Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World

Valerie and I rode in the carriage, while the rest of us headed out on foot.

On the way, Ose started to run, saying, "Some things are going on over there." I guess he was worried about the possibility that the priest he relied on might not be there or might be too busy to take care of us.

Our destination was the temple of Mirtiva, the Mother Earth Goddess. Along with the Sun God Lactos, she is one of the most popular gods in the city. It is common knowledge in the town, not only among adventurers, that the priests of Mirtieva are excellent users of sacred magic.

When the temple came into view, we saw Ose coming back at a short run. As soon as our eyes met, he nodded silently. It looks like he's going to take care of us.

A priest was waiting for us at the temple's entrance, blending in with the crowds of worshippers coming and going. We greeted him briefly then he led us to the back of the temple.

"My name is Keseles. Please have a seat."

We entered the room and were greeted by an elderly priest.

The priest was staring at us as we sat down on the sofa, then suddenly turned his attention to Valerie.

"It's the woman who's sick, right?"

I was surprised at how easy it was to tell.

It is true that she is pale, but not that pale. Was he activated Detection Magic in advance?

He seemed to be able to read my mind, so Keseles shook his head with a laugh.

"No, because everyone was concerned about that person."

Valerie blushed as hard as she could, and Markant was beaten for some reason.

When we each finished saying our names, Keseles smiled at Valerie again.

"We'll see about that. We'll only be using simple magic, so there's no need to prepare yourself. Please be as natural as you normally are."

After saying that, Keseles activated his magic.

Although he was looking at Valerie, Keseles' focus was on something else. I guess this is how he sees me when I'm invoking "Appraisal".

Soon after, Keseles broke the spell. I felt that his expression was darker than before.

I used "Diagnosis". Even though it is a beginner's magic, it can detect all kinds of abnormalities and illnesses. But it didn't tell me anything except that I was sick.

The results were not so good.

According to Keseles, it is an intractable disease when you just got it, and it is a deadly poison when you got it long enough. Hearing this, the "Battle Axe of Destruction"‘s expression darkened.

However, we already know the name of the disease. What we need is a cure.

I thought so, but the words that followed made my face cloudy as well.

"In this condition, the Repel Disease may not work. It's not always possible, but in my experience, I've never been able to cure it. What can I do for you?

"Please, do something!"

Markant begged.

It was a rude word, but Keseles didn't get angry and just nodded.

Then he takes Valerie's hand and activates Repel Diseases. Slowly, Valerie's body began to glow pale, and as soon as the glow intensified, it suddenly disappeared.

"I feel like my body is … easier."

Markant screams in joy at Valerie's words.

"Battle Axe of Destruction" strokes their chests, but I silently look at Keseles.

Keseles, with a hard expression on his face, activates his magic again. He shakes her head slightly.

It was probably confirmed by the "Diagnosis". Yes, Ash Vomiting Disease hasn't disappeared yet.

Roland behind me remains silent as well. He must have guessed from my appearance.

"Keseles-dono?"

I urged him. It's hard to be complacent. He should tell them as soon as possible.

Keseles replied quietly with his eyes and then told Valerie.

"I'm sorry. The treatment has failed."

"But my body will feel better…"

"It seems to be temporary. It may have had some effect, but the disease has not yet healed."

While everyone was quiet, I opened my mouth.

"I've heard that this was the medium-level spell. Can you use the higher-level spell?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't handle it, and I don't think there are any in the vicinity, let alone in this town. I apologize again for my inability to help you."

"No, thank you very much. So, what do you usually do in such cases?"

"I recommend that you go to the Imperial City. I recommend that you go to the imperial capital, where Vesten-dono, a high-level Holy Magic-user, resides. I'm a priest of Lactos, but I know him because he is also a user of Holy Magic. If it's okay with you, I can write him a letter of introduction. However, he is a busy man. I may not be able to see him right away."

The Imperial Capital – can you get there within two weeks?

As Keseles said, even if you get a letter of introduction, it's hard for us to meet him. In this town, I'm treated as special because I'm the son of the lord. But there, I will be no different from commoner. Even if I could arrive within the time frame, there was no telling how long I would have to wait. There was also the possibility that Valerie's condition would worsen due to the fatigue of traveling. It's not a bad idea, but it should be a last resort."

"What would be the best way to deal with this in town?"

"You may want to see a doctor. We can heal you, but we can't soothe you. You may also want to see an alchemist. They are the ones who make the potions that the doctors use."

An alchemist. I hadn't thought of that.

I urged Roland to give a few gold coins to the reluctant Keseles and left the temple.

I told the priest to wait for me and went into an alleyway to avoid the crowds.

When he saw that there was no one around, I asked Roland.

"How long does it take to get to the capital?"

"If we used a carriage, it would take twelve to fourteen days. That's if we change horses, don't take any rest, and don't encounter any problems along the way."

"Even if we hurry, can we make it in ten days?"

"I don't think so."

Even if everything miraculously fell into place, it would be just barely enough. Valerie probably only has about ten days left. I'm not sure if I can spare a few days, even if "Appraisal"‘s explanation is the average number of days since the onset of death. I'll have to check with the doctors.

As I recall, there was an attending doctor of the Reedwald family.

"Pavel-dono, yes."

"I don't know him well, but is he any good?"

"He's the best doctor in town. Otherwise, he wouldn't be the lord's doctor.

"That's true. Then let's get going."

"I'm not going to ask you to go that far."

Suddenly, Valerie interrupted me.

I could not grasp the meaning of her words and just looked up at her.

"I'm grateful to you for telling me what kind of disease I have. You even brought me to the temple. That's enough. The rest is mine–our problem."

At this unexpected statement, I fell silent.

My expression disappeared and my mouth tightened.

Our problem, huh? I'm not there, am I?

It seems I was the only one who thought we were friends. When I think about it, there's a big age gap between us, and the status of a noble and an adventurer is different. After all, we were just a client and a former guard.

Even so, I can't just abandon her, can I? I'd be betraying my feelings if I threw myself into this. Even if the relationship was to be severed, it would have to be after everything was over.

But how can I impose my good intentions on someone who refuses to accept them?

If it's just a thankless task, it's just self-satisfaction. I would like to convince the person in question a little, though.

I look away from the stiff expression on Valerie's face.

Markant seems confused. He was about to say something, but Valerie's attitude prevented him from saying anything. Danil and Ose just looked at each other suspiciously.

It seems that Valerie is the only one who wants to push me away. I don't remember doing anything to make her dislike me. But still, it's an unusual composition. The two brainy guys  in "Battle Axe of Destruction" aren't keeping up with the conversation.

–No, why?

Why can't Danil and Ose grasp the situation? Markant is unhappy with Valerie's decision. But they both don't know what that means. There is a clear difference between the two.

Valerie tries to repeat herself, but I restrain her with my hand as if she is frustrated with my silence.

Well, I'm starting to see it now.

It's easy to say when you think about it, but I'd be embarrassed if I wasn't, you know?

"You're worried about me, aren't you?"

I looked up, and Valerie's gaze wavered.

You're right. It's the "Appraisal" that's keeping me out of it.

Keseles couldn't diagnose the disease either. Probably the same goes for Pavel, the doctor. It would only make him uncomfortable if a layman were to determine the name of the disease. That's why I have to confess that I'm an ‘expert'. It's the most convincing thing I've ever heard. But Valerie was not a good judge of character.

She was willing to talk to anyone if the need arose. Her guard had been lowered by my confession.

The holders of the Empire's "Appraisal" belong to the Academy of Magic. It's a status that can be seen by His Majesty the Emperor. While they could hope for prosperity, there was also the danger of having their lives threatened. If you are a careless assassin, the holder of the "Appraisal" can detect you just by "seeing" you. Even if they were to face each other on the battlefield, their cards would be exposed. They are a nuisance to the enemy. That's why they are the first to try to eliminate them. If you want to get rid of them, you have to be prepared to be killed.

Valerie's expression remained hard. Even though I didn't tell her the fatality rate, she seemed to be prepared for death. She may have realized this when the healing magic had no effect.

Valerie's true intentions were conveyed to Markant by my remarks, but it seems that Danil and Ose, who do not know the circumstances, have not yet seen the story. Even better, let's confess to both of us. It's the same for everyone in "Battle Axe of Destruction".

That being said, I'll have to convince Valerie first.

I can't take the option of telling Pavel about the "Appraisal". Valerie wouldn't be convinced, and I didn't know Pavel very well to begin with. He's a doctor, so he'll be tough to talk to, but revealing my "Appraisal" might indeed be risky. Still, it was the best move to confide in him. Because the weight of the "Appraisal"‘s explanation is different. If you can prove that you can "appraise" the disease and say that it is Ash Vomiting Disease, you have no choice but to believe it. In other words, if you don't question the severity, I can at least guide him. If Pavel knows how to deal with it, that's all I need to know, but even if he doesn't, it won't change the situation.

Well, there's no point in confiding in him from the start.

Then it's simple. It's a bit forced, but I'll push it through.

I looked up at Roland behind me.

"I'm going to give you some trouble."

"Well, there's always trouble, isn't there? What can I do?"

"You've been around as an adventurer for a long time. You've been to many places as an adventurer, so you know about Ash Vomiting Disease. The cause is unknown, but Valerie's symptoms are very similar to it."

Roland scratched his head in annoyance.

"I see. If it does, I asked the priestess Keseles to perform a healing spell, but it didn't completely cure her. Finally, I had no choice but to go to the famous doctor, Pavel."

"That's right. So, let's get going."

Valerie was dumbfounded but hurriedly shook her head.

"It's not possible to hide from it! There is no way you can come up with a disease that no one knows about!"

"What do you mean? Life is a series of wonders, you know. You can be hit by a car because of a stupid puppy that purrs like a cat, or you can be thrown into a pack of monsters by a fat old man who thinks he's God."

"That's not going to happen!"

That's a direct contradiction of my previous life.

"Give it up, Valerie. I've already decided to go this way. Don't let Roland's determination go to waste."

"I don't mind if you do."

When I kicked Roland's ass up, I ran a carriage to Pavel with Valerie who was reluctant, and Markant who couldn't swallow the situation.