15. Meeting them again

The next day, I was visiting the bandits’ hideout to ask Florence about the results of the appraisal. Sitting on her throne in the slums, as usual, she had cold eyes.

"Why have you come so early in the morning? Did you miss this mistress?"

"No, that's not the case."

" That Isn't the case!?"

She was stunned. Her subordinates supported her, who was about to collapse due to the shock.

Early in the morning, I found myself sleeping on Fels' lap.

I can't say I ran away because I felt it was awkward.

"I wanted to hear the progress of the people I appraised. What happened after that."

I want to confirm that my appraisal results and advice were really correct.

If I make a mistake, I could lose credibility with Florence.

If there is, I should apologize first.

"There're no problems. On the contrary, our security situation has improved compared to before. They improved about two or three times after Nigris-sama’s guidance."

"Well, that's good. I hope it stays that way."

"This mistress trusts Nigris-sama’s eyes. If there’s a mistake, it will be mine."

I trust you, so don't worry.

I’m very happy she said that.

Suddenly, Florence's men shouted.

"Head! We’ve captured some people rampaging in the slums!"

"Rampage? In a land controlled by this mistress?"

"Yes. Shall we kill them?"

"... I’d like to see their faces. Bring them to me."

Since living in the slums, I've noticed.

All the people who live here live by helping each other.

They’re poor but smile even if they can't eat properly.

Was there anyone who would go wild?

Four men and women, tied together with ropes, were brought to kneel before Florence.

"Shit! Let go!" (Azel)

"Who do you think we are!? We’re the S rank party, Silver wings!" (Mia)

A familiar angry voice and a jarring female voice.

Why are you here?

"Hey ... why is this trash here!"

"... Azel"

He received an arrow on his leg, and his face was a mess as if he was beaten badly.

The days I received mistreatment came flooding back.

"This is just right. Hey, would you untie this rope quickly and make yourself useful? Incompetent bastard!"

"... you’re still the same"

He has a bad mouth. Has he been drinking heavily again?

It doesn't seem that anything has changed since I left.

"Ah? Who do you think you’re talking to, an incompetent is always incompetent────"

"Who said to open that stinking mouth?"

Florence's kick pierced Azel's jaw.

While vomiting blood, he glares at her through clenched teeth as she also glares coldly at him.

" Bwahahaha ......, a good woman. I like strong women, you know?"

A silent kick sticks into that vulgar smile.

She’s really angry. Was she that upset about their rampage?

I don't know but I'd be angry too if my friends got hurt.

"Florence, send me the injured. I'll heal them."

"Can I ask you?"

"Huh? The Incompetent shouldn't be able to use healing magic!" (Azel)

"... That's right."

I Ignore the noise and have the subordinates bring the injured.

It’s a good thing there were no deaths. The dead can’t be healed.

Heal.

"Hey ... what did you do you trash!"

"What, I just healed one of the people you injured?"

"Don't lie! You can't use healing magic!"

"You don't believe me, don't listen, now you're even denying the facts? Azel.”

I don't have to heal the Azel and the others

I was only healing them because I thought they were my friends.

"Hmm ... I see, you guys. You’re the idiots who oppressed this mistress’ beloved Nigris-sama and spread baseless rumours about him."

"Why is this trash connected to the empress? Why ... why?"

"I want to kill you right now, but it's not ideal for me to do so... What will you do? Nigris-sama."

"First let them tell us why they came to the slums"

If they wanted me back as a companion, it's too late and judging from their attitudes, that’s not the case.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"... Don’t talk to me"

"You should answer. With Florence’, her hands move before she speaks."

" Don’t say another word"

He spits.

Oh, it's useless after all.?

You can’t make conversation with Azel. He imposes his will on others, and if they don't accept it, he yells like a kid.

In my heart, I was extremely angry yet nothing came out.

It’s too late for me to take revenge. They've already blown it.

"I don't care about you guys anymore. No matter what happens, I won’t interfere."

I have important companions now.

"Just don't kill them."

Florence left the decision to me.

So I chose as a healer.

Healers don’t kill people. It's a profession that saves lives.

"... Strip off all their clothes and throw them out. Let's respect Nigris-sama’s decision."

The silver wings would be stripped of their weapons and armor by the bandits and thrown into the back alleys of the royal capital.

"Who do you think you are? You, a parasite will let me live? You think you’re so great!? I'll kill you. I'll kill you right now────!”

"Oh, I'm sorry. My leg slipped."

" Azel! Kuu ... we'll remember you guys!" (Mia)

"What does the idiotic woman have to say?" (Florence)

Azel was kicked hard and faints this time.

It must be painful but I have no intention of healing it.

"So, why did you come here?"

"... Azel came because he wanted to go wild."

"...Because of that you hurt the people in the slums?

I was fuming with anger.

It's always the case. They don't care about anything other than themselves. They don't care if others die or get killed.

Do they think they’re nobles or something?

Mia glared at me with a demonic face, and was taken away without saying anything more.

She should have learned the reality, but nothing has changed.

"Is this really fine?"

"It's fine"

If we stay in the slums they won't be able to touch us. Besides, Fels and Alisa have already surpassed the level of Silver Wings. If they dare do anything, they might even die.

Florence flicked her hair and put her hands on her hips. The scent of citrus spreads.

It was good to have Fels’ knee pillow yesterday.

My mind is calm. My stomach is at ease.

I’m relieved.

"... As expected of the man I’ve chosen. You have a big heart."

" Is that so? I wonder why they came."

"It's unlikely that they just wanted to rampage. Was their aim to assassinate this mistress?

To be honest, it’s not impossible that they just came here to run wild.

It was always like that. They'd get carried away and attack, and if it weren't for my healing, They'd be dead a hundred times over.

  Like they say, fools won’t be cured even when they die.

"Even so, I can't believe that an S rank party is only at that level."

"That’s how they are."

"... If you’re saying so, then that S rank party is finished."

Come to think of it, I made a promise to help train Arisa's magic today. Let's get ready.

    It seems that Arisa doesn't know how to be reserved and can only shoot with maximum power.

If I don't make some adjustments, she may cause some serious damage.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter