Chapter 29.2

“The water appeared to be the cause, and it has now been completely purified. But I see signs of contamination again.”

“How are the infirm?”

“Half of them have died. Fortunately, there are fewer new cases.”

The disease wasn’t very contagious, but it had a high mortality rate. The symptoms were also different for each individual.

“Isn’t it hard?”

“Hm. Honestly, I don’t know about that yet. Though it can be hard later on. Right now, I’m just proud to be helping people.”

A smile was drawn around his mouth. I looked at the man who would warmly comfort many people in the future, and get covered in just as much blood.

Let’s go as far as we can to make sure no one gets hurt, Mikael. I think it would hurt too much to watch you struggle from the sidelines.

“I think this is enough, can you take a look?”

Mikael dipped his handkerchief completely into the bowl. I carefully examined my fingertips one by one.

“Yeah. It’s perfect. Thanks. Let’s go now.”

“Yes.  You must be tired. Let’s get going.”

He got up and prepared to go back.

***

Mikael and I arrived outside, not indoors, where the forest and the lake were in harmony. I had asked him to take a small walk.

Somewhere in that deep forest was a tree that Elijah planted when he built the castle.

It was like a mirage in the desert and the beginning of a rainbow. It was a huge, magnificent tree that could be seen at a glance, but even if you tried to reach it, it was impossible to do so.

Elijah hated strangers, especially the outside world. So, most of the time, he barred entry to this place. Maintaining a certain kind of closeness with the outside world was something that demanded the utmost of his patience.

But in order to have authority, he also had to fulfill his duties. This fortress-like castle had to be opened to a certain extent in accordance with the previous agreement made a long time ago, and authorized outsiders were allowed to visit it in the meantime.

“How was the practice today?”

“It was just as hard as I expected.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to go inside then?”

“I slept a little earlier, so I feel fine. I want to take a walk.”

I gave strength to my feet and walked slowly.

“The Princess also seemed to be having a hard time.”

“It’s harder for the person concerned.”

“How was it when you did it yourself before?”

Mikael matched his pace with mine.

“Are you talking about my coming-of-age ceremony?”

“Yes.”

“What was I like then… Wait a minute. Let me think about it.”

Coming-of-age ceremony. I began to search around Celina’s memories in my head, repeating those words endlessly. Mikael waited silently.

Maybe because it wasn’t really my memory, I couldn’t think of it immediately. I had to draw the fishing line using the keywords as bait to get a result.

Then, I caught a glimpse of it. Celina, practicing with the high priest in front of the altar. Receiving a cup from him and collapsing.

The drink spilling everywhere with a clank. Her wet hair. The high priest urgently holding her in his arms.

I opened my mouth without giving it much importance.

“I collapsed once while practicing.”

“I see.”

He frowned in regret.

“But this time, I finished it without any problem.”

“I’m really glad. Who would replace you every time for the blessings? It’s troublesome.”

“Even if there is divine power, God himself is symbolic.”

“I’m not sure. I don’t think so.”

“Do you think God really exists? You’re not even someone from the temple, but a wizard.”

I asked, bewildered. Healer. So, what I created to explain the healing power of priests was, exactly, God.

For me, it didn’t mean anything or symbolize anything. It just felt like a job.

However, in this world, it was something that was difficult to hear a wizard say. The temple was hostile towards wizards because they thought that their power, which went against the laws of nature, was a violation of God’s authority.

“Yes.  I am also confident that God has given me my abilities.”

Mikael nodded.

“I think the people of the temple would love to hear that. “As expected, the wizard knows the truth. Then, let me take you on a deeper path. Come with me”, they would say.”

“Ugh. Then I should never say it.”

The moment I burst into laughter at the sight of him trembling, a dark figure swiftly passed by me.

“Ah sh— that scared me!”

I forgot my dignity and jumped. Suddenly, in the darkness, the cry of a bird ran out in the distance as if mocking me.

My heart almost dropped. No matter how bright the moon was, how frightening it was for something like that to suddenly pop out at night!

“That damn bird, I just ought to!”

I spat out fierce words without realizing it. However, I soon realized the person who was next to Celina.

Sure enough, Mikael had his mouth slightly open in surprise. His bewildered face was clearly visible. An indescribable awkward atmosphere flowed between the two of us.

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