After Marietta points it out, Eris quickly covers her breasts. Yuel stares at Eris in amazement, then looks back at me like shes scrutinizing my facial expression.

Even if you want me to do something about your chest situation, theres nothing I can do to fix it.

About all I could do is show Yuel my own chest and tell her, Dont worry, Im the same, we match to console her. If I did that Yuel would cry.

So yeah, lets pretend I didnt see anything and keep talking to Marietta.

Am I the only one the knight brigade is asking to cooperate?

Errr, Yes, at present that is the case.

Marietta glances in Eris direction as she answers. Its a bit of a loaded statement. Does saying at present mean that there might still be the possibility of calling out to her eventually?

Like if more capable healers turn them down, theres still the possibility that average healers like Eris will have their turn come up? Meaning that if the quality is bad then theyll have to settle for quantity.

But then what should I do? To be honest, I kinda feel like its a hassle. If monsters are swarming outside the city, theres a part of me that just wants to stay safe within the city and spend my time observing Eris breasts.

It would be easy enough to say Please ask someone else.

But Yuel is looking at me right now. With a somewhat nervous expression, shes steadily watching me.

And before my eyes there stands a timid female knight whos in great distress. Shes here to implore me to lend my strength in defense of the city where we all live.

I get the feeling that as Yuels master, whos respectable for his nobleness, kinder and more altruistic than anyone, and totally the coolest, I cant refuse.

Right, to Yuel, my personality wouldnt allow me to hesitate.

The respect for me in Yuels eyes is slightly clouded now, but it would be unpleasant in a lot of ways if it were to disappear. Like if she were to find out the precise reason why I got kicked out of Eris hospital, or what exactly I was doing to Ruruka under the pretense of medical treatment.

My evaluation would no doubt plummet from respect to contempt.

Well, knights are strong enough to easily capture former adventurers whove committed crimes. If Im protected by that group, I doubt Ill have to face much danger anyway. So long as I dont get lost within the forest, Im sure everything will be fine.

Besides, if I were to refuse this invitation and some other healer went in my place and died, that would leave a bad aftertaste in my mouth. I can use EX Heal, so I wont die so easily, and if anyone gets mortally wounded I can deal with it.

I have no intention of showing EX Heal to people who might have noble connections such as knights, but thinking about the possibilities, its probably best if I go along.

While Im thinking about it, I suddenly raise my head. Perhaps taking my silent deliberation as a sign of my intent to refuse, Marietta becomes teary-eyed. Its a bit cute. With that lack of self-confidence she feels kinda like a small animal.

Now that I get a closer look, her tits arent bad either.

Then, with her head slightly lowered, Marietta nervously asks for my response.

Is it too much to ask?

Its not.

Its not too much at all. In fact Id like for you to pay me the reward with your body, if possible. I dont say that out loud though.

Really!? Thats such a relieeef. I couldnt even meet with any eminent members of the church, and other hospitals turned me away since they had their own business to maintain. I dont know what Id do if I was refused again!

Upon my words, Marietta shows a relieved expression. Yuel nods as if she can relate. As were about to conclude the discussion-

I see. I get it. Yuel has been paying close attention to the balance displayed on her bank card lately. When she finds the time, she occasionally works part-time at the tavern.

I guess she finally saved up enough money.

We do as Yuel suggested and head out into the streets to buy spare knives, food rations, and other provisions.

Afterwards, Yuel leads me by the hand to an accessory shop near the center of town.

Glancing over the shelves, there are a wide variety of rings, bracelets, and earrings.

Whats going on? I have a bit of a bad feeling about this.

Dont tell me Yuel is going to present me with a ring? The kind that gets put on the fourth finger of your left hand?

If Yuel uses up all the money shes been working so hard for to buy me a ring, and then looks at me with those pure eyes full of expectation, could I disregard that?

After giving me the ring, those blue eyes would stare at me intently, watching to see which finger I put it on. I can easily imagine Yuels tears if I put that ring anywhere but the ring finger on my left hand.

If that situation comes to pass, I might just end up putting the ring on my ring finger. Then Eris would be disgusted when we return to the hospital. Thats most likely how things would develop.

While Im thinking about it, Yuel comes over with something in her hand.

Master, this is a return gift.

In Yuels hand is a bracelet, set with processed magic stones.

A bracelet?

Thank goodness. Its not a ring. Im truly relieved that its not a ring.

Yes. Its not much, but theres an enchantment on it that will take a fatal blow for you. Once it activates it will break, though.

I thought it was just decorative, but its an awfully practical item. Nah, knowing Yuel, this is so like her.

And its expensive. Although the effect is minor, its an enchanted accessory. The price must be high enough to eat up all of her part-time job earnings. Even though I only bought her a negligee for like a thousand Zeni.

Is it my imagination or did Yuels expression darken a bit? Maybe it doesnt suit me after all.

Ah, excuse me, could I have another one of these bracelets in a different color?

Very well. Lets see, that will be 20,000 Zeni.

So in Japanese currency this bracelet costs about 200,000 yen? White Day presents are only supposed to be up to three times more expensive, but it would seem Yuel has returned my gift twenty-fold. Im taken aback by the price, but only a little.

I mean, for an enchanted accessory its probably on the cheap side.

Yuel looks somewhat crestfallen as I complete the purchase and receive the bracelet, but then I attach it to her wrist.

Now we match, right?

! Yes!

Yuels face lights up as she softly strokes the bracelet in delight.