“Chapter 168: Compensation”


    The next day.


    Akane promised to come with us, so it was time to go back. Alta Masters was waiting for me.


    We also have to deal with Moonlight’s “objective”.


    – Takaya, we are unable to thank you enough for what you have done for us. We will never forget it.


    Fuji and the rest of the villagers came to bid their farewells.


    – Hey, Fuji, if you’re really that indebted to him, maybe you can forget about that money I- (Ever)


    – Takaya-san, please take care of my daughter. She might be a bit rough on the outside, but she’s head over heels for you.


    – Head over heels? Mother, I’m right here.


    – Other girls will take him if you don’t sincere yourself. (Fuji)


    – Grandmother, I’m begging you…


    By the way, Moonlight is now in Akane’s hands, literally and figuratively. I’m no longer able to hear the nagging voice in my head.


    – What are you going to do about training? It would be safer to train close to me. (Takaya)


    – Don’t worry about it. I knew what I was getting into when I accepted the sword. I have to be able to handle this much. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be worthy of…


    – Of…?


    – Ah, shut up. I’m going ahead.


    – Wait!


    Well, I trust her to overcome Moonlight’s stubbornness. And if not, we’ll always be there for her.


    – Come on. Off to Royal Capital. (Ever)


    It was a lengthy detour. Much more than I had expected. But I’m sure this experience will be useful in the future.


    – Ingredients, ready. Items, ready. Silver, read-


    Just as I was about to put Silver in my pouch, it slipped from my hands and fell on the floor.


    – Huh? That’s weird.


    And it got worse.


    – What’s going on?… (Takaya)


    – Master?


    – What? Your tummy hurts? (Ever)


    – No, my arm… It’s numb…


    Both of my arms were suddenly struck by excruciating pain that made me fall to my knees and scream my lungs out.


    – TAKAYA! (Ever)


    It feels like the insides of my arms are being stabbed by a thousand swords. It’s even worse than Shunichi’s torture.


    – …!


    – …


    I could barely tell apart the people around me, but I feel like they were calling my name.


    – Your… Has… Heal… (Ever)


    I can’t make out what she’s saying. I think I heard “Heal”.


    My vision went completely dark.