Chapter 148 – Rescue Proceeding Smoothly

“Marie. It’s about time.”

I had apparently fallen completely asleep with my face buried in Heart’s chest.

Falling asleep like this during work is definitely pushing it…

My shoulder was shaken, and realizing my situation made my head spin.

“Got it. Thank you.”

My master’s glare stung, but since Gain was out cold too, I called it safe.

Gain was promptly woken by Ted, who then roused Fernet as well.

Everyone threw on their jackets, and I slipped into my coat before slinging my bag of potions over my shoulder crossbody-style.

“Fernet and I will link up with the local Holy Knights and rescue team. Sid, you’re in charge of the shelter overall. Heart and Ted, guard Marie. Relay any updates to Sid!”

Everyone’s faces grew serious at Gain’s orders.

The carriage gradually slowed to a stop, and the door was flung open from outside.

“We’ve been waiting for you! Saintess!”

It was pitch black all around, with White Priests holding torches at the ready to welcome our arrival.

“Please bring the supplies over here.”

The spot the priest indicated was near the kitchen area.

They took the recovery potions and relief supplies I handed out, scattering in every direction.

Impressive.

They’ve gotten so much more efficient.

“Start with these patients here. No fatalities so far.”

“Good. That’s a relief.”

I let out a sigh as I finished unloading everything, then was led deeper into the shelter.

In rooms made with earth magic, a few patients lay under dim lights.

Not a single one was caked in mud.

“These are the only critical cases. The Holy Knights handled first aid, and we cleaned them up with water magic.”

That explained it.

Having been through multiple disaster deployments, both I and the White Priests had grown a lot.

“Looks like this area’s under control.”

“Yes. Why don’t you take a break, Saintess?”

I hadn’t noticed amid the frenzy, but a tantalizing aroma of soup wafted from the kitchen space.

Are the cooks improving too…? Everyone was eating with relaxed, content faces.

It was still a while before dawn, so maybe I should grab something to eat and catch a quick nap.

That thought in mind, I stopped just before the path leading up to the point where Gain and the others were.

“Marie. No.”

Heart placed a hand on my shoulder.

Ted shook his head too.

“I just got a little curious.”

They only ever held me back like this in truly dangerous moments.

When I was doing Saintess work, they never interfered unless it was risky.

I felt their respect and trust more deeply than ever.

But… is Gain okay? I have a bad feeling.

“Little lady. Need a hand here.”

That’s when my master came walking over, escorting a Holy Knight.

“Got any mana left?”

“Yes.”

My master plunged straight into the mountainside off the usual path, without a moment’s hesitation.

We arrived at a slope lit by countless torches—nothing but barren rock.

The landslide had gouged right through the mountain. Terrifying.

Every now and then, small stones would tumble down with a clatter.

“See that?”

I squinted in the direction my master pointed.

“Life signs up ahead. Can you use earth magic to stabilize that loose slope?”

I see.

We couldn’t mount a rescue like this.

“Heart, Ted. I could use your help.”

The two nodded silently and began scanning the area.

I got as close to the slope as I could and started firming it up from the base.

“Marie. There’s someone up and to the right from there. Can you build a wall to shield them and make a path?”

“Yes.”

I erected a wall and carved out a path in the indicated direction.

As I worked the magic in a trance, my master patted my shoulder.

“Thanks. That’s plenty.”

Under their guidance, I’d somehow managed to create a safe route.

“Impressive as always. You saved us.”

My master narrowed his eyes in approval.

The Holy Knights immediately started rescues along the path I’d made.

“Survivors are being carried down to the carriages one by one. Take a breather, little lady.”

I returned to the shelter and lay down on the simple bed in the Saintess’s private room.

Resting while everyone else was working made me feel uneasy somehow.

“I wonder if Gain’s okay…”

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