119.5: Under the Weather

"Weiss Fancent. Fifth place."

Teacher Chloe announced my result with her usual clinical indifference.

Today’s exam was a practical training session focused on mana manipulation techniques. The objective was to imbue objects with magical energy, reinforcing them to the point where they could be used to destroy other targets.

For some reason, I just couldn't get it right.

Under normal circumstances, I would have nailed this perfectly. The classroom was abuzz with the low hum of whispers; my peers were clearly stunned to see me anywhere but at the top of the leaderboard.

But before the gossip could spread, Lilith came rushing toward me, her face pale with worry.

"Lord Weiss! Are you alright?!"

"...About what?"

I blinked, totally lost. Alright? Why wouldn't I be?

"I didn't notice it sooner... Forgive me."

Without waiting for an answer, Lilith pressed her palm against my forehead. In that instant, I finally realized that my vision was warping and tilting at the edges.

Cynthia hurried over to join her a moment later.

"I knew it..." Lilith murmured to her. "Cynthia-san, Lord Weiss has a fever."

"Oh, Weiss... I’m so sorry. I didn't even notice you were suffering," Cynthia said, her eyes full of guilt.

"...So that's what it was."

Now that they mentioned it, I did feel incredibly flushed. My limbs felt like lead, and honestly, I felt like absolute garbage.

Dammit. In a video game, you don't have to deal with random status ailments like the common cold!

But we still had classes this afternoon. If I skipped out, my point total would—

"Weiss Fancent," Teacher Chloe interrupted. "In the event of poor health, points are not deducted from your score. Go get a proper diagnosis and rest in your room."

...Oh, right. I think I remember a rule like that from the game's setting. But if my points don't increase, then this whole day was a waste—

"Lord Weiss, let's get you back."

"Yes, Weiss. Come along now."

I didn't have much of a choice. The two of them grabbed me by the hands and practically hauled me out of the classroom.

We stopped by the infirmary first, where Teacher Coco gave me a once-over.

"Well, this is rare," she mused. "It's a Forest Cold."

"Wait, Lord Weiss caught that?" Lilith asked, surprised.

"What even is a 'Forest Cold'?" I groaned.

"It's a virus that usually only affects children. Most people catch it by the time they're three and develop a lifetime immunity."

...I didn't know the medical reasoning behind it, but maybe it was because I’d only been in this world for exactly that long? Is my immune system only three years old?!

"You'll be fine if you stay still and rest. I've used mana to stabilize your internal flow, so just drink plenty of fluids and sleep."

"But my classes—"

"If you keep underestimating this, you'll die," Coco said, her expression turning uncharacteristically grim. "Do not take illness lightly."

With Cynthia and Lilith doubling down on Coco's warning, I finally resigned myself to my fate and headed back to my room.

"This is far enough," I told them at the door. "I'll sleep the rest off alone."

"Weiss, I shall stay by your side," Cynthia insisted.

"No, it's fine. Unlike me, you two aren't on medical leave. Go back to class."

"Lord Weiss, I also—"

"I said it’s fine. I’m literally just going to sleep."

I managed to stop them from coming in and collapsed into my room. I don't remember much after that. I have a vague memory of crawling under the covers, and that was it.

I woke up a few hours later, though I couldn't be sure of the time. The air felt heavy, making it hard to breathe. My throat was parched, but my body refused to move.

I’d never heard of a Forest Cold back in my old world. Is this actually... really dangerous?

"Lord Weiss, here is some water. Please, take a sip."

"Ah? Eh, wait—"

Something cool touched my lips. Lilith was there, supporting the back of my neck as she carefully helped me drink. I glanced toward the window; the light told me that afternoon classes were still in session.

"Hey... why aren't you—"

"Cynthia-san wanted to come as well," Lilith whispered. "But I stopped her. I knew that if her points were docked, you would only worry about her."

"...But your points will be docked too."

"I have no need for something as trivial as points. The only thing I need in this world is you, Lord Weiss."

"Hah... good grief..."

Lilith was always like this—betting everything on me, serving me with every fiber of her being. We weren't at the mansion anymore. She wasn't my maid here; she was just a fellow student. And yet...

"Please, do not let it trouble you. I am doing this because I want to."

"So... you see through everything, huh?"

"Of course. I am Lord Weiss Fancent’s maid, after all. I understand everything about you."

The smile she gave me then was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I hadn't done anything to deserve this. I hadn't given her anything back. And yet, she was always there.

"My bad."

"Please, do not apologize. I already owe you a debt of gratitude so great I could never hope to repay it."

"What are you talking about? I haven't done anything—"

"You taught me, Lord Weiss. You showed me... that people can change."

"...I have no idea what you mean by that."

"It is fine if you do not understand. No more talking for now. Please, go back to sleep. Right now, resting is your only job."

"...Yeah. Fine."

"Good night, Lord Weiss."

"...Yeah."

Watching Lilith’s gentle smile, I drifted back into a deep sleep.

---

The next time I opened my eyes, it was morning. Lilith was fast asleep, curled up in the chair by my bed.

Then, I noticed Cynthia standing just behind her.

"Good morning," she whispered.

"Sorry," I croaked. "For making you come here so early."

"No, don't be. Lilith-san has been watching over you all night. She truly is a magnificent woman, isn't she?"

"Yeah," I agreed, looking at my sleeping maid. "Lilith is... she's precious to me."

"Fufufu. Are you confessing your love for another woman right in front of your fiancée?"

"It’s not like that..."

"I'm teasing. I treasure her, too. I love Lilith-san from the bottom of my heart."

"——Then we're on the same page."

Thanks to the devoted nursing of those two, I managed to shake off the cold in just two days. Apparently, it normally takes a full week to recover.

"Lilith, Cynthia—thanks for everything."

"Oh, please don't mention it."

"Yes! Like I said, I did it because I wanted to. Now then, let's get back out there and rack up those points!"

"Right. The next class is a mock battle between squads. We're taking first place, no excuses."

""Understood!""

I will definitely avoid my ruinous flags.

For the sake of these two, if nothing else——.

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Author's Note: This is a side story, but chronologically, it takes place immediately after the Sports Festival.

I've posted a new update! This is Chapter 11!

I've just posted I Reincarnated as the Most Evil Demon Lord and Want to Destroy the Scenario to Live a Slow Life, but My Immediate Subordinates, the Six Sealed Evils, Are Too Hot-Blooded and I'm in Trouble.

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