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 14: The Great God Kuzuryu

Chapter 14: The Great God Kuzuryu

“Kuzuryū Ōkami” is a benevolent deity residing in a place called Togakushi, which is far from the town of Shinano where we currently live.

This god, who rules over rain and water, governs the Shinano region in the original story.

In the story, the protagonist encounters this character when visiting Shinano. Kuzuryu is kind and considerate of people, but follows his path with absolute self-confidence as a dragon god.

…This god, when living among humans, goes by the name Ryusui and… has the appearance of a perfect loli.

“Humu, welcome, Kagura, Yomi… and a new face?”

We arrived at a place called Togakushi Shrine.

In the main hall, we were greeted by a horned girl with pink hair, dripping wet as if she had just come out of the bath, wearing only a kimono. 

Her warm skin and the red patterns engraved on her body were visible.

“…Yomi, don’t stare.”

“Why not, Kagura? My perfect body attracts everyone, it can’t be helped, right? Besides, Yomi seems to prefer me as well.”

“Enough with the jokes. Let’s get to today’s main topic.”

“At least allow some small talk. A woman without any relaxation is disliked, you know?”

“That’s impossible.”

“…As serious as always, huh Well, now that I’ve had my fun with Kagura, let’s have some tea. So, what have you brought today?”

Since she asked, I handed her the Karinto Manju, Ryuhigetou candy, and fresh pears that I had prepared this time. Ryusui-sama particularly likes sugary sweets, but her absolute favorite is pears. Whenever we meet for tea, I always bring them.

As soon as I handed them over, she immediately grabbed the pears first.

And then, she took a big bite out of one.

“Mm, these are pears from the land of Awa. And they’re top quality!”

Seeing her visibly in a good mood, she guided us to a spot with a view of the lake. This large lake, surrounded by mountains, is called Kagami Pond, and divine energy overflows from it.

In such a place, her servants served tea so expensive it could make you faint.

After the servants left, there was Ryusui and Kagura enjoying the tea, while Makami, not used to the taste, tilted her head in confusion, which was quite endearing.

“By the way—are you Kuroyo?”

“Yes, that’s right—it’s been a while, Kuzuryu-sama.”

While drinking tea, Ryusui-sama looked over at Makami and said this.

As soon as Makami heard her name called, she shivered but met her gaze properly.

“I never thought you were still alive. But why are you with Yomi?”

“Because Master saved me.”

“Yomi, it might be too late now, but as a god of matchmaking, I must warn you. You’re in for some serious trouble with women.”

I couldn’t think of any reason for such a warning.

There hadn’t been any significant troubles with women, and while Kagura and Makami were a bit intense, their circumstances made it understandable.

“…I don’t think that’s the case?”

“Kukuku, is that so? Then that’s fine.”

“More importantly, why did you call us on such short notice today?”

“Ah, right. I have a request for you, Yomi, as the jack-of-all-trades.”

When Kagura asked, Ryusui-sama answered as if she had just remembered.

“It’s rare for Ryusui-sama to ask for help. Why not ask your retainers?”

“My retainers are busy with other matters right now. You’re the only one I can rely on.”

While I’m grateful for Ryusui-sama’s request, knowing the scale of her usual tasks makes me realize it won’t be easy. Given that she provided me with a place to stay, it’s only fair that I accept.

“…Surely there are others who can handle it, given the scale of your matters.”

“What’s that, Kagura… have you forgotten your debt to me?”

“I remember. But Yomi belongs to me.”

“Kuhaha, it’s always amusing to see Kagura get jealous! But don’t worry. Even I wouldn’t try to take Yomi from you—unless, of course, Yomi chooses me instead.”

“―I will never let that happen.”

The tension between them was palpable as they glared at each other, both radiating divine energy. 

Behind Ryusui, a dragon with nine heads appeared, while six magatamas floated behind Kagura. It was a good thing we were far from any towns or shrines, as ordinary people wouldn’t be able to withstand such pressure. In the midst of this, Makami tightly gripped my sleeve, seemingly trying to protect me.

“Kagura, I will never leave you, so don’t worry—and Ryusui-sama, please don’t tease Kagura too much.”

“Well, it’s just too amusing… Forgive me, Kagura, we’re close friends, aren’t we?”

“I still don’t like you.”

“Kuha, but I like you both.”

“…So, let’s not fight. Ryusui-sama, please get to the point.”

“Yes, you’re right… As for the main issue, I want to ask you to investigate Youtoukibi.”

Before detailing the request, Ryusui-sama explained the current situation of Youtoukibi.

As the confectioner had mentioned earlier, it seemed that morning had ceased to arrive near the village growing this crop, leading to poor harvests.

So, the task was to investigate the situation and address the cause if identified.

“Are you sure I’m the right person for this?”

“—It’s precisely because it’s you that I’m asking. This is a crisis for the sweet delicacies of this country, or rather, all of Hinomoto. Will you accept?”

“Yes, I will. The availability of sweets is a serious matter for me too… Besides, Kagura wouldn’t have her snacks.”

“…I’m not that much of a glutton.”

“But you always eat so deliciously, don’t you? I love seeing that.”

“…Yomi, you idiot.”

Not always, but during snack time, Kagura always has a smile on her face. As my favorite and a dear goddess, I want to see her happy, so snacks are essential.

“Well then, thank you, Ryusui-sama. I’ll accept the investigation request.”

“Is that so! Then I’m counting on you. The place is a certain village in Musashi Province, where the Youtoukibi should be cultivated. You can receive the travel expenses and request fee later from my retainers. I’m relying on you, Yomi.”

With that, I accepted the request and decided to stay at Togakushi Shrine for the day. I would start gathering information tomorrow.