Chapter 69

The burns on the merchant Munsar, who had been carried in, were the same as Valerie's in the past.

No, they were so similar that one might suspect her burns had been transferred directly to this man.

"Come on, hurry up! The town's healers couldn't cure him! For some reason, healing magic doesn't work! Try it yourself, quickly!"

A tall, nervous-looking man, who seemed to be the secretary, shouted, spitting out his words. However, Reta did not attempt to treat him as instructed.

"Why did this happen?"

"I don't know! Yesterday, Master Munsar suddenly started suffering, and only half of his body caught fire! Hurry up and do something! You useless woman!"

Ignoring the man's near-insulting shouts, Reta observed Munsar. She could clearly see the curse covering his body. The situation was too similar to Valerie's.

This was just like...

"...Hurry, heal... I have... as much money as you need... Hurry, please..."

Ignoring Munsar's desperate plea for treatment, Reta turned her gaze to Tida and Valerie, who had somehow appeared behind her. Both were in shock. It was understandable, especially for Valerie, who was so similar to the situation, and was covering her mouth with her hand, looking pained.

"If my memory serves, I've heard that when a person cursed by a spell is saved, the curse rebounds to the caster."

"You don't mean... Reta, you think... this man?"

"I believe it's a strong possibility."

Tida's expression turned grim at Reta's words. It was understandable, as it was as if she was saying Munsar was the one who cursed Valerie.

"You, what are you talking about! I'm telling you to heal Master Munsar now! How do you plan to take responsibility if something happens! If anything goes wrong, I, the secretary, will destroy you!"

"...Reta. I'm used to dealing with this kind of person. Let me handle it."

"Who are you! You young whelp, get out of here! I'm talking to the healer now. If you interfere—"

"If you interfere, what then? It's painful enough to talk to a rude person who barges into an inn and causes trouble, but I have something I want to ask this man."

"Are you kidding! Master Munsar won't talk to a young whelp like you! What right do you have to even see Master Munsar!"

"...I don't like to flaunt my position, but if you're a merchant doing business in this town, you should recognize the face of the lord."

"—W-What, the lord, sir!?"

"That's right. I am Tida Amruss Rodevalt."

The man, who had been acting arrogantly, must have never imagined the lord would be here. His face turned pale in an instant.

"...W-Why, why is the lord in such a shabby inn... No, I apologize, I didn't know it was the lord!"

"I don't want to hear your insincere words. But this is convenient. I have something to ask Munsar."

"Wait! Master Munsar is not in a condition to talk!"

"A moment ago, you were talking to Reta. All I need is one word. Move aside."

Tida's cold words left the man unable to argue further, and he stepped back.

"It's been a while, Munsar."

"...Lord Tida, please, I beg you, heal me."

To Munsar's painful plea for treatment, Tida asked a question.

"I understand. If you answer my question, I'll make sure Reta treats you immediately. Just one simple answer, okay?"

"Y-Yes."

"—Did you curse my sister Valerie?"

To this question, Munsar's answer was...

"..."

Silence.