Purifying Hot Spring
Even if I'm feeling down, I still have to go see the dragon.
I can't just say "go without me"...
I'm the one in charge of creating the purifying hot spring...
When I'm feeling down, people around me might say something, and pretending everything's fine is exhausting.
I talked to the World Tree about the dragon and got extra leaves.
It seems like holy water is effective in restoring the withered lands of the Great Forest, so the church was negotiated with to get a larger supply.
The church must already know that Young master Jarrett has brought holy water, and it did have a real effect.
I really should’ve just consulted my parents honestly.
I tried to be considerate because they worry when I get too close to the church, but that ended up making things worse.
It’s really complicated...
We’re heading to the dragon via the World Tree, but thanks to our fluffy companions and their families, we can travel and sleep soundly even deep in the forest.
This time as well, when I woke up in the morning, there was a mountain of slain magical beasts. We gratefully accept them — they’re an important source of income for our family.
Even trolls get easily taken care of by Raul and the others, so honestly, it doesn’t feel like we’re deep in the Great Forest.
Even Meyer and the others accompanying me are saying things like, “Can it really be this easy this deep into the Great Forest...?”
When we arrived at the dragon's place, it looked like it was slowly returning to its original form as a White Dragon.
Visually, it had only gone from a Black Dragon to a Silver Dragon, though.
“You’ve come. I’ve been waiting. Thanks to you, the pain and suffering are starting to ease.”
I guess he's asking me to increase the concentration of the purifying hot spring immediately.
We’d prepared in advance: ten stockpots filled with my healing magic water, six more stockpots Young master Jarrett had made with holy water added each day, and ten more containers of holy water were added to the spring.
Then, two magic water-infused Skeleton Flower magic stones I had charged, and a pot with World Tree leaves soaking in slime fluid from a slime that only drank my healing magic water (though I told the others it was just my healing water) were all added to the spring.
I dipped my hands into the spring and said, “Become a purifying hot spring!”
A good amount of mana was drained from me, but I didn’t collapse.
Brother Chris and the others used wind magic to splash the spring water over the dragon’s entire body.
“Ooh, the pain and suffering have vanished all at once,” the dragon said joyfully.
It looked like it really was returning to a White Dragon.
“Holy water, healing magic water, World Tree leaves and fruits, and the power of Reinhardt’s blessing — it all worked together to purify.”
“If even one had been missing, breaking the White Dragon’s curse would’ve been difficult.”
“Meeting a dragon, something most will never do in their lifetime, is truly incredible.”
After dinner, I talked with Young master Rainhall and the others.
“But the familiars of House Westland sure are strong.”
“Rainhall, the strong ones are Ripka and Bianca’s families, and the adult Ciel.”
“Plus, the beastkin. Just seven of them easily defeated three trolls.”
“Maxwell, about them...”
“I know. I won’t speak of them elsewhere. I’m only talking here because it’s safe.”
“Thank you. They just want to live peaceful lives.”
“That’s probably why they cooperate with the Westland — to make that wish come true. Normally, we wouldn’t even have made it here unscathed.”
“Maxwell, you’re right. I had braced myself for injuries and even broken bones, but now I consider it a precious experience.
Also, about that mana accumulation the dragon mentioned — I hope it doesn’t start affecting the Great Forest,” Young master Jarrett said.
“Yeah, I was worried about that too. If the dragon says it can’t purify it, that could be a serious problem.”
“From that look, Chrisford, it seems like you know something.”
“... Sorry, I can’t talk about it.”
“Chrisford, you sure have it tough. You have to protect the Great Forest, the familiars, the beastkin, and Reinhardt, too.”
“... Rainhall.”
“The royal family and the central government have been watching without interfering because Westland hasn’t hoarded profits and has shared them. But if Westland gains too much power, the other border Young masters and nobles will step in to maintain the balance. I’m sure you understand that.”
“Are you telling me to accept *that* proposal?”
“No, I’m just saying that protecting Westland isn’t limited to only one option.”
The next day, the dragon had returned to being a full White Dragon.
The effects of holy water and the World Tree’s leaves really are amazing.
“Once again, thank you for saving me. I’d like to offer something in return, but I have no strength left. Please accept the scales that have fallen to the bottom of the spring.”
“Are we really allowed to take them?” Brother Chris asked.
“Yes. Also, I have something to say to the one with the blessing.”
Everyone looked at me.
“Me?”
“Yes. I only have enough power left to become an egg due to this curse. I’d like you to give your mana to the egg and lend your strength to my reincarnation.”
What do you think about this chapter?
