Ch.347Chapter 347 – Tonight, I Will Come to See You. (3)

After being told to rest until Chris arrives, I followed Sarah’s advice and lay down comfortably with a healing stone near my heart.

‘…This feels strangely pleasant.’

I could feel an unknown energy spreading through my body, stabilizing my unstable condition—perhaps the healing stone’s effects were more noticeable because of my poor physical state.

I thought that if I slept like this, I might wake up feeling truly refreshed the next day.

‘It should be about time now.’

As I mentioned earlier, Chris had said she would use a special healing technique tonight and asked me to keep my schedule clear. Since then, I’d been relaxing in my room except during mealtimes.

Just as I was thinking it was about time and considering closing my eyes for a moment…

*Knock knock knock*

I heard somewhat urgent knocking. Still, I wasn’t startled.

There was someone scheduled to come at this hour, so there was no reason to be surprised.

‘She’s here.’

I lit the lantern provided in the cabin and opened the door.

“Was it dark? Come in care—”

Just as I was about to invite Chris in…

“Chris, you—”

“I-I’m coming in!!”

Chris pushed past me and entered. She quickly closed the door behind her and hastily secured the latch. I was honestly quite surprised, as I’d never seen Chris move so quickly before.

“Chris.”

“J-just a moment, Kay. Just a moment, please.”

Chris was fidgeting nervously. As I worriedly examined her condition, trying to understand why she couldn’t calm down, I properly registered her appearance.

Before I knew it, I found myself asking blankly:

“…Is that kind of nightwear your preference?”

“This isn’t that kind of nightwear. It’s just…”

Chris’s gaze darted around wildly.

“W-well, um, ah, you see…”

Chris said with a reddening face. Her embarrassment was understandable.

Everything was visible through her clothes.

Through the fabric, Chris’s body was completely visible.

‘…Holy hell.’

I didn’t know where to look.

From Chris’s legs all the way to her shoulders, her fair skin was visible through the slightly translucent clothing, except for the parts covered by underwear. If Chris had been wearing only that outfit, it was obvious the clothes wouldn’t have served their purpose at all.

Yet despite this, the design resembled the nun’s habit Chris usually wore.

‘Who made that outfit?’

I began to wonder about the creator’s mindset. Chris had come in carrying what looked like a basket wrapped in cloth, and I could see white fabric that appeared to be a change of clothes. If so, she could avoid the disaster of walking around at dawn in that outfit…

‘Wait a minute.’

From the fact that the change of clothes was in the basket, I realized something I shouldn’t have. If the change of clothes was in the basket, and Chris was wearing see-through clothes…

That meant Chris had come from her room to mine wearing a see-through nun’s habit.

‘Good heavens.’

I couldn’t imagine what Chris was thinking to do something so bold.

“…Chris, you—”

“No, this is all Kara’s fault…!”

Chris cried out tearfully.

“I’m not a lewd girl…! I’ve never thought about seeing your naked body or kissing you or anything like that. Understand?!”

I thought it was far too late for her to protest while wearing such revealing clothes.

+

A little while later, Chris sat on my bed. With a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, she looked somewhat pitiful.

In this state, Chris explained everything from beginning to end.

“…So Kara used the cloth needed for my treatment to…”

“…make this outfit, she said…”

It was surprising enough that clothes could be made with holy power, but what was more frightening was that she had made such an outfit from materials that clearly had a proper use. Judging by the material, it seemed deliberately planned.

“…Is that outfit absolutely necessary?”

“The material of this outfit is the blessed cloth needed for the treatment, so it’s absolutely necessary…”

“Couldn’t you have just carried it in your hands and come in your regular nun’s habit?”

“Kara threw a tantrum, saying I was trying to break my promise to her with a face that looked like she was about to cry…”

Chris’s words made me slightly dizzy. It was clear that when Kara insisted, the soft-hearted Chris had eventually given in completely.

And the result was Chris now sitting before me, clutching a blanket.

‘She’s more reckless than I thought.’

Come to think of it, the Kara I met before also had a tendency to be pushy.

She was relatively well-behaved before because she belonged to the Emiris Order, but once freed from that, she clearly lost all restraint. More than that, I never imagined she would run wild in this direction.

‘I need to do something about Chris first.’

No matter what, I couldn’t leave her in that state.

“I’ll turn around in the corner while you change clothes, okay?”

“…I’m sorry.”

I quietly handed Chris the basket she had brought and turned around. Then I heard Chris getting up from her seat.

Finally, peace seemed to have arrived.

“…Ah…”

“Is something wrong?”

When Chris suddenly hesitated, I spoke while still facing away. Chris responded in a greatly flustered voice.

“W-well…”

“Yes?”

“…The clothes aren’t here.”

“Huh?”

What was she talking about now? I clearly saw white fabric in the basket.

While I was confused by this sudden bolt from the blue, Chris’s voice continued.

“…I definitely checked that I covered the clothes with white fabric, but somehow…”

“Don’t tell me.”

What I had seen was just the fabric Chris had placed over the basket, not her nun’s habit. In other words, there were no clothes for Chris to change into in the basket.

‘Is this Kara’s doing?’

Judging from Chris’s words, the only person who could have done this was definitely that girl.

‘…Let’s put Kara aside for now.’

While I could confront her later, I needed to resolve this situation first. At this rate, Chris would have to continue wearing that revealing outfit until she returned to her room.

‘I guess there’s no choice.’

In this situation, there was only one thing I could do.

“Let’s postpone the treatment.”

“What?”

“With your outfit like that, you won’t be able to concentrate, right? It would be better to do it properly next time…”

“N-no, we can’t!!”

Chris suddenly shouted. Of course, since it was nighttime, her voice wasn’t very loud, but it was still clearly panicked.

“After getting this opportunity, how can we just throw it away…”

‘Opportunity?’

I was slightly taken aback by Chris’s tone. Then Chris, darting her eyes around, hastily explained:

“Look, even in this state, the treatment is still possible, right? As I told you before, the blessed cloth needs to be placed on the patient or the patient needs to lie on the cloth…”

According to our earlier conversation, this was preparation for the resurrection technique. Just as I was wondering why she was bringing this up now, I realized.

“Even though my outfit is like this, it’s made from that blessed cloth. So…”

“So I need to either have that outfit placed on me or lie on it…”

After saying that much, I immediately realized the problem.

‘That would be a disaster.’

Chris currently had no other clothes to wear. In other words, if that outfit were placed on me or if I were to lie on it…

Chris would be left in just her underwear.

“……”

I was trying to make things less embarrassing, but ended up demanding something even more embarrassing. Or is the current situation already embarrassing enough? Would that option actually be less embarrassing?

‘What kind of situation is this?’

Now my head was getting confused too. Either way, the outcome would only lead to Chris being embarrassed.

How terrifying.

‘…Is there a way out of this?’

I immediately racked my brain for a solution. Actually, there was one method that came to mind, but it also ended with Chris being embarrassed. Still, it was probably the better option, but how should I…

“…Kay.”

“Yes?”

“There is one way…”

Chris said hesitantly.

“…If I hug you while wearing this outfit, it would satisfy the conditions.”

“……”

“…Do you dislike that idea?”

If I had to say, I was fine with it. But the problem, of course, was Chris.

“Will you be okay with that?”

This sudden situation was a challenge for Chris. However, Chris seemed to have reached a state of resignation.

“I’m going to be embarrassed no matter which direction we go.”

“……”

“I think it would be less embarrassing if I hugged you from behind.”

“I see.”

If Chris hugged me from behind, at least I wouldn’t be able to see her. We could start the treatment in that position.

“I guess we have no choice.”

I said, looking at Chris.

“Chris, are you ready?”

“…Yes.”

After saying that, I continued to face the corner of the room.

Then I felt Chris’s arms embrace me and her body press against my back.

‘She’s warm.’

That was my thought as I felt Chris’s body heat. Though I couldn’t see her, I imagined Chris’s face must be bright red right now.

As we stood like that, with me receiving Chris’s embrace, Chris quietly said:

“…Let’s go to the bed, Kay.”

“Okay.”

There was no reason to refuse. As I moved my legs, Chris followed, still clinging to me from behind. Soon, we were lying on the bed.

I still had my back turned to Chris, with her body pressed against mine.

“Well, now that we’re lying on the bed.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll start the treatment.”

As soon as Chris finished speaking, holy power began to enter my body.

“…It’s warm.”

There was a definite difference from when I had the healing stone against my chest earlier.

I could feel a sense of peace washing over me as a massive amount of holy power spread throughout my body and circulated rapidly.

“In principle, it’s similar to the healing stones we got from Rubrum.”

Chris spoke quietly.

“But I think the speed and effectiveness will be quite different. Healing stones can’t concentrate power like this.”

As Chris spoke, I felt a warm power gathering around my heart. It felt like a particularly strong force was concentrating there amidst the overall powerful energy spreading throughout my body.

“The resurrection technique allows the caster to observe the patient’s body and concentrate holy power to maximize healing ability.”

In other words, unlike healing stones that slowly recover the entire body, Chris’s holy technique could also provide focused treatment.

“So it really is the highest-grade healing technique.”

“Yes.”

Chris said quietly.

“…And I can see what condition your body is in… it’s worse than I expected… I need to address this part like this…”

Despite hugging me from behind, Chris seemed to be sensing various things. Soon, as she spoke, holy power began to circulate and spread, starting to heal my body.

And each time, I felt my breathing become easier. I could feel my body temperature, which had been fluctuating between hot and cold, stabilizing.

“My whole body feels warm.”

“…I’m repairing damaged organs and increasing healing power.”

“Damaged organs?”

“It’s not severe, but it’s likely due to the dragon armor… this part…”

I knew the dragon armor put a significant burden on me, but I didn’t realize I had internal injuries. Chris continued to circulate holy power while quietly mentioning other areas of my body that weren’t in good condition.

“…It seems like a technique that’s easy for the recipient but difficult for the caster.”

“Only at first, they say. Once I establish the direction, my holy power automatically heals the body while the technique is maintained.”

Chris said that, then quietly added:

“Actually, this is my first time too, so I’ll need to practice a few more times to get the hang of it…”

“I see.”

Still, it felt like she was quite skilled for her first time. I imagined she would only get better with practice.

‘…Does that mean I’ll have to be this close to Chris each time?’

I honestly didn’t mind, but I was worried about how Chris might feel. As I was thinking this, Chris said quietly:

“Come to think of it, I heard that maximizing skin contact increases efficiency.”

“Maximizing?”

“In this position, if you were to take off your top…”

Chris said this and immediately cleared her throat.

“Chris, you’re secretly quite—”

“No no no I’m not a lewd girl I’ve never thought about seeing your naked body or kissing you or anything like that. Did you understand?”

She’s been suppressing it well, so I didn’t notice, but she’s quite something too. I remembered teasing her about being sexually frustrated before.

“Kay?”

“Yes, I understand.”

This level was cute. It’s not like she was plotting to do something terrible to me.

So I decided to let it slide lightly. However, Chris seemed a bit embarrassed and was now continuing to treat my body in silence.

‘It’s a bit awkward when it’s too quiet.’

We needed some topic of conversation. Just as I was thinking that…

“This opportunity…”

“Hmm?”

Chris murmured softly. Then she quietly said to me:

“Kay.”

“Yes?”

“There’s something I want to ask you.”

I couldn’t say “go ahead” because Chris immediately continued:

“What kind of person is your type?”

“Type?”

“I mean… for marriage?”

I was slightly taken aback by Chris’s question. And immediately, Chris spoke up:

“No, I don’t have any strange intentions. I’m just curious!”

“I see.”

I smiled quietly at Chris’s hasty excuse and thought for a moment. Chris was probably asking about my ideal type, so I needed an appropriate explanation.

‘Nothing really comes to mind right away.’

Of course, I had thought about Eve and Sarah, but somehow I felt I shouldn’t mention those two. Having made up my mind, I quietly opened my mouth:

“Honestly, I’m not sure.”

“Why not?”

“I’ve never really thought, ‘This person is my ideal type!'”

Especially here, I hadn’t had the luxury to think about such things.

“…I see.”

“Maybe it’s because I’m surrounded by so many beautiful women that I can’t think that way.”

Including Chris, the other companions were also beautiful. Honestly, it was difficult to pick just one and say, “This is my ideal type!”

Chris seemed slightly dissatisfied with my answer.

“It seems cowardly to hide it.”

“Is that so?”

“Then let me change the question.”

“Go ahead.”

At my response, Chris cleared her throat softly. After a brief pause, she slowly opened her mouth:

“…W-what do you think of me?”

“Of you.”

I considered each aspect of Chris at her question.

“Well, you’re kind.”

“And?”

“You’re pretty.”

“…And?”

She’s quite persistent in her questioning. In that case, I should speak honestly about what I feel.

“You’re energetic and bright. You support everyone and never complain. I think you’re an amazing person in many ways.”

“An amazing person…”

“It’s enjoyable to be with you in various ways. I think you’re a good girl.”

“A good person…”

“And you’re a precious person.”

“Precious?”

I nodded at Chris’s words.

“Am I precious to you?”

“Of course you’re precious. You’re one of a kind.”

All of my companions were precious to me right now. And no one could replace them. Naturally, Chris was also a precious person, and she was one of a kind in this world.

“A precious person…”

Chris said softly.

“Was that rude of me to ask?”

I asked, slightly gauging Chris’s reaction. And Chris smiled lightly and said:

“I don’t dislike it at all. Rather, it’s the best… being called a precious person…”

Chris spoke softly, seeming slightly embarrassed. Then she quietly raised her head and said:

“I think you’re precious too, Kay.”

“Really?”

“Yes. …Because you’re someone I genuinely like.”

I couldn’t help but smile at Chris’s words. I wondered what I should say in response. But I felt no elaborate phrases were necessary, and I found myself speaking:

“I like you too, Chris.”

Chris quietly buried her face against my back.

“…Thank you.”

Chris murmured.

“I was a bit scared… that there might not be a place for me near you.”

“…That’s not possible.”

Chris laughed at my response.

“But with the guild leader and Sarah there, I was a bit scared.”

“…Why?”

“Yes. After all, those two are already by your side, as precious people to you.”

I felt slightly awkward at Chris’s words. Certainly, those two were also precious to me, but it was a bit uncomfortable to have their names come up when I was alone with Chris. Moreover, I had been thinking they might dislike me being with Chris like this, and when Chris brought it up, I started feeling guilty.

“…I think those two would be okay with you being like this.”

As if reading my mind, Chris quietly embraced me and said:

“I know about your relationship with those two. So them being near you, at least by my standards, is natural.”

“I-I see.”

I thought she would really dislike it. Chris hugged me and said:

“…Though I’m not without possessiveness.”

Chris said quietly.

“I think everyone feels that way. We want to monopolize you, but since we know that’s not possible, we choose to be together.”

After saying that, Chris took a slight breath.

“So what I was afraid of was that there might not be a place for me near you, that unlike those two, you might not really see me… that’s what scared me.”

“I see.”

“Even if there was no place for me, I would still stay by your side… but I didn’t want to be remembered as someone who didn’t matter.”

Chris’s body, pressed against my back, moved slightly.

“…Because in this world, you are the most precious person to me.”

Chris said softly.

“I wanted to be remembered preciously by my precious person.”

“…I see.”

I nodded at Chris’s words.

“…So you were happy to learn that you’re precious to me today?”

“Yes.”

Chris’s arms tightened around me.

“I was truly happy, Kay.”

“I see.”

I could feel that Chris’s holy power had filled my body. She must have been channeling her holy power to heal me even while we were talking.

For a while, there was silence between us. But because we had talked to each other, the atmosphere wasn’t awkward.

“…It’s time for the resurrection technique to end.”

Chris said that the technique was difficult enough that extending the time would be hard. This time was about to come to an end.

“Well then.”

“Wait a moment. I can still continue the treatment.”

“Really?”

Chris nodded at my words.

“…It’s a bit less efficient than the resurrection technique, but it’s a very easy and powerful technique that I can cast now.”

“So you’re going to do that?”

Chris was silent for a moment. It felt like various thoughts were passing through her mind.

Then, as if she had made a decision, she nodded firmly.

“Yes.”

After saying that, Chris slowly got up. As she did, she addressed me:

“Kay.”

“Yes?”

“…There’s one thing I haven’t told you.”

Chris looked at me with a serious face.

“Do you know about the chamber technique?”

“Um…”

I knew it involved a man and woman joining bodies, but I didn’t know the specifics. And Chris sighed slightly, as if relieved.

“As I thought, you don’t know much about it.”

“But why bring that up?”

“Actually, that’s the true nature of the resurrection technique Kara mentioned.”

Chris said quietly.

“…Isn’t the resurrection technique what you just used on me?”

“Yes, that’s right. What Kara mentioned isn’t actually the resurrection technique, but a technique whose nickname is ‘resurrection technique.'”

So that’s the chamber technique.

“But why is it called the resurrection technique?”

“Its effects rival the actual resurrection technique, and it’s relatively easy to activate, which is part of why it got that nickname.”

Chris said quietly.

“…There’s also the fact that the caster must be female, and it’s activated by sleeping with a man, which is why it got that nickname.”

Chris said with a reddening face.

“…But why bring this up?”

“Why do you think?”

Chris said, blushing.

“I’m going to do that now.”

“Huh?”

“If you dislike it, please push me away.”

Before I knew it, my body was laid down on the bed. Immediately, Chris climbed on top of me. Just as I was about to get up in surprise…

Chris’s face drew closer.

Her eyes closed as her face collided with mine.

The next moment, something soft pressed against my lips.

For a moment, Chris and I maintained that position with our bodies pressed together. And when Chris’s face moved slightly away from mine, I could see her somewhat flushed face.

“…I’ll take that as permission.”

Chris said softly. Apparently, I had unconsciously given my consent.

And truthfully, I probably wouldn’t have refused anyway.

“Kay.”

“Yes?”

After a moment of silence, Chris quietly said:

“Inadequate as I am.”

Her lips, having firmed her resolve, slowly opened.

“I’ll show you that I’m a woman too.”

The next moment, Chris’s hands began to unbutton my clothes.