What Do You Wish For With Murky Eyes: Record of Highserk War - Chapter 42

The first impression would undoubtedly be the worst. Walm had killed Craist soldiers, disguised himself as a Ferrius soldier to receive treatment, then blew up her healing facility, leaving her childhood friends and other soldiers burnt to a crisp. Without revealing his inner conflict, Walm declared to the girl.

“I’m Walm, from today onward I will take on the roles of surveillance and protection.”

“…I’m Ayane Sugimoto.”

Her attitude towards Walm was as cold as ice. Nevertheless, she didn’t refuse. According to Commander Gerald, the “persuasion” was complete, but Walm found it hard to believe. He couldn’t help but suspect if they implanted some deadly insect or magical devices into her head.

“I’m the healing mage, Maia. We met once before.”

The other assistant, a Ferrius woman, introduced herself, but her tone was clearly sarcastic. Walm was well aware that it would be futile to try to gloss over anything at this point.

“Yes, thank you for the other day… Four of us, including me, will be monitoring you at all times. We won’t interfere with your healing, but you’ll follow our lead in emergencies. Got it?”

“Understood.”

Walm felt more at ease when he was on the frontline. The healing continued endlessly as long as there was magic power. Her skills as a healing mage were top-notch—she could heal wounds that one would want to look away from, mend severed limbs, and even heal arms on the brink of decay. Walm, who has continuously been killing people, can understand firsthand the horror of having personnel immediately return to the frontlines.

Maia’s knowledge and skills as an assistant were also significant. Simply casting healing magic wouldn’t be enough; broken bones would only bend and reconnect, leaving foreign objects, bones, and muscles inside. Carelessly using healing magic could lead to severe aftereffects.

Through the application of water attribute magic and precise incisions, they swiftly removed these issues in a short amount of time. It was evident how they had supported the offensive of the enemy soldiers attacking the castle.

Walm’s fears of sabotage were unfounded, and the two healing mages continued their work without rest. Even though the soldiers knew they were enemy healing mages, words of gratitude slipped from their lips.

Walm seriously worried that some soldiers might form emotional bonds with the healing mages. Over 100 severely injured soldiers, who might not even see tomorrow, had their wounds healed to the extent of returning to the front lines. With their skills in healing magic alone, they should be considered as Three Heroes.

With the announcement of the two mages’ magic exhaustion, the day’s healing session came to an end. The fatigue was clearly visible.

“Today’s work is done. There’s a meal. Follow me.”

In a room with latticed bars, a spread of bird, potato, and bean soup, salt and herb-pickled herring, vinegar cabbage, bread, and fruit wine awaited. While they were all items that could be stored, among the meals Walm knew, it was excellent for frontline rations. Moreover, considering they were also captives, the treatment was exceptional.

Magic consumption requires physical stamina, and Walm, through knowledge and experience, knew that sleep and meals were crucial for recovery. The two silently proceeded with their meal. Among them, only the fruit wine remained untouched.

“Do minors not drink alcohol?”

Walm’s question was straightforward, but Maia furrowed her brows.

“I am 21 years old. Ayane-dono has also come of age at 16. It’s disheartening to be underestimated because of our youth.”

Ah, Walm tightened his composure, realizing that his bad habit from his previous life had surfaced. In this world, adulthood is reached at 15. Once you turn 15, for better or worse, you are considered an adult.

“So, do you dislike alcohol?”

Both of them answered Walm’s question.

“I have never drunk before.”

If they were serious underage individuals from the previous world, that would be the case.

“I don’t like it.”

Maia seemed to genuinely not like it. Walm took out preserved food and a pot from the magic pouch. Initially, using it felt disorienting, with the sensation blurring at the tips of his wrists, but once accustomed, it showcased convenience beyond the norm.

“Have this instead.”

He flowed magic into a flat pan with cheese, and the melted cheese spread across the pot.

“Don’t hesitate. In return, I’ll take the fruit wine. You can enjoy it by spreading it on bread or something.”

Ayane, who had been hesitant, cautiously spread cheese on bread and tasted it.

“It’s delicious.”

Her face, usually tense, seemed to relax slightly at this moment. Despite being dragged into war under the grand name of the Three Heroes, she was nothing more than a teenage girl.

“If possible, I’ll ask His Excellency if he could do something about the fruit wine. I can’t promise, but if there’s something you need, I can try to prepare it. Despite being “prisoners of war” we will put in that much effort.”

Work was work, and Walm had no intention of slacking or getting too familiar. However, he wanted to avoid constant monitoring in an oppressive atmosphere. Walm, who observed until the two finished their meal, left the surveillance to other soldiers and settled into the adjacent room.

“How about a drink on break? I drink too. Or do you dislike alcohol?”

To Walm’s question, the soldier in charge of surveillance replied with a serious expression.

“Alcohol is the water of life.”

After finishing the night watch, Walm’s day came to an end.