WNAIY 10

Chapter – 10

The Weight of Life

──It’s tough.

I’ve never had to manage vital signs for this long. And not in a normal state, either—practically a suspended animation. No, maybe it’s more like hibernation.

Ah, why am I working this hard in another country?

But Rafa’s cute, Rico’s cute, and Lord Ricardo’s such a good person. Damn it, this frontier is full of nice people! I’ve got no choice but to do my best!

Cecilio, you idiot—why aren’t you by my side when things are this hard? It’s because I punched and kicked that fool, isn’t it? Ugh, really!

Kahar, next time I see you, you’d better be ready—I swear I’ll cast that hair-follicle-killing spell on you for real this time!

Hey, Cecilio—what exactly is your relationship with the princess? You chased me out—what are you even doing over there?

No, my thoughts are going crazy. This hurts.

“Lucia!”

Oh no, why is Lord Ricardo making that face? It’s okay. I can still keep going.

“Stop it, Lucia! Any more and you’ll be in danger! I’ve covered the area with a barrier. It’s over—give up now.”

“…No. Lives are truly heavy. We don’t know what will happen. And besides—I don’t want to turn her into a weapon!”

I won’t allow someone to sacrifice their life. She must have been threatened, I’m sure of it. Stupid king I’ve never even met. If you want to carry out such a worthless plan, try it on yourself. It makes me sick!

“I became a medical mage because I wanted to save people! I will never give up on a life!”

I refuse to lose. I’m going to return to Cecilio with my head held high. Hang in there!

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Lucia! I can dispel it now!”

“!!”

No, I can’t let my guard down. Not yet!

“Please! Lord Ricardo, step back!”

“There’s no way I’d make my subordinate work this hard and then run away myself. Garan, begin.”

Unlike that idiot king somewhere, he’s a good boss.

The dispelling begins. Just a little more! Ah—

“Kyaa!”

I get blown back by the recoil!

“Lucia!”

Just as Lord Ricardo tries to catch me—

“…A protection spell?”

Ah, it’s Cecilio’s earring…

“Sorry! I didn’t think the recoil would be that strong! But it worked, Lucia!”

Garan, please don’t shake me like that.

“Yay… but I’m so tired. I can’t anymore.”

“Good work. Now it’s my turn. Rest easy.”

Yes, Lord Ricardo—

And with that, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, everything was already over.

Valeriano had won in a landslide. Apparently.

—

◇◇◇

“Luu-chan, say ‘aaah’~”

“…Aaaah.”

When I woke up, Rafa burst into tears. I never expected to have slept for five whole days. It seems I reminded her of when her parents passed away, and now she won’t leave my side. I’m sorry.

And now, I’m currently being doted on. Being fed with an “aaah” that not even Cecilio ever did for me is way too embarrassing.

But if I don’t open my mouth, she gives me those tearful eyes.

“Oh my, Rafa seems to be having fun.”

“Yeah!”

“Lord Ricardoo~”

Help! Rafa’s cute, but this is so embarrassing!

As I desperately try to plead with my eyes, for some reason Lord Ricardo takes the fork from Rafa. And then—

“Here, say ‘aaah’?”

“Eh!”

That’s not what I meant!? I wanted you to save me, so why are you joining in too?!

“Lucia?”

“～～… Aaaah!”

So mean! Out of sheer desperation, I bite the apple.

Yes. Rafa’s turned into a clingy little thing, and Lord Ricardo is a bit upset. Because I ignored his orders.

But I never expected this to be my punishment.

“You really are a troublesome girl, aren’t you? For a medical mage, you sure tried to stop my heart.”

“…I didn’t, though?”

“Luu-chan, bad!”

I think two against one is unfair.

“I’m not angry. I’m worried.

It’s a wonderful thing to work so hard to save others. But if you die, that’s no good. First, you have to protect your own life. Who can save others if they can’t even save themselves?”

“…I’m sorry.”

Protect my own life. I’m no good—back then, I was so caught up I didn’t think about it at all.

I never intended to die. But maybe I did think—even if I die, I’ll protect her.

“And if something happened to you, we’d regret it forever. Please. Take care of yourself.”

“…Yes.”

I thought I was being scolded. But really, they were just worried about me. It’s a little embarrassing.

For a boss, he’s too kind. This place really has too many warm-hearted people—it’s a problem.