Chapter 61

"Titia-sama!!"

The moment Titia collapsed, all thoughts of the <Orc> vanished from LeRoy's mind. He rushed to her, but the <Orc> was following closely behind.

"Whoa—<Goddess's Strike>!"

"<Potion Throw>!!"

—Nice!

When I used my skill, Tarte immediately followed with hers. In a situation where most would panic, Tarte remained calm and knew exactly what to do, which was impressive. Fortunately, there was only one <Orc>, so we were able to defeat it without any issues.

Without a moment to catch our breath, Tarte and I rushed to Titia. LeRoy was supporting her and calling out to her, but it seemed she wasn't regaining consciousness.

...What's going on!?

Even considering all the skills, including unique ones, there shouldn't have been any that would cause her to lose consciousness. Well, if losing consciousness happened in the game, it would mean you couldn't enjoy the game during that time, so it probably wouldn't exist!

"Sir LeRoy, Lady Titia is..."

"...It seems she is asleep. I believe her mana is depleted. Given the skill she used, it's only natural."

"Mana depletion..."

Listening to LeRoy's explanation, I nodded in agreement. I don't know the details of <Final Judgment>, but it seems reasonable that it would require all of her mana to activate.

...In a game, losing all your mana wouldn't cause you to faint, but this is the real world.

Her body is probably forcing her to rest to maintain itself, a kind of defensive instinct.

I sighed and tried to calm myself down.

"Trying to test a new skill on the <Orc> was too rash of me. I'm sorry."

Thinking about apologizing to Lady Titia later, I bowed to LeRoy, who was in a guardian-like position. It was my mistake to put her in danger.

However, LeRoy slowly shook his head.

"No. While it was Sharon's suggestion, the decision to use it was Lady Titia's. There's no need to worry. ...Of course, if you suggested it with malicious intent, that would be a different matter."

"I have no malicious intent. I swear!"

LeRoy's scary smile made me hastily shake my head and deny it with all my might. If anything happened to Titia, he would probably chase me to the ends of the earth.

"Both of you, let's head back to town! If we stay here, more <Orcs> might come."

"...! That's right. We need to get Lady Titia to a safe place as soon as possible."

"Let's hurry to the inn."

We hurried back to the inn.

---

Back at the inn, we laid Titia on the bed and finally caught our breath. Phew, that was really stressful. I won't do any more skill testing in the appropriate hunting grounds. Next time, I'll try it in a safer place like <Pururu>.

LeRoy was sitting solemnly by Titia's side, and I wondered what to do. I suggested getting some food, but he wouldn't budge until Titia woke up.

Then, Tarte knelt beside LeRoy.

"Sir LeRoy, Lady Titia will be fine. She'll wake up after a little more rest. I've experienced mana depletion before, so I understand. I caused a lot of worry to many people."

"Tarte..."

LeRoy, who didn't know about Tarte's mana depletion, was surprised and wide-eyed.

"Is that so? You must have had a tough time..."

"I was saved by my master. So, Sir LeRoy and Lady Titia will be fine if they leave it to my master."

"Wh-Wh-Wh-What!?"

I thought she was wrapping up the conversation nicely, but she unexpectedly threw it back at me! She really is good at throwing potions...

"That was just a fluke. I can't do everything, you know!?"

"Even so, my master can do anything."

"Your handling of our curse and hunting methods has always made me think you're not just anyone."

Their gazes were piercing...

"Flattery won't get you anything—"

"Mmm..."

"“““Lady Titia!?”””

Her eyes opened, either because she had recovered or because we were being noisy. It felt a bit awkward, but her eyes were open.

"I... "

"Lady Titia, it's good to see you're alright!!"

"I'm sorry for worrying you, LeRoy. I'm fine now."

Titia smiled softly at LeRoy, who was holding her hand with teary eyes. She looked like an angel.

"Sharon, Tarte... I'm sorry for suddenly collapsing."

"No, it was my overly aggressive strategy that caused this. <Final Judgment> likely uses all of her mana, so it's best not to use it."

It might be good to use it as a last resort, but I don't think I should tell that to the young Titia.

"It's okay! Lady Titia had it the hardest. Let's take a break with some warm drinks and sweets."

"Okay!"

Thanks to Tarte's suggestion, a smile bloomed on Titia's face.

---

* * *

—Night.

I couldn't sleep and was staring blankly outside. The collapse of Titia today was really stressful.

"Can't sleep?"

"---! Sir LeRoy"

...I was startled.

I almost jumped when he suddenly spoke without any warning. Turning around, I saw LeRoy, who seemed to be having trouble sleeping as well. By the way, Tarte and Titia were sleeping soundly.

"Yes, I woke up a bit."

"Here."

"Thank you."

I took the tea LeRoy had made and took a breath. It was warm.

"...I'm sorry about earlier."

"Huh?"

"I was supposed to be the frontliner, but I ran to Lady Titia without a second thought."

"Ah..."

I chuckled at LeRoy's apology. Indeed, even in an unexpected situation, I shouldn't have left my post.

...But, for LeRoy, this was an emergency of the highest order.

I think it was more serious than his own death or the end of the world. After all, Titia is the most important person to him.

"So... I thought we needed a frontliner urgently."

"! Yes, that's true..."

I couldn't disagree. However, bringing in a complete stranger to the party in the current situation would be risky.

"It would be great if we could join up with Lady Titia's dedicated <Cathedral Knights>, but we haven't been able to contact them yet. ...I hope they are safe."

"It's worrying not knowing their status."

Joining up with the <Cathedral Knights> would be a huge boost. Titia's level has also increased, and with a bit more leveling, she might be able to face Rodney...

...The problem is that the leveling is a major bottleneck.

I need a frontliner, I need a frontliner!

"Does Sharon know any reliable frontliners?"

LeRoy's eyes showed a hint of urgency as he asked.