Chapter 100

Holding hands, opening them — Lark jumped up and down on the spot and then said.

No matter how much she had recovered, she had been bedridden until just a moment ago, so I was on edge, and as expected, her feet tangled and she ended up sitting on the grass.

"Are you, are you okay!?"

"...Yeah. I'm not completely back to normal, but I can manage to live a normal life."

"Really? You're not pushing yourself?"

"Yeah. With this, I can probably work at taverns and ports too."

Lark grinned, but my [All Things] was telling me different information.

She was pushing herself quite a bit.

Of course, compared to when she had even lost her sight, she was much better, but she was still far from being in perfect health.

(...She doesn't want to worry me.)

I thought it was a bit too much. We're siblings, after all. Or maybe because we're siblings, she wants to be strong.

"It's thanks to you, Raiji."

When she said that, there was nothing more I could say.

"...Lark. What do you want to do from now on?"

The problem is what to do next.

I need to act to merge the two worlds into one and prepare for the chaos that will follow.

It will surely be a difficult journey and negotiation.

Lark's physical strength won't last through such a journey.

"I think I'll go to the 'Six Heavens Mine'."

"Eh?"

Her answer was something I never expected.

"...I killed many miners, even if it was to escape. They had families too..."

"Are you trying to atone?"

"..."

Lark remained silent for a while before speaking.

"...My father was a soldier. He died in the war, and normally, a substantial amount of money should have been paid to the bereaved family, but since it was a losing war, that didn't happen. My mother couldn't accept my father's death and disappeared somewhere, and I was sold to the mine by distant relatives."

I learned about Lark's past for the first time.

"It's nothing, just a common story, right?"

She said it jokingly and sat down next to me.

"...Because of me, children like me might have been born. When I think about it, I feel like I should do something..."

"Lark..."

"Just don't misunderstand. If I were in the same situation again, I would still get the talent and carve out a path. I don't regret the actions I took back then."

We were made to work with the illusion of contract magic.

I don't think we were paid proper wages at that mine, and I don't want to acknowledge that using slaves was the right of the lord.

Now that I know the true state of things when Lark and I were working there, I think the mine's practices were wrong.

I, who was almost killed for being a "Child of Calamity" with black hair and black eyes, would run away again if the same thing happened.

But, indeed — if there are children who suffered from the cave-in and the subsequent riot, I understand the desire to save them.

"Lark, I was there when Old Hinga passed away."

"...So, that old man is dead?"

"I met his granddaughter according to Old Hinga's last wishes."

Because of that, I think I was able to process the events at the Six Heavens Mine.

But Lark fled the mine during the riot.

The memories of the mine are still uncomfortable for her.

"I know it's just self-satisfaction, but I'm going to the Six Heavens Mine."

"...I see."

"You have something you need to do, right?"

"Yeah."

So, we're parting ways again.

"Lark, take this."

I took out a blue stone wrapped in leather and cotton from my tool bag.

"...It's beautiful."

"It's called a phosphorescent magic stone. It's beautiful, but it was embedded in Old Hinga's tooth."

"Gross. That's so dirty."

Lark's reaction was just like when we were studying in front of Old Hinga, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't laugh. This is from that old man's tooth."

"Well, it's kind of like that. Take it, Lark."

"...But, this is yours..."

"No. Just return it when we meet again. It's said to return the magic power three to four times, but it might not have any use since it's so small."

"..."

Lark seemed a bit hesitant but took it.

I wanted her to take it to show that this wasn't our last goodbye.

"And this."

I took out the leather bag I use as a wallet. The jingling sound made Lark realize what was inside.

"B, Baka, I don't need your money!"

"Don't be so high and mighty. Besides, do you have money to find the families of the miners who died at the mine?"

"...Well, as you said earlier, I can work at ports and taverns."

How long will that take...?

"Don't sigh! You're being disrespectful, you brat!"

"That's not the point. Here, take it. I'll lend it to you, so make sure to return it."

"..."

Lark took it with a much more reluctant expression than she did the magic stone.

She might understand that she can't do anything if she doesn't take it, even though she doesn't want to.

I'm not a millionaire, but I've earned more than a decent adventurer. If she has enough for travel expenses, she should be fine.

"...I'm just borrowing it. I'll return it soon."

"Of course. How about interest at an annual rate?"

"Huh? You're charging interest!?"

"If you're planning to return it soon, it shouldn't be a problem even with interest."

"..."

Lark pouted and looked at me, but if she can take it without feeling obligated, I'm fine with that.

"I'll return it soon! Alright, I'll head to the Keisugran Federation today."

"Ah... Lark, one more thing?"

"Is there something else!?"

"Yeah."

"What is it? Say it quickly... Hey, you."

Lark's eyes widened when she saw my hand.

The black blade — a sword that can extend at will — appeared.

"[Shadow King Magic Sword Technique] can be reproduced without a talent — I'm using the power of [All Things] now, but with training, I think it can be used without [All Things]. Since Lark has used it for four years, she should be able to reproduce it. When she can, she won't have her life force drained by the talent, and she'll understand how to infuse power, so it will be safe to use."

"...Really?"

"I think knowing this won't be a disadvantage, depending on what kind of life Lark chooses after going to the Six Heavens Mine."

Lark nodded, still looking at my empty palm.

"...Got it. Thanks, little brother."

When we returned to the inn, Cook and the others were overjoyed to learn that Lark had recovered. They were excited about a party and a celebration for her recovery, but...

"It's no good. We need to leave the town today."

They looked puzzled when Lark said this.

"...It's a long story, so I'll explain on the way."

"But, Miss, you just reunited with your brother..."

"Or what? Do you not want to come with me?"

Cook and the others looked at each other.

"Can we come with you? I thought you would be with your brother from now on... Or is your brother coming too?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Raiji has something to do. He's a big man."

"Well, that's true..."

"So? Are you coming or not?"

"We're coming!!"

Their expressions were bright as they said this in unison.

Until then, I didn't know what they were thinking. Cook and the others probably thought that with me around, they would be "in the way" of Lark's life.

They are also people with scars on their legs.

"This is great! Let's have a party!"

"Idiot. We're leaving. Hurry up and pack!"

"Got it!"

Cook and the others ran to their rooms, and the innkeeper yelled at them to stop running.

"...Well, I'm off."

"Okay."

"Take care, little brother. You tend to push yourself too hard."

"I know — no, I'll be careful."

"Right. Being honest is the best, you know?"

Lark smiled and reached out to pat my head but stopped.

"...I'm not a kid anymore."

Then she extended her fist, and I lightly tapped it with mine.

"See you."

"Okay."

Lark ran up the stairs. The innkeeper yelled "Noisy!" again.

It feels a bit too light for a farewell.

But it's fine. It's Lark's style.

We'll meet again.

"Alright. I'm off too."

Feeling much lighter than when I arrived, I left the inn.

★

"Healed...?"

I thought that even a beautiful woman's face doesn't collapse when she looks surprised.

Heading to the church, I met Non and, of course, Riviera, and reported that Lark had recovered.

I didn't mention the sacrifice of the six-star talent gem.

"Yes, using the treatment method taught by the 'Sage of Pharmacology,' she's not completely back to normal, but she can jump around."

"...Even the secret elven medicine didn't have that much effect...?"

She looked skeptical. But since I have no reason to lie, she had no choice but to believe me.

"...I see. So, we can stop treating Lark, right?"

"Yes, she's fine now. Thank you very much."

I bowed, and Riviera responded,

"Then, about the treatment fee —"

"...I'm sorry. Can I pay later? I'll find a way to..."

Of course, it costs money.

After giving most of my money to Lark, I realized I needed to pay for her treatment.

I was sweating profusely and bowing, and Riviera laughed seductively.

"It's fine...? I can teach you a way that doesn't cost money."

"Eh? Is there such a thing? Like community service?"

"Exactly. But the service involves using your body for me —"

"That's not right, Master..."

Non put her finger to her forehead, exasperated.

"Didn't we agree that the treatment was valuable research and that we wouldn't charge for it?"

"Of course, I'll charge for the actual costs. The valuable elven medicine —"

"But that's the one Raiji brought, isn't it? Why are you acting like it's your achievement?"

"Ugh, what a boring disciple... But I was thinking of taking Raiji's knowledge as payment for the community service."

"Knowledge...?"

What could I teach her? I can't talk about the treatment method I learned from the 'Sage of Pharmacology,' and I would have to mention Lark's six-star talent gem.

Ah.

"Like I said before, the method to cure petrification."

That — I explained before that I can't say it.

It's dangerous because I'm using Celestial Silver.

"...Raiji, more people die from petrification than you think. Until now, we could only treat minor cases. If your knowledge can cure it..."

"..."

"..."

If I'm using dangerous methods, I can announce that I found the cure using my name. I'll only charge for the actual costs of the medicine, and the church won't profit. Is that not acceptable...?"

"..."

There's no choice.

I owe her for saving Lark's life... and she came to this town for Lark's sake.

"Alright... Will you really keep my secret?"

"Of course. I keep my promises to boys."

"What about to disciples?"

"That's just trash."

A vein popped on Non's forehead, but given their casual relationship, I trusted them.

At least Non trusts her, so I should be able to trust her too.

Then I explained how I cured Dante's petrification.

The double maple leaf (Life Tree leaf), something like an earthworm, and — Celestial Silver.

"...To match the Life Tree leaf with Celestial Silver... Is the Kindworm acting as a medium?"

That earthworm is apparently called a Kindworm.

"It's been known as a type of medicine for a long time, but we used the Kindworm dried. Using it alive is an interesting idea. I'd like to know how you obtained this knowledge, but that's outside the scope of what you're willing to share, right?"

"Yes."

I have no intention of revealing my [All Things].

"..."

Non's face turned pale when she realized I used Celestial Silver.

"Oh, Non. There's no need to look like that. Even if this boy secretly obtained Celestial Silver, the most important metal managed by the country, there's no one who can judge him now..."

"...That's true, but... Raiji, that's why you disappeared from us, right?"

"One of the reasons."

"How can I repay you...?"

Non, on the verge of tears, was embraced by Riviera.

"Don't look like that. This boy did it to make you happy... Join the research for the petrification antidote. Save many people. That's the best way to repay him."

I nodded.

I thought that was right. Riviera, you say good things... despite looking like a lunatic.

"Alright, let's end this issue."

Riviera clapped her hands, and Non wiped away a tear and nodded.

"Now — the next issue is more serious."

That's right.

Not just the petrification antidote — there's another reason I'm here.

"I find it hard to believe that the world will collapse. There's no actual example like the petrification treatment..."

"That's... true. It's hard to believe."

"But..."

Riviera said,

"When I reported it via long-distance communication... the Cardinal reacted. Understand? The Cardinal, who assists the Pope, the head of the church."

"..."

A big catch.

Not just me, but Non's back straightened too.

"Shall we go meet him? This kind of thing is better communicated in person."

Riviera said it as if it were a casual walk.