Volume 4 Chapter 41: Punishment
(Walson)
Here, I'll summarize the events from the beginning, after Derisha told me about what is happening. Finally, I have a clearer understanding of the whole situation.
In this attack incident, tracing its origins, it actually begins with the passing of the bishop of the Vantinom-Grella branch, who is also the king of the Sasan Doro Papal Kingdom, Sivido.
The system of the Vantinom-Grella branch is as follows: when the bishop passes away, the branch holds an election to choose the person who has contributed the most to the religion to succeed as the next bishop. Among the prestigious candidates in this election, one of them is Orlan, the one who purchased potions from the [Mart Chamber of Commerce].
... Meaning, after obtaining my potions, he publicly claimed them to be the blessed [Miracle Water] from the Goddess. Besides significantly boosting the faith of his followers, this also led to international tensions.
However, to maintain a lasting influence, a stable supply of the [Malbor Healing Potion - Enhanced] is necessary. Coincidentally, I only provided the [Mart Chamber of Commerce] with twelve bottles, which wouldn't ensure a stable supply. So, that priest used their secretive organization, the [Sacrament Wardens], to destroy the [Mart Chamber of Commerce], obtaining documents about me, thus discovering my existence.
As for what happened later, most of you probably know.
... I never expected that the tense international situation would have such a direct connection to me... and those merchants from the [Mart Chamber of Commerce]... Did they die because of me?
... Maybe it's better not to dwell on that, as it will only increase the sense of guilt.
Three hours after the incident concluded.
Unlike the previous treatment, it's not the same straw bed and cellar confinement. Instead, this time it's an elegant wooden room with a comfortable-looking large bed covered in a white quilt.
Once again, I realize how severe the discrimination against [Villager] is in this world, and the situation of people bullying the weak and fearing the strong is quite ironic.
Zone One, Underground 11th floor, my room.
The background music outside the corridor is the hurried footsteps of soldiers. It's no wonder, as it seems that two commanders were assassinated by the [Sacrament Wardens].
"Sorry," I say.
"Hmph, where did you go wrong?" Barella, sitting on the sofa, crosses her arms and pouts, turning her face to the side.
Right now, in the room, Grace and Melon are standing on the side silently, watching me and Barella apologizing.
... I can't help but wish that Derisha, who is responsible for dealing with the aftermath, is here. Maybe she could make the atmosphere less hostile.
"I had caused you trouble."
"What else?"
"I didn't give you enough trust."
"What else?"
"I Involved you in an unnecessary..."
Before I finish my sentence, I feel Grace's stern gaze.
"The point is, you might get hurt! You fool!" Barella can't stand it anymore and taps my head with his hand.
"Master, if you were hurt, we would be upset." Melon unusually displays an angry expression.
...
...
...
I really need to reflect on this incident.
After the attack in the bathhouse, I didn't tell anyone about it.
The starting point of my reasoning was "not wanting to ruin their travel" and "not wanting to involve them in danger." It seemed considerate, but when I disbranch these thoughts, it's just my own selfishness.
I didn't consider my role as a "companion," nor did I think about their feelings. I foolishly thought I was protecting them, but in a way, this also proved my lack of trust in them.
They would worry about me. If something happened to me, they would be sad. And me? I only cared about "not ruining their travel mood."
Choosing to face things alone wasn't considerate; it was a self-destructive and foolish behavior. Besides hurting others, it also isolated me.
Back then, Barella was brought to tears, Grace looked angry, and Melon was affected, becoming somewhat dispirited. "If I had stayed by master's side, this wouldn't have happened," she reproached herself.
Facing their blame, I have nothing to say.
Was I lonely in my past life because of these reasons?
Until today, when they brought it up, I never noticed this tendency in myself.
"Enough, I'm going to rest. There can't be a next time." Barella snorted and got up, heading toward the door. "Melon, Grace, do you want to take a bath?"
"Alright, Miss Aure," Melon also followed along. Before leaving, she turned back and gave me a glance, "Master, there really can't be a next time."
"... I've already taken a bath. I have something I want to discuss with Walson," Grace said.
"Is that so? Well, goodnight, get some rest early."
"Goodnight, Miss Grace."
In the end, there were only two people left in the room, and the atmosphere seemed to fall into a peculiar silence.
...
...
"... Walson."
"Huh?" Only then did I hear Grace's call, and in the next moment, a flash of white light, petals were flying, and my body felt that split-second of free fall— then, I landed on a soft and bouncy big bed.
Grace's face was very close, so close that my whole face turned red in an instant as I realized what had just happened.
"Why did you suddenly..."
"... Walson!" Grace's tender voice was full of pressure.
"W-what's, what's wrong?"
"... No, next time."
"Okay, there won't be a next time."
"... Swear." Doubt colored Grace's eyes.
"I swear, I won't face things alone like this again, or hurting myself."
"... Good." Maybe she was satisfied with this answer, Grace smiled.
"Well, aren't you going to rest? It's rare to have a room for each person..." I asked.
For these days, everyone squeezed into a small carriage, and even in inns, they all slept together. While it wasn't uncomfortable, it still felt a bit crowded. This time, thanks to Derisha's arrangement, they each had their own spacious room to rest.
"... There's one more thing I want to ask. How does Walson feel about Derisha?" However, Grace shifted the conversation to another question that I had given up thinking about.
"... I don't know what to say."
As if waiting for my response, Grace and I locked eyes for a few seconds.
"... Regardless of the outcome, I'll be by Walson's side, but..." Seeing me not speaking, Grace continued the topic, "Walson, you still need to make a proper decision. Otherwise, Derisha, who came all this way to save you, would be pitiful."
"Huh?" Her words instantly tangled my thoughts.
So, what she means is...
"... Well, then, the 'punishment' comes next." Without giving me time to think, Grace suddenly revealed a brilliant smile, straightened up... and took off her glasses.
Huh? Huh? Huh? What's going on!? When did my hands get tied behind my back...!? Wait, this is a magical rope!? When did this happen!?
I saw Grace's shoulders shake in front of me, and she deftly removed the thin clothing from her body.
"Wait, wait, Grace! Isn't this a bit inappropriate? We're in a wholesome all-age setting..." I was halfway through speaking when the scene in front of me lodged in my throat.
Clear, bright pupils, waist-length jet-black hair cascading down, long lashes trembling enchantingly, flawless and fair skin tinged with a delicate blush, thin lips like dew-kissed rose petals, the graceful and ample bosom, the elegantly curving figure, all displayed before my eyes.
For someone who had been dancing with slime balls for a month like me, this was undoubtedly a wake-up call, reminding me of the kind of response a healthy male should have.
Grace's right hand gently held my face, forcing me to raise my head and meet her gaze.
"... Walson, look into my eyes."
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