The Pharmacist’s Plea and a Glimpse of Pride

In the early morning, John and the members of Link’s adventurer group had finished preparing their gear, poised to embark on their monster-clearing expedition.

John, having meticulously reviewed Ed’s plan three times the previous night, had ensured that every intricate detail and cautionary note was firmly etched into his mind.

It had to be said, Ed possessed an unbelievable level of competence.

‘To strategize within a tent and secure victory a thousand miles away.’

While such a description might seem a touch exaggerated for Ed, he was, undeniably, incredibly formidable.

Though Ed couldn’t personally join the fray, he seemed to possess a divine insight, knowing the forest’s terrain, the monsters’ habits, and every optimal ambush point with perfect clarity.

John sighed, then patted Rob’s shoulder, a silent gesture urging him to maintain his efforts for the day.

Rob, a bewildered expression clouding his face, glanced back at John.

“Everyone, please check your potions,” Alice, the team’s pharmacist, chirped with a sweet smile. “Please ensure you are fully prepared before we depart.”

Alice, a beautiful blonde girl with a soft voice, was primarily responsible for the team’s logistics, including the intricate work of potion concoction and alchemical powder production.

Having only come of age last year, she already possessed a considerable amount of work experience.

While Alice typically handled logistics, she would also accompany the team on extended hunts.

Today, Alice distributed the potions to each team member as usual, her steps finally bringing her to a halt before White Star.

“White Star, I… I have something I’d like to discuss with you.” The usually lively Alice, surprisingly, seemed somewhat shy in White Star’s presence.

“Mm.” White Star blinked, then tilted her head in confusion, much like a small, bewildered animal.

Alice took a deep breath, glanced furtively left and right, then drew White Star into a secluded corner of the Adventurers’ Guild hall.

“Could you, perhaps, give me the key to Ed’s room?” Alice asked, her voice dropping to a hushed whisper.

“W-what do you want that for?” White Star asked, her gaze fixed on Alice, utterly perplexed.

Alice’s cheeks flushed a delicate crimson, and her gaze darted nervously, unable to settle.

“Well… it’s just that—” Alice’s voice trailed off, “You usually go out with the adventurer group, and Ed is alone in the dorm, with no one to look after him. I thought, well…”

As Alice spoke, her index finger restlessly tapped the back of her other hand.

She greatly admired Ed, finding a unique charm in this young man who armed himself with intellect rather than brawn.

Whenever the team members idly chatted and boasted of their adventurous exploits in the tavern, Alice would invariably slip quietly to Ed’s side, eager to hear him recount tales of star observations, the fall of gods, and the enchanting fairy tales of princes and princesses.

Were it not for his crippled legs, Ed’s intellect would surely have propelled him to the highest echelons of power, allowing him to wield immense influence beside kings.

A pang of sadness pierced Alice’s heart at this thought, her emotions welling up for Ed.

Of course, if Ed were still the spirited, talented swordsman he once was, he would undoubtedly be surrounded by countless admirers, leaving no place for Alice by his side.

What Alice cherished most about Ed was his genuine interest whenever she engaged him in conversation.

This, Alice felt, was infinitely better than the men in the adventurer group, who were often full of tavern gossip and solely concerned with airing their own opinions.

“I-I can’t give you the key,” White Star said, shaking her head firmly.

“Wh-why not?” Alice pressed.

“He… he can only be looked after by me,” White Star stated with unwavering seriousness.

“But you’ll be fighting with the adventurer group in the forest all day, and no one will be looking after him,” Alice pleaded, a hint of anxiety in her voice. “He has difficulty moving on his own, and I’m worried he might encounter some trouble.”

“Mm…” White Star murmured, her gaze drifting thoughtfully elsewhere.

Turning back, she met Alice’s imploring gaze and, with a reluctant sigh, finally nodded. “Alright,” she conceded, “I’ll lend you the key for today.”

“But if Ed doesn’t agree tomorrow, I won’t lend it to you again tomorrow morning,” White Star stated, her serious gaze fixed on Alice.

“Mm-hm, mm-hm...” Alice nodded rapidly, like a fawn, and joyfully accepted the key.

White Star rejoined the main group, a short bow clutched in her hand, and on her back, the sword she always carried, shrouded in thick cloth.

White Star always carried that sword, no matter where her path led.

Yet, its true form remained a mystery, unseen by anyone.

The adventurer group boarded the carriage, then set off, heading deep into the forest.

Alice, meanwhile, skipped cheerfully, her steps light as she approached Ed’s dorm room.

She straightened her clothes, then gently tapped on the door, announcing to the immobile Ed that she was about to enter.

Then, with the key, Alice unlocked the door and pushed it open—

What greeted her eyes was Ed’s sturdy, naked upper body.

Unlike his former sickly self, Ed’s complexion had significantly improved, a testament to Alice’s potent potions and White Star’s diligent care.

He was firmly bracing himself against a pair of racks with both arms, struggling to stand upright.

Upon hearing the door open, Ed’s concentration wavered for a fleeting moment, causing him to lose control of the strength in his arms. He instantly lost his support and fell heavily to the ground.

“Ah…” Alice gasped softly, a small cry escaping her lips.

Initially, a blush of shyness had swept over her at the sight of Ed’s bare torso, but the moment she saw him fall, all her self-consciousness was instantly replaced by a surge of heartfelt concern.

Alice quickly stepped forward, knelt beside Ed, and carefully helped him back up.

“Are you alright?” Alice asked, her touch exceptionally gentle.

“I’m fine,” Ed replied, attempting to force a reassuring smile onto his face.

But the attempt failed.

“Is there anything you need help with? Are you uncomfortable?” Alice asked, her voice laced with concern.

“No, there’s no discomfort. I’m exercising… my leg muscles,” Ed stated stubbornly. He paused, then continued, “I’ve been thinking, my legs, it’s just a muscle problem… if I keep exercising them, they’ll recover one day.”

Alice froze for a moment, her heart a tumultuous mix of conflicting emotions.

It was often the most formidable individuals who found it hardest to accept their new reality after being crippled.

From the wildly imaginative yet flawlessly executed plans Ed meticulously crafted, Alice could almost glimpse the able-bodied Ed, envisioning the formidable, top-tier hunter he must once have been.

Perhaps, in his heart, Ed had never truly accepted the reality of his disability.

He stubbornly believed this was merely a temporary condition, convinced that with enough effort, he could stand again, to run, jump, and execute dazzling sword techniques in the air, just as he once did.

“You should let your body rest,” Alice suggested, her tone laced with caution.

She was acutely aware that a single ill-chosen word could easily wound Ed’s sensitive pride.

“You also think I can’t stand, don’t you?” Ed’s voice was low, tinged with a hint of challenge.

Alice’s heart tightened abruptly in her chest.

Everyone believed he couldn’t stand again—everyone, that is, except for him.

“One day, I will stand again…” Ed murmured softly, “I will pick up my sword once more, and make those guys look at me with new eyes…”

Seeing Ed’s pained expression, Alice could only take out her handkerchief and gently wipe the sweat from his face.

“I’m sorry, Alice, I must be very annoying, aren’t I?” Ed took a deep breath.

He tried to force a smile, attempting to conceal his despondency.

“When I was the chief of a major adventurer group, I developed too many bad habits…” Ed’s voice sounded like a confession. “I was a spendthrift, always thinking that if I ran out of gold, I could simply earn more. I made promises casually, never considering the consequences…”

Ed paused, a self-deprecating smile playing on his lips.

“How old was I back then? Seventeen? Eighteen? Already the chief of an adventurer group…” Ed gave a bitter laugh. “I looked down on everyone back then, especially my companions who were injured in battle. I always thought they were too weak to fall…”

Ed stopped abruptly here, his gaze falling to his own legs.

“I never thought…” Ed murmured softly, “Alas, I didn’t save much money either; it was all spent on impractical things…”

Unsure how to comfort him, Alice could only gently take Ed’s arm and help him back into his wheelchair.

“Weren’t you injured saving White Star?” Alice recalled White Star’s care for Ed. “You shouldn’t blame yourself for something like that…”

“Saying I saved her, that was all a lie I told her,” Ed said.