Read Novel Full Chapter 35, Gina’s Treatment, The High Priest’s Sermon
Chapter 35, Gina’s Treatment, The High Priest’s Sermon
Translator: Lizz
Edward carried Gina to the bed and, in order to treat her, stripped off her clothes… or rather, tore them apart. He thought to himself that if Gina later demanded he take responsibility, he would accept it without complaint.
Sylvia had just woken up, but upon seeing Gina’s dire state, tears welled up in her eyes, and soon she was crying aloud. Edward wanted to comfort her, but there was no time for that.
Hearing the commotion, the servants rushed in, and Edward quickly gave them instructions.
“Enemies attacked. We managed to fend off most of them, but Gina was seriously injured. …Calogero has collapsed near the side entrance. It’s just a case of running out of magic power, so lend him a shoulder and take him to his room.”
Edward never thought he would one day be grateful for all the tasks he had been forced to do during his time in the knights’ order… He thought to himself, feeling somewhat nostalgic, as he finished tending to Gina’s wounds and took a moment to catch his breath.
A short while after the treatment was completed, a pale-faced servant arrived, dragging the High Priest along. Edward had sent for him.
“I apologize for disturbing you at this late hour. However, we were attacked by enemies, and Gina, our Lady’s maid, has suffered serious injuries. Please, could you use healing magic on her?”
Edward bowed deeply, but the High Priest raised a hand to stop him and asked him to raise his head.
“Of course, I will do everything I can. However… my magic is neither abundant nor particularly strong. Some improvement is possible, but a full recovery is unlikely. …For example, when I have used healing magic on fractures before, it prevented lasting aftereffects, but the speed of recovery was only slightly faster.”
He then glanced at Edward and smiled wryly.
“-I will take care of Miss Gina. In the meantime, perhaps you should change your clothes?”
Edward looked down at himself. …Indeed, his clothes were soaked in blood, a dreadful sight.
After bathing and changing his clothes, Edward stepped out to find Sylvia collapsed over Gina’s bed, exhausted from crying.
The High Priest noticed Edward and gave him a respectful nod.
“The burns caused by magic have responded somewhat to treatment. If healing magic is applied daily, the scars will likely not remain.”
Edward let out a deep sigh of relief.
The High Priest, observing Edward’s reaction with a gentle smile, added.
“Calogero’s magic is more promising than mine, so I will have him perform the healing.”
At that, Edward’s expression immediately darkened.
Watching Edward’s reaction, the High Priest realized that assessing his level of danger would require understanding the reason behind it.
Edward was easy to read.
And he cared deeply for his comrades.
The enemies had undoubtedly been targeting Calogero.
Gina had been dragged into it and gravely injured.
Edward had fought to drive them away until he himself ended up in that stage.
Calogero had suffered from magic depletion but was otherwise unharmed, and Gina’s treatment, even by the standards of the High Priest, who had some medical knowledge, was flawless.
Edward has a deep understanding of how to help others – that, the High Priest realized, was the essence of his kindness.
The High Priest gave Edward a wry smile before speaking in a gentle, instructive tone.
“Mr. Edward, you do not trust Calogero. However, Calogero considers himself a dedicated member of this fortress town, and his reverence for Lady Sylvia is almost frightening in its intensity. I strongly suggest that the two of you have an honest conversation. I do not know the full circumstances, but… I feel that Miss Gina’s injury may be connected to this matter.”
Edward’s expression was once again easy to read; shock and disbelief clearly written on his face.
“Miss Gina’s condition seems stable now, so I will go check on Calogero.”
After the High Priest bowed and left, Edward remained still, staring at Gina and Sylvia.
His eyes were dark and clouded.
When Calogero awoke, he found himself in his own room, with the High Priest seated nearby.
“You’re awake. You suffered from magic depletion… Do you have any other injuries?”
Calogero hurriedly sat up.
“I’m fine. But Gina…”
The High Priest raised a hand to stop him.
“Miss Gina has escaped death. Thanks to Mr. Edward’s impeccable treatment and precise instructions, she was saved.”
At the mention of Edward’s name, Calogero frowned, just like Edward had.
Seeing Calogero like that, the High Priest let out a weary sigh and shook his head in exasperation.
“Honestly, you two… Listen, Calogero. As a priest, you must learn to compromise. You can see sin, but it is not your place to judge it. We are not enforcers of the law, we are guides for those who bear the weight of their sins.”
Calogero stiffened.
It was an undeniable truth. If he wished to pass judgment, he should have pursued a path in the judiciary. To become a priest while seeking to condemn those he deemed sinners was a clear contradiction.
The High Priest continued his sermon.
“You need to talk things out with Mr. Edward. The two of you, with similar expressions, have convinced yourselves that the other is a villain and have grown to despise each other. Mr. Edward is a knight escort, of course he would be wary if a priest suddenly appeared and started acting as a butler. Listen, Calogero. You must take the first step, explain yourself properly, make him understand, and then speak to him about his sins. Perhaps I am being too blunt, but… Could it be that the lack of dialogue and understanding between the two of you led to Miss Gina’s injury?”
Calogero reacted as if struck by divine revelation.
His eyes widened, staring into the distance.
The High Priest regarded Calogero with suspicion but continued,
“…I will leave Miss Gina’s magic healing to you, Calogero. If applied daily, the scars should fade significantly. Also, make sure to express your gratitude when the time comes. And… I understand your reluctance, but you must speak to Mr. Edward about your past, including this incident. Depending on the circumstances, we may have no choice but to ask Lady Sylvia, the castle Lord, to appeal to the neighboring country. If mishandled, this could escalate into a war between nations.”
With that final admonition, the High Priest left Calogero’s room.