasfrey is a little brother of Godfrey from a different mother. Wonder if they lived in the same mansion during childhood. Must be.

Since Sasfrey's mother had a low standing, Godfrey couldn't publicly treated Sasfrey as his little brother.

But behind his cold exteriors, just how did Godfrey saw his years apart little brother.

"When your father died."

"Eh?"

"Godfrey sent a letter to Jinga which had this written. 'I shall avenge my brother without fail, you keep protecting Norma'."

Norma turned to look at Lecan next to her. Her eyes were wide open out of shock.

"You said this before. Marquis house is like a machine to protect their house and territory, the marquis and the family members are nothing more than gears in that machine. Godfrey was a machine for the marquis house. But the words he sent when your father died sounds like it comes from a genuinely passionate man to me."

Norma could only stare at Lecan like she was at a loss for words.

"Godfrey avenged his little brother, took back the wand and sent it to Jinga."

"So it was the marquis who got this wand back."

"Your mother's wand was sent to you. It's loaded with the feelings Godfrey had for you."

"Feelings?"

"The marquis said this when you and your father left Mashajain to go back to Vouka. Do not bring your assets."

"Right. That marquis went and said that right in front of me."

"But you brought all those books, documents and research results without missing any. Along with a great variety of medicinal plants. And transporting all those things here must cost a lot."

"Yup. I wondered about that too myself. There were so many carriages."

"Have you ever thought of this. Prohibiting you take your assets was nothing more than a front. That must how he explained it to his relatives. But Godfrey wanted to let your father take everything he needed, no matter what it was."

"That's. That's just."

"What kind of position Jinga held at the marquis house?"

"He was the highest rank of knights. That's why having Jinga guard mother was seen as a serious matter to the marquis family."

"Jinga was posted to guard you and your father when your mother passed away. What meaning does that carry."

"I don't know. I really don't know to be honest. However, others saw it as an obvious demotion. An awful one at that. I'm not privy of rumors spreading within the marquis family, but the people there probably thought Jinga did a grave mistake, or Godfrey-sama, the then newly appointed marquis must have really hated him."

"Your mother asked Jinga this before her passing. 'Please take care of my husband and daughter'."

"Eh"

"Godfrey who was aware of that, said this to Jinga. 'My little brother is returning to that town, you go protect those two'."

"How did you know. No, the answer is obvious. You heard that from Jinga."

"This is nothing more than a guess of mine, but Jinga was probably anguishing between the formal request from the Marquis Family, and the personal wish from Godfrey."

"The marquis's... personal, wish."

"The marquis family sent Jinga a lifetime reward as part of Godfrey's will. Jinga returned his knightly standing to the marquis house. All the while laughing, saying he's now a chore taker of your medical center both in name and reality."

"Lecan."

"Hm?"

"Was my father, loved by the previous marquis, by Godfrey?"

"I believe he was. Both your father, and you."

"Me too?"

"Godfrey sent his most trusted knight to you and your father. Then he ordered that knight to protect you when your father died. That was Godfrey's true intent."

Norma suddenly wept.

(Oh crap.)

(Missed my chance to escape.)

Lecan is not into staring a crying woman. He planned to quickly make his way out once he knew she was going to cry, but Norma wouldn't allow him to.

(What to do here.)

As Lecan was freezing, Norma leaned on him.

He couldn't defend nor dodge it.

Norma put her forehead on Lecan's shoulder and hugged him.

A sobbing voice resounded in the living room.

Lecan who got his dominant arm sealed away could only stay there motionlessly.

(Hm?)

(This fragrance?)

The fragrance drifting from Norma reminded Lecan of Heles.

Their faces look quite similar.

There are some clear differences, but they really do look similar.

Norma and Heles are completely unrelated.

These two strangers are letting out a very similar scent both.

Not just scent. Their firm forms, the way they walk and the way they carry themselves, their womanliness in their dignity are also surprisingly similar.

Women are such a mystery, thought Lecan.

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