Chapter 3: By My Side
“Well, that’s the situation. Sena is quite angry.”
Sensei explained the reason with a relaxed expression. Even though we had confirmed our feelings for each other, I couldn’t help but feel a bit amused that Sena was so upset because of me… and that her anger was also directed at Sensei. It was somewhat inappropriate, but I felt a grin creeping onto my face.
“Ah, when we return to the mountains, I’ll mediate between the two of you. I’ll whip up something delicious. Once Sena’s stomach is full, she’ll surely forget all about being angry.”
At my words, Sensei wore a look of disbelief, as if to say, “Really…?”
“That does raise some concerns regarding delicacy, but… well… it should be fine! You promised, Son-in-law! I’m counting on you! I really am! I mean it, truly!”
I refrained from asking how many times she needed to emphasize that. It was likely the first time Sena, who was like a daughter to her, had ever been angry with Sensei. It was understandable that Sensei, facing such an unfamiliar experience, would be flustered and unsettled.
As if sensing my thoughts, Sensei cleared her throat.
“Now then, Son-in-law.”
“What is it?”
Her voice took on a more serious tone.
“There’s one more thing I must tell you, Son-in-law.”
I nodded and urged her to continue.
“I wasn’t the only one who treated you. The recovery of your bodily injuries wasn’t particularly difficult, but to be honest, removing the cells and tissues that had merged with the particles of Light Magic was quite a challenge. However, there was someone who came to me, bowing their head and asking to be allowed to treat you.”
“That person is—”
“Saintess Mika.”
At the mention of her name, I felt my body tense slightly.
“Mika has been using her power to the limit for a long time while treating you, resting only briefly before pushing herself again. Right now, she’s sleeping like a log at the inn over there.”
Sensei always teased me with a mischievous expression, like a playful cat. Not only that, but she took advantage of Sena’s affection for her, using her as a pillow or a hot water bottle, and whenever an idea struck her, she’d drag a sunbathing Sena deep into the mountains to help with DIY projects.
Despite her carefree demeanor, there were moments when the gentle expression she directed at us was incredibly warm. She was always watching over us. It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but Sena and I were likely spoiled by Sensei’s overprotective affection.
However, even setting aside our special treatment, Sensei was fundamentally kind. She couldn’t ignore those in need, to the point of being too good-hearted.
While Sensei conveyed the fact that Mika had treated me, she didn’t push me to express gratitude or praise her.
Yet, I could sense Sensei’s feelings. Though she usually appeared carefree, she must have been dealing with a lot herself.
Given that she had always been concerned about everyone’s safety within the Sealed Labyrinth, it was likely that she wanted to say, “Ichiro, could you at least show your face and say a word of thanks?”
Understanding that, I couldn’t bring myself to ignore Sensei’s feelings.
According to her, many were eager to celebrate the destruction of the Sealed Domain, especially the muscle-bound Saga and his friends, who insisted on a grand celebratory toast. Their proposal was quickly accepted, and before I knew it, preparations for the toast were underway. However, many people—literally a lot of them—thought it strange that I, the supposed hero of this battle (I hope you’ll forgive my self-proclamation…), was absent, so they decided to wait for me to awaken before proceeding with the festivities.
Thus, Sensei went off to inform everyone that I had finally awakened, leaving me with a bit of time to myself.
The scene shifted to an inn just a few minutes’ walk from the Guild. I knocked on one of the doors. There was no response for a while, and just as I was about to leave, I heard the sound of the door unlocking.
“Who is it…?”
Her clear voice reached my ears. It was the voice I had once cherished—back when I was simply happy talking about everyday things with her. Just seeing her gentle smile brought me joy.
But that was a thing of the past.
“Hey. Sorry to wake you up if you were sleeping.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. I could tell she took a moment to process my words.
“I heard from Sensei. You volunteered to treat me, huh? I was told it was a pretty dire situation, and that gave me a scare. Thanks for saving me.”
“I… I just…”
Mika’s face twisted in response to my words.