v2 Chapter 4: The Request

"They forced her to release her magical power, attracting monsters. Then, they struck down the gathered monsters in one sweep. She was injured when she was thrown by the impact of such magic. Judging by her scars, this has happened multiple times."

"Using a child as bait?! What happened to the role of magicians in protecting the people from monsters?!"

"Because she was abandoned by the Plains."

"If this gets out, it will be a huge scandal!"

"And yet, the current headmaster of the academy and the magicians around him remain oblivious."

Dred looked at Haru, deep in thought.

"Wouldn't it be faster to take her with us?"

"Unfortunately, the jostling of a carriage would aggravate her injuries."

"Understood. Lyla."

Dred spoke as if he had made up his mind.

"I know. Falco is going to make that annoyed face again, wondering why we're back."

Lyla giggled despite herself.

"What are the injuries?"

"A fractured right collarbone and shoulder. The bones have been set with potions, but whether she will regain full mobility is uncertain."

"If it's only one side, she should manage somehow. But once Shou hears about this, she won’t stay quiet. That calm child’s reaction will be interesting to see."

"You just got back, and now we’re sending you off again. Sorry about that."

"No, I’m glad you called me. I’ll inform the master healer and bring someone capable of treating her. This is convenient—I was planning to head to Deep Forest soon anyway."

"Please. This child will not be returned to the academy."

The healer declared firmly.

Dred and Lyla immediately departed for Deep Forest.

Deep Forest – The Request Arrives

"Falcooo!"

"Ugh, Lyla."

It took two weeks by carriage from the town with the magic academy in the Lake Country to the northern town of Deep Forest. It was the season when people began preparing for winter, and Lyla and Dred had arrived.

Falco was visibly shaken.

The mother who had once declared her love and set off on a journey had returned.

"We're staying again this year."

"Sure, Lyla, of course."

"Oi, Shou! Why are you deciding that on your own?!"

As Shou and Lyla exchanged cheerful smiles, Falco couldn't help but protest.

"Huh? Is that a problem?"

Shou tilted her head, looking up at him.

To be honest, their visits had been quite a hassle in the past. But once a year wasn’t too much, was it?

She looked up at Falco, her bright brown eyes slightly shadowed, her eyebrows lowered in disappointment. She had grown quite a bit in the past two years, but she still barely reached his chest.

She had never made such a sad face, not even when he warned her about eating too many sweets.

Falco was captivated.

Cute. Even her disappointed expression.

Would it be too much to take her home, sit her on his lap, and comfort her? Maybe ruffle her hair and tell her not to worry—oh, wait. Am I the one making her upset?

Well, if Shou wanted them to stay, then…

"N-No, it's not a problem."

Shou’s face immediately lit up.

Yeah. Cute.

Lyla, who had been watching them, spoke up.

"Oh, I see how it is, Shou. Falco won’t say a word, but that stupid grin on his face says it all—he just can't get enough of you!"

"Lyla, yeah. I don't need words to tell anymore."

"See? I’ve grown."

Lyla looked proud of herself.

Shou, giving a wry smile, replied,

"But sometimes, there are things better left unsaid."

"Is that so? It's complicated."

"It is."

Even after two years, Lyla remained the same.

Then, Dred spoke up.

"Lyla, let’s get to the request."

"Ah, right. Can we meet the master healer soon?"

A request?

Shou and Falco exchanged glances, tilting their heads in confusion.

They didn’t know what was going on, but if it was urgent, they needed to move quickly.

"In that case, let’s just drop off our things and go straight to the church. Let’s go!"

Everyone rushed home, left their luggage, and headed to the church.

The master healer raised an eyebrow at Lyla and Dred’s arrival but led them to a small room for their discussion.

Shou and Falco were about to leave when—

"Wait. This concerns Shou as well. Come with us."

Lyla called out to her.

Shou, still puzzled, followed along.

And of course, Falco followed automatically.

The small room was simple but comfortable, designed for private discussions. A low table sat in the center, surrounded by three sofas.

The master healer sat down first, stretching his arms out toward Shou.

"No, I’m not sitting on your lap. I’m thirteen."

Even when the master healer made a sad face, Shou wasn’t moved.

This had become a daily ritual at this point.

And why was Falco’s hand on her stomach? Seriously, now.

"Alright, I’ve started brewing tea, so go ahead and talk."

Shou didn’t sit down but instead started boiling water in the corner of the room.

"This place really does cherish its children."

Dred murmured.

Almost too much, Shou thought.

Then, the master healer got to the point.

"The request is regarding a girl injured in the Lake Country. They want me to examine her."

"The Lake Country? A round trip would take a month. Couldn't they bring her here?"

"She was just injured. Traveling would aggravate it. And her nutrition is poor. Hopefully, she’ll be in better condition by the time treatment begins."

"Hmm. What’s the extent of her injuries?"

"I have a letter detailing everything. Here."

The master healer took the letter and quickly read through it.

Shou, meanwhile, poured tea and handed it out to everyone.

"Thank you. Shou’s tea is always delicious."

"Everything Shou makes is good."

Falco’s comment was ignored.

The master healer finished reading the letter and turned to Dred.

"From what’s written here, any healer at this church could handle the treatment. Why specifically request me?"

"First, because the Lake Country doesn’t know that many healers in Deep Forest have mastered this technique. And second, because the child has no guardian—she was left in the care of the magic academy."

The master healer stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"So they want someone with authority. But… no guardian at all? Has the Lake Country really fallen so far?"

"I thought it was different," Dred said grimly.

Then, he took a deep breath and spoke plainly.

"To be clear—the injured child is Haru."