Enthus 9

Is it really okay to keep going like this?

I asked.

"There are no problems. Even if we stop treatment here, there's no other alternative. We've continued research since my mother's time, and only now have we finally managed to break the magic stone.

There's no guarantee of safety during my lifetime. Then... I'll make my decision right here."

Hearing that resolve, I too made my decision.

I carefully targeted the degraded magic stone embedded in their head, gradually breaking it down bit by bit. There were parts covering their eyes, plugging their ears, and even winding through their beautiful hair. I proceeded with utmost caution, ensuring not to damage any of these areas.

Sweat beaded on their forehead, tracing down their cheeks.

Eventually, the gemstone on their face began to peel off. Some time passed after the light went out. Their eyes adjusted to the darkness.

Moonlight bathed the entire room.

The face, freed from the gemstones after several years, was now clearly defined by the moonlight.

"It's done. I've removed every gemstone I could see."

Lina, having heard my words, wobbled to her feet. With legs that hadn’t walked in ages, she staggered forward and stood before the mirror.

As she walked, fragments of the magic stones detached from her body, clattering softly onto the floor.

Ignoring the scattered shards of magic stone, Lina stared at her reflection and shed tears—perhaps the thousandth time today. Still weeping, she turned and bowed deeply.

"Mr. Taro, thank you so much. I can walk again. I will never forget this kindness. I swear it on the name of the Rolling family."

... Lina was overwhelmed with emotion, her inability to walk suddenly resolved, but she knew she still needed to remain calm.

"We haven't truly solved the root of the problem yet."

This approach will require long-term observation, and we can't predict how the illness will progress. Currently, she needs to consume more nutrients than an ordinary person, cannot use magical equipment, and if exposed to magic somewhere, I believe magical stones might form in her body."

Yes, we've only managed to improve the current situation—there's still so much we don't understand.

"I really wanted to have the examination equipment built and conduct larger-scale tests, but I couldn't manage it in time. I'm sorry. Life is still difficult, but I think it's become easier than before."

That's just an excuse.

The ultrasound machine wasn't something I'd promised. I simply failed to keep a goal I set for myself.

That's all it is, but I was too lenient with myself.

I might have given Rin a misleading impression. Rin was moving around the room, smiling brightly.

It was a smile I'd never seen before.

"Yes! I'll be careful. Really, you've changed so much. Oh!"

Rin nearly fell. I quickly caught her.

"Are you alright? You're still recovering and shouldn't move around too much yet. Please be careful."

Mr. Taro, when I get better from this illness, there are so many things I'd like to do. For example... dancing. I've always been envious watching the guests happily dancing in the garden at the party. Would you perhaps be willing to be my dance partner?

If it's okay with you, I'd be happy to.

Rina was suddenly wearing something like a light dress. She's definitely wearing it all properly, right?

I only ever danced back in high school during gym class, but I can't possibly refuse now.

There isn't a single instrument, and there's not a single audience member. It's a silent party. Still, Rina looks like she's having fun. Gradually, Rina began humming along to the music. The room, filled only with her voice, felt like a private party hall, just the two of us.

Rina, who isn't very physically strong to begin with, soon grew tired and sat down on the bed.

"Alright, I'm heading out now. It's a breach of contract to be here this late, so I'll leave before anyone finds me. I'll also return the things I borrowed."

He keeps setting down his belongings.

"Can I... really leave this town now? Will we meet again?"

"If the opportunity arises, then yes."

He plans to come back and check on things once summer comes and the mountains become passable. He doesn't know what will happen from here, but he hopes to return by next summer.

"That's good to hear. No, this time I'll be strong enough to come see you myself, so I'll come visit you."

I don't know what he'll come for, but as long as there's a reason to get better, that's enough.

"I'm looking forward to it."

I said that and quietly left the mansion.

The morning after I left the mansion.

Anne rushed to Lina's room and let out a joyful scream. Her cry echoed throughout the mansion, and for several days afterward, the mansion was abuzz with celebration.

A few days later...

We had left the town of Entshi and were headed toward the capital city.

Due to scheduling, it was better to reach the capital quickly and return to the port as soon as possible.

Snow was still piled high, slowing our progress.

"Are you sure you're glad we left the town behind? You seemed to be working tirelessly every day."

Alek asked me that.

"It's fine. I've mostly taken care of it. Now I just need to keep an eye on things. The mansion must be in chaos by now."

"Is that so? If you're satisfied with that, then I have no objections. Let's hurry, then. This time is special. They lent it to us as thanks for transporting the large tree."

Before me stood dogs—or rather, wolves—looking even more rugged than when I first arrived at Entsi.

They were larger than the dogs I'd ridden before, with sharp, gleaming fangs visible.

Rather than being just a casual remark, it was definitely an intense pace.

Thanks to that, we reached the capital in just two days instead of the usual three or four. After arriving at the capital's guild, I rented a room, stowed my belongings, and began wandering around the city.

"By the way, going to the capital is fine, but how exactly are we going to investigate the Hero's Legend? Even the library and records in the capital aren't accessible to ordinary people."

Alek's point was valid. It had been the same in the imperial capital. That's why I had asked Linna to write a letter for me.

"About that, don't worry—I've got it covered. I've secured it properly... here it is!"

"This is a letter of introduction. And a royal library one at that. You really managed to get your hands on something like this?"

"I wasn't told I didn't need gold or fame—instead, I was given a single handwritten note in return."

"I see. Then it's certainly worth the journey. That is the royal library."

Before them stood an impressive building.