.
It wasn’t long after Margaret left that Lucy finally stopped crying.
Or rather, she fell asleep.
“She must have been exhausted…”
I muttered, looking down at Lucy, who had fallen asleep holding onto my hand.
It was no surprise, considering she hadn’t slept properly for three days straight.
I’m sure the professors had told her that I was going to be fine…
Was she really that worried about me?
-Shhh… Shhh…
Her soft breaths filled the silence of the infirmary, a peaceful rhythm lulling the room into a tranquil state.
“...My back’s going to be killing me if I stay like this.”
I let out a small groan and carefully lifted Lucy from my lap.
She was surprisingly light, probably due to her petite frame.
I gently laid her down on my bed and got up, stretching my stiff muscles.
Being careful not to wake her, I quietly made my way out of the infirmary.
“Huu…”
As I stepped out of the drab building, I was greeted by the sight of the base camp bathed in the dim light of dawn.
I hadn’t had the chance to check the time, but judging from the sky, it seemed to be early morning.
I took a deep breath of the crisp morning air and started walking.
-Rustle… Rustle…
The sound of leaves crunching under my feet echoed softly in the stillness.
Despite the late hour, the camp was brightly lit.
I followed the source of the light and saw a shimmering barrier encircling the entire area.
“...A barrier, huh?”
It was a holy barrier, pulsating with a brilliant light.
They must have erected it as a precaution against the undead.
Thanks to the barrier, the base camp was as bright as day, and I could see students milling about.
I walked past them and settled down at the base of a nearby tree.
-Whoosh…
A cool autumn breeze brushed past my face.
I brushed my bangs aside and closed my eyes, listening to the faint chirping of crickets in the distance.
A strange emptiness settled in my chest.
“...”
I absentmindedly reached into my pocket.
I was searching for the Deathweed, but of course, it wasn’t there.
They must have taken it while they were changing my clothes after the surgery.
“I could really go for some right now…”
I patted my empty pocket, feeling a slight pang of withdrawal.
As I sat there, lost in thought, I heard familiar voices calling out to me.
“Yo! Maniac!”
“Y-Young Master Lishite…!”
I looked up to see Golden Boy and Violet approaching.
“Golden Boy… and Violet?” I muttered, recognizing the two figures.
“Well, well! Look who’s still alive! You’re a tough one, aren’t you?”
“You sound almost disappointed.”
“Am I that transparent?”
This bastard…
I shot him a tired glare and raised my fist playfully.
Golden Boy immediately ducked behind Violet, hiding like a scared puppy.
“Hey, hey… Cut me some slack, will ya? I’m technically still injured, you know?”
Peeking out from behind Violet, he gestured towards his bandaged body with a sheepish grin.
“If Violet hadn’t brought Professor Kate along… I might actually be dead right now.”
“You wish.”
“Wow… You’re so mean.”
Golden Boy pouted at my blunt reply.
Ignoring his dramatics, I turned to Violet, who had been unusually quiet.
“S-So, I, I heard you had surgery… Are, are you alright?” she stammered, her voice filled with concern.
I couldn’t help but smile at her earnestness.
“I’m fine… How about you?”
“O-Oh…! I-I’m alright… thanks to Golden Boy… he protected me…!”
“Ahem!”
Golden Boy puffed out his chest and pretended to cough, trying to hide his smug grin.
I had half a mind to wipe that self-satisfied look off his face with a good punch.
What was that? A new signal for “hit me”?
“See that? That’s how awesome your bro is.”
“...”
“One flick of my finger and those enemies were dropping like flies! Just like the hero in a novel…”
I tuned out Golden Boy’s rambling, letting his words flow in one ear and out the other.
Turning back to Violet, I noticed something out of place.
“What, what is it…?” she asked, her voice small and uncertain, as if sensing my gaze.
I tapped my cheek lightly.
“Your bandage is coming loose.”
“My… My bandage?”
“Yes.”
Violet’s hand flew to her cheek, and her eyes widened in alarm as she felt the loose bandage.
She quickly adjusted it, her movements frantic.
I let out a small sigh.
“Be careful.”
“T-Thank you…”
I reached out and ruffled her hair gently.
She flinched slightly at my touch, but I pretended not to notice.
“So… are we heading back to the Academy tomorrow morning?”
“Yeah, probably. There’s no reason for us to stay here any longer.”
“I just want to go back and sleep for a week straight…”
Golden Boy chuckled at my tired sigh.
“Come on, it wasn’t that bad, was it? The first day was pretty exciting, actually.”
“I guess you could say that.”
“What’s with the dull response?”
I didn’t bother answering.
I was exhausted.
This school trip had been anything but relaxing.
I ran a hand over my face, trying to rub away the fatigue.
“Why don’t we get some rest for now?” Golden Boy suggested, his voice unusually gentle. “Your wounds probably haven’t fully healed yet.”
I considered his words for a moment, then nodded slowly.
“...Yeah, you’re right.”
He was right.
I had a lot to think about, but for now, I just needed to rest.
We’d be heading back to the Academy tomorrow, anyway.
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