Welcome to the Special-Grade Guild! ~ The Beloved Elf Poster Girl Soothes Everyone’s Hearts ~
Chapter 176

176. Meg’s Struggle

The people around were watching from a distance. Some didn’t want to get involved, some hesitated to lend a hand because they couldn’t do anything, and the majority seemed to be cowering from the knight’s daunting appearance.

I mean, even with such a deep wound, he stood up, looking ready to head out. He tore the cloth where he was wounded and used it to press on the wound, but… it was probably from being slashed with a blade, the blood showed no signs of stopping.

…It’s right next to the inn, so it should be fine if I do just a little bit, right?

I know! I know I shouldn’t do anything to stand out! But, but, I can’t just watch and do nothing when he’s so badly hurt. Maybe help will come later, but what if it’s too late? If that leads to lasting effects, or worst case, death.

He might not die, but judging from his appearance, he’s definitely a knight, and it could affect his future work. I still vividly remember the feeling of restlessness when I had a cold that dragged on for a few days and I had to take time off… it was quite a while ago, but it was traumatic enough to remember clearly.

I have a way to heal that injury. And since I saw the injured person, I have to do something.

“…I’m sorry, Shizuku-chan. Can you work a little harder for me?”

There’s no option not to help. I touched my earring and called out to the water spirit, Shizuku-chan.

『I cannot do much, but if it is my master’s request, I shall listen.』

I smiled slightly at the reliable voice that returned immediately. But it still sounded a bit weak. I took out a small empty vial from my storage bracelet.

“I want you to fill this vial with healing water. Just do what you can…”

『That much is no problem. I shall make it at once.』

It would actually be more effective to directly spray healing mist, but if I heal him too thoroughly, it would be suspicious, and above all, if I use magic or anything, it would cause a big commotion. So I thought I’d pretend it was healing water I already had and use it.

Shizuku-chan came out from the earring, showing her form, and spun around once on the spot. Her light blue tail brushed past my cheek and landed, and the small vial in my hand was filled with healing water.

“Y-You’re trying too hard, Shizuku-chan! Are you okay? Does it hurt?”

『I am fine… but I cannot move for a while…』

She must have pushed herself a bit for my sake. I hugged her, my gratitude conveyed through the slightly dull fur. Then, just like that, I transferred my magic power to her.

『Ah, it feels nice, master. So this magic power does not dissipate into the air, I shall return to the magic stone.』

“Yeah, thank you so much. Get some good rest.”

After saying that, Shizuku-chan returned to the magic stone in the earring. It’s been a while since I hugged her, but it healed me too. Haa, it’s lonely not being able to have physical contact with the spirits even though they’re by my side…

Oh no, I can’t do this now. I have to bring this medicine to that knight! With that thought, I checked outside the window once more and quietly left the room.

And now that I’ve finally taken a step outside the inn,

“Don’t mind me! Just go about your business as usual!”

The knight had just called out to the people around him, so I missed my chance to approach…!

At the knight’s words, the people who had stopped to watch started to slowly move away from the scene. Now it’s become a normal alley, with people passing by, paying a little attention to this way. And his daunting appearance is even more intense up close, so I think a lot of people are pretending not to see. This is exactly what it means to not get involved…!

But! Don’t underestimate Meg, a member of Ortus! After all, I’ve even felt the murderous intent of a real demon before!

Juma-kun is really hot-blooded, so he’s always letting out killing intent. It’s super annoying, but I’m grateful for it now. For me, who’s gotten used to that, the knight’s appearance is only as intense as a super grumpy Reki. …A super grumpy Reki is scary too, though. The point is, I don’t mind approaching him. Alright, here goes!

“U-Um…”

“Hm…?”

The fact that I still stumbled over my words shows how disappointing I am. No, but the knight noticed me, so let’s take that as a good thing, yeah.

“Um, this is…”

“Hmm? What is this…?”

I’m having trouble getting the words out, even though I charged in. Do your best, former office worker. Squeeze out the words! For now, I held out the small vial to the knight.

“You’re hurt… um, this will heal you, so pwease use it!”

“Eh…? Don’t tell me it’s holy water!? No, that can’t be…”

When I explained, the knight’s eyes widened in surprise for a moment. But he denied it right away. That makes sense. In this land, medicine that can heal wounds immediately seems to be quite expensive. Even on the Demon Continent, only specialized people and a few others have healing powers.

…Huh!? Could it be that this is something that would be clearly strange for a human girl to have!?

“I’m really grateful for your kindness. Thank you very much, young lady.”

While I was having an internal crisis, the knight unexpectedly accepted it with a smile. He’s surprisingly kind to children… No, that’s not it! If he notices the efficacy, he’ll be suspicious of-

“Eh, what… Th-This is!?”

Before I could stop him, the knight had downed the contents of the vial in one gulp. Ehhh!? I mean, at least be a little suspicious!? No, you were suspicious, but that’s not the point. What if it was poisoned!? I wouldn’t do that, but! Even if it’s a child, there’s a chance they could have been asked by a bad adult to deliver poison! …Is my thinking twisted…?

“Y-You, could this possibly be real holy water!? I thought it was just a painkiller… The bleeding has stopped, the pain too… and the wound, it’s slightly closed, isn’t it!?”

Ahhh, it’s too late now! And even though it’s just a little bit, the effects are amazing! As expected of Shizuku-chan! No, this isn’t the time for that. Alright, if it’s come to this, I’ll just have to bite the bullet! I opened my mouth.

“I got it from my papas. They said to use it if I got hurt. So I don’t weally know…”

The “I’m a child so I don’t know” strategy, again! Fufufu, I’m just a clueless little girl… The mental toll this is taking on me must just be my imagination…!

“Ah, r-right. Well, that makes sense… I’m sorry. I got carried away.”

Crisis averted! Well done, me! Alright, then I’ll just- …I thought, about to leave.

“Ah, wait. Even so, this must be quite a valuable item, right?”

He gently took my hand and stopped me. Ah, well, of course! What should I do?

“I’d like to thank you properly. Are your parents around?”

Hyeh! Of course, I’d ask that too if I were him! No no, don’t panic. Now’s the time to make use of the setting we decided on beforehand. Awaken, the actress within me!

And so, getting into the mindset of a little girl, I laboriously explained to the knight the setting of being a well-off young lady on her way to her father who’s away on business in the countryside. Ah, my mental state…