Read The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic | 94

94 - the eighty-ninth episode

Back

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　After Nair's magic had removed the cursed skeletons that had been eating away at Eva's body, I carried her to the bedroom as Eiri had instructed me to do.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　She is dead asleep, but still breathing.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　She is ...... but visibly weak.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"......I wonder if she'll ever wake up."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Eiri has gone to the castle to inform the others about the incident, so she is not here.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I slowly meditate and talk to Nea, seeing her illuminated by the moonlight coming in through the window.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Néa, how long does the magic of resistance last?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"About half a day. But it will last as long as I keep adding magic to it. But that's not..."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"It's not a radical solution ......, is it?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Nair nodded in agreement.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The only reason Eva is safe now is because she has a resistance spell that can repel the curse. If it were to be broken, she would become weaker and weaker... and then disappear.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Even if she regains consciousness, she will not be able to live properly. And Usato can't be tied to this country forever."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"......Yes. We don't have much time.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　That is why it is preferable to settle the matter in a short period of time.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Fortunately, we've got them by the tail. The skeleton was saying strange things during the last battle and Nair seems to have noticed something.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Nair, you said you knew what this curse was. Will you tell me?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Sure. But that doesn't mean we know the whole truth, does it?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

I don't care.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　What we need now is information about the skeleton.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I need to hear anything, no matter how trivial it may seem.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Usato, it was a curse, not a curse. Oh, but is it a curse, too?　If you include the secondary effects, yes, but the main part is that one. ......"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... Hmm, hmm?　I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　At least break it down for me so I can understand.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I don't understand enough about curses and stuff like that.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I said I understood too, but I'm not sure. What I do know for sure is that those skeletons are disembodied souls.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Disembodied souls?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Disembodied souls?　Ghosts.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... what?　I'm sorry, what did you just say?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"?　A ghost. A ghost, a wandering, willful energy entity in search of a body."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"......"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Never have I heard so many facts that I wish I hadn't.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I mean, are those guys ghosts?　I punched them hard, but the thought of them being ghosts now scares me later. .......

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Not noticing my tight smile, Nair spins her words.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"They cursed the royal family and the previous generation of heroes---well, the reason they cursed Usato for being mistaken for the previous generation of heroes was because they had a grudge against him."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... I know that when I hear what they say and do. But why were they saying things like, in my case, if I'm trapped, I'll be released?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"That's the point, that's the point."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Nair thrust her wings toward me as if to point.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　What's so important?　The skeleton's words?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"You said a soul without a body can't stay in this world, right?　But that skeleton stays. That means there's something holding that skeleton's soul to this world.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"What ...... you mean, if we destroy that something, we can unleash the skeletons that are eating away at Eva?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I don't mean to be rude, but yes. If we're lucky, the stolen beings and souls may come back.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Thinking back, those skeletons were collared and chained.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Is that the "something" that binds those skeletons?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

What I don't understand is how that something is binding the souls to this world.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Maybe some kind of witchcraft?　I mean, what else could it be? ......"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"It's funny because it's magic. They don't usually last that long."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"You said before that magic either disappears over time or works semi-permanently."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　As I recall, this is what she told me before I visited Samaritan --- when she was teaching me about the magic of liberation.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes. But for magic to work, it needs fuel, magic power. The longer the years, the more magic is needed."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... I mean, that one?　You mean a demon like you who can use magic is behind this curse?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

It's possible.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　...... Possibility that demons other than Nair are involved?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The possibility of having a clear enemy makes things easier for me, but I also have to consider the damage to my surroundings.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　As I crossed my arms and groaned in worry, Nair, who had not finished talking to me, bent her wings and raised her index finger as if to raise it.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"There is another possibility," she said.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Another one?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"It is to create a system that can supply magic power from the outside without a magician. Basically, magic can be activated by anyone's magical power once the framework is created, so it can continue to move on its own even if appropriate magical power is supplied from the outside. Once the mechanism is created, it will never disappear, and it is possible to continue exercising magic almost permanently.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... I see."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I have no idea.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　What you are saying is that if we create a system that supplies the magic power to fuel the magic so that it doesn't disappear on its own, we can do without a magician. ......?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"......I don't know if it's the same demon as me or if it's working on a system that someone made a long time ago, but I feel sorry for it."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... about Eva?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

No, I mean her soul.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　The skeleton?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I let out a doubtful voice at her words, but Nair looks out the window sadly and mutters to herself.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Because the soul without a body wants to be liberated. And he looks crazy, doesn't he?　Wanting to be released, wanting a body, wanting to live again... dozens, maybe hundreds of duplicated thoughts are distorted and attacking this girl who is the target of the curse.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... are you taking away Eva's existence because you want a living body?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　What in the world are those skeletons?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　If they want a living body, it means they used to be human. Come to think of it, the way they looked at me in fear when I was fighting them off was a human-like reaction, too.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　And the words that echoed in my head when I was bitten... some of them were the voices of children.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　A voice begging for help, wanting to stay, and..,

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Brave man."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　He takes out the small sword of the previous hero from his waist and puts it on his hand and looks at it.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"When I touched her hand, it trembled terribly. It was as if it was reacting to something.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

It's not a coincidence, is it?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I did tremble. And then Eva and all the skeletons started pouring out of her and her surroundings, and the battle began. Maybe that's it. Maybe it was this sword that made them call me brave. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I am not a brave man.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I can say that with certainty. Because two other heroes have already been summoned besides me, and I have not heard the sound of the bell that only those who are summoned hear when they are summoned.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Huh, I never thought I'd be called brave not only by an evil dragon but also by a ghost. ....... I'm not a brave man!

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"From my point of view, I'm brave enough. You'll be a brave man for sure if you join this country.　You have that much power.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Kiriha told me this once.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Being a hero in this world has two meanings.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　There are those who are summoned from other worlds like Kazuki and Inukami-senpai, and those who are recognized for their valor in this world, given titles, and become heroes.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

In either case, I don't want the title of hero. Even now, I don't know what kind of trouble I'll get into when I get it.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Certainly ....... Usato seems to be the type of person who gets involved and gets himself into trouble. Maybe he shouldn't be a hero with a title only."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I wish I hadn't convinced him. ......"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Nea's words are met with disappointment.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Well, I can't argue with him, since I'm the one who's getting myself into trouble this time.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　......Now, let's get back to my thoughts.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　After all, it was this little sword that triggered Eva's curse. I can say that it is my fault that she is now in this situation, because I myself unintentionally grabbed her hand with this knife in my hand.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I feel sorry for my carelessness, but I gained something.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I go over in my mind the contents of the notebook I left in my room.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"You know the story of the evil dragon that threatened to destroy ...... Samaliar a long time ago, and the brave warrior who defeated it, don't you?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

The contents of that notebook.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Oh ....... This story definitely happened. And I think this event is strongly connected to Eva's curse.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I'd like to say ...... that it's not. Well, I guess you can't say that it's irrelevant if I listen to you. ....... I want to forget about that evil dragon, but why does it keep popping up here?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I don't want to be reminded of it either."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I've been in a lot of pain, and I've had a lot of trouble.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Nair was almost killed in one of them.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　But now is not the time to look away. I heard the voice of the evil dragon that Nair had revived... a far more powerful, fearless, and domineering cry than the evil dragon I had met was nowhere to be found in my memory.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Mr. Fagunis also said that Samaria suffered a great disaster a long time ago, so there is no doubt about it. I'm sure that the evil dragon and the previous heroes are related to Eva's curse.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Fegnis?　Who's that?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Oh, Nair didn't know.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　She tilts her head and I explain to her about Mr. Fegnis. When I told her he was the one who had taken me to the castle, she remembered him and gave me a look of disgust.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　She is not a bad person, so I tell her that he explained to me about Samaria and the tower, and that he gave me back my little sword, to improve my image at least.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... Usato, don't let him get near me."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I know."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Later, you're being too careless. You should be more suspicious.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"So you're following Amaco's lead."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Samaritan's Tower, huh? Heh, it was built to restore the city after the defeat of the evil dragon. ....... He is a king with a lot of time on his hands. ......

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Nair ignores my quip and ponders what to do.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I think it's rude ...... to say that I'm too deceived, but it's true that I was deceived by the owl in front of me, and as a result, I had to fight against a manipulated and fully armed Mr. Aruku and an evil dragon.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Remembering this, I slowly droop my head.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　...... hmm?

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"---,nea. There's someone here, keep quiet."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Ryokai."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Nair was mumbling something, but when she heard the sound of footsteps coming up, she jumped on my shoulder and hooted like an owl as if she was playing the role of a messenger owl.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Soon after that, the castle doctor came rushing out of the door.　A group of people like the castle doctor and wizards like Ms. Welsey come in through the door. They are probably the ones who have been called in to examine Eva's condition.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I step out of the way so as not to disturb them, lean my back against the wall next to the door and relax my shoulders.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Then, Eiri-san came walking toward me at a slow pace from the stairs leading to the lower floor.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... Mr. Usato."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Mr. Lucas wants to see you."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... understand."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Well, of course they'll call you.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I would have come to you if you hadn't called me.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　According to Mr. Eiri, Mr. Lucas has already arrived at the ward and is waiting outside. You did not see Eva's face?　When I asked her if she had seen Eva's face, she said no,

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I am sure that Master Lucas is also shocked."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　---He said...

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Shock, huh? That's what you'd expect if your precious daughter collapsed.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Your question was a bit insensitive.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Was the pattern on the princess done by you?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"......!"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I couldn't hide my agitation at the sudden question.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I stare at Eiri walking in front of me and involuntarily stop, but I come to my senses when Nair on my shoulder taps me lightly on the cheek and I start walking again.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Yes, Eiri has seen me casting a spell on Eva. It's not surprising that she is aware of it.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　...... what to do.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I can't keep her quiet, so I might as well explain to her what's going on.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Don't worry. I don't mean to blame you. I know what's going on. I know that that pattern is protecting your life right now. ......"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"......"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"To begin with, it's not at all like any curse I know of. When I see that the princess's hair has regained its original color, I know that the pattern is keeping the curse away from her."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Knowing Eiri's mother, who was under the same curse as Eva, it is not surprising that she would notice Nair's magic, which seems to have different symptoms than before.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Frankly, I am glad that she did not think that I had harmed Eva. If I had, I'd have been stuck in a situation where I couldn't help her in the worst possible way. .......

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"The curse that is consuming the princess's body is a terrible curse that takes away her color, her presence, and in the end, she will disappear from everything. It has never happened before that she, under such a curse, suddenly returns to her original form."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"By her original appearance, do you mean the hair she had as a child?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Yes, she had beautiful hair, just like Eliza, and she was so cheerful and smiling, as if she were a living replica of her.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Eiri said these words as if immersed in a memory.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　But he stopped in front of the door leading outside.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Eiri?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"......I really thought I would never see the same princess again as I did when I was a child. I thought that she would disappear just like Eliza, without being able to say goodbye to anyone."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Disappearing without anyone knowing---that must be very painful.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　For the person and the people around him or her.　

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"I can do nothing but be a butler. I am a weak man who has never wielded magic or a sword in my 30 years of life. Even so, as a butler, I have done my best so that the princess could live without inconvenience. But now I have nothing to do for the princess. ...... I am so frustrated by that. ......"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... Eiri, you are not a weak person."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　His voice trembles, denying his words.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I have gotten to know Eiri well over the past few days.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　She is a great cook, an amazing person who can handle any kind of household chores, and a person who cares very much about Eva.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　He is a great cook, a great housekeeper, and a man who cares for Eva very much... He is a man who has watched her grow up for a long time, and there is no way he can be called a weak man.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Even if you don't fight, the fact remains that you have supported Eva until today. So you... please pray for Eva's safety as you have always done."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Mr. Usato, ......"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"So, being the physical type, I'll break her curse."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"What ...... break?　What in the world are you ......?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　I step forward to cross next to him.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　If I've dared this much, all I have to do now is move forward.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　But as I turn my head, the owl on my shoulder taps me lightly on the wing, and I turn to the side to see a pouting, beak-tipped nea directing me with her wings.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Ho!"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Oh, sorry, I'm not the only one."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Smiling at her self-confidence, I put my hand on the doorknob, turn around and say, "I'm not going to do it.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"We'll take care of her curse," she says.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　After saying these words, I opened the door to the outside with Eiri's surprised face on my back.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Outside was the pitch-dark garden and the view of the castle, which had been lit up by the previous commotion.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Without any hesitation, I walk to the grave of Eva's mother---Lucas' wife, Lady Eliza.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"...... have you come?"

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　He was sitting cross-legged in front of the grave as before.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　He mumbled to me without looking back at me, and I approached him without hesitation and opened my mouth.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

"Mr. Lucas, I need to talk to you."

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

　Now, here's the deal.

Read at https://w w w . m t l r e a d e r.com

Back

Table of Contents

Next

Back

Table of Contents

Next