Master’s Smile
Chapter 73

C73 – Lucica’s Trouble

Her appearance is no different than that of Lucille dressing up as a girl.

She is Lucille’s younger sister, Lucica. A girl who had been afflicted by Lagell’s Curse.

In order to help her, Lucille and the others begged for our dark guild help to look for the elixir.

“W-What’s wrong? It’s not good for you to be awake, you know? Could it be that we’re being too loud?”

Lucille hurriedly ran up to Lucica.

However, Lucica waved away his concern with a cute smile.

“No, it’s not that. I’m feeling really good right now. I feel like I can go back to being an adventurer again now.”

Lucica smiled and showed a guts pose.

Her thin arms looked unreliable, but it must have been a long time since Lucille had seen her sister this lively.

Tears started to well up in his eyes.

“Lucicaaaa….”

“Geez, onii-chan. It’s not good to cry, you know?”

Lucica patted her weeping brother’s head.

I’m glad to know that my mana could suppress Lagell’s Curse properly.

I think she will be fine for a few more years now.

In truth, I would like to pour more mana into her body to alleviate the symptoms in one go, but then Lucica’s body wouldn’t be able to withstand it.

“Ah….”

Lucica’s eyes caught sight of me.

I smiled at her and she returned it back with another smile, then she came closer to me after she finished giving some words to Lucille.

“Doctor-san, so you’ve come to visit our guild?”

Yes, we’ll be bothering for a bit.

We were just having a little party, so I hope it really wasn’t too loud for you.

“Yes. Everyone had made a very nice room for me.”

Lucica smiled happily.

…I see. I guess this guild really cares about their comrades.

But our guild won’t lose either!

I know I’m persistent, but I’ll say that again!

“Thanks to Doctor-san, I’m feeling really good. Thank you very much.”

Lucica bowed her head.

No, no, no, I can only do simple first aid.

To really break the curse, we need the elixir.

We’re all looking for it now, so you’ll have to be patient a bit.

“…….”

When I said that, Lucica’s expression went a little clouded.

Hmm? Did I say something strange?

“N-No,…it’s just, I don’t know if it’s okay to push everyone around so much… just because of me….”

Lucica began to talk.

“I know that because of me, everyone is having a very hard time, and that I’m making them spend so much money that the guild’s operation is in jeopardy….”

A very sad and pained expression appeared on Lucica’s face.

“Everyone seems to be in a lot of pain and yet, I wondered if there was any point in me being alive. I think it would be better for everyone if I’m gone.”

…My, this guild really cares for their comrades, don’t you think?

Rather than being selfish, they work hard for their comrades.

That may seem normal, but I wonder how many guilds were able to keep this belief in mind.

…Oh right, before I get too impressed, I should tell her how I feel.

To be honest, I’m not a member of your guild, so I don’t really know how much pain all of you are going through because of Lucica’s curse.

But, just as Lucica said, your curse is causing disadvantages for you.

I’m overwhelmed just imagining how much money this small guild has squeezed out just to get information from World Eye-san.

“You…are right….”

“Oi, you…!?”

Hearing my words, Lucica lowered her head.

Seeing his sister in such a state, Lucille tried to draw near me, but I held out my hand to restrain him.

It’s a very good thing that you love your sister, but now is the time for me to say what I think.

So I want you to be quiet and listen to me.

“……!!!”

I checked to see whether Lucille had managed to hold his ground, and started talking again.

As I said before, you may be a burden to them.

ーーーーーBut what’s wrong with being a burden?

“…Eh?”

Lucica blinked her eyes.

Well, that’s just my opinion.

Being part of the same guild is like being part of a family.

So even if a guild member is a burden to them, they will never abandon them.

“That’s….”

Yes, it’s true that there are very few guilds, even normal ones, that are able to do that.

All the more for gray guilds and dark guilds, I think. Except for my own, though.

Then, let me ask you a question, if Lucille had been affected by the curse instead, would Lucica abandon him?

“No, I wouldn’t! I would never abandon my brother! Never!”

Lucica reacted strongly, enough to blow away the depressed atmosphere she had been in.

Yes, I suppose it was already a given.

To begin with, I was just asking what if the Lagell’s Curse was aimed at Lucille.

Hence, I can see that Lucica also loves her brother, to the extent that you would take on such a powerful curse that would lead to death, without regard for yourself.

Then, what about Apollo, Rieg, or Heroro?

“…I won’t abandon them.”

Lucica replied in a small yet clear tone of voice.

So, I guess your comrades would also feel the same way, don’t you think?

“That’s right!!”

“O-Onii-chan…!?”

As if he couldn’t take it anymore, Lucille, who had been restless while keeping his mouth shut, rushed towards Lucica.

Lucica blinked her eyes.

“It was my fault that you got cursed.”

“N-No, it’s not! Because of me being selfish…!!”

“Yeah, that’s why, it’s also my own selfishness to help you! Don’t go off on some weird thoughts all by yourself!”

“!?”

Lucille’s words made Lucica’s body jolted.

Then, tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

The other members of the group gathered around the siblings.

“That’s right. You guys are my comrades, you know? I won’t let you die on me easily….”

“Apollo-san….”

“Just like what Lucille and Apollo had said. You’re our precious friend.”

“Rieg-san….”

Apollo spun his words while his consciousness was clouded due to the intoxication, and as soon as he finished, he was about to collapse.

Supporting his body with a wry smile, Rieg also smiled at Lucica.

Lucica’s eyes gleamed as she was overcome with emotions.

…It really is a good guild, isn’t it?

When I said so, Lucica let a single tear drop and smiled beautifully.

“ーーーーYes!”