Chapter 65

"If you're that happy, I'm glad. To be honest, I was aware that I had been going overboard, and I was reflecting on how I had been ignoring the feelings of the people involved."

"Wait, wait a minute! I'm not happy, I'm surprised! What is this all about?"

"To be frank, there are no healers who would come all the way to a border town just to treat patients. So, I wanted to help Valerie even if it meant using bait."

"…I can understand your feelings, but this is a bit too much."

Leda had barely known Valerie in the first place.

It was understandable.

Even though he had been in the capital, he hadn't been practicing as a healer, so he hadn't heard the news.

Even after coming to this town, Tida had been seeking help for Valerie from outside the town, so Leda hadn't heard about it either. In the end, Valerie recovered thanks to Leda, who had just started living in Amrus, but the idea of him becoming her husband was a bit too sudden. Of course, it would have been better if he had been told beforehand.

"So, what's the verdict?"

"No, well, if I may say one thing—"

"I'll allow it. Say whatever you want."

"There's only one thing I wish for."

With that, Leda turned his gaze to Valerie.

"I only wish for Lady Valerie to be happy."

"…Well…"

"You've been through a lot, so I hope you meet a good person, have a wonderful romance, and become very happy. Lady Valerie has the right to be happier than anyone else. I truly believe that."

"…Lord Leda, thank you for your kind words."

"Leda, as a brother, I sincerely appreciate your concern."

Valerie's eyes welled up with tears, and Tida nodded firmly. It seemed that Leda's sincere appeal had gotten through, and after that, the lord didn't bring up the marriage proposal to his sister again.

* * *

And so, the time to part arrived.

Of course, they would meet again since they lived in a small town. The carriage prepared by the border lord's family had arrived in front of the mansion, and Leda and his family were about to depart.

Luna and Mina were saying their goodbyes to the lord's daughters, whom they had become close to, with a hint of sadness. Even though they would see each other again, parting was still a bit sad. The children had tears in their eyes.

"Leda, I really appreciate it. If you ever need help in the future, I promise to assist you as a friend."

"Thank you, Lord Tida."

Leda shook hands with Tida, who had extended his hand.

"I'll prepare your reward later. I heard that the guild is planning to build a clinic for you, so I can also provide the land and building if you like."

"Your offer is very kind, but perhaps we should discuss this with the guild members."

"Hmm… Yes, that makes sense. I understand. I look forward to it. I will prepare the best possible resources to reward you for your contributions to this town."

"Hehehe… I look forward to it."

Since the clinic was being primarily managed by the guild, Leda didn't feel it was his place to make a decision here. Even without a clinic, Leda was willing to go anywhere to treat those in need. If the guild's plan for a clinic materialized, it would be a significant advantage as patients could come to him, rather than him having to run around the town and its outskirts. The guild was putting a lot of effort into finding the best location and building. Leda couldn't judge whether the lord's involvement would be good or bad, but he hoped it would benefit those seeking treatment in the future.

"Um, Lord Leda."

After seeing that the conversation with her brother had ended, Valerie stepped forward and held Leda's hand with both of hers.

"…Wow."

"…Hmm."

Her hands were small, with slender, flexible fingers. Leda's eyes widened at the sudden turn of events, Mina's eyes sparkled with anticipation, and Luna's expression turned stern.

"Lord Leda, you wish for my happiness… but I think I can be happy with you."

"Lady Valerie? Why do you say that?"

"Hehe, it's a woman's intuition. If I could, I would give you a kiss of gratitude right now… but one of the cute girls is looking at me with a scary face, so I'll hold off for now. But, when I recover, can I come to help you?"

"Of course, I'd be delighted."

"It's a promise, then."

Valerie smiled happily at Leda's answer.

"How long are you going to hold my hand?"

"Oh, my. I'm a bit reluctant to let go… but another time."

Valerie's hand gently slipped away, and Leda felt her warmth fade. Leda felt a bit reluctant to let go as well. Luna, sensing Leda's feelings, raised her voice in a huff.

"Dad! What's going on!? Just because she's the lord's sister and pretty, you're getting all mushy! The one who will make Dad happy is me, not her!"

Valerie, still smiling, turned her gaze from Leda to Luna.

"Luna."

"W-What?"

"I want to be the mother of Luna and Mina."

She dropped a bombshell. The next moment, there was a sound like something snapping.

"I'll take that as a challenge!"

"Hey, that's not a good idea!"

Luna, whose cheeks were twitching, tried to pull out a knife from her pocket, but Tida grabbed her in a bear hug and threw her into the carriage.

"Dad! You're not treating a lady properly! Hey, don't close the door! Open it! I'll show her that I'm better!"

"Hehehe, she's full of energy. I appreciate your understanding. Well, we'll be going now! If you need anything, just let us know. We'll come running. Goodbye!"

"Lord, goodbye!"

"Ah, take care."

"Hehe, Mina, please come visit again."

Leda and Mina waved as they got into the carriage. After a few bumps, the carriage started moving.

"Valerie… what was that last part?"

"Hehehe, I just wanted to confirm my rival and declare war."

"…I feel bad for Leda, but if you're having fun, that's all that matters."

Tida sighed deeply, thinking about the trouble Leda would have with his now energetic sister.

—If anything comes up, I'll at least listen to his problems.

He knew he was soft on his sister, but he watched the carriage until it was out of sight.