"I’m back," Ella said as she stepped into the training room, carrying food. Nolan collected it and sat on the ground, eating as he went.
When he finished, he leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Finally, I’m full," Nolan said, glancing at Celia and Linda, who were still training—Celia swinging her sword with precision, and Linda practicing her wind magic, the smite.
"I think it’s about time we all went home, to the inn," Nolan added.
"Yes, Master, we’re coming," Celia and Linda replied.
They carefully placed their weapons in their proper spots in the training room before following Nolan out.
As they stepped outside, other adventurers whispered and stared. "Oh, isn’t this guy lucky? He has so many girls. Wait, he has another one?"
"Ah, look at this, another young, beautiful lady with him now," someone added.
Nolan shook his head with a small laugh.
"Hey, who are you calling young? They don’t know. I’m over a thousand years old," Lyra said.
"Keep your voice down. Don’t let anyone hear that. You look like you’re seventeen," Nolan replied.
"Well, whatever," Lyra said casually.
As they walked toward the inn, Mira’s gaze sharpened. "Who’s this beautiful lady? Someone around my age staying with you?"
"Let’s ignore her," Nolan said smoothly.
"Wait, wait, wait. Don’t tell me you’ve gotten another lady," Mira said, feigning annoyance, ignoring Linda and Celia.
"Why are you trying to be dramatic? Stop causing a scene. By the way, you’re actually young, but are you the one who owns this place?" Nolan asked.
"Well, no. It’s my mum who does. But she’s not strong," Mira replied.
"What do you mean she’s not strong? Is something wrong?" Nolan asked.
"Yeah, she actually has a grief sickness," Mira said.
"Can you take me to her? Let me see her," Nolan asked.
Mira shook her head. "No. I’m actually busy with work, and even if I did, it wouldn’t make a difference."
Nolan narrowed his eyes. "You should have taken her to a hospital, at least tried to get her treatment."
"I did," Mira replied softly. "I called healers, several of them. They weren’t able to cure it. They said it was beyond their power. We already spent a lot of money, and the only way is to find a very high level healer. The highest there is."
Nolan sighed. "Okay, suit yourself. I’m going into my room."
Before he could move, Linda held onto his arm. "Master, please. Do something."
Celia grabbed his other arm, her eyes pleading. "Master, please. Do something."
He glanced at Lyra, who gave a small nod.
"Fine," Nolan said at last. "Take me to your mom. I’ll see what I can do."
Linda turned to Mira. "Master is capable of curing your mother."
Mira blinked, uncertain. "Are you sure? Well, follow me, this way."
She led them upstairs through a narrow staircase. At the end of the hall, she stopped before a door and knocked gently.
"Mom, I’m coming in with some people," Mira said softly.
"Wait, let me tell you something before we go in," Mira said quietly. "In the hospital, the healers couldn’t even identify what was wrong with her."
"Well, let me see for myself," Nolan replied.
They stepped inside. Lyra entered first, followed by Nolan, Linda, and Celia.
On the bed lay Aria. Her breathing was shallow and fast, her face flushed red. Sweat clung to her skin, and the heat radiating from her body was almost unbearable.
Nolan walked closer and placed his hand gently on her. Nothing happened at first.
"I told you nothing was going to happen," Mira muttered, shaking her head. But then her eyes widened. "Wait... I didn’t know you could even use healing magic."
A soft green light spread from Nolan’s hand, wrapping around Aria’s body. Mira gasped as faint shimmering particles drifted through the air.
Lyra’s gaze sharpened. "This isn’t an illness. It’s a curse."
"A curse?" Nolan asked, looking at her.
Mira’s voice trembled. "She was cursed? What do you mean?"
"Yes," Lyra said firmly. "I can feel it."
Nolan’s expression hardened. "You’re right. It isn’t natural. Someone placed this on her deliberately."
Mira’s eyes widened with fear. "So is there no way to save her?"
"I’ll see what I can do," Nolan said. He raised his hand again. "Holy Heal."
This time, the green light intensified, glowing brighter until particles seeped into Aria’s body. Suddenly, a black mark appeared on her neck, shaped like a scorpion. It pulsed once, then dissolved into nothingness.
Mira recoiled. "What was that?"
"The symbol of the curse," Nolan explained. "It was binding her. But it’s gone now. She’s going to be fine."
Mira’s eyes welled with relief.
On the bed, Aria stirred. Slowly, she sat up, pressing a hand to her temple. "I... I have such a terrible headache. What’s going on?" she asked weakly.
"Mom!" Mira rushed forward, tears falling as she hugged her.
"My daughter... how?" Aria whispered, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. "I love you so dearly. Now I don’t feel a single pain in my body. The headache is gone. It was as if... I could barely breathe since... and someone was... there was a weight on my shoulder. That’s how I felt all this time. But now... it’s gone. How?"
"It’s a miracle, Mom," Mira said softly, smiling through her tears. "Thanks to him. Nolan healed you."
Aria turned to Nolan, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Oh... thank you. I couldn’t thank you enough. How much was the payment? I’m sure we’re already short on money."
"It’s fine," Nolan said gently, shaking his head. "I don’t need your money. I just wanted you to get better."
For a brief moment, Nolan’s thoughts betrayed him. Wow... her mom is so beautiful. She doesn’t even look her age... more like she’s in her twenties. He quickly shook the thought away, forcing his mind back to the moment.
"I can’t thank you enough for not taking any payment," Aria said sincerely. "I really, truly appreciate it."
"It’s fine, really. No need to thank us so much," Linda said kindly.