Chapter 76 – To the Disaster-Struck Town
Chapter 76 – To the Disaster-Struck Town
The dazzling light of dawn streamed in through the carriage window.
I instinctively flung open the window and drew in a breath of the slightly chilly air.
Outside stretched endless fields of grain, gleaming golden in the sunlight.
Not a single building marred the view.
Autumn, huh. I’d never seen a sight like this before.
It’s like something straight out of a foreign film.
“Once we pass through these fields and the next forest, we’ll reach the site right away.”
Heart draped a thin blanket over me from behind.
“Don’t go catching a cold.”
“This place looks so peaceful, but the thought of what’s waiting after the forest is terrifying.”
Imagining the devastation at the site filled me with unease.
I reviewed the reports from the kingdom and the lord that the church had handed me. Both stated that information was in disarray and the site was in chaos. I’d known from the archive room that initial reports were often like this, but holding them in my hands made it feel a little unsettling.
Besides, the only large monster I knew anything about was that giant serpent.
But if something like that went on a rampage in an awakened state inside a town, it would be a total catastrophe.
“Marie. Calm down and listen carefully.”
Gain took my hand, his face deadly serious.
“Don’t flinch at anything you see. If the Saintess looks anxious, it’ll spark a panic.”
He was right—nothing was scarier than hearing a doctor mutter “Oh no.”
“Yes.”
“Tell yourself they’ll absolutely be healed, and focus solely on treatment.”
“Yes.”
“No matter what happens, trust in yourself. Got it?”
“Yes.”
I nodded vigorously.
These were Gain’s orders. I’d follow them to the letter, no matter what.
We’d camp in the forest overnight and arrive by morning.
Until the journey home, I had to play the perfect Saintess.
Several plumes of black smoke came into view, rising into the sky.
As we drew nearer, the full scale of the destruction gradually sharpened into focus.
The outer gate lay in ruins, and black smoke still curled up from the charred remnants of houses that had only just been extinguished.
“From the church. We’ve brought the Saintess.”
I heard Ted’s voice as he gripped the reins.
“The Saintess is here!” “Wooooh!!!”
Suddenly, a deep roar from the crowd echoed like rumbling thunder.
If I let my guard down even for a second, the weight of their expectations would crush me.
“Steel yourself. We’ve got your back.”
Heart gave my back a light pat.
It’s okay.
Here we go—this is the real show.
“We’ll take command of the site from here. Stay sharp.”
Gain and Fernet hopped off the carriage and split off from us.
We pressed on through the heart of the town toward the church.
After dismounting, we linked up with the local priests and handed over the relief supplies.
“Saintess, this way.”
“Ah, yes.”
I glanced back anxiously, and Heart and Ted gave me reassuring smiles.
Don’t lose heart.
“We used up every last Recovery Potion in town. We did everything we could, but…”
“It must have been awful. Everything’s going to be okay now.”
The young White Priestess managed a weary smile, her face etched with exhaustion.
How long had it been since she’d last slept? Even so, it was hard to tell her to take it easy.
“We’ve already set the order for treatments.”
“Thank you. This is the hardest part…”
Unlike the church in the capital, the grounds weren’t expansive, and we soon reached the grand chapel.
Stepping inside, a choking stench of decay and blood assaulted my senses.
The injured groaned in agony amid priests rushing back and forth.
It was far more visceral and gruesome than the field hospital I’d imagined.
Such…
“Saintess, if you please, start over here.”
They led me straight to an area cordoned off by screens, filled with unconscious critically wounded patients.
Don’t panic, me. Stay composed.
Remember your promise to Gain.
Arm torn off, bones jutting from legs, entrails exposed—I had to treat them all without so much as a change in expression.
Some had already passed and begun to decay.
“Ugh.”
I nearly clapped a hand over my mouth but held back.
Hang in there, me.
No time to grieve the ones we couldn’t save.
As many as possible. Quick. Quicker. Hurry!
“Saintess? How’s your mana holding up?”
The White Priestess thoughtfully prepared a mana Recovery Potion for me.
Sudden shifts in mana from potions could drain your stamina in a flash.
I wanted to avoid using it if at all possible.
“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”
I bowed deeply, grateful for the priests’ kindness.
Next up: the area with conscious severe cases.
Layered Recovery Magic… I had to do something about those screams midway through healing.
Sleep Magic would be ideal, but I couldn’t put them under permanently.
Tough balance…
Layering faint Sleep Magic calibrated to each patient’s stamina.
“Hurry up already!” “My kid first!” “Help us!” “Don’t let this child die!”
The desperate cries aimed at the triage priest seared into my ears.
Hurry. Hurry.
I have to treat them faster.
In the corner of my vision, I caught sight of the White and Black Priests distributing the Recovery Potions I’d brought.
Everyone was giving their all, doing whatever they could.
I had to step up too. No room for fear.
Hurry, hurry! I’ve got to move!
“Calm down, Marie.”
His voice jolted me—”Ah!”
Before I knew it, Heart was steadying my body.
The rapid mana drain had made me wobble.
Panicking too hard. A glance down—my hands were trembling.
Heart patted my back gently, reassuring me with a soft “It’s okay.”
Haha… I got too worked up.
“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath.”
I did as told, shutting my eyes and inhaling deeply.
Strangely, the sounds around me sharpened into crystal clarity.
“Went and overdid it, huh. Even though I’d been careful.”
“Ted’s got the rear covered. I’m right here. No need to rush.”
Embarrassing. The Black Priest was pulling his weight too.
Glancing back, Ted flashed a big grin and a thumbs-up.
Phew. Don’t panic. Don’t panic.
Plenty of mana left. I’m totally fine.
Alright! I psyched myself up inwardly.
Straightening my spine, I went around casting Recovery Magic.
“Need a break?”
Heart whispered.
I realized the patients inside the chapel were all healed.
Outside was already pitch black—it was night before I knew it.
I couldn’t rest while people were suffering.
I shook my head slowly and forced the brightest smile I could muster.
“Got it. I’ll prop you up—no worries.”
Heart nodded beside me and supported my unsteady frame.
It’s okay. I trust you.
“Saintess, next are the fracture patients outside…”
“Wait!”
Heart’s low voice cut through as Ted started to bolt.
“Don’t turn around.”
Suddenly, a heavy, oppressive air enveloped me.
Thank you for reading.
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thanks for the chapter