Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Temple.

Jupiter was still undergoing treatment, so I decided to stop by Godhands ward first.

Upon opening the door to the ward.

"Hey, stay right there!"

"Ahahahaha! Try and catch me!"

"Throw me that, over here!"

The Shadow Squad members were laughing and playing around...

They were throwing a ball, playing tag, and running around gleefully. Wait, isnt this an intensive care unit? It felt more like a childrens playroom.

"Oh, Your Highness."

Seated on the bed, watching the squad members frolic about, Godhand noticed us.

"Youre here."

"Ah, its His Highness!"

"Hes here! His Highness!"

"Right, hes here, you kiddos."

These brats, at first, they feigned discipline. But thats long gone now.

After a quick salute, they went back to their merriment. Do as you please, kids.

Pushing past the kids, I entered the room and sat down on the chair next to the bed.

"How are you feeling, Godhand?"

"Thank you for coming all the way here, Your Highness. But theres no need for concern."

Godhand nonchalantly held up his empty arm.

"The joint is still intact, so once I attach a prosthetic, I can move it as before, using my ability to manipulate metal."

"..."

"I just need to heal from the wound. Ill be back to normal in no time."

Whether he was pretending to be composed or genuinely thought that way, it was heartbreaking either way. But I just nodded without saying anything.

"Youll still need rehabilitation. Take it slow, no need to rush."

"Your words are comfort enough, Your Highness."

"If theres anything you need, let me know. Ill make sure youre well accommodated."

After a bit more of a casual conversation, I left the ward. Theyd rest easier without me there.

"Goodbye, Your Highness!"

"See you!"

The kids waved their hands. I waved back.

As we were leaving the ward, Lucas grumbled, seemingly displeased.

"Those kids are showing less and less respect to you, Sire."

"So what? Let them be."

Im not a real prince, and theyre not real empire citizens.

Its endearing how the immature kids act familiar with me. Its better than them being distant.

With those thoughts, I walked outside, while Lucas was still standing in the ward, looking at me.

"Whats the matter, Lucas?"

"...No, its nothing."

Lucas shook his head slightly.

"I just thought how different you are."

"Huh? In what way?"

"The depth of your understanding, Sire."

Smiling slightly, Lucas strode towards me and took the lead.

"Come this way, Sire. I know where Jupiters ward is."

"Alright. Lets go quickly."

As we headed towards Jupiters ward, a thought struck me.

Wouldnt that Gold-Fever granny scold me for not bringing a get-well gift?

***

Jupiters hospital room.

Just as her treatment ended, I pushed open the door and entered. With a loud bang!

"Are you still alive, Jupiter?!"

"Oh, Your Majesty!"

As soon as I entered the room, Jupiter, who was spooning something into her mouth, blanched at the sight of me.

"Its been so long since I saw you! How many days have passed since I collapsed?"

"Almost ten days. Jupiter. Its good to see youre okay."

I chuckled. Seeing this old lady move with her usual energy, my worries finally dissipated.

Jupiter was leaning against the headrest of the bed, scooping from a bowl of porridge on her bedside table.

She had been unconscious for ten days, receiving only healing magic. The elderly mage looked emaciated.

"How are you feeling?"

"Im completely fine... I wish I could say that."

Jupiter, who had pushed the porridge bowl to the side, held up her hand.

"To be honest, its not great."

Her trembling fingers were visible.

An SR-grade area wizard wasted so trivially...

Of course, if she recovers diligently from now on, there might be ways to use her in the stages ahead.

But for the next defense battle, the biggest challenge in the early stages, Ill have to see her as unavailable for Stage 5. Shell have to be excused from the base camp retake operation too.

"Could we handle these battles without an Area Mage?"

Archers of the Shadow Squad might be able to take on a similar role, but ultimately, physical archers and mages serve different purposes.

Without Jupiter, I would have to take Lilly with me. I couldnt keep endangering Lilly, who was unable to use her legs.

I mulled over this predicament, before shaking my head vigorously. No, this is futile.

Standing next to me, Lucas was waiting patiently. I turned to him and shouted with renewed vigor.

"Shall we go and hire a new friend?!"

Its gacha time!

We had no choice but to hope that a suitable new friend would be available at the Mercenary Guild.

Its unlikely that an Area Mage would be conveniently available.

But, who knows? The god of dice in this game might play a trick again.

***

Thus, to the Mercenary Guild.

I took a deep breath before entering.

"Huuh"

I would love to take a dip in the pool of fortune, or offer sacrifices to some altar before entering, but...

"Ill just trust my gacha luck!"

With a firm grip, I flung open the door.

"Is there any new character-?!"

Then.

Flash-!

From within the Mercenary Guild, a dazzling golden light was shining.

"?"

Stunned, I froze.

Wait a minute.

Am I seeing things?

Really? Real gold?

An SSR grade appears here?! For real?!

Thud!

I forgot about my dignity and first impression. It was not the time to care about those things.

I dashed into the Mercenary Guild. Lucas quickly followed.

At the bar in the quiet interior of the Mercenary Guild.

A woman with yellow hair, haphazardly cloaked in a long robe, and a large hat pulled low... was there.

The golden light that signifies SSR grade was emanating from her.

Bam!

I hurriedly sat next to her and asked right away.

"You, a mercenary?"

""

The woman slowly turned her head towards me.

Her yellow hair was a mess, covering half her face.

The visible eye seemed listless, its corner drooping. There were a few freckles on her cheek.

She appeared to be in her early 20s, with a youthful energy about her.

Somehow, she reminded me of a fox.

"My apologies, kind sir."

As she opened her mouth to speak with a gentle smile, a sweet smell of smoke drifted out.

Looking closely, she was smoking a long pipe in her hand.

"I am not a mercenary."

"If youre not a mercenary, then why are you in the guild?"

"Im looking for someone. My grandmother is supposedly staying here, so I came to find her. But, I cant seem to find her anywhere."

A grandmother staying at the Mercenary Guild.

There was only one person that came to mind. With semi-certainty, I asked.

"Whats your grandmothers name?"

"Jupiter."

A broad grin.

With a leisurely smile, she answered my additional question.

"And your name is?"

"Inheriting my grandmothers name, Im Jupiter Junior."

She waved her hand to disperse the smoke from her pipe, then she placed her hand on her chest and further explained.

"Most commonly, they call me Juju. Or simply Junior."

Jupiter Juniors downcast eyes showed a thin smile.

She was truly fox-like.

"You can call me whatever you prefer, noble one."