Volume 3, Chapter 29 – Crossing the Poison Swamp (2)

“Onee-sama! Why would you do something so dangerous?! I was worried, really!”

Lu-chan was fuming, her eyes welling up with tears.

“Indeed. While Chris-dono’s state may have been quite a shock, I was right there by her side. Furthermore, just as Fiene-dono worried for Chris-dono, we also worry for Fiene-dono,” Shizuku-san said, reprimanding me as well.

“Ugh… I’m sorry.”

“Fiene-dono possesses neither the Skills nor the equipment to act as a vanguard. Moreover, you are the vital healer, the cornerstone of the Party. Should Fiene-dono fall, the entire Party falls with you. I pray you cherish your own safety,” Shizuku-san continued.

“…Yes.”

Shizuku-san was certainly right. As long as I remain standing, I can heal them if they aren’t dead.

However, if I had seen Chris-san again in that state—with her upper body swallowed by a frog’s mouth and only her legs sticking out—I’m not sure I could have stayed calm.

After all, since arriving in this world, there has only been one single day where I wasn’t with Chris-san. I can’t even imagine this world without her.

As my thoughts spun in circles, the lecture shifted to the other side, and I strained my ears to listen.

“Chris-dono must also reflect upon her actions. To be outmaneuvered by a monster of that level… You must have known the footing was poor. To allow your lord, whom you are meant to protect, to take such a dangerous risk is utterly inexcusable.”

“I… my apologies,” Chris-san said, looking awkward and embarrassed.

“To begin with, why does Chris-dono employ such a fighting style?”

“Eh?”

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“It appears Chris-dono relies on speed and one-hit kills, but to me, that style does not seem to suit her.”

“That’s…”

“Considering your Status, would it not be more appropriate for Chris-dono to stand her ground and face the enemy head-on?”

“…”

“I understand well the rule that one should refrain from forcing comrades to reveal the details of their Status. Therefore, I shall not ask for Chris-dono’s Status, but I ask that you listen to my assessment. First, my own AGI exceeds 600. By my estimation, Chris-dono’s AGI is around 300, which you appear to raise to about 400 using the Physical Enhancement Skill.”

Chris-san looked at Shizuku-san with a surprised expression.

“Furthermore, Chris-dono’s STR is likely on par with my own. However, Chris-dono’s VIT must greatly exceed mine. Additionally, judging by your swordplay during the encounter with the Deadly Scorpi, it appeared that my DEX far surpasses Chris-dono’s.”

Chris-san bit her lip while staring at Shizuku-san.

“In particular, if one aims for a one-hit kill, high DEX is required alongside training to strike vital points with pinpoint accuracy. Surely Chris-dono understands this?”

I see. So DEX doesn’t just affect bow accuracy, but also things like critical hit rates.

“Why then does a person of your build employ a style that necessitates such high AGI and DEX?”

“…That is…”

“I can roughly guess the circumstances. However, Chris-dono is not as weak as you believe.”

“…”

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“Moreover, Fiene-dono is, fortunately, a Saint-sama possessing peerless and extraordinary powers of Purification, Healing, and Protection. Is it not the case that you no longer need to solve everything on your own, Chris-dono?”

“…I…”

Chris-san looked down and fell silent.

◇ ◇ ◇

I used the Flower Maiden’s Staff to summon Riche. We wouldn’t be able to make much progress unless we did something about this poison swamp.

Perhaps having watched us earlier, Riche gently patted my head, praising me like a good girl.

I couldn’t help but let a smile slip.

To be this cute and so considerate—my Riche is truly an angel.

Well, she’s a spirit, but still.

“Riche, could you please purify this poison swamp?”

Riche gave a small nod and requested mana from me. As usual, I channeled mana of the holy attribute into her.

Then, the miraculous sight repeated itself. Riche danced beautifully through the sky, and a beautiful flurry of flower petals scattered across the Poison Swamp Area, which had become a mire of death.

“Ah, so beautiful…”

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“Indeed, it is magnificent no matter how many times one sees it,” Shizuku-san remarked.

“Yeah, it really is,” Chris-san agreed.

The three of them were captivated, but I was really in no position to admire it.

By the time I was completely exhausted, Riche returned. She handed me a small seed.

I gently tossed the seed into the middle of the swamp and once again provided Riche with holy mana.

The petals that had scattered across the swamp and forest emitted a beautiful light, purifying the poison.

When the light faded, a single, beautiful flower had bloomed in the swamp.

“Haa… haa… thank you, Riche.”

As I ran out of MP, Riche gave me another “good girl” pat on the head.

Then, she gave me a kiss on the forehead, waved with a beaming smile, and vanished back into the flower at the tip of the staff.

“Haa… haa… haa…”

I leaned on the Flower Maiden’s Staff, barely managing to keep myself from collapsing to my knees. Chris-san watched me with an indescribably complicated expression.

——Honestly, Chris-san. But well, I was in the wrong too.

“Chris-san, I’m feeling a bit faint… could you support me?”

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“!? Fiene-sama! Yes! Right away!”

As if spring-loaded, Chris-san rushed to my side and caught me just as I was about to fall.

Ah, I feel so reassured when she does this.

No matter what, I’m happy that Chris-san is here to support me.

“But Chris-san, please really be careful, okay? I was worried.”

“Yes, Fiene-sama. My sincerest apologies. Next time, I shall protect you properly so as not to trouble you.”

“Hmm, I’m not entirely sure if you’ve actually learned your lesson, but fine. I said I wouldn’t forgive you, but I’ll forgive you.”

“Yes! Fiene-sama!”

“…And, thank you for everything, Chris-san.”

It’s a bit of a messy conclusion, but maybe this is how our relationship should be.

I’ll do my best not to lose control next time, and to make sure I can properly protect everyone.

I made a quiet vow to myself.