“But really, just who is Sensei?”
“Hmm, Lily doesn’t really know either. He grew up in the slums, happened to meet an amazing healer, aimed to become a healer himself, was approached by some adventurers, joined their party, and then got kicked out. That’s about it.”
“They kicked out Zenos-dono? That party must be incredibly stupid.”
“I cannot believe it. Are there really such fools in this world?”
“That healing magic of his is beyond all common sense. Just how did he learn it?”
“He seems to have learned it while he was in the slums, but Lily doesn’t know the details either.”
“Zenos-dono also used protective magic. Ringa’s hand axe didn’t even scratch him. What was that about?”
“He said he learned it because he was often used as a decoy in the party.”
“He ‘learned’ it…? Is it really that simple? Could he possibly use other magic too?”
“Lily hasn’t seen it, but he said he’s dabbled in enhancement magic before.”
“Healing, protection, enhancement… There are so many, Ringa’s head is about to explode.”
“His specialty is healing magic, but he said that protection and enhancement magic are basically the same, since they strengthen the body’s functions.”
“I cannot comprehend it, but I understand that it’s something amazing.”
“But Zenos doesn’t have a license and hasn’t received any formal healer training, so he thinks he’s not that great.”
“If there’s anyone who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Sensei, it would probably be the rumored Saintess, at best.”
Translator’s Note
Saintess here refers to Seijo (聖女), literally “Holy Woman,” a figure often portrayed in Japanese fantasy as having exceptional healing powers.
The girls all let out a collective sigh.
“I wonder what will become of Sensei…”
“He himself seems to want to keep a low profile as much as possible.”
“But those around him won’t leave him alone.”
“Kukuku… Enough with the preamble, how about we get to the main topic?”
The Wraith in the back placed her teacup down with a bold smile.
“The main dish of a girls’ gathering is love talk, isn’t it? I wonder, who will get that dense man?”
“Me, of course!”
“It’s decided, it will be Ringa.”
“I won’t lose.”
“L-Lily, too…”
Everyone stood up at once.
The four intersecting gazes eventually turned to Camilla.
“But, what about you, Camilla?”
“Ringa was thinking the same thing.”
“What do you think of Zenos, Wraith?”
“A-Actually, Lily was also a little curious.”
“…Me?”
The Wraith blinked her eyes. After a moment of silence, Camilla burst into laughter.
“Fuh, hahahah! Don’t be ridiculous. There’s no way the Wraith Queen Camilla would have any feelings for a mere human. Besides, unlike you lot, I’m a complete victim of Zenos. He barged into my house, almost got me purified, took over my room, and ruined my peaceful environment. I’ve had enough. In fact, I’m waiting for an opportunity to slit his throat while he sleeps. Hee-hee-hee… What are those smirks for?”
“Well… it seems a bit suspicious, you know?”
“There was a subtle pause before she started talking.”
“And she was talking unusually fast, too.”
“Mumu, Camilla-san is too strong of a rival…”
“Y-You lot, don’t tease the Wraith. I do think he’s somewhat interesting, but I’m 300 years old, you know.”
“Age difference doesn’t matter in love, right?”
“And I’m a monster.”
“Ringa doesn’t care about differences in species.”
“I’m already dead.”
“Feelings of love have nothing to do with life or death.”
“I think that actually does matter, though…?”
“Honestly, being stubborn isn’t cute, Camilla.”
“Wait, who…? Lily, you’ve suddenly changed your character.”
“Lily tried to act like Zenos.”
“You’re not even remotely similar.”
“Euuu…”
At that moment, the entrance door opened with a clatter.
“I’m back, Lily and Camilla. The house call is done… Hey, you guys are here again? You’re getting in the way of my treatments.”
The women exchanged glances and slowly sat back down in their chairs.
“It’s fine, isn’t it? Right?”
“That’s right. The clinic is free anyway.”
“Thanks to Zenos, the conflicts between us demi-humans have decreased, so there are fewer injured.”
“Tsk, I shouldn’t have done something so unnecessary.”
“But Lily is happy when everyone is here.”
“Seriously, what a noisy bunch of women.”
“Why is it that my clinic has an elf, a lizardman, a werewolf, an orc, and a wraith chatting together amicably…?”
In the clinic, filled with the aroma of black tea, the usual lively time passed by.