Chapter 185
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「And that’s why Sena is angry.」
Sensei explains with a weary expression.
Even though we’ve confirmed our feelings for each other, to think that Sena would get so angry over me… and apparently, her anger is directed at Sensei too. Though it might be a bit inappropriate, I can’t help but feel like smiling.
「Ah, when I get back to the mountain, I’ll mediate between you two. I’ll make something delicious. Once Sena’s full, I’m sure she’ll forget all about being angry.」
Sensei gives me a look that says 「Well…」
「That might be a bit insensitive… but… well, it should be fine! You promised, son-in-law, I’m counting on you! Really counting on you! Really, really counting on you!」
I don’t ask how many times she’s going to emphasize this.
This is probably the first time Sena, who’s like a daughter to her, has ever been angry with Sensei.
It’s understandable that Sensei would be flustered and anxious, as this must be an unfamiliar experience for her.
Seeming to sense my thoughts, Sensei clears her throat once.
「Also, son-in-law.」
「What is it?」
Sensei’s voice takes on a more serious tone.
「There’s one more thing I need to tell you.」
I respond with a 「Yes」 and wait for her to continue.
「I wasn’t the only one who treated you.
Healing the missing parts of your body wasn’t particularly difficult, but to be honest, removing the parts that had merged with Light Magic particles was quite challenging. Of course, that doesn’t mean I couldn’t have done it alone.
But there was someone who came and bowed their head, asking to please let them help with the treatment.」
「You mean—」
「Yes, Saint Mika.」
I feel my body tense slightly at hearing that name.
「While treating you, Mika repeatedly used her power to its limit in one go, took short rests, and kept at it. Now she’s sleeping like a log at the inn over there.」
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Sensei always teases me with a mischievous cat-like expression.
Not only that, but taking advantage of how much Sena adores her and lets her do whatever she wants, Sensei uses her as a hugging pillow, as a hot water bottle, and even drags her away from sunbathing to the depths of the mountain to help with DIY projects when inspiration strikes.
Though Sensei is so free-spirited, the face she sometimes shows us is incredibly gentle. She’s always watching over us.
It’s rather embarrassing to say this myself, but Sena and I are probably spoiled by Sensei’s almost overprotective love.
However, even setting aside this special treatment of Sena and me, Sensei is fundamentally kind.
She’s such a softhearted person that she can’t leave anyone in trouble alone.
While Sensei told me about Mika’s involvement in the treatment, she didn’t push me to thank her, praise her, or anything like that.
But I could understand Sensei’s feelings.
Though usually carefree, she must have her own difficulties too.
Given how Sensei was always concerned about everyone’s safety inside the Sealed Dungeon, she probably wanted to say, 「Ichiro, why don’t you show your face and say something to her?」
Understanding this much, I just couldn’t ignore Sensei’s feelings.
According to Sensei, many people (like muscle-bound Saga) who want to celebrate and raise a toast to destroying the Sealed Domain in this Noble are only preparing for the celebration, waiting for me to wake up. They couldn’t bear to celebrate without me, apparently the key player in this battle (please forgive the hearsay…).
While Sensei goes to tell everyone that I’m awake, I have some time to spare.
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The location changes to a high-class inn a few minutes’ walk from the guild.
I knock on one of the rooms.
There’s no response for a while, and just as I’m about to leave…
「Who is it—」
I hear her clear voice.
Her voice that I used to love—back then, I was happy just talking about everyday things with her. I was happy just seeing her gentle smile.
But that’s all in the past now.
「Hey. Sorry for waking you up when you were sleeping.」
Her eyes widen. I can tell she takes one breath, then another, before responding.
「I heard from Sensei. They say you volunteered to help with my treatment. I got scared when I heard how bad it was.
Thanks for helping me.」
「I—」
Mika’s face contorts at my words.
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