Chapter 57

After leaving the guild, I visited a few shops and returned to the inn... but I didn't expect everyone to still be asleep.

...They must have been really tired.

Thinking it might be a good idea to ask for some light snacks, I had the kitchen prepare some stew and sandwiches.

"Hmm... Good morning, nya?"

Tart woke up, sniffing the air, and it seemed like he was quite hungry. Bringing food from the kitchen was a great decision.

"Good morning, Tart. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, nya. Wait, it's already this late, nya!?"

Tart looked shocked after glancing outside the window. I guess he was really tired from all the activities yesterday, including the potion-making and learning about Tithia's curse. He had been looking after Tithia while I was away.

"Let's wash up, change, and have breakfast."

"Yes, nya."

By the time Tart was ready, Tithia had woken up. She seemed a bit groggy, having been in a daze for a while.

After a while, LeRoy also woke up, surprised by how deeply he had slept. He apologized, saying, "I'm sorry," but I told him not to worry and showed him a simple screen to change into his clothes.

After everyone finished eating, Tart and I exchanged glances and nodded. Tart took out the Delay Potion we had prepared last night.

"Is that...!?"

LeRoy's eyes widened in surprise. He probably didn't expect us to prepare it so quickly.

"Tart is an excellent Alchemist."

"That's right... Thank you, Tart. This gives us hope to save Lady Tithia."

LeRoy placed his hand on his chest and knelt to show his gratitude. This is a gesture of submission usually reserved for superiors. The fact that he did this for a mere adventurer shows how genuinely grateful he is.

"N-no! I'm an Alchemist, and I'm happy to help, nya."

"You are a very humble young lady."

LeRoy smiled at Tart and then looked at Tithia, eager to use the Delay Potion on her.

Tart said, "Here you go, nya," and handed the potion to Tithia and LeRoy. LeRoy looked surprised, wondering if he should take it too, but of course he should!

"Lord LeRoy and Lady Tithia, it's better if both of you take the potion to keep the curse's progression balanced. We don't want one of you to experience any strange effects."

When I explained, Tithia nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with worry. She must care a lot about LeRoy.

"Lord LeRoy has to take it too."

"I understand."

LeRoy and Tithia each took the potion. Before drinking, LeRoy looked at me.

"? Is something wrong?"

"I think it's best to be aware of the effects... Can you check if the Mark of Lament changes?"

"...I understand."

I nodded, and LeRoy took off his robe to show his back.

"...This magic array is closer to completion than the last time."

I think it will trigger an instant death effect once it's complete. Although it's not visibly moving, it's growing steadily and surely. The same must be happening to Tithia.

...If I had this on my back, I'd be terrified...

"Sharon, you are very knowledgeable. Did you remember the magic array?"

"I'm not that knowledgeable. I just have a good memory."

It's a bit sad that this is only true for the game. I often forget things about this world, but I usually remember maps, dungeon layouts, boss strategies, and useful special jobs. However, there are so many of them that it's impossible to remember everything.

Hearing my words, LeRoy smiled and said, "That's reassuring."

"Then, I will take it."

"Thank you."

LeRoy and Tithia nodded, and we watched as they drank the potion. The magic array on their backs glowed faintly, indicating that the potion was working.

I had to keep a close eye on LeRoy's back to see if the mark changed. Despite his position as a bishop, his back was well-toned.

"Ah...!"

As the light from the Mark of Lament faded, the incomplete part of the magic array transformed into a bow shape. This seems to indicate that the array won't spread further. I didn't notice this when I used the Delay Potion in the game, but it actually causes this change.

"The incomplete part of the magic array has turned into a bow shape. I think the curse won't progress as long as this bow remains."

"Is that so... Thank you."

"Is my back the same, Lady Tithia?"

Tithia tilted her head, and Tart and I did the same. It's probably the same, right?

"Sharon, can you check Lady Tithia's back? I can't see her skin."

"I understand."

Nodding to LeRoy's request, I helped Tithia into the changing screen and assisted her in taking off her robe to check her back.

"How is it?"

"It's the same as Lord LeRoy, a bow shape, nya."

"The shape of the magic array is the same, so the progression is also the same. We should check the bow shape regularly and take the Delay Potion before it comes undone."

"I understand. Thank you for everything."

Tithia bowed in gratitude, and I smiled, helping her adjust her robe. She looks much better now, having had a good sleep.

After we came out of the changing screen, I reported to LeRoy that it was the same for Tithia.

"Let's regularly check the marks on Lord LeRoy and Lady Tithia's backs."

"Please take care of it."

As LeRoy thanked me, my bag glowed, and a window appeared in front of me.

【Unique Job: Saint】

The slight glimmer of hope for a solution brought relief to the Pope's servant.

The Pope, grateful for the help in saving his servant, will give you a key.