Chapter 58

I gasped at the sudden quest window that appeared. I was so surprised that I couldn't even make a sound, but I think I did well for not shouting out loud.

...So, it turns out that Roy was indeed a key figure in the "Holy Maiden" quest.

Moreover, it seems that the Pope—Titia—was also deeply involved. According to the information in the window, Titia will give me a key... but what kind of key is it?

"Sharon"

"Huh, ah... Yes?"

I was so lost in thought that I was startled when Titia called my name. Looking up, I saw Titia approaching me with a gentle smile and taking my hand.

"I cannot thank you enough for this. Thank you so much."

"No, it's fine. I'm just glad you're safe."

I couldn't help but smile in response.

"I'm not sure if this will be a proper thank you... Sharon, here."

"This is... a key, right?"

"Yes."

Titia took the key out of a hidden pocket in her "Magic Bag." The key was rusty, but it bore the emblem of the goddess Flodia. I had many questions, like where the key went and whether it would even work because of the rust.

...But, it's definitely related to the "Holy Maiden" quest, right?

As I stared at the key, Titia's eyebrows furrowed.

"I thought of giving this as a token of gratitude, but I don't know exactly where it goes. However, I can feel the power of Flodia, so I'm certain it's genuine."

"The power of the goddess Flodia...!?"

I had thought it was just a key to open some important door, but it seems to be more significant than I imagined. This is a quest for a unique class, after all.

"Thank you, Lady Titia. I'll take good care of it."

"Yes."

When I thanked her, Titia seemed relieved, as if she had been worried I might refuse it. ...Well, it is rusty.

I took the key and then pulled out the relief fragment—the "Memory of the Ancient Cathedral." A different quest window appeared. Yes, the quest is progressing properly.

【Unique Class: Holy Maiden Promotion】

When the curse on the Pope is lifted, peace will return to the Holy City of Tsire once again.

The goddess Flodia loves peace more than anyone.

After confirming the content, I put the key and the relief fragment away. ...Yes. Now I understand that I need to become an "Archbishop" and lift the curses on Titia and Roy.

...Well, becoming an "Archbishop" from a "Healer" isn't that difficult, right?

Compared to trying to become a "Holy Maiden," it's like the difference between heaven and earth. I've done it many times in the game, after all.

We calmed down with some tea and started discussing our next steps.

"Since we've gotten this far, I want to stay with you until the end, Lady Titia."

"Me too, nya. I may still be low-level and lack knowledge, but I want to be of help, nya."

"Sharon, Tarte... Thank you."

When I and Tarte expressed our feelings, Titia was very pleased. I didn't expect things to unfold this way when we first helped her—well, I had a bad feeling, but still.

First, we need to regularly gather "Silent Flowers" and make "Delay Potions." Then, I need to become an "Archbishop" and use my skills to lift the curses on Titia and Roy. That will advance the "Holy Maiden" quest.

...Even without the "Holy Maiden" quest, I would have gotten involved.

I've only spent a short time with Titia, but she's a good kid, and most importantly, she's a child. I feel the need to help and protect her.

After explaining our plans, Roy said, "In that case, it would be better to have a position."

"A position?"

"Yes. How about making Tarte Lady Titia's personal Alchemist? The cathedral is now in Rodney's hands, but there are still those who are loyal to Lady Titia. Having this position will be helpful."

I agree with Roy's suggestion.

...Being the personal Alchemist to the Pope is a huge promotion...!

Even though I'm her teacher, my student has surpassed me in status in an instant, which is quite amusing.

"Wh-What!? I've only just started studying alchemy, nya! Being a personal Alchemist is too much, nya!"

Tarte shook her head vigorously. If it were me, I would have jumped at the chance! But Tarte is so humble... My student is a very humble and good kid.

"Your fighting skills were very reliable. However, if you don't want to be my personal Alchemist, I won't force you."

When Titia said this with a sad look, Tarte immediately exclaimed, "No, that's not it, nya!"

"In that case, let's proceed with you as the personal Alchemist."

"Wh-What!?"

Tarte was caught off guard by Roy's cunning plan and jumped in surprise.

...Yes, that's what makes her so cute.

"Then, Tarte will work hard as Lady Titia's personal Alchemist. Also, I need to become an "Archbishop" to lift the curses, so I'll level up. What are your levels, Lady Titia and Lord Roy?"

"I'm level 10."

"I'm level 47."

"I see..."

If the level difference is within ±15, we can form a party and share experience points, but with their levels, it's impossible for Tarte and me to team up with them. Moreover, I'm truly relieved that Titia, being so low-level, wasn't killed by the witch. If we had been even a little late, she might not have survived.

"First, we'll level up Lady Titia. Once she can form a party with Tarte and me, we'll level up until she can team up with Lord Roy."

This will increase her base stats and make her less likely to die. Leveling up is crucial for survival.

"Can I become strong enough to team up with Lord Roy...?"

"Of course. I'm good at leveling up, so leave it to me."

"Being good at leveling up isn't something you usually hear... but Sharon isn't ordinary. I'll do my best to support you, so please take care of me."

"...Yes."

The way she said it was a bit off, but I nodded. With the formal promotion ahead, things are about to get busy.

This concludes Episode 2.

And this is the content of Book 2.

It includes additional writing, revisions, and new content.

Thank you very much!

* * *

**The Villainess Healer**

Episode 2: The Player's Guide to Raising an Alchemist

Label: MF Books (KADOKAWA)

Illustrations: You Hiromoto

★ Map

★ List of Classes

Prologue (Tarte's Perspective)

Arrival at Ketsee Island!

Mana Eater

First "Pharmaceutical" Creation

Cute Apprentice

Journeying Together

Tarte's "Adventurer's Bracelet"

Party Formation

Orc Elimination Request

Desire for a "Protective Mask"

My Youth

Blissful Hot Spring Inn

The "Holy Maiden" Quest Begins

Epilogue (Titia's Perspective)

Side Story: Events at the Cathedral (Roy's Perspective)

Side Story: A Letter from a Daughter (Angela Cocorara's Perspective)