v2 Chapter 11: The Resolve to Heal

"Ah."

Shou suddenly spoke as if realizing something.

After the unexpected tea party, Haru had returned to her room. The master healer, Shou, Falco, and Leon were also staying at the church that night. Dred had gone back to his home with Lyla, though he only returned occasionally, treating it more as a base of operations than a true residence.

"Sometimes, cleaning is such a hassle that we just stay at an inn instead."

Lyla had whispered this secretively.

"We originally came here for Miharu’s treatment, but I completely forgot."

At Shou’s words, Linus also seemed to realize.

"That’s right. We specifically requested the master healer to come. Although, in a way, you’ve already healed her halfway."

"Huh? Me? I didn’t do anything."

Shou tilted her head. The master healer pulled her close and proudly declared,

"This is the famous healer from Deep Forest, known for healing not just the body but the heart."

"So those rumors were true?"

"It’s exaggerated."

Shou muttered, embarrassed. The master healer was biased, after all. He then turned to Linus and said,

"I believe it would be best for Haru if Shou treated her."

"Shou? But she’s still an apprentice."

"She is, but she’s talented. She has already participated in three hunting expeditions as an apprentice and travels with me to other towns."

"That’s quite impressive."

Linus regarded Shou with admiration.

"More importantly, she’s from the same homeland and the same age. She can likely heal details we would overlook."

"So you’ve noticed?"

"Yes. Her injuries are not limited to her shoulder and collarbone, are they?"

Shou had already realized this.

When she touched someone, she could sense their soul’s glow. But after healing so many people, she had started to recognize, even at a glance, when someone was deeply injured or unwell—their life force appeared dim. Even young apprentices like Shou and Alfie could tell, so the master healer, with all his experience, certainly could as well.

That was why Linus had looked at Shou with such admiration and why he had felt so much sorrow seeing Haru in such a weakened state.

"If it’s alright, I will do it, Master Sain, Linus."

Shou had healed many people before.

"However, Haru’s strength is already low. I’ll heal the major injuries first so she can travel, but the rest will be done gradually."

"That would be best."

"Yes."

Shou nodded firmly. She would be the one to heal Haru.

"And, Shou,"

"Yes, Master Sain?"

"I think we should return sooner rather than later."

"Why?"

Shou tilted her head in confusion, and Linus spoke up.

"Allow me to explain."

What did he mean?

"It’s disgraceful, but once it’s known that Haru is healed, there’s a risk she’ll be used again. Worse, they might try to keep you here as well, Shou."

"Me?"

"A young, skilled healer who obeys orders is very convenient. If both you and Haru were held hostage against each other, you wouldn’t be able to move freely."

"No way... They wouldn’t—"

"I would like to believe they wouldn’t. But any normal person would never use a child as bait or abandon them after they were injured. Something is wrong here."

Linus spoke with a serious expression.

"Is it that bad?"

"Yes, Master Healer."

"Hmm."

The master healer stroked his chin, deep in thought.

"We can’t exactly keep my presence here a secret. We’ll say that Haru is being taken to Deep Forest for treatment. In the meantime, before we depart, I will visit other churches and observe the situation."

"Please do."

That night, they had dinner at the church. Since Shou had brought rare ingredients like Black Rock Lizard and Winged Lizard, the meal was extravagant.

For dessert, they had small apples from Deep Forest.

Even though Haru had eaten so many sweets earlier, for some reason, she felt like she could eat even more tonight.

Looking up from her meal, she saw the people from Deep Forest chatting animatedly about their journey.

Linus had never let her eat alone, but even in this church, she had always felt like she didn’t belong. She had always felt alone.

"Delicious..."

She murmured.

Leon chuckled.

"With Shou around, you’ll never run out of sweets."

Shou flashed a thumbs-up. Let’s go buy some together, she mouthed.

Haru hesitated, then slowly raised her own thumb in return.

Everyone noticed the slight lift at the corners of her mouth, but no one said anything.

After dinner, before bed, Shou and the master healer visited Haru’s room.

"Shou? What’s wrong?"

Haru looked surprised but invited them in. It was a plain guest room with nothing in it.

"You didn’t hear? I came to treat you, Miharu."

"I thought the master healer would heal me."

"I’m a talented apprentice healer too, and since we’re both girls, I thought it might be better if I did it."

Haru lowered her gaze slightly.

"Do I really need to be healed?"

"Haru?"

"Shou, you said I should go to Deep Forest with you. But the academy headmaster is the one who took me in. He has power. If I get better, he’ll just send me back to hunting again. I don’t want that anymore."

"Then don’t tell anyone."

"Don’t tell?"

"We’ll keep it a secret. We’ll say you’re going to Deep Forest for treatment."

"Lying?"

"Yep."

"They’ll find out..."

"Just keep your head down and stay quiet. The master healer will handle the rest."

Haru looked at the master healer.

Linus had been kind. The others had been indifferent.

"If you’re unsure about Shou, I can heal you. But I believe she’s better suited for it. Besides, I have power too. Enough to stand against the academy headmaster."

"Why?"

Haru hesitated before asking.

"Why are you being so kind to me?"