Chapter 68

"By the way, Reta"

"Yes?"

"It might go without saying, but I want you to be careful, too."

"…Do you think there will be another attack?"

"Yes, that's right. The attack happened right after I sent you the message. I think the one who cursed Valerie is watching us. Although it's awkward for me to say this, since I'm the one who got you involved, I would be in trouble if anything happened to you now."

Tida's concern was the concern of the entire town of Amrus.

If something were to happen to Reta now, the town, which relies on his healing magic, would suffer a major blow.

Adventurers and others involved in the town's development would no longer have someone to turn to in an emergency.

To Tida's knowledge, there was no other healer who would treat people at such a low cost and without complaint like Reta.

"I'll be fine. I have my daughter, so I'll be extra careful."

"I appreciate that. Since Valerie is already out and about, there might be some kind of move. Please be on your guard."

"I hope they find the culprit soon."

"Indeed. I want to catch them quickly to reassure my sister."

During this conversation, Valerie's expression was dark, as if she thought it was her fault.

Both her brother Tida and Reta told her it wasn't her fault, but she didn't like the idea of involuntarily involving others if she was the target.

Even today, she hesitated to come along when her brother suggested getting treatment from Reta.

Probably, she was afraid of being targeted.

Tida had more or less dragged her along.

He thought that hiding in the mansion wouldn't change anything.

(I should say something to cheer her up…)

Reta preferred to see Valerie smiling.

A girl should smile.

Trying to find the right words to lift her spirits, he opened his mouth to speak, when—

"Hey! This is an inn and a restaurant. If you're sick, go to a doctor!"

Riggs' shout was heard.

"Mr. Riggs?"

Wondering what was going on, Reta stood up.

Then, an angry male voice from the entrance of the inn was heard.

"Shut up! I know there's a healer here! Come out quickly!"

"…What the hell. Is that how you ask for help?"

It was clear from the voices that a fight was about to break out.

Reta, thinking the man was looking for him because he mentioned a healer, excused himself to Tida and the others and stood up.

"What's going on? This is Mr. Riggs' place. If you're causing trouble, please leave."

"Shut up! You're the healer, right? Then, I'll give you an honor. Heal Lord Munza's wounds and be grateful!"

"Huh?"

The one who said this with a haughty tone was a tall, thin man who looked nervous.

He appeared to be older than Reta. He was dressed in fine clothing, but the pretentiousness in his demeanor suggested that his personality was reflected in his attire.

Behind this tall man were four young, muscular men who looked like servants, carrying a stretcher with a fat middle-aged man on it.

This was probably Munza.

From his merchant-like attire, he was likely Munza Elgee, one of the top merchants in Amrus.

"…What… Why… How is this possible…"

Reta couldn't believe his eyes.

Munza indeed needed a healer.

He had a terrible burn on his left side that was almost unbearable to look at.

Reta had seen a burn just like this very recently.

"…Is this possible… This burn is exactly the same as Lady Valerie's…"