Chapter 32

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The place they were led to was a house made by hollowing out the base of a large tree. While similar dwellings were seen elsewhere, this one was the largest. It was said that this spacious area, which usually served as a meeting place, was currently being used as a shelter for the injured.

"This is... terrible. They're all injured."

Elves, both male and female, were lying in the cramped space. Everyone was injured, and their groans of pain could be heard, causing Reta to frown. Among the injured were children who still retained their youth, and she felt an urge to heal them.

"Your concern is appreciated, but don't worry; potions will be distributed to the injured. I want you to see Hildegarde. She is... the most severely injured."

At Klaus's words, Reta, who was about to act on her emotions, held back. However, even with the distribution of potions, not everyone might fully recover. Reta wanted to heal everyone with her own hands. Suppressing this urge, she instead firmly gripped Mina's hand.

"Guest, the village's best warrior, Hildegarde, is in here. However, this child doesn't particularly like humans."

"I don't mind. It's fine."

"I'm sorry."

The best warrior of the village seemed to be in a room at the back. Through the curtain that served as a door, rough breathing could be heard, indicating that she was in pain.

"Hildegarde, it's me. I'm coming in."

The elf elder pulled back the curtain and signaled Reta to follow. Reta, still holding Mina's hand, went in with Klaus. Then,

"..."

She was speechless. On the piled blankets lay a girl dressed in the traditional clothing of the elves. She had pale white skin and long gray hair, and was a beautiful girl. She looked to be a bit older than Mina. However, most of her body was covered in blood-soaked bandages, a sight that was painfully distressing.

"Guest, Hildegarde fought the detestable Black Dragon to the end to protect the village. In the end, she was even hit by its breath at close range... For an unmarried girl, it must be worse than death."

"The village wasn't without potions. I wanted to use them for Hildegarde, but she refused and insisted they be given to the other severely injured. Thanks to her, there were no fatalities..."

The elves, with their somber expressions, spoke, and Hildegarde, who had been closing her eyes in pain, looked at them through the gaps in her bandages.

"...Why is a human here?"

Her voice was so faint it was almost inaudible. However, her eyes were not dead. Despite being burned all over by the dragon, she had fought hard to stay alive. Reta, bringing Mina to her side, knelt and bowed her head.

"I'm Reta."

"I'm Mina."

"...What does a human want?"

"I have a connection with the elves and learned about the situation. I can mimic a healer and thought I might be able to help."

"...I will not be helped by a mere imitation healer... Leave."

Seeing Hildegarde's clear rejection of humans, Mina looked at Reta with a worried expression. Klaus and the elder also turned pale at Hildegarde's refusal to be treated. However, Reta was different.

"I know you hate humans, but that doesn't matter right now!"

"...What...?"

Ignoring the surprised girl, Reta raised his hand and increased his magic power. He paid respect to the noble Hildegarde, who had fought the Black Dragon with her small body, protected the village, and given her potions to other injured despite her own severe burns.

"I'll hear your complaints later. But right now, just let me heal you!"

He genuinely wanted to heal this girl. With that wish alone, Reta chanted.

"Let me help this girl—Heal!"

A brilliant light spread throughout the room.