episode_0077

That morning, Ras fell into a peaceful sleep, as if dreaming a good dream.

Perhaps I let my guard down too easily after seeing his smile, which seemed to tell me not to worry.

The boy, looking utterly at ease, passed through the main gate of the Academy held proudly in my arms.

While everyone else was being carried weakly on stretchers, he was as proud and beautiful as befitted the true hero of the victory.

It was a day when my mood and heart floated somewhere far away, carried by the strong, sweet scent emanating from Ras.

As a doctor, I should really be a little more calm, careful, and never get too excited…

But if I may offer a small excuse, Rosalie truly couldn’t help but feel thrilled that day, so please don’t scold her too much.

‘No matter who targets you, tries to harm you, or tries to take you away… I will burn and melt them all. No one, not a single person, can lay a finger on you while you’re by my side.’

Just twenty-one.

That’s what Ras, a first-year Academy student, said to me in front of a high-ranking demon that even seasoned soldiers and priests feared and avoided.

His words and sincerity heated my heart even more intensely and vividly than the flames that soon began to flicker and rise from his entire body.

I had already fallen for him, who was kind, delicate, sometimes cute, and yet innocent… but I was captivated once again by his intense, flickering sincerity.

But was it because I got too excited?

Or was it because there was a flaw in the emergency treatment a doctor should perform?

My proud and beautiful boy suddenly deteriorated.

I certainly thought he would wake up completely fine after resting comfortably for half a day.

However, Ras soon began to suffer from an intense high fever.

High fever, then suddenly his entire body would turn as cold as ice, then seem to return to normal temperature, then another high fever… and sometimes he would even vomit dark blood.

Though his condition was better than the last time he was brought in after drinking a strange, mutated potion, it was still incredibly painful to see someone I loved suffering.

I desperately tried to squeeze out what little divine power I had to improve his condition, but my paltry divine power, which had bottomed out right after the battle, was far too insufficient to quickly care for Ras.

Meanwhile, the way he just kept groaning without making a single sound of pain… somehow, it seemed like he was enduring it so as not to worry me, and that made my heart ache even more.

A kind fool.

Ras doesn’t seem to know that in front of the Doctor-nim, you should always groan a little more than you actually hurt, and pretend to be in more pain.

Rosalie’s greatest use is precisely this inconspicuous healing ability, so he could just say he’s in pain without worrying about anything.

“Ras. If it hurts, tell me it hurts. No, I wish you wouldn’t get hurt at all in the first place, but…”

Anyway, as I desperately held onto the suffering Ras and focused on his treatment, time passed, and thankfully, Ras endured the critical moment well.

My insides were a mess from overusing divine power in the process, but I’m fine.

I have much better stamina than I look, so I rarely get sick and recover quickly with rest.

“Phew… Still, I’m glad your complexion looks much more at ease. You really must have passed the dangerous crisis, right?”

When I came to my senses, it was already Wednesday night.

As for the other patients who participated in the battle… I don’t even remember how I took care of them, but I suppose I did it adequately.

For over two days, my nerves were entirely focused on Ras, and I stayed by his side, forgetting to eat and sleep, continuously caring for him.

The menacing heat… and the chilling cold also regained balance, and Ras’s body temperature returned to normal, his complexion gradually clearing up.

May 16th… Wednesday… It feels like something important happened, but I’ve forgotten all about it.

Right now, I just want to hear this boy, lying down, get up quickly and say he’s okay.

Seeing him much better brought a wave of relief, but I couldn’t let my guard down yet, so I moved just for a moment to loosen my stiff body and back slightly.

“….Ras??”

Our eyes met.

Only knowing each other for a few months.

And having developed affection for less than a month, by rough estimation… Anyone might call it an incredibly superficial relationship, but…

I realized with intense conviction that in the face of love and sincerity, time loses its meaning.

Because even though it was brief, seeing my love awaken from a death-like sleep, where he constantly hovered between life and death, I felt a sense of relief as if I had regained the entire world.

What would Ras say now that he’s conscious?

With those pretty and delicate lips…

“Happy birthday, Nuna.”

Ah… Ras is truly a mischievous man, no doubt.

Such a sinful person.

*

“If I had known it was an art that harmed the body so much, I would have definitely stopped you and fought myself. *Whine…*”

“Oh dear… You shouldn’t say that. Please don’t tell sad stories.”

Seeing me fully conscious and completely fine, Rosalie-ssi whimpered sincerely, unlike her usual self.

Rosalie-ssi was very lovely like that, but still, seeing the woman I loved sad made my heart uneasy.

“Phew… Anyway… I’m glad you really seem to be all better. I’m so upset, wondering if you suffered so much because my response was too careless. And I’m sorry… because of me…”

“What? No, that’s not it. If Teacher-nim hadn’t given me a buff through ‘Prayer,’ if you hadn’t continued to care for me with divine power even after the battle ended, it would have been dangerous.”

“No, it’s not that… The demons came targeting me. I don’t know why they targeted me in particular. But it’s true that you got hurt because of my situation.”

Since Rosalie-ssi was apologizing for something unnecessary, I gently stroked her clever, perfectly shaped head, comforting her.

The sensation of her head was, as always, extremely pleasant.

As I stabilized my mind and body, feeling that wonderful sensation, my wandering five senses quickly began to return to their places.

“Teacher-nim’s matters are no longer just Teacher-nim’s. They are my matters too. Because that’s how I think of Teacher-nim…”

“I don’t knowww…”

Well… somehow having become a master of capturing women’s hearts, I successfully redirected the conversation, which could have easily drifted into a “it’s my fault” atmosphere, toward myself.

There’s no time for this kind of talk now..! Rosalie-ssi’s birthday is rushing towards its end…

I debated for about 3 seconds on how to bring this up naturally, but as expected, being direct is my style.

“More importantly, Teacher-nim. We don’t have time to waste being gloomy like this. Today is a very special day.”

“Today…? What day was it…?”

Rosalie-ssi’s demeanor, speaking with a slightly blank expression that wasn’t like her, seemed a bit off from her usual self, which was strange…

A faint smell, like blood, wafted from her.

“…It’s Teacher-nim’s birthday today, isn’t it? And we promised to go on a date today. Oh my goodness… but that’s not important right now… Teacher-nim, did you perhaps vomit blood?”

“Ah… it was my birthday today. Ugh… I was so out of it I forgot. Vomiting blood is fine. It’s something that often happens when I overuse divine power. I’ll be fine if I rest… So don’t make a sad face, okay?”

If I were to suddenly burst out in anger here, it would be a real disaster.

To someone who did their best to worry about me and heal me, it’s better to express gratitude instead of anger, even if I’m upset, and to honestly express my dismay rather than getting angry.

“……..”

I quickly composed my frustrated feelings internally.

I already knew that the divine power of a Celestial God was a power that placed a significant burden on the human body.

Rosalie-ssi is probably one of the few divine power users of the Celestial God Church since its founding, so she might be relatively free from its backlash… but I truly don’t know what negative effects it might have if she continues to overexert herself long-term.

Ultimately, I too have a reason to diligently grit my teeth and become much stronger than I was in my past life.

First, the Demon King Kardmos is targeting Rosalie-ssi, and then there’s ‘The End,’ a disaster incomparable to someone like Kardmos.

To survive against that monstrous entity, which allows for neither dialogue nor compromise, I have to defeat it, and there’s no way Rosalie-ssi won’t accompany me in my fight.

I will have to build up such trusted strength that she won’t need to accompany me.

“First… thank you. But next time, please don’t overexert yourself too much. I may sometimes get my screws loose, but I’m a truly tough and durable human.”

“Okay. I promise. But Ras, you also try not to overexert yourself too much, alright?”

*Smile*. She held out her pinky finger to me, smiling as if truly unbothered.

I linked my finger with her delicate, white one, and we sealed our pinky promise with a firm press, as if sealing it with a kiss.

Perhaps finding it amusing, she carefully let out a laugh.

“Hehe. But… it’s a bit disappointing about the date. How about tomorrow, if we can’t do it today…? Actually, the Academy was turned upside down because of this invasion, so the festival has been postponed to the second semester, and classes aren’t even running properly right now.”

What terrifying words this person says!

Whatever else, a birthday date must never be postponed.

“Any other day, maybe, but not today. Then, shall we do our best in this disappointing situation? Hmm… like a date on a battlefield?”

“What’s that~ Ras is still a child, but he talks like someone who’s been to war many times, doesn’t he? Anyway, since Rosalie is also a battlefield expert, I’ll escort you well! *Ahem*. Uh… first, I’ll just quickly wash my face…!”

Perhaps she had been slightly anxious that he might suggest postponing, as her voice noticeably brightened.

And so, we set out on our date, making the best of the disappointing circumstances.

Going outside was impossible, and there was no real need to.

Instead of going out to tour dating spots, we went up to a high place with a rather good view.

The infirmary’s rooftop.

Being an ordinary rooftop that could be found anywhere, all that was there were a few tables, a few chairs, and a small, charming flower bed.

Though it was once an unpleasant place where I had a petty squabble with Lizley, now it was a paradise more beautiful than the world of succubi I saw in my dreams.

Because the person shining more brightly than the stars and moon in the sky was illuminating my side.

Even though she had only quickly washed, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

“Hehe. Are you really sure you can drink this…??”

“Well, traumas are meant to be overcome. What is there that I can’t overcome when I’m with Teacher-nim?”

I had even prepared some small drinks to enjoy with the moderately cool breeze and warm moonlight as a side dish.

Low-grade recovery potions, glowing in a cute soda color.

In a way, we’re connected by potions, so perhaps this is a more appropriate drink than any alcohol in the current situation?

“Anyway, I like that you’re so spirited! Shall we make a toast?”

“Yes. Well, shouting slogans like ‘Live long and healthy’ or ‘Perfect health’ is a bit much, so let’s just make a wish silently and drink.”

“Okay!”

And so, both of us gulped down the excessively delicious drinks, considering they were potions.

“It’s atmospheric and nice, isn’t it? Hehe. Come to think of it, last time we toured all the famous spots in Delphy City, didn’t we? So… this kind of date also feels meaningful. You see… I quite like Leone.”

A life of mercilessly fighting in the most brutal battlefields, healing the dying, and then praying for the souls of those whose treatments failed.

I don’t know exactly how long Rosalie-ssi has lived such a life, but it must have been a very harsh journey for her.

So, after ending her life on the battlefield and flowing into this place, she must have felt relief and comfort.

Her words continued.

“I liked it from the start. I’ve never attended a school like this, and my childhood memories are faint… It was just a life where if the church told me to do this, I did it, and if they told me to do that, I did that… That’s why I like the human scent here. This place, as untainted as possible and less cruel.”

Leone is also a school, a microcosm of society, but a microcosm is literally just that, so its fundamental nature is different from the cutthroat struggles out there.

Having passed through Leone, then the back alleys that were like a garbage dump, the battlefields and underground arenas dirtier than any sewer, and having waded through seas of corpses multiple times, I could truly empathize with what she was saying.

“But you know, all the time I’ve spent here combined… the past month, getting to know you properly, Ras, has been more valuable and happier. So much so that I don’t even know why I feel this way.”

She gazed at me with soft, captivating, yet simultaneously pure and clear eyes.

It was her thoughtful and generous timing, waiting for my words, yet also seeming ready to speak herself if I became shy and hesitated.

“I love you.”

Therefore, my first confession, spoken from my lips, contained my raw, unadulterated emotions in a concise manner, neither adding nor subtracting anything.

“I love you, Rosalie Berhart. I would have in the past, I do now, and I always will.”

Rosalie-ssi smiled, her beautiful eyes and mouth holding a smile more vivid than starlight.

“Me too. I love you very much, Ras. So, will you be my lover?”

Instead of answering, I pressed my lips against hers.

The kiss was soft, moist, fragrant, and thus enchanting.

A kiss that conveyed a slightly fresh yet sweet feeling to each other, instead of expressing loud sounds or uncontrollable passion.

Instead of overwhelming and ardent embraces, we gently and tenderly shared and caressed each other’s warmth, touch, and scent.

Though clumsy, the immensely serious and true touch and lips were sweeter and more fragrant than any dream.

Sincerity, and sincerity.

Just as our hearts were perfectly interlocked without an inch of error or gap, our lips were also perfectly pressed together.

And so, the truly appropriate and perfect kiss ended, neither too light nor too seriously heavy.

“Teacher-nim…”

“Ras. For now… can you call me by my name instead of Teacher-nim? Call me Rosalie…”

Perhaps flustered by the first kiss, she made a cute request while fumbling slightly.

I immediately changed my address and spoke to her again.

“Rosalie. Watch closely. Because this moment right now is the best gift I can give you.”

“Mm… a gift…? Besides the kiss…?”

Our kind health Teacher-nim was too modest, which was a fault.

A kiss is a kiss, and a gift is a gift.

Instead of answering that cute question, I slowly drew up the power of the Inner World.

The grumpy grumbles of the little rascals, mixed with what seemed like satisfied cheers, could be heard.

[Boo…! We are for battle, not for romance events!]

[Master, awaken. I will not obey such cruel commands.]

The little flame rascals, who probably hadn’t even experienced the ‘ro’ in romance, were protesting with a strike…

[Hmm… it’s romantic and nice, isn’t it? It feels like forced requisition of supplies from meager resources, but… I’ll help with broad generosity.]

And the ice-flower maiden, who liked romantic things, playfully resisted a bit but still cheered on, promising to help.

But in the end, these guys have to work as much as I exploit them.

Moomyeong and Nakchal, who had been grumbling, soon lent their strength, and I unfolded a rather beautiful Inner World on this rooftop.

Not a destructive hell manifested by the Nine Heavens Extinguishing Flame Art, but a beautiful waltz woven with fire and ice.

Like a dream, like a mirage, the multicolored dance unfolding in waves was a fireworks display in this world, solely for Rosalie Berhart.

“It’s beautiful. Truly beautiful, Ras, just like you.”

I smiled brightly, gazing at Rosalie-ssi, who whispered as if in a dream.

The midnight fireworks thus beautifully adorned a part of the Leone Academy for a long time.

After the brilliant yet subtle flames died down, I decided to say what I had kept in my heart.

“Rosalie, I have something to tell you. No… it’s something I absolutely must tell you.”

“Tell me comfortably. I’ll tell you this beforehand, no matter what you say from now on, I will believe all your words. Even if they are lies.”

Her unwavering trust supported me firmly.

Of course, it was obvious that I would never lie to her from now on.

As I had decided beforehand, I decided to reveal my regression to Rosalie Berhart.

To my precious first lover, with whom I would share all my secrets completely and walk together to the ends of the earth.