CH 142

Episode 142 – Everlasting Dream

TL Note: Sponsored chapter (2/4)

After exchanging the promise with Kirty, I saw her off to work and headed straight for Elf’s Tears. Now that my departure from Grezesta was decided, I didn’t have any time to waste. Just like with Kirty, I had to inform the grandma of this.

Since I heard that Byrne had been carried to Elf’s Tears when we got back three days ago, there was a good chance that [Iron Gear] was still there. If that was the case, I would be able to inform the grandma and [Iron Gear] of my departure at the same time, saving me the trouble of going to Bee House.

Thinking this, I arrived in front of Elf’s Tears and breathed in deeply per my usual routine. Standing there in front of the store, I felt the pleasant smell of nature tickling my nose as I inhaled.

After going on the plant gathering trip, suppressing the attack of the Demon King’s Army on Seykoll, and resting for three days after the fierce battle, I realized that it had already been a week since I last showed up here. Since it had become a habit to come here almost every day to learn potion brewing, it felt like a long time even though only a week had passed. Upon opening the door and hearing the soothing sound of the bell, I saw the grandma’s figure behind the counter.

“Oya, if it isn’t Lewin! It’s been a little while!” (Grandma)

“Sorry. Some things happened, so I couldn’t come.” (Lewin)

“No need to apologize. You went to help with the rescue of the city of Seykoll, didn’t you? I knew because several of the injured came to me.” (Grandma)

Just as I thought, some of the injured were brought here. In that case, it was almost certain that Byrne was brought here as well.

“Ummm… about that, are any of the injured still here?” (Lewin)

“Hm? No, everyone left already. My shop isn’t a place for medical care, it’s mainly an apothecary after all. After examining their condition and giving them the potions and plants they needed, almost all of them left the same day.” (Grandma)

I guess that made sense. A small store like Elf’s Tears didn’t have the space to nurse people. I was thinking of killing two birds with one stone by coming here, but my understanding of the situation was off.

“Now that you mention it, that’s certainly true. That was a bit foolish for me to ask.” (Lewin)

“Why? Did you know anyone among the injured that came here?” (Grandma)

“So, are you here today just to look for your friend? Or do you want to do some potion brewing?” (Grandma)

“….No. Actually, today I came to tell you something.” (Lewin)

“Tell me something? ….Hmm, I have a feeling it’s bad news.” (Grandma)

The grandma looked rather suspicious when I said that I had something to tell her. She had been alive for many years, so it would make sense for her to have a keen intuition about these kinds of things.

“Right on the mark… To be honest, I’ve decided to leave Grezesta.” (Lewin)

When she heard that, her eyes widened in surprise. As keen as her intuition was, this kind of information would be a shock without a doubt.

“Why is that? I’ve heard you personally say that you’ve been having such a fulfilling lifestyle lately. By any chance…did something happen in Seykoll?” (Grandma)

As always, the grandma was sharp. Even though I was the one supposed to be reporting the information, her guesses were so accurate that they caused me to jump a little every time she hit the bullseye.

“Yes, that’s right. As a matter of fact—” (Lewin)

After that, I proceeded to tell the grandma a detailed account of what happened and what I spoke with Kirty about earlier. Unlike Kirty, she didn’t get upset but kept giving small nods as she listened quietly, making it much easier for me to explain.

“I see. So that’s what happened, and you decided to leave Grezesta… I think there are things that only you, as Lewin, can do yourself, so there’s no need for you to force yourself to always jump into the fight. But if you’re insisting so much, it’s because there are people you want to save and be helpful to, is that right?” (Grandma)

“That’s right. I want to be the kind of person who can give a helping hand to as many people in need as possible… just like you and everyone else who helped me back when I had nowhere left to go.” (Lewin)

Certainly, taking [Plant Master] into account, I thought that making potions was the most beneficial thing I could do for people. But if the Demon King’s Army came along again with more Venom Trolls in tow… then I would definitely not be able to save anyone.

“…I never want to experience being unable to save someone suffering right in front of my eyes. That’s why, aside from wanting to hone my combat potential, I also want to be able to brew new, unheard-of potions… all so that I can save as many people as possible. Am I being too selfish here?” (Lewin)

“Kukuku. There’s no way that’s selfish. That’s just the kind of man I expect you to become. If that’s what you’ve decided, I will support you. But don’t you ever give up and come running back, okay? And if that’s how it’s going to be… go and save people all over the world. If you can do that, I’ll be very proud of you.” (Grandma)

“P-people around the whole world…?” (Lewin)

“Oya? What’s that? Are your ‘dreams’ that petty and half-assed, Lewin?” (Grandma)

“N-no! I’ll become someone who can save people all over the whole world one day!” (Lewin)

“Kukuku! Well said, Lewin! If the scale of your dream is what you say it is—you’re already doing better than Arthur!” The grandma said happily. I didn’t even know who Arthur was, but the expression on her face was the most joyful expression I’d ever seen her make.