Chapter 31

When Marietta pointed it out, Elise hurriedly covered her chest.

Yuul stared at Elise, dumbfounded.

Then, Yuul looked at me as if trying to gauge my reaction.

...There’s nothing I can do about Yuul’s chest.

The only thing I can do is show her my own chest and say, "Don’t worry, we’re the same," to comfort her. But if I do that, Yuul will cry.

I should pretend I didn’t see and continue talking to Marietta.

"Do you mean that you want me to accompany the knights, and I’m the only one you’re asking?"

"Yes, well, for now, that’s correct."

Marietta said this while glancing at Elise. There’s something more to it.

"For now" means that they might ask others later. If a skilled healer refuses, there’s a chance that a regular healer like Elise might be asked. If quality isn’t an option, they’ll have to rely on quantity.

But what should I do?

Honestly, it’s a bit of a hassle. There are more monsters outside the city, and I’d rather stay inside and look at Elise’s chest safely.

It’s easy to say, "Go ask someone else."

But...

...Yuul is looking at me now, with a restless expression, staring intently.

In front of me is a timid female knight who looks troubled. Her request is to lend her strength to protect the city where everyone lives. As Yuul’s master, who is noble, respected, altruistic, kinder than anyone, and cool, I shouldn’t refuse.

Yes, I shouldn’t make Yuul doubt my character.

Yuul’s eyes are clouded with respect for me, but if that changes, things could get ugly. Specifically, the reason I was kicked out of Elise’s clinic, or what I was doing to Ruruka under the guise of treatment, could come out. The sudden shift from respect to contempt would be inevitable.

Knights are strong enough to easily capture a thug who used to be an adventurer. With their protection, I probably won’t be in much danger. I’d be fine as long as I don’t get lost in the forest.

Besides, if I refuse and the healer who goes in my place dies, it would leave a bad taste in my mouth. I can use Ex Heal, so I won’t die easily, and I can handle fatal injuries. Even though the knights don’t intend to show Ex Heal to someone with noble connections, it’s probably best for me to go, just in case.

While thinking about this, I looked up and saw that Marietta’s eyes were teary, as if she sensed my hesitation.

She looks a bit cute. She seems unsure of herself, like a small animal. Upon closer inspection, her chest isn’t bad either. Then, Marietta, looking down slightly, asked me, trembling, while trying to gauge my reaction.

"Is it not possible?"

"It’s not impossible."

Not at all. I’d even like to be paid in kind. But I can’t say that.

"R-Really!? That’s great. I couldn’t even meet the important people at the church, and when I went to other clinics, they refused me, saying they were busy. I was worried about being refused again..."

Marietta’s face showed relief at my words. Yuul nodded, as if she had come to a realization.

Just as the conversation was about to wrap up—

"Wait, isn’t that dangerous?"

Elise, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, spoke up. Her face was red, but her expression was serious.

But, shouldn’t she go change right now? She’s covering her chest with her hands, but it’s not fully hidden. Or is she that worried about me?

Sigh. Sigh, sigh. Elise is really something.

"If Shiki goes, Yuul will go too, right? Yuul can fight, but I’m still worried."

Ah, right. I won’t die easily. I can use healing magic.

"I... I will follow Master wherever he goes! I will protect Master!"

And Yuul responded to Elise’s words. From her expression, it seems she’s quite determined. I’m a bit concerned that her gaze keeps drifting to Elise’s chest.

"Um, as a personal bodyguard, there’s no problem. I’ve heard that the dark elf girl who’s always with Shiki is quite strong. The knights will also ensure Shiki’s safety, but... it’s not an absolute guarantee."

The knights might be in trouble if they refuse a bodyguard and Shiki gets hurt. Honestly, it would have been easier if Marietta had refused Yuul’s accompaniment, but it seems the knights can’t do that. Yuul has skills and combat experience in the dungeon, so she won’t be a burden. It might be okay to take her. It would be difficult to persuade her to stay behind, given her experience.

"But, of course, there’s no need to worry. The knights will protect us! Whether it’s a variant of the Armored Ogre that appeared on the road or a group of Forest Codras living deep in the forest, the knights won’t fall behind!"

I don’t know these monsters, but their names sound strong. She must have mentioned the strong monsters in this area.

Elise looks troubled but doesn’t say anything more. She might have realized that persuading Yuul would be difficult.

"Then, I’ll take my leave for today. We’ll meet at the south gate of the city early tomorrow morning."

And with that, Marietta looked at Elise, as if she had just realized something—

"...Um, if I may, how did you get such big... um, how do you make them that big? Do you... rub them?"

—she asked Elise.

After Marietta left, Yuul’s expression was dark.

Elise had told Marietta that she didn’t rub her chest to make it bigger. She explained, while waving her hands, that she didn’t do anything special.

Maybe that’s why.

I should probably not talk to Yuul right now. She might have taken Marietta’s words about rubbing seriously. I might even be asked to do it.

After a while, Yuul, who seemed to have recovered, spoke to me. Her expression seemed a bit stiff.

"Master, would you like to go shopping?"

"Shopping?"

"Yes, if we’re going outside the city, I want to prepare properly. And, um..."

Then, Yuul, holding her bank card, started to fidget.

I see. I understand. Recently, Yuul has been looking at the balance on her bank card. She’s been working part-time at a bar when she has time. She must have finally saved up some money.

After that, we went to the city as Yuul suggested, and I increased my supply of knives, bought food, and other things.

Then, Yuul led me to an accessory shop in the center of the city. Glancing at the shelves, I saw a variety of rings, bracelets, earrings, and other accessories.

I have a bad feeling about this.

Maybe Yuul will give me a ring. One that goes on the ring finger of the left hand.

If Yuul, who worked hard, bought a ring and looked at me with hopeful, pure eyes, could I ignore it?

After giving me the ring, Yuul might look at my fingers with her blue eyes, and if I tried to put it on a finger other than the left ring finger, she might start to cry.

If that happens, I might put the ring on my left ring finger. And when I get back to the clinic, Elise might be shocked. That could happen.

While I was thinking about this, Yuul came over with something in her hand.

"Master, this... it’s a return gift."

What Yuul held in her hand was a bracelet adorned with what looked like processed magic stones.

"A bracelet?"

Good. It’s not a ring. I’m really glad it’s not a ring.

"Yes. It’s just a small gift, but it’s enchanted to take the brunt of a fatal attack. When it activates, it... breaks."

I thought it was just a decorative item, but it’s surprisingly practical. Maybe it’s fitting for Yuul.

It also looks expensive. A magic-enchanted accessory, even a small one, must cost a lot. Yuul’s part-time earnings might be completely gone. I only bought her a negligee for a thousand zeni.

I noticed that Yuul’s expression seemed a bit dark. Maybe she feels it’s not a fair exchange.

"Ah, clerk, can I have this bracelet and a different color one?"

"Yes, that would be 20,000 zeni."

...This bracelet is about 200,000 yen in Japanese currency. It seems Yuul is giving me a 20-fold return. I was a bit taken aback by the price, but considering it’s a magic-enchanted accessory, it’s probably a good deal.

After paying and receiving the different color bracelet from the clerk, I put it on Yuul’s arm, who seemed a bit down.

"They match, right?"

"Y-Yes!"

Yuul’s face lit up, and she gently stroked the bracelet, looking happy.