The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic

Our journey is over.

The last country we visited, the Kingdom of Thundera, was a rewarding experience for me in many ways.

I handed over the letter, but the king doubted my ability to claim to be a brave man, and imposed a test on me to see if I had what it takes to be a brave man.

It was to defeat a light-wearing demon that inhabited the mountains far from the kingdom of Thundera.

It is a demon that attacks people with light and has caused many casualties.

We knew the danger, but we set out to the mountain to defeat the demon.

"Well, I never thought that the light I was wearing was actually lightning. Moreover, I had no idea that it was a legendary demon.

"He was undeniably a powerful opponent. He was intelligent enough to understand human language, and if it weren't for Suzune-san's quick thinking, we might have been the ones to lose."

Krumia agrees with me as I mutter pensive words.

Having successfully overcome the ordeal, we had received a letter of cooperation from the Kingdom of Thundera, and we were riding back to the Kingdom of Lingle after completing our mission.

"I was ready to die, too, that one..."

A demon that understands human language.

It was fortunate that I had encountered one of these very rare beings, but the one I had encountered was not good enough.

He had a cruelty that looked down on all life, whether it was hostile or not, and wanted to slaughter it.

Was it a thunder beast?

A man-eating tiger that reaps the lives of its prey by moving so fast it could be mistaken for lightning.

Even I, who have the magic to manipulate thunder, had a hard time against this formidable foe.

"But when we first met, he asked me, >I was stunned."

"Ugh ......"

There is no respect anymore for the words that he slammed at me with mockery.

When I first met him, he said, "You must be Suzune-sama!　It is an honor to travel with you!" but now, here we are.

Why is it that all the demons I encounter are so ferocious? Even this time, I had the makings of a tiger, a talker, and an absolutely adorable messenger with my own tone of voice. ...... But now, the cruelty is ruining everything. ......"

"I think Hooverd is fine, don't you?"

"I want my own personal hoo-bird!"

Then you have your horse now, don't you? What is it?　Sangho of Thunder Horse. You have a great sense of naming things. I can't help but laugh.

"You're not even a demon!　And I won't allow you to speak ill of Sangho, even you!"

Even Krumea will not tolerate any disrespect to my traveling horse, Sang-ho!

Krumia smiles cheerfully at my anger as she strokes Sangho's mane.

"I wasn't talking about Sang-ho. I'm talking about you."

"More unforgivable!"

What do you think I am, this knight-at-arms?

I did ask you to be less tense with me, but I didn't expect you to be so rude.

But you are the best of friends among our traveling companions, and I hate it when you can count on me in a pinch.

I can't win an argument with her, so I sigh and hang my head.

"Oh, I bet it would be fun if the messenger could talk..."

A talking messenger is unheard of. Smart demons generally don't show themselves to people, and most of them are so powerful that they don't descend to people in the first place.

"I guess so. It's not such a dreamy story. That tiger definitely didn't have the personality to get along with humans. ......"

I suggested it to the Thunder Beast, but he usually snickered at me.

Speaking of ...... messengers..,

"Usato, are you okay? ......"

Before I knew it, Usato was carrying an owl on his shoulder.

He has now entered the realm where the beastmen live.

"According to the kingdom, you have not been heard from since you left Mearaq.

"We're going to the land of the beastmen. It's out of reach of hoover birds, so even if it's unavoidable, I'm still worried about it.

The land of the beastmen is uncharted territory for humans.

How are Usato and his friends doing now that they went to such a place to save Amako's mother?

Did they save her mother safely? .......

"I was informed that Kazuki-kun completed his mission safely and is on his way home like me. ...... I am just waiting to hear from Usato-kun."

I'm glad you and Kazuki are safe and sound.

There was some disturbing information in the letter about finding a hidden village where elves live, but I tried not to worry too much about it to keep my mental stability.

"But, well, I think Usato-sama can handle it even if she is attacked by the beastmen. His physical ability is inherited from Rose-sama, and I don't think there are many people who can handle it."

"Yes, that's true. In Mearaq, he fought against a hero who turned into a dragon man, so it's not surprising that he has grown during his travels."

No, it is rather unthinkable that he would miss training, as he has become more of a stoic since he joined the Lifeguard Corps in this world.

"But, Suzune-san, isn't it going to be difficult when you meet up with Usato-sama again?"

"Ugg ...... I'm trying to do something about it too, but..."

"I can only give you a warm look when you try to deny it with a red face."

"But, because ......"

When asked a question with an article in hand, I clam up, not knowing how to answer, but still tormented by the will to deny it properly, I end up denying it in a deceptive way.

"Ms. Suzune is even more of a slacker than you might imagine."

"Mugg!"

"He's so easy to get carried away."

"Agggh!"

"He's a hopeless romantic, so I know it can't be helped."

"Gah!"

A triple attack of rage pierced my heart, and I almost collapsed.

"But you should at least apologize to Usato-sama.

"I know, I know. I know. ...... but will they hate me?

"You know that better than anyone else.

Krumia cowered her shoulders in disgust.

Usato, you would be angry, but you wouldn't hate me. But the thought of what would happen if he did makes me very uneasy.

Still..,

"...... I have so much to tell you, I can't wait to see you."

What happened on the trip, what I experienced.

Usato and Kazuki must have had a tough journey.

I know that Kazuki was participating in a tournament like ...... and Usato was fighting against dragon people in Mearrauk, so I know that they must have had a tough time.

That's why I'd like to talk about our respective journeys.

"Well, as far as getting caught up in the commotion, I've been through quite a bit myself. My magic is more powerful now."

Or rather, why do I only encounter ferocious demons?

When I hold my head in my hands, I think, "Maybe it's because we're alike after all..." I could see Usato's face in my mind, smiling and spitting venom at me.

Krumia, who had been listening to my soliloquy, put her index finger on her lips and looked at me as if she had just remembered.

"Huh?　I remember that Usato-sama was wearing a basket hand that I don't recognize, and he had an owl with him, too, right? Isn't Suzune-san, whose appearance has not changed in the slightest, already defeated at that point?"

"......"

"Oh, please stop. I'm against violence. Please don't hit me!

"You're such a jerk!　You're such a jerk!

I was trying so hard to look away!

I tried so hard not to think about it!

He reaches up from his horse and pats Krumia on the back.

"I think you're going for the owl thing too much, don't you!　We already know how cute they are!　And yet, you put it on your shoulder for all to see: ......!　And it's so chunky and round, I'm jealous ......!"

"Oh, is it possible that Suzune-san is crying?

"No, I'm not crying!"

I've made up my mind.

When I see Usato-kun, I'll first apologize sincerely. I will gladly accept any retaliation or abuse.

After that, I will ask him to let me touch his owl.

In order for that to happen, I myself must return safely to the Kingdom of Lingle.

Having suppressed my worries and anxieties about Usato-kun, I set out on my way back to the Lingle Kingdom with a firm determination.