Chapter 49

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Day 9. -- Ignition from the front.

I gave him the special medicine I prepared the other day, but it had no effect.

The ignition lasted 2 minutes and 13 seconds, 9 seconds longer than the last time.

After that, it was relatively calm.

Day 909. Scratching the throat.

Barnas and -- cast a healing spell, but it had no effect.

I asked -- to use --, but that also failed.

The claw marks on the neck are pitiful.

The self-destructive disease is --.

Day 910. A peaceful day.

No particular symptoms. Annette said she wants to go --.

I think I'll take her there with Ka-- tomorrow.

Day 911. Symptoms suddenly worsened.

I couldn't take her to Noi-- as promised.

The symptoms include a high fever and --.

Why must this child suffer like this?

---

I had only read a few pages, and I couldn't help but close the journal and exhale deeply.

I had taken the journal, which I assumed belonged to my master, without permission. It seemed to chronicle the progression of symptoms of a self-destructive disease patient in a diary-like format.

Despite knowing it was dishonest, I couldn't resist the curiosity and opened the journal on my bed at night. Although it was already deteriorated and parts were illegible, the words still pierced my heart.

(Why must this child...?)

I took out the portrait tucked in the journal and stared at the woman who resembled my master.

Was this journal written by my master? If so, was my master's granddaughter suffering from the self-destructive disease, like Elvira?

There wasn't enough information to make that judgment. It was also possible that my master had tried to concoct a special medicine for the self-destructive disease and had collected this as a reference.

However, if that were the case, why didn't my master tell me about it when I visited home before? Why didn't he show me this valuable record of symptoms? Because of the rarity of the disease, there are hardly any records of patients. Therefore, this journal should have been a very valuable resource.

There's no way my master didn't know about it. Then why...

(Did the self-destructive disease bring up unpleasant, forgettable memories for my master...?)

The more I thought about it, the more I felt this journal belonged to my master. If so, I should confess to taking it and ask him about it. However, the fact that it was in a locked box and that my master never told me about it hung over me.

Even though I knew the best course of action, I couldn't decide. I held my head in frustration.

"Laura, are you still awake?"

My mother's hesitant voice came from a knock on the door. I quickly hid the journal under my pillow and slowly approached the door, opening it.

"W-What is it, Mom?"

"Your letter arrived in the afternoon. I completely forgot to give it to you."

She handed me a beautiful envelope made of high-quality paper with a wry smile. I wondered who it was from and checked the sender's name on the back of the envelope. It was Emilianna Platoven.

Why did she have this address? As I examined the envelope, I noticed another name next to Emilianna's: Lina Beversham. It was Lina-senpai's name. Below it, in small letters, it said, "Sending it from the capital."

From the message, it seemed that Lina-senpai and the others had thoughtfully forwarded the letter from the capital, knowing I was still on leave.

I was relieved that it hadn't been sent in vain and thanked my mother.

"Thank you. It seems to be a letter from a friend I met during my training."

I said this to reassure her, and she smiled, saying, "Is that so?" She seemed pleased and didn't ask any more questions, saying, "Good night" and leaving the room.

I watched her go and returned to my bed.

A letter from Emilianna. It was probably about the "spirit water" we had agreed on before.

The fact that she had sent a letter suggested that things with Alek and the reconstruction of Platoven had settled down. I had been secretly wondering when it would be appropriate to contact them. Receiving a letter from them was unexpected.

I slowly opened the envelope and took out the letter.

--- It was written in beautiful handwriting.

---

Laura, it's been a while. This is Emilianna.

I am deeply sorry for the great trouble and worry I caused you. I am also very grateful for all your help. I cannot thank you enough.

Regarding Alek Platoven, whom you were also worried about, he has lost both his legs, but his condition has stabilized, and he is now working hard to rehabilitate so that he can start the reconstruction of the town as soon as possible.

---

Alek seems to be recovering better than I thought. The mention of losing both legs was painful, but I could easily imagine Emilianna's determined support as he rehabilitates, and I sighed in relief.

They will be fine.

As my heart, which had been beating rapidly, calmed down, I continued reading Emilianna's letter.

---

On a different note, I am writing to inform you about the "spirit water" we agreed on previously.

Unfortunately, I cannot leave Platoven for a while. If I were to guide you myself, it would take several years.

---

I slumped my shoulders at the sincere apology. However, Emilianna's words were reasonable.

Assisting Alek and the reconstruction of Platoven would take years. Asking her to guide me in the meantime would be too much of a burden.

Feeling at a loss, I continued reading.

---

Therefore, I have written to my family. I have informed them of the help you provided and your interest in the spirit water.

I will continue to communicate with my family so that when you visit Flaria, everything will go smoothly.

I am sorry I cannot accompany you, but please visit my family at your convenience.

---

Thank you, Emilianna!

I looked up to the sky, grateful to my friend from the northern land. It was really kind of her to do so much despite her busy schedule.

I got out of bed to write a thank-you letter and approached my desk. As I turned on the lamp and faced the notepaper, I realized there was another page to Emilianna's letter.

I flipped the page.

---

Thank you so much for everything.

Please teach me more about concoctions, Master!

I look forward to our next meeting.

---

Master. The word made me fidget. I felt a slight warmth in my cheeks, but to be honest, I didn't mind.

I wasn't a good master for Emilianna, but even if it was a compliment, I couldn't help but be happy that she expressed her gratitude.

I smiled and picked up my pen—then I realized something.

If the setting were similar to "Last Brave," the spirit water would be deep in the forest near Flaria. To get there, one would have to pass through a forest infested with monsters. That means I would need someone who can fight to accompany me.

Now, who should I ask to come with me?