Chapter 100

"Wait, Zeal!"

Leda is about to chase after Zeal, who has fled.

"Wait! Uncle! Heal Dad!"

Her voice, tinged with tears, reaches Zeal's back. Leda stops in her tracks.

She realizes her blood is boiling.

Chasing Zeal is important, but she cannot leave someone who is like family injured.

Leda kneels beside Riggs, who is lying on the ground, bleeding, and casts a healing spell on his abdomen.

"…Ugh, sorry, Leda."

"Thank you for protecting the girls."

As Rigg's wounds heal and his complexion improves, not only Leda but also Meilin and the others feel relieved. Next, she casts a healing spell on the fallen Hildegarde.

"Sorry, Leda. I was taken by surprise."

"Don't say that. You protected Mina, right?"

"…In the end, this is what happened. I'm useless."

"It's fine as long as you're safe. I need to leave this place to you. We don't know when the bandits might attack again."

"Of course. I promise I won't be late next time."

With Hildegarde's firm nod, Leda decides to entrust the scene to her.

"Luna, Mina"

"Dad"

"Daddy"

Leda hugs the two of them tightly.

"I'm glad you're safe."

"Thank you, Daddy. Thank you for saving us."

"Sorry, Daddy. I'm supposed to be the big sister, but I couldn't protect Mina."

Luna, who couldn't save Mina, and Mina, who was captured, cry. Leda truly feels relieved that they are safe. The thought of what could have happened still sends shivers down his spine.

"Luna, work with Hilde to protect this place and Mina."

"Of course."

"Mina, I'm going out."

"Okay… Daddy, be careful."

"Of course."

Letting go of their bodies, Leda gently strokes their heads and turns to Neksen, who is still sitting on the ground.

"Hey, Neksen"

"W-What!"

"Heal the injured in this inn, or any who might come later."

"Huh!?"

"And later, go outside with me and heal any injured people we find."

Neksen starts to tremble at Leda's words and then shouts.

"Are you kidding me! Why should I! What about my payment!?"

Leda grabs Neksen by the collar and lifts him up.

"How long do you plan to keep saying such things! Did you become a healer just for the money!?"

"Yeah, that's right! I became a healer for the money! I wanted to escape poverty! What's wrong with using my magic to earn money!"

"Is that so. But have you ever thought about doing something for others! Have you never wanted to help someone without thinking about money!?"

"…That's…"

"If you have any humanity left, show it. Not as a healer, but as Neksen Flow, a human being."

After saying this, Leda releases Neksen, nods to his daughters, and runs off to chase Zeal. Neksen, left behind, bites his lip in frustration.

"…I… too…"

Neksen Flow was born in a poor orphanage and often struggled to find food. At the age of five, he was abandoned by his parents, who were in financial trouble. He can't count how many times he cursed his fate as a child.

—I'll escape poverty someday!

With this resolve, he aimed to become an adventurer before adulthood. Just then, he discovered his talent for healing magic, which completely changed his life.

He was taken in by a healer from the Recovery Guild and trained as a disciple. The warm, delicious meals, soft, comfortable beds, and the care of servants felt like a dream.

His master was not a kind person. He charged exorbitant fees for treatment and, if the patients couldn't pay, he took their family members and treated them like slaves. Neksen witnessed many terrible and cruel acts.

However, Neksen turned a blind eye. His master had been kind to him, and he didn't want to lose his current life. This led Neksen to grow into a proper healer.

Upon reaching adulthood, his healing skills were recognized by his master, and he began to assist with the work. This allowed him to earn large sums of money, which he had never experienced before. After a few years, he was recognized as a full-fledged healer, set out on his own, and continued to earn money as a healer. Since then, he has never been short of money.

I won't go back to being poor.

With this resolve, Neksen continued to earn and save money. He even flaunted his wealth to his parents, who had abandoned him.

However, his high fees and arrogant attitude towards patients led to him being hated. At this point, he was introduced to the town of Amrus by the Recovery Guild and decided to restart his career as a healer there.

"Damn Leda Dixon! Saying whatever he wants without considering my situation! Of course, I've thought about helping people! Damn it! Fine! I'm a part of this town too! I'll heal people for free! Hey, you there, girl!"

"Huh? You mean me!?"

Luna, who is suddenly pointed at, opens her eyes wide. Neksen raises his voice, ignoring her surprise.

"Yes, you! Use the big dwarf and any uninjured people to bring the injured to me. I'll heal them one by one!"

"Hmm. Can a healer really heal for free? You might die or something."

"I won't die just from healing for free! You fool! Hurry up! I won't be responsible if I change my mind!"

At Neksen's shout, Mina and Rigg work together with the others to bring the injured to him.

"I'll heal you all in the name of my pride as a healer! Be grateful!"

On this day, Neksen Flow, for the first time, treated many people without charging, prioritizing human life.