As everyone’s attention was focused outside with the appearance of Butoffju, Sharti silently continued her tasks.

“Patients can all be taken home now.”

The temporary tents set up for isolating patients had served their purpose, as Matap had started providing support, and there were expected to be no critically ill patients due to mana poisoning.

“I should start leaving once things are somewhat organized.”

Being in Matapju’s village makes it difficult whether to stay or leave, especially when the attention within the empire is drawn. So, before that, Sharti had to leave the village.

“It should be fine to prepare only basic medicines.”

Due to the escape of the doctor who was a Bridend Marquis spy and took away all the medicines, the village had not a single basic medicine left. Thanks to that, Sharti had to diligently gather materials.

“If I write down the necessary medicinal herbs and show it to Grandma, she will provide them.”

Although Sharti was currently the village’s only doctor, leaving the village didn’t worry her much. She believed that if she left, the Kropel Mercenary Group would recruit a doctor.

Since it was the Kropel Mercenary Group’s first base, she felt less concerned.

“I’ll safely return.”

The purpose of this field treatment was to cure the mysterious disease spreading in Ashu’s village. Since the cause of the disease, mana poisoning, and the treatment had been identified and all assistance for treatment resolved, Sharti had practically achieved her goal.

However, she felt a strange regret to just return home like this.

“It’s a bit disappointing to go straight back home.”

Her experiences in front of the village chief and officials, speaking up, and showing her face seemed to have created a certain thickness in her.

Of course, it was still not an easy decision to reveal her face, but the fear of shrinking from the gaze of others had diminished.

“If possible, I’d like to visit other places.”

Thanks to Ren, there was no problem with leg pain even after prolonged travel. Of course, there was still some fatigue, but it was less lonely than when she used to travel for field treatments alone, making it bearable.

“I should ask Ren about it.”

Sharti, massaging her stiff neck, looked around.

By now, Ren, who should have finished the training, was still not in sight.

“Grandma said she would inform me.”

Or perhaps he was continuing with other learning.

Sharti rolled up the paper on which she had written down the list of lacking medicinal herbs after placing the squeezed herbs on the drying rack.

“Hmm, the atmosphere has definitely changed.”

With the support materials from Matap and the influx of manpower, the entire village had become lively.

“Where did Ren go?”

Sharti, cautiously stepping out of the tent, walked through the village.
Having always seen the scenery of a mountain village, Sharti felt unfamiliar walking on a brightly lit street like a capital. It reminded her of the ordinary days five years ago when nothing had happened.

Of course, back then, she was still conscious of people’s stares. Whether it was sympathy or disdain for a street orphan girl, she feared facing it.

“…But it was nice.”

She liked being free. Even without money, she could go anywhere as long as her body was healthy.

Of course, as she became an adult, such feelings gradually faded away.

“Shah?”

“…!”

Sharti, who had stopped her steps at the hazy memories of the past, was startled by Ren’s voice and quickly turned around. Ren, with disheveled hair, was coming from behind the building.

“Ren!”

Momentarily glad, Sharti was surprised and rushed towards Ren, who appeared with his eyes covered.

It was uneasy to see him walking alone with his eyes covered.

“Sorry. I was about to leave soon, but…”

“If you can’t see, where are you going?”

Sharti quickly grabbed Ren’s hand.

Ren, slightly surprised by the firm grip of the small hand holding his, felt a bit ticklish.

“Well, as long as you’re careful about the rocks and stairs, you can manage.”

“Do you need to be careful about that?”

Sharti narrowed her eyes and sighed when she looked at Ren. Ren, seemingly in a good mood with Sharti’s worried nagging, nodded obediently.

The strength in the hand that held his was making Ren’s palm tingle for no reason.

“But how did you recognize me while covering your eyes?”

Could it be that it wasn’t an ordinary blindfold?

Looking at Ren’s blindfold, Sharti, who had been squinting at it, blinked when she saw the scenery behind him.

“…Huh.”

Feeling Ren’s gaze direction different from hers, Sharti, who had belatedly tilted her body to block his view, realized that even with his physique, it wasn’t enough to hide the scene.

Behind the building was literally in ruins.

“Could there have been another attack, other than the night visitors who came since midnight?”

The ground was full of burned traces and rough holes from strong impacts, not just from the night visitors but possibly from other guests in the village.

“It’s nothing.”

“Is it related to Ren, by any chance?”