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 15: Journey by Carriage

Chapter 15: Journey by Carriage

It’s been four days since I accepted the request, and here I am, riding a carriage towards a certain village in Musashi Province, trying to enjoy the scenery outside—or rather, having no choice but to enjoy it.

“It’s such a clear day…”

Sure, I accepted the request, but the preparations were way too fast. 

One moment I woke up and had breakfast, and the next thing I knew, I was on this long journey by carriage. Passing through forests and mountains, my body still wasn’t used to the feeling of riding a carriage after such a long time.

I wanted a bit more time to prepare, but considering Ryusui-sama’s obsession with sweets, it was expected. I wanted to gather more information, but the immediate departure was too sudden… and more importantly:

“…My butt hurts, Master.”

“It’s something you have to get used to.”

After we set off on the journey, Makami, who caught up with us, was initially excited by the novelty of riding a carriage and not having to run on her own. But by the fourth day, she was clearly suffering and looking quite pitiful.

“Even so, riding a carriage, huh…”

The last time I rode a carriage was a year ago.

It was the worst long journey of my life, sent to the miasma-filled forest. Even though it led to meeting Kagura and the others, the experience of nearly being killed and almost dying still remains one of my scars.

“Master, are you okay?”

Makami’s voice brought me back from my unpleasant thoughts.

She looked at me with concern and then moved closer to sit on my lap, looking up at me.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t worry, Makami.”

“But… you looked sad.”

“I just remembered something weird, that’s all…”

“Is that so…”

It was a quick excuse to keep her from worrying, but for some reason, her expression darkened even more. I regretted making her sad, especially since this was our first long trip together. I patted her head to reassure her.

“Hey, Makami, how about we do some sightseeing after we finish this job?”

“Sightseeing?”

“Yeah, the driver told me there are some nice fabrics and delicious meat dishes near that village. We can buy some souvenirs for Kagura and try out the local food.”

“Got it—yeah, let’s go sightseeing!”

“Alright, once we get to the village, we’ll start the investigation right away. Let’s do our best!”

“Yeah!”

I cheered her up and made plans for after the job. 

Since we were about to arrive, I started getting ready to disembark and reviewed the information on the paper I was given, going over it in my head.

First, our destination is a place called Gesshoku Village.

Second, there is no dawn near Gesshoku Village.

Third, this has been happening for the past three months.

Fourth, many wild foxes have appeared and are attacking people nearby.

And last, due to the above events, crops aren’t growing well, leading to a shortage of sweets (very important).

The last point was so typical of Ryusui-sama, but it was a crucial issue for the entire Yomi’s Company. As I thought before, when sweets are scarce, it means no snacks. And that means no Kagura’s smile, which is a huge problem. A really huge problem.

“Let’s do our best with the job.”

“Yeah! And then we’ll go on a date, Master!”

―――

――

―

At the Kagami Pond in Togakushi Shrine.

Surrounded by lush nature and dappled sunlight, Kagura was enjoying tea prepared by Ryusui’s attendants. She conversed with them, but with a very worried expression, she prayed for Yomi’s safety.

“Why are you so worried? Have a little faith in your own retainers’ abilities.”

“I know, but there are many gods in Musashi. Plus, I’ve made it so they can’t sense my presence, so I’m worried they might mess with—or rather, steal him away.”

“…Haven’t you already slept with Yomi?”

“Not yet, but I’m waiting for Yomi to want me first.”

“Then talk after you’ve done it, and stop daydreaming.”

“You’re so cruel…”

Seeing Kagura looking down, Ryusui sighed, though she was beginning to get annoyed at how Kagura kept worrying about her retainer.

“By the way, where is this village? You didn’t mention it when you made the request.”

“It’s Gesshoku. That’s the main region for cultivating Youtoukibi, you know?”

“Hey, Ryusui—are you joking?”

When Ryusui mentioned Gesshoku, the pressure that hit her was stronger than when she unleashed divine power the next day. It wasn’t just pressure; it felt like pure murderous intent. Miasma began to seep from her feet, contaminating the sacred area.

“What? I’m being serious. I wanted to test your retainer’s strength.”

“―Did you forget what’s enshrined near there?”

“Calm down. Isn’t it a calamity god like you? No, to be precise, it was the original heavenly disaster that devoured the moon, right? It’s perfect, isn’t it?”

An even more intense murderous intent radiated from Kagura. 

Despite this, Ryusui maintained a calm demeanor, biting into a pear and urging her to relax.

“No, what angers me is that you deceived Yomi. He trusts you—and besides, how could you do such a thing in front of Makami?”

“It was close. Makami can see through lies and devour them, so I hid the information. Quite the strategist, aren’t I? But you seem calmer than I expected. As always, you are Kagura. Even though I sent your attendant into a deadly situation, you remain indifferent and cold.”

“I’m not planning to get angry about that. Yomi won’t die.”

“Are you just putting on a brave face?”

“No, Yomi and I won’t be separated, even in death. But more importantly, Yomi would never die and leave me behind—that’s an absolute.”

Kagura smiled as she said this. 

With unwavering conviction in her voice and amber eyes locked on the dragon god, she thought only of her beloved retainer.

“Kuha, kuhahaha—such blind love, like a young maiden! Are you really Kagura? The cold and ruthless one? This is hilarious! That Kagura, falling in love like a human?”

“Shut up—it’s not my fault that I love him.”

Ryusui laughed heartily, gasping for breath as she continued to laugh. Kagura glared at her, thoroughly annoyed, but Ryusui showed no signs of stopping.

“It’s been centuries since I’ve laughed this hard! My stomach hurts from laughing. Right, right. I’ll give you some more information. I said Yomi was facing trouble with women, but I didn’t mean you two.”

“…Wait, that can’t be true.”

“That beast was originally female, you know?”

“Stop it, or I’ll end you.”

“…Kah, this is really too funny. Any more and I’ll die—oh, this is delightful. This is why the human world—or rather, the whole world—is so entertaining. Other deities would faint if they saw Kagura getting outwitted by me!”

“…Yomi, please come back safely. Wait, where’s Makami?”

Realizing there was no point in continuing, Kagura prayed for her retainer’s safety, but suddenly became more concerned about Makami’s whereabouts.

“Kuroyo left to follow Yomi two days ago.”

“I asked her to stay and watch over things… Yomi is really in danger now.”

“Why? Isn’t Kuroyo loyal to Yomi?”

“That’s why it’s dangerous—mainly for his chastity.”

“No way, even Kuroyo!? Wait, I can’t take it anymore, my stomach hurts. I’m going to die!”

“Having the great Ryusui die from laughter isn’t funny, so please stop.”

With that, Kagura spoke her final words. 

Watching Ryusui laughing uncontrollably on the floor, she thought to herself that she never wanted to end up like that.