The Healer in a Japanese-Style Game World: Mastering Healing to Save My Favorite Character in a Brutal World, Only to Find Everyone Around Me Becoming Obsessed - Chapter 13: The Black Wolf Settles In

Chapter 13: The Black Wolf Settles In

I woke up at the hour of the rabbit… what we used to call six in the morning.

Stretching, I thought about going through my usual routine, but my thoughts came to a halt. 

There was something in the futon with me. It was gripping my arm tightly and breathing softly in its sleep.

“…Wake up, Makami.”

“Ugh… it’s too early, Master.”

“Kagura will be mad again.”

“I don’t want that… I’m getting up.”

“Good job… Good morning, Makami.”

It’s been about a month since she came to the store.

Having her sneak into my futon has become something I’m used to, happening roughly every four days.

“Good morning… Master, can you brush my hair?”

“Alright. Just don’t move.”

So, as always, I brushed her hair on the days she sneaked in. I was used to it by now, so there were no mistakes. 

As she changed out of her nightwear, I headed to the kitchen to make breakfast since it was my turn. After preparing the meal, I went to another room to meet Kagura.

“Good morning, Kagura. Let’s have a good day today.”

“Good morning, Yomi. Let’s do our best, okay?”

When I entered the room, there was Kagura, half-dressed, fixing her long hair. 

Knowing that she dislikes the heat of summer, I wasn’t surprised, but I still wasn’t used to her attire. I averted my eyes, feeling my heartbeat quicken.

My goddess tilted her head in curiosity. Embarrassed to point it out and knowing she would tease me if I did, I found myself in a difficult position, unable to say anything.

“Breakfast is ready—I’ve made tamagoyaki (fried eggs) today.”

“Great… it’s the sweet kind, right?”

“Yeah, I made the sweet kind for you and Makami.”

“…Thanks. But before that, don’t move.”

She stood up and approached me. My heartbeat quickened again as I waited, and then she hugged me tightly.

“…Kagura-sama, what are you doing?”

“Overwriting… since Makami snuck in again today.”

Why is my goddess so cute?

Seriously, it’s overwhelming. My face must be red, and my heartbeat is definitely racing.

Barely maintaining my composure, I gently separated myself from her. Feeling guilty as she seemed reluctant to let go, I made an excuse, saying it’s time, and turned away. Kagura chuckled softly.

“That’s mean, why are you laughing?”

“Because, Yomi is just so Yomi.”

“…I don’t know what that means but let’s go, Makami is waiting.”

“Okay.”

With Kagura now properly dressed, we headed to the dining table where Makami awaited, and our day began.

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Shinano Town in the land of Shinano. It is the second most bustling town in the country, spreading out from the capital, Togakushi. 

In the early morning, the town center is already lined with street vendors and stalls. By midday, around the hour of the horse, the market’s hustle and bustle would rival that of a market from my previous life.

“Hey, if it isn’t Yomi and Makami-chan! It’s rare to see you two here!”

While shopping, a butcher recognized us and called out. He was as friendly and lively as ever. As I thought this, Makami approached him.

“Mister, I’ll take four skewers.”

“Oh, skewers, fresh off the grill!”

“Here, this is the money.”

“Makami, I’ll pay for it.”

“No, it’s a date with Master.”

“…It’s just a shopping trip.”

“Haha, just take it, Yomi. The young lady worked hard for this.”

It’s true, but I still felt a bit guilty. 

Yet, seeing Makami tilt her head as if to say, “Aren’t you going to eat?” I had no choice but to accept. I thanked her and took a bite of the skewers, telling her they were delicious and patting her head.

“Thanks, Mister!”

“Sure! Come by again!”

It’s been a month since Makami came, and she’s adapted well to the land of Shinano. She is loved by everyone now. Her friendly nature endears her to people of all ages, and it seems her loneliness is slowly being healed.

“Uh, Makami, do you remember what our tasks are today?”

“Yes, buy food—and some sweets for Kagura-sama’s tea party?”

“That’s right… Considering shelf life, we should buy the sweets last and get the groceries first.”

“Yes! Date, a date with Master!”

I wonder where Makami learned that word? 

Given her interactions, it’s not surprising, but hearing her say it repeatedly is a bit embarrassing. I might want to have a word with whoever taught her that.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Yeah!”

We continued our shopping and eventually went to buy the sweets.

“Hey, isn’t this ten times the usual price?”

“Sorry, Yomi. Right now, sugar cane is scarce everywhere, so the price of sugar has gone up.”

“Seriously… what should we do?”

“This is the cheapest option available. What do you think?”

The tea party Kagura is attending is with the person who provided us with our residence in Togakushi. This person hosts the tea parties regularly to speak with Kagura and demands high-quality sweets as a condition for attending.

I know her preferences well, but it’s bad if I can’t find something she likes. While she won’t get upset, it’s important to show our appreciation by bringing proper sweets since we owe her a lot…

“Karinto Manju and Ryuhigetou, and also some pears.”

“…Are these by any chance offerings for Kuzuryu-sama?”

The confectioner, who seems to have figured it out from what we are buying, is someone favored by the person we are meeting today. She also knows about our relationship with her.

“Yes… By the way, it’s rare for sugarcane to be in short supply. Did something happen?”

Youtoukibi is a high-grade sugar cane that can only be harvested during the day, producing exceptionally fine sugar unique to this world. Despite the limited growing areas, it should still be harvested in large quantities due to its high demand.

“They say the village that grows the sugar cane has lost its mornings.”

“What… Is that even possible?”

“It sounds unbelievable, but the fact is, there hasn’t been any harvest. It’s a serious problem for us confectioners.”

“That sounds tough.”

“Yeah, it is. Anyway, please give my regards to Kuzuryu-sama—oh, and this is for young Makami.”

“Konpeito?”

“It’s a small amount, but it’s a thank you for your regular patronage.”

“…Thank you… Sweet, delicious.”

“Glad to hear it, that’s the best compliment.”

I’m glad she is accepted by everyone. With that thought, I carefully packed the items we bought and headed back to our rented house to start preparing for the tea party with our benefactor, Kuzuryu-sama.