### Chapter 13. The Awkward… Chapter? (1)
—
This world has magic.
If you think of it as a world where ‘science,’ which is universal knowledge on our Earth, has been replaced by ‘magic’ as the main force driving human development, it becomes easier to understand.
From simply boiling water and creating ice to weapons of mass destruction used in war, magic is utilized in a wide variety of fields.
People who use magic, which is deeply intertwined with daily life, are called Mages. These individuals are all treated with high respect, comparable to nobility.
Mages conduct research in specialized facilities known as Mage Towers.
In large territories, there is always a Mage Tower. The territories provide financial support to the Mage Towers, and in turn, the Towers research new spells or magical tools that are beneficial to the territories. It’s a mutual coexistence.
Curiously, in this world, there are also Gods.
While it may be expected in a Fantasy world, there exists a separate power granted directly by the Gods called “Divine Power.”
Unlike magic, which the majority can learn, Divine Power is a unique ability passed down only to those chosen by the Gods.
In short, while magic involves manipulating mana to recreate phenomena, Divine Power is more akin to supernatural abilities directly gifted by the Gods.
Divine Powers come in a wide variety.
For example, the God of War might grant the gift of an invincible steel body, or the God of Allure may bestow the power to control others with one’s voice.
Among these, the rarest Divine Power is the Healing Power.
The Goddess Nephthys, known as the Creator God and the Goddess of Love and Healing, bestows the chosen ones with the ability to heal others. These select individuals are referred to as “Holy Maidens.”
It’s difficult for magic to directly affect living creatures.
While magic can levitate boxes or create fireballs, regenerating severed skin or fixing broken bones involves the intricacies of life force and nature, beyond the interference of magic.
Perhaps healing lies within the exclusive domain of the Goddess, limiting the use of magic in this area.
Because of this, this world places more emphasis on medical techniques than healing spells.
But, could medieval-era medical practices handle modern medical devices?
Even the most advanced medical procedures are limited to applying herbs or stitching wounds. That’s about the extent of medical development.
However, Healing Power is different.
This Healing Power, a direct gift from the Gods and commonly referred to as “Healing Arts,” can heal not just cuts or scalds but even infectious diseases and rare illnesses. It’s a cheat-level healing ability.
Still, since using it drains one’s own energy, overuse is impossible. Moreover, because there are so few recipients of this power, those who do manifest it are guided (escorted, to be exact) by the followers of the Goddess Nephthys to live out their days in temples, healing others.
But here’s the problem…
“Eh? Eh?!”
Our Young Lady’s awakening to the Healing Arts is an event that doesn’t exist in the original story!
What’s going on here?!
—
*
It was truly a beautiful day.
A date with her beloved.
The weather—just the right amount of sunlight and warmth.
The streets—not too bustling—were the perfect environment for even the shy Young Lady to want to run around gleefully.
Though there were some unsettling glances directed at the Young Master and a minor misunderstanding with Melhen, the store owner, still, if they could eat lunch at the restaurant he recommended, take a stroll, and then return to the mansion, it would undoubtedly become the best day ever.
“AAAHHH—!”
It was a mistake.
Whether because the floor wasn’t wiped properly or the server was unusually tired that day, this was just an accident waiting to happen.
Right as the incident unfolded, Cecilia saw time slow down, everything around her moving at a crawl.
Was it like a movie “flashback”?
She barely managed to perceive something flying toward her as her mind struggled to grasp the situation.
Before realizing it was hot soup flying her way, someone had blocked her path.
Clang! Crash!
“Aaaaaaaah!”
“Hurry! Call a doctor!”
As sounds of shattered dishes, screams from startled guests, and the urgent shouts of a manager reached her ears, Cecilia’s perceived time returned to normal.
“Guh…”
“Young… Young Master!”
Rab, who had taken the scalding soup for her, grimaced in pain as the steam rose from his clothes.
Though protected somewhat by his clothing, some of the soup had slipped down his neck, immediately reddening his skin.
Despite the obvious burns, he turned his eyes to check on the Young Lady’s well-being.
“I’m fine, Young Lady… I’m alright—ghh.”
“W-What should we do?! Young Master!!”
Tears welled in her eyes.
She was angry at the frightened server trembling behind them.
Her heart burned seeing him in pain.
Even considering her safety in such a situation touched her deeply, but—
Most of all, she hated herself for being unable to do anything to help as he forced himself to endure the pain for her.
‘Haha… In my previous life, people probably would’ve called me a jerk. A guy who makes two women cry in a day…’
Rab’s internal monologue, perhaps trying to distract himself from the pain with absurd thoughts, didn’t carry a trace of guilt. This only made Cecilia feel worse about herself.
“…Huh?”
“W-what…?”
At that moment, a faint voice echoed in her mind.
“…Eh?”
“Stretch your hand!”
“Wha-what?”
Without realizing it, startled by the urgent command, Cecilia extended her hands.
Swoosh—
“Ara…?”
A radiant golden beam of light emitted from her hands, accompanied by a warm sensation.
“Aaahhh!”
Unsure of the strange feeling and the incredible sight before her eyes, Cecilia instinctively tried to pull her hands back.
“Oh, it’s healing?”
The light brushed over the Young Master’s neck, and the red, swollen burn vanished instantly, revealing smooth skin in its place.
‘Could this be… the Healing Divine Power?’
Cecilia, having read countless books as part of her education as the perfect woman, was familiar with the concept of divine power.
It was the gift of the Goddess Nephthys, the Goddess of Creation, Compassion, and Healing, given only to a select few. A legendary power reputed to save anyone, even on the brink of death.
Realizing she had awakened to this power, Cecilia was thrown into confusion.
‘Wha-wha-what should I do?! If I’m awakened as a Holy Maiden, the temple will certainly come for me… and I’ll be forced to part with the Young Master… But if I refuse to use this power for the good of others, what will people think of me…’
Lost in thought about her impending future, Cecilia snapped out of it when someone grabbed her arm.
“Young Lady?”
“I’m fine. Let’s leave here quickly. Drawing more attention could be dangerous.”
The Young Master whispered into her ear.
Even though he must have figured out her awakening of the Healing Arts, his priority was clearly her safety. In that moment, Cecilia could only fully entrust herself to Rab’s strength.
“Goodness, Young Master! Are you alright?!”
Then, from a distance, the owner of the restaurant approached, checking on Rab.
“I’m fine. Luckily, the soup only spilled on my outer jacket; I’ve avoided a serious incident.”
“I’m truly sorry! We almost harmed the Young Master! That person will be fired immediately! Regarding compensation—”
“That’s enough. Deal with that person as you see fit. I want to leave this place as soon as possible. Stop causing a fuss and clear the way. We’ll discuss compensation later.”
“Yes, yes! Of course!”
As the owner stepped aside, Rab firmly grabbed Cecilia’s hand and walked briskly toward the exit of the restaurant.
“We’re separated from the others in the VIP section, and the light wasn’t too bright, so it seems no one noticed. Still, we should leave quickly using an excuse, just in case.”
Glancing around discreetly at the Young Master’s low-voiced suggestion, it seemed the crowd was primarily just surprised the Young Nobility’s son had been involved in an accident, not showing particular interest in Cecilia.
The server might have noticed, but without evidence or witnesses, one commoner’s word would likely be dismissed by the temple.
Thump! Thump!
Despite the tense situation reflected in Rab’s urgency, Cecilia could focus on only one thing.
Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!
The warmth of Rab’s hand holding hers.
“So big… so warm… so strong…”
Compared to her delicate, fragile hand, Rab’s felt completely opposite. So enveloped were Cecilia’s senses by his firm grip that she lost awareness of everything else besides the touch of his hand.
Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!
Embarrassed by the thought that her heartbeat might be transmitted through their touching palms, Cecilia’s affectionate expression went unnoticed by Rab.
—
