Side Story - Side Brave Vi, Part Two
"I apologize for showing you such an unsightly sight..."
Mayuri's face turned bright red as she shrunk down, looking apologetic. The owner of the clinic, Kyunei-sensei, didn't seem to mind and brewed tea for us.
"I never thought Brave-sama would come back to this remote town doctor's clinic. It's truly unexpected."
"I also never 'imagined' meeting again in this way--"
I agree with Kyunei-sensei's words.
This isn't our first meeting. We have met before.
During the Monster Rampage (Stampede), Yukina was seriously injured and brought to this clinic. And the one who healed him is the Kyunei-sensei standing right in front of me."
When the people in the town told me about Kyunei-sensei, I was really surprised. At first, I thought, "No way," but when I got to the front of the clinic, I was sure.
After recovering from the things in front of the clinic, Mayuri coughed to hide her embarrassment and then turned to face Kyunei-sensei.
"I'm sorry for this sudden visit."
"It's okay. I'm usually quite free at this time unless it's an emergency."
It seemed like Mayuri had done her research. This means we might be able to talk calmly for a bit.
"So, what brings you here today? It doesn't seem like it's for a check-up."
"That can wait for another time. If you know Brave-sama, I don't need a long introduction."
Mayuri told Kyunei-sensei about the current situation with gathering our companions.
The need for a healer as travel companions. The issues that arise with Church members. And, that Kyunei-sensei was chosen for the job. She explained everything openly and honestly.
"You might be surprised by this sudden offer. But, would you like to become our companion? Of course, I'm not forcing you..."
"...Certainly, there are other doctors in the town, so it wouldn't be much of a problem if I leave."
Although at first Kyunei-sensei was surprised, she listened calmly to Mayuri's words and finally nodded as if she understood.
"But, no matter where I go, I am the doctor of this town. I don't think I have the skills appropriate for Brave-sama's journey."
While Kyunei-sensei's words seemed humble, I had a different opinion.
"...After bringing Yukina into this clinic, I heard from the soldier who examined his condition at that time."
Although the soldier is not an expert, they still have the responsibility as a healer during wartime. That soldier actually witnessed how dire Yukina's condition was.
The soldiers at that time were looking at Yukina's condition and making definite statement.
──Yukina was almost certainly not going to survive.
Even if one was a court magician, it was a matter of whether he could extend his life from one night to two nights at most.
"But, Kyunei-sensei succeeded."
As a result, Yukina is still active as a mercenary. He has recovered to the same state as before, without any change. As a doctor, there is no doubt about Kyunei-sensei's skill.
"That was... just the result of various coincidences."
"But even so, there is no doubt that you are an excellent doctor."
At least, even I, an amateur, could feel that at that time, she had a determination to hold onto Yukina's life at all costs, not a sense of despair driven by self-destruction. And she actually accomplished it. Kyunei-sensei says it was a coincidence, but there is no doubt that it was her own skill that attracted that coincidence.
"Please, we really need as many companions as possible right now."
"Could you please lend me your strength to defeat the Demon King?"
Both Mayuri and I bowed our heads to Kyunei-sensei.
We couldn't force her, but if Kyunei-sensei joined us as a healer, it would be the most reassuring thing.
"..."
Kyunei-sensei fell silent for a while, lost in thought.
And then...
"I'm sorry── but I must decline."
Her words were a rejection.
Hearing her voice, I felt disappointed, but at the same time, I had a strange sense of déjà vu.
In her words, I heard a strong determination, one that I had heard very recently.
I couldn't help but put my hand on my mouth. I was desperately trying to dig up the thoughts that had arisen in my head. It was so intense that I didn't even know what was stirring me up so much.
"This task is very honorable. It could even become a great achievement that will be remembered for generations to come. When you took it on, you should have received the utmost consideration from the country. That is, even making this clinic bigger."
Mayuri calmly talks about the benefits of becoming Brave's companion. In fact, even the experienced mercenary who became a companion had a similar conversation before agreeing to become a companion.
'Unfortunately, people are not just moved by honor. Even if they initially accept it with pleasure, it won't last long. Mayuri's words may be common, but the decision is correct, isn't it, Master? What's wrong?'
Although Leiva's approval reached my ears, it passed through from right to left. I was too preoccupied with searching my own memories.
"I understand what you're saying. It's a very intriguing proposal. But, I still have to decline."
"...May I ask for the reason?"
At this point, Mayuri spoke with a mixed voice of resignation, indicating that further persuasion was futile.
Kyunei-sensei placed a hand on her chest and smiled softly.
"I have someone I love who has accepted all of me. I can't bear to leave him."
At the moment I saw that smile, I remembered.
──It's the same face as Mikage-san's time.
At that moment, the door of the clinic opened. We all turned our gaze to the open door at once.
"I'm back── oh?"
"I'm back...?"
Two people entered. Both of them were familiar faces to me.
One of them was a fox beastmen with silver hair. She was Mikage-san, a 2nd-rank mercenary.
The other "person" tilted his head when he saw my face.
"Why are you here, Relix?"
"...Yukina"
It was an unexpected reunion for both of us.
While Yukina looked genuinely puzzled, a small ache tugged at my heart.
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