Elqueeness - Chapter 20

ter the hostile party was eliminated, I was able to find time to catch my breath. My mind was still filled with the troublesome matters regarding the future of our journey. While looking around, I saw Kai, who was working seriously on something, out of the corner of my eyes.

He was probably treating the wounded. Instead of his usual calm expression, he had of look of panic as his hands flashed around with white light emitting from his fingertips.

‘So is that the Sacred Aura?’

The appearance was not that different from when I activated my healing arts. It’s no wonder that Aleck thought that I was a priest when we first met. Captivated by the sight, I cautiously approached in hopes of being able to help.

As if he intuitively sensed another presence, he turned around to meet my eyes as he stared suspiciously.

“Huh? El, why are you…?”

“You looked really busy, so is there anything I can do to help? I can do errands very well.”

“Blood will spray on your clothes. Also, there are many people who have received severe injuries so it will not be pleasing to the eyes.”

“It’s fine. I’m used to seeing blood and gore after those frequent monster attacks. I don’t fear such sights. Also, it’ll be difficult for you to work on so many people at once. Where should I start?”

Realizing I had no intention of leaving, Kai helplessly smiled.

Even though he refused at first, it was only done out of courtesy. In reality, he was in great need of an extra hand to lessen his burden.

At first, he requested that I obtain clear water and cloth; then, we began to splint together a man’s broken arm.

After we finished, Kai began to pour sacred power into the injured man.

In order to heal properly, it was necessary to align the bones correctly, hence the use of the splinter.

However, even after the use of Sacred Healing, the splinter remained on. Shouldn’t the spell have completely healed him?

“Um, Kai? When you use Sacred Healing, shouldn’t he be alright now? Why continue to use the splinter..”

“I only used a small portion of my power. I can’t allocate large amounts of Sacred Power on a single person when there are so many wounded. I’m only stabilizing their conditions for now.”

“I see. I guess it’s unavoidable when there are so many patients. Seems like you need to know a few tricks for this occupation.”

At my response, the corner of his lips raised up as if he found it funny.

“Occupation… Well, I guess that’s true. It’s also an occupation that brings many headaches.

While our temple is affiliated with the darker elements, we could still use the Sacred Healing. The fact that those who serve the God of Punishment are going around healing people for free isn’t something ordinary.”

“Hm, I don’t see the issue. When we say punishment, there are many types. Punishment cannot be narrowly defined as bringing physical pain to others. It is not as black and white as people assume it to be. Living happily may be a punishment as the existence of that person may be a punishment for another.

For that reason, the Healing Arts doesn’t conflict with the God of Punishment. Perhaps that is why Elwien’s priests possess the ability to heal.”

“…! Oho, you’re right. I’ve never thought about this in such a manner. Oh yes, you said you were training to be Elwien’s priest, correct? I’m looking forward to your future.”

“ …..? ”

“I’m saying this because you accurately understand the essence of what punishment is. You may be able to hear Elwien’s words. Who knows, I may end up getting another junior in this occupation.”

“Ahaha… Is that so? Then it’s an honor on my side.

… But I’m not so sure if I can meet with Elwien. No, even if I met him, there’s no guarantee that he would follow along with my plan.

I swallowed my worries and gave an awkward laugh.

Kai mistook my action as sign of embarrassment and ranted on about how it was possible for me.

Afterwards, our chatting ceased as we focused solely on treating the patients. After I wiped away the blood and cleaned the wounds, Kai came over and poured Sacred Power within the injury. The power he emitted looked and even felt similar to my Spiritual Power.

For most patients, treatment of this level was enough for them to make a full recovery; however, some men remained injured even after Kai poured in every ounce of Sacred Aura he possessed.

These people were injured so badly that their organs were visible. It was almost fascinating how these people were not dead. Although I wanted to use Spiritual Aura for healing behind Kai’s back, remembering Trom-Well’s stern advice, I thought against the decision.

A person who has not yet received the Stigma of the Gods but yet capable of healing would immediately receive suspicion.

It wouldn’t have mattered if I was alone, but I did not want Trom-Well, who was often seen with me, to be involved in my matters.

Furthermore, it wasn’t like I was incapable without my aura. While taking more time, the treatments I gave were enough to have the patients make a full recovery. So after rejecting my conscience, I resumed with my act as an assistant to Kai.

This vacation is not as easy as I would have expected.

“The treatments went by more easily. You have my gratitude El.”

“It’s nothing. If you need aid, please call me. I would be happy to be of help.”

After we finished dealing with the injured, the sun began to set so we began to set up the campsite at a location away from the area where the corpses and limbs of monsters were littered everywhere.

Giving my farewells to Kai, I ran back to my company.

Trom-Well, who at first greeted me with a smile, turned dark as he examined me from feet to head.

Is something on my clothes? What’s wrong? Looking down, I saw that my clothes were covered in bloodstains.

There’s no way that this is mine, so it must belong to the injured.

Trom-Well seemed to have inferred where I had been with a single glance.

“I was wondering where you were… Were you tending to the wounded?”

“Yeah. But I didn’t use my aura, so don’t worry Matthew. It’s sort of dirty, right? I’ll go change. ”

However, Trom-Well was dissatisfied for a different reason. While I changed my clothes in secrecy, Trom-Well began to grumble.

“… I can’t accept you doing errands for humans.”

“What?”

Looking back, he was wearing a grumpy look that seemed almost exaggerated. Since I had always seen him with a smile, seeing a change in expression seemed refreshing. Now his actions were befitting of his appearance.

Finding this amusing, I let out a grin.

“Haha. Angry? But I didn’t have a choice. It would be too exhausting for Kai to do everything alone.”

“That’s a mission that he has to endure by himself. There’s no reason for you to suffer along with him.”

“Don’t we go on vacations to experience the diversity of life? If I wanted comfort, then I would be in the Spirit World. I’m alright, so don’t worry Matthew.”

Unable to hide his dissatisfaction, Trom-Well continued to frown. But not long after, he displayed his usual smile.

“You’re right El. I shouldn’t be too sensitive. Sorry. Strangely, I always have a lot to apologize for when it involves you.”

“Huh? I’m fine. I’m aware that you care. Ah, yes! You said we were family, right? Then just like how we don’t need to say words of thanks, apologizes are unnecessary in our relationship as well.”
“Haha. Fine, I get it. I lose.”

Thinking back, there probably will never be a day when I would ever need to ask. Before I could even say a word, Trom-Well would have already given me his hand.

Maybe because I was the youngest of the Sprit Kings, or maybe it was his nature by birth, that he has always been an irreplaceable mentor to me.

I felt gratitude, but also guilt towards Trom-Well.

“Ah yes. Before I forget, I’ll tell this to you now, El.”

“Huh?”

I didn’t know what was wrong, but the serious look he wore implied the severity of the circumstance.

In order to ensure that there were no eavesdroppers, he began to talk in the Spirit Language.

-If there is ever an event that you are separated from the company, go back to the Spirit World.

-Why? What do you mean?

-I could probably located you immediately, but just in case, do as I say. Once you go back to the Spirit World, Isana will still be able to summon you again. It is much easier for your Contractor to summon you there than in Arkadon.

-Is this… a prophecy?

Trom-Well grimly nodded yes. He may have seen a glimpse of a future not far from now. That disorder he felt earlier on alone was enough to put him on guard.

Adding those two factors together, he could not deny the possibility that perhaps they are connected.

As if noticing my troubled look, Trom-Well softened his face and told me not to worry.

But I couldn’t.

Not too long after, we managed to find a suitable location for a campsite. The members of the convoy immediately disembarked and prepared the night meal.

Although we were all companions in this journey, our relationship with other groups were not harmonious.

Every meal was eaten separately as mercenaries ate only amongst their own company. As a result, the menus of what they ate all contrasted. Some finished the night with dried meat and water, while others ate richer meals by brewing stew.

The Champagne Mercenaries belonged to the latter.

Perhaps because there were two woman on board, our cargo contained far more food and goods when compared to our companion groups.

Whenever we ate, we often received glances of envy. For the Champagne Mercenaries, they may be fine; but for Trom-Well and I, it made our lives much harder.

Our bodies that had no need for nutrient were more problematic than expected. A single glass of juice was enough to make us feel queasy. It almost felt like forcing yourself to eat more when your stomach is already at its limit.

The number of times we can claim ‘We’re not hungry’ is limited. Therefore, meal times was when my brain was at its busiest.

Ever since I leaked Trom-Well’s name to Sherry, I had to be much more cautious of my every move. However, forcing the food down my throat was far too much for me to handle; so with Trom-Well’s help, I buried everything under the ground in secrecy.

I felt immense regret wasting food that the mercenaries bought with their coin and cooked for me.

“Here, this is your portion. Since you don’t eat much, it’s smaller than others. This is fine right?”

“Ah, yes, thank you Iale.”

“Eh? That’s way too little. That won’t be enough for someone who’s still in their growth phase.”

Harol, who saw the contents in my bowl, burst out with a scowl.

Matthew, who had silently been sipping juice, was dragged into this.

“Matthew, I know I’m repeating myself but it won’t do if you don’t eat more. Snacks like that won’t help your growth no matter how much you eat. Eat real food. Not that garbage.”

“Haha, I got it Harol. I’ll dine properly next time, so let me off this time. I used to eat very little ever since I was young, so this is the portion I am accustomed to. If I eat more, my body will start to have problems.”

“Just what kind of family… Sigh. No, never mind. Enjoy.”

He was probably referring to the background of Matthew which Trom-Well invented. Believing that it was unlikely that Matthew received any proper meals while under terrible abuse by nobles, Harol sighed in resignation and stared with eyes full of compassion and sympathy.

As if out of habit, Iale joined in.

“Why are you meddling with someone’s eating habits? Just take care of yourself. Has Matthew ever held our team back just because he doesn’t eat? Worthless advice isn’t much different than poison, Harol.”

“Chet, fine.”

Dinner went by smoothly afterwards. But for me, I wasn’t able to finish what was on my bowl so I borrowed a Spirit of Earth and dumped the remaining contents underground.

It was a pity. One of the pinnacles of delight for the living was eating. That’s why being forced to throw away food almost made me shed tears. I may have to keep an animal as a pet so that it could eat my food for me.