“Mr. Gilbert…!!”
After the sudden burst of blinding white light before me, I leaped from the carriage in a frenzy. I had seen Mr. Gilbert collapse to the ground in the distance. Mr. Dolf and the others nearby rushed forward.
Confirming that he was still breathing, the men worked together to carry him to the entrance of the village, where the Holy Cleric immediately began to cast Healing Magic. All I could do was drape a blanket I had brought from the carriage over him and pray fervently.
The scene before me, where all the dark crimson remnants of that blinding light had vanished, was no illusion. Yet, no one spoke of it, likely overwhelmed by shock and confusion.
“This man… the amount of Paralysis Poison in his system and its progression is far more severe than that of the mercenary from earlier. To think he was able to move in such a state…”
The Holy Cleric murmured, and the mercenary who had just regained consciousness after the Healing Magic rushed over.
“Will he be saved…!? It’s my fault… he’s my benefactor, please…!”
“Yes, rest assured. Strangely enough, despite the amount of poison, his symptoms seem relatively mild.”
With a reassuring smile, the Holy Cleric then focused intently, channeling Healing Magic. Other Holy Clerics gathered around, performing similar spells. Gradually, Mr. Gilbert’s pale complexion began to regain its color.
“The detoxification and purification are complete. He is likely exhausted and simply sleeping now.”
“Thank goodness! Oh, thank goodness! Thank you!”
The mercenary, who had been watching anxiously, broke down in tears. I too could not hold back my own tears of relief. The Holy Cleric offered a gentle smile to the mercenary, who continued to express his gratitude through sobs.
“There is no need for such thanks. Our power, in a sense, comes from your prayers.”
The other Holy Clerics nodded in agreement.
“The countless prayers of the voiceless, accumulating day by day, are the source of our divine protection. We are permitted to wield that protection through our training and prayers, using it for Healing and Purification Magic.”
“While it is an honor to be thanked, we must not become arrogant, for that would disqualify us as Holy Clerics. Please, let your gratitude be transformed into prayers to the Goddess once more.”
With those words, the Holy Clerics smiled warmly.
After a while, a member of the private militia who had gone to check the village returned.
“…The Undead Beasts are nowhere to be found.”
Upon hearing this, a silence filled with relief enveloped us.
“Everyone, listen. I’m sorry, but I have a request.”
Mr. Dolf spoke up, his expression more serious than I had ever seen.
“Just for a little while. I want you all to keep what happened here to yourselves. We must protect this young man.”
Everyone present turned their attention to Mr. Dolf in silence.
“…I understand, old man. After all, we have no idea what the higher-ups are thinking. Those of us living around here have lost faith in what to believe. So, we’ll trust what we’ve seen with our own eyes and what we’ve heard with our own ears.”
The mercenary declared with a serious expression. The members of the private militia, who had been deep in thought with furrowed brows, nodded in agreement and continued.
“That’s true… However, we do have an obligation to report to the Lord to some extent. We can buy some time, but we can’t make absolute promises. …That said, it seems the Lord has his own thoughts regarding the King.”
“That’s enough. If something similar happens again, it will eventually come to light…”
He squinted his eyes, a smile creeping onto his face.
“And if, by any chance, anyone asks about this, just say that some strange device made by a suspicious old man caused it. After all, I’m quite good at playing dumb.”
Mr. Dolf chuckled, lightening the mood.
No one dared to ask “what” had happened. Perhaps they understood Mr. Dolf’s intent. Of course, it was also true that none of us fully grasped what had transpired. Yet, even in this moment, no one voiced their thoughts, perhaps due to the bond forged in battle, a strange sense of solidarity lingered among us.
Even after the treatment, Mr. Gilbert remained asleep. With everyone’s help, we carefully placed him back into the carriage and began our journey back to the town.