Longing and Illness
Since that day, Tyria's attitude grew even colder.
I couldn't ignore the fact that she was a Voidborn either, and we only drifted further apart.
Eventually, she didn't show up at the training grounds even after the scheduled time had passed.
...But no matter how I think about it...
Before anything else, I reached the conclusion that Tyria was still my Journey member I was meant to guide, not a Voidborn.
Wanting to tell her that and to apologize for the harsh things I'd said, I went to her room and knocked on the door.
*Knock knock*
Tyria, are you in there?
...
I knocked, but there was no response from inside.
Maybe she's not in there...
*Thud*
*Click*
Just as I was about to turn away, a loud noise came from inside. The door opened hurriedly, and Tyria finally appeared.
*Cough...*
...She looked to be in pretty serious condition.
What are you doing here?
Her voice sounded weak and strained. Her wings weren't even completely furled.
Tyria didn't look so well...
She missed the training. Did she catch a cold or something?
...Who are you calling sick? Have you ever seen a Voidborn catch a cold?
It's just more comfortable leaving my wings out. As for training...
...I decided resting today would be more efficient in the long run.
She snapped back as if denying it, but her energy clearly wasn't what it usually was.
Her eyes also looked slightly unfocused. Just in case, I reached out and placed a hand on her forehead...
Hey! Wh-what do you think you're—I am an Executor! Get your hand off me!
Unbelievable... Your fussing is more exhausting than anything else.
If you're worried, then how about you mind your own business instead?
Tyria still refused to move, keeping up her sullen attitude, so I grabbed her and pulled her along as she struggled weakly.
Ergh... Fine! Damn it, I'll walk on my own, so let go already!
Hmm... this is strange. I ran several tests, but I couldn't find any major physical abnormalities.
For now... the only conclusion I can offer is that she appears to be run-down.
R-run-down...?
Yes. Since there's also a fever, let's have her stay hospitalized for a few days while we monitor her.
...Most run-down patients recover quickly if they rest well with proper nutrition and care.
I know you're her guardian, but rest assured, she'll be fine.
Wait... who exactly are you calling my guardian? I believe you're under a very unpleasant misunderstanding—
Haha. Anyone becomes high-strung when they're not feeling well.
Please stay close and help support her recovery.
With that, the doctor left the ward.
...He seemed quite experienced when it came to dealing with people.
He's not my guardian...
Anyway, I told you it wasn't anything serious, but you dragged me here and now I ended up hospitalized.
*Sigh...* Thanks for making me twice as tired as I already was.
Despite how annoyed she acted, the doctor's words about needing to eat properly and get enough rest stayed on my mind.
Several days passed like that.
Tyria, try a bite, at least.
I don't have an appetite. Get it out of my face.
Then what about this? I waited in line to get it.
No. I can't even be bothered to chew.
Then what about this?!
...Why are you being so persistent?
Since you don't seem to get it, I'll make it clear. I have no intention of eating anything you bring me.
Training with you already exhausts me enough as it is.
So could you stop bothering me and leave?
After saying that, Tyria pulled the blanket over herself and turned away.
Ugh...
...Even while groaning like that, she continued refusing to eat for days.
Her condition has gotten worse compared to a few days ago.
Despite receiving hospital meals every day, she was close to becoming malnourished...
It seems the root of the patient's condition may be a sickness of the heart.
Uuugh...
Hmm. Especially at times like this, a balanced diet is important.
A sickness of the heart...?
I found myself walking through NOA's streets, wondering what kind of food might suit Tyria's taste and help restore her strength.
Something smells good...
Drawn in by the mouthwatering scent, I followed it and came across a small restaurant.
After reading the sign outside, I found myself opening the door almost without thinking and ordered their signature dish to go.
Monastir Home-Style Cuisine Restaurant
...I could only hope a Monastir meal might help restore some strength to Tyria.
I already told you. I'm not eating.
I don't have an appetite, so stop forcing things on me. It's exhausting.
There's no point. Even if what you brought smelled good—
No. Even if I were dying, I wouldn't eat it.
Faced with her stubborn refusal, I had no choice but to open the container and hold it out in front of her.
Here, look!
I told you to take that boring food awa—
Huh? This is...
...Morvel Soup...?
The moment she saw the soup inside the container, her eyes lit up.
...Where did you find this...?
I-I have hands. What do you take me for?
Even as she said that, I quietly placed the spoon I'd prepared into her hand.
...I said I didn't need one...
...
...
Careful not to provoke her, I simply watched in silence.
After hesitating for a while, she finally lifted the silverware and cautiously took a spoonful.
...!
Fortunately, it seemed to suit her taste. Maybe she had missed food from Monastir. Her eyes opened wider than I'd ever seen before as she began shoveling the soup into her mouth.
*Click*
Excuse me. I'm here to check your temperature—
Oh my, you're eating!
How are you feeling? Better?
I think she just had the case of...
...Homesickness.
H-homesick? Don't be ridiculous! You're just making things up! *Nom...!*
Haha. You look much healthier already.
Before long, Tyria recovered enough strength to be discharged later that afternoon looking perfectly fine.
And the next day...
I had a few errands to run that morning and happened to pass by a cafe that served Monastir blends while walking through NOA's streets.
Hmm, hm, hmm ♪
Oh, Master. Is this dessert made with Romarin herbs, by any chance?
Haha, as expected of you, Tyria. You recognized it immediately.
Hehe. Even from a single bite, the aroma is wonderful.
And if you dip it lightly in this Lemaine cream, then take a sip of this Mortblum tea...
Hehe. Your baking skills are just as impressive as your blends.
Haha. Not at all. I still have a long way to go.
I never expected someone with such refined taste to be here in NOA. I'm truly happy to meet a customer who appreciates my work.
Of course. Artisans like yourself naturally attract refined guests, don't they? Hehe.
Through the cafe window, I saw Tyria enjoying her tea in high spirits, looking completely recovered.
While running errands, I kept remembering more things I needed to buy, and by the time I returned to the quarters it was already afternoon...
*Rustle*
Hmm?
...For some reason, a still-warm meal from the Monastir restaurant was left in front of my door.