Wolf Pack
With the New Year's festival approaching, we came to deal with a quest to hunt some monsters.
Just when it seemed like we were almost done, a hidden monster charged straight at Mina.
...Ngh?!
Watch out!
It was too late to dodge.
The moment I thought that and threw myself between Mina and the monster—
Captain?!
Are you okay? Stay with me!
Forget me, deal with the monster first...
Oww...
That's what you care about right now?!
We're going to the clinic. Now. Before it gets worse.
It's not that bad...
I was injured, but by [Journey] standards, it was relatively minor.
And yet...
You might feel fine now, but you don't know what'll happen later.
Let's go see a doctor. I'll help you walk.
She was so serious about it that I agreed to go to the clinic.
Hearing the diagnosis should put Mina at ease...
My goodness... It's a miracle you made it here in this condition.
Say what?!
There are no major external injuries, but the test results are very concerning.
You should be hospitalized for now so we can monitor your condition.
Damn it... I knew it.
If only I'd noticed sooner...
Get some proper rest, Captain.
I'll manage things on my own until you're better.
But we promised we'd go to the festival together.
...It can't be helped.
Health comes first right now. I'll tell the others, too.
With that, Mina left the room.
That worried look in her eyes was hard to argue with...
Captain, you really have to do something!
...It hadn't even been that many days since I was hospitalized, but complaints were already coming in.
Whenever we try to bring updates about the [Journey], Ms. Mina chases us right back out.
Even the Senior Maid tried talking to her, but she wouldn't listen...
It's that bad?
I appreciated Mina's concern for my well-being, but at this rate, it might even interfere with our [Journey].
At this point, Captain, only you might be able to convince—
What are you all doing here? When did you come in?
Kyaaah?!
S-sorry! We didn't mean any harm!
How many times do I have to say it? Captain needs to rest.
If his condition gets worse and he drops dead, are you going to take responsibility?
I'm fine now!
Or, rather, I've been fine for a while now!
What? Really?
Y-yes! We heard he'd already recovered...
We definitely weren't sneaking in or anything!
...You're actually feeling better?
Wait here. I'll be right back.
H-hey, where are you going?
Oh, I was going to confirm it with the doctor. Just in case.
I'm telling you, I'm really okay!
No, you're not!
...Mina's voice was so loud it made my ears ring, and I was left speechless for a moment.
Seriously...
What's making you think you're okay?
Even the doctor said you were in critical condition.
Everyone I've seen in hospitals was like that.
They pretend to be cheerful so they won't worry anyone...
But the more they do, the more obvious it is that they're pushing themselves.
No, but...
In that heavy silence, it was hard to deny what Mina was saying...
Had I really been inching toward death without realizing it?
...So don't push yourself, Captain.
Even if I end up alone... I'll definitely finish this [Journey].
So I can hold my head up high in front of you.
Mina...
Kgh...
A-apologies! Is the patient in here?!
What is it? What happened?
Ah, and the guardian is here too! Thank goodness!
Actually... About the previous test results...
They got mixed up with another patient's!
What...?
The emergency patient was taken to another clinic for treatment, but...
I sincerely apologize for having you hospitalized when you were already so busy!
Then... You mean he's fine?
Yes, of course. It was a minor injury, so he would've fully recovered long ago.
You...
You scared me half to death, you quack!
Eeeek!
After barely calming Mina down, we finally left the clinic...
So I made a huge fuss over nothing...
*Sigh...* How am I supposed to face everyone at Candle Square tomorrow...
They'll understand.
...Save the empty comfort. I know I overdid it.
Well, at least I appreciated it.
I never expected you to worry about me that much.
There was something I never told you before.
Back then, I brushed it off by saying training wasn't going well...
But there was a time Hilde got hurt because of me, just like you did.
She stepped in and took a hit for me after I messed up in front of the enemy.
What's more...
I even got someone killed because of it.
...
He was my friend's younger brother. His name was Najin.
I already owe far too much.
To my Commander. And...
To Najin as well.
That's...
I know. I can't keep clinging to the past forever.
If I owe them that much, I have to keep pushing forward.
I thought I'd be okay by now... but it's not that simple.
It's okay.
Honestly, seeing you all flustered like that wasn't so bad.
What's that supposed to mean?
Still, if that's how you feel...
Just don't throw your body around like that again.
For mercenaries like us, our bodies are our greatest asset.
Yes, ma'am.
Good. Then let's see this through to the end.