Grandcaldeana, the capital of Count Cardinal's Territory.
The city possessed a grand set of castle walls that far exceeded my expectations.
While they didn't quite rival those of the Royal Capital, the walls—constructed of densely packed grey stonework—stood at least ten meters high. Looking up at them, I could feel the unwavering resolve of the lord who had maintained this northern territory.
Despite the steep mountain range separating this land from the Empire, this was the front line of national defense. That constant sense of impending crisis was likely what had driven them to build such formidable fortifications.
The carriage slowed to a walking pace as it passed through the massive gates, finally sliding into the interior of the capital. It was the end of a long journey.
The driver wore a patently annoyed expression, having been badgered by Balan to hurry throughout the entire trip. Once he pulled into the waiting area and let us off, he let out a sigh of heartfelt relief.
The fatigue of the long journey had settled into my bones, and I was starving. My priority was to find an inn, get some food, and prepare for tomorrow, but it seemed the Beastman standing before me had no such luxury in mind.
"Walt! It’s a short walk to my house, is that okay?"
Balan asked the question with feigned concern, but his stride was already lengthening into a brisk pace. If he were actually being considerate, he would have pointed me toward an inn first, but his mind was clearly consumed by thoughts of his sister.
"It’s fine. Let's go."
I nodded, keeping the exhaustion from showing on my face as I adjusted the heavy rucksack on my back. I was about to make a member of an A-rank Guild indebted to me; I couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip away.
Balan’s father was a blacksmith, and their home was located on the outskirts of the capital.
The cityscape of Grandcaldeana was a unique tapestry of Human and Beastman influences. The streets were lined with a mixture of stone Human dwellings and the rugged, timber-heavy buildings favored by Beastmen. The city was vibrant and full of life.
Balan played the part of a guide as we hurried along. Roughly an hour after leaving the waiting area, we arrived at their home in a district at the edge of the capital where the crowds had thinned.
As we approached, a rhythmic metallic clanging echoed through the air.
Clang, clang, clang!
The sound of multiple hammers rang out from the workshop and residence run by Balan’s father. The forge was separate from the living quarters, and the heavy scent of fire and sweat drifted from its doors.
Balan’s older brother was also a blacksmith, having inherited the [Blacksmith] job from their father. Balan himself, meanwhile, was a [Swordsman].
"Dad, Brother! I brought a [Herbalist]! He’s here to look at Lina!"
Balan poked his head into the workshop to alert his family before immediately ushering me toward the house.
Inside, the air was cool, though the ambient heat from the forge still reached us. Driven by Balan’s urgency, we headed straight for his sister’s room.
A slender Beastman girl lay in the bed under a heavy duvet, looking as though she were in agony. Labored breaths leaked from her slightly parted lips.
"Lina, this is Walt-san. He came all the way from the south just to treat your illness."
At Balan’s gentle prompt, his sister Lina forced herself up, her upper body trembling with the effort. In stark contrast to Balan’s sturdy Beastman build, his sister was shockingly emaciated.
I leaned over the side of the bed, my eyes narrowing as I focused on Lina’s neck.
This... isn't a disease.
Thanks to the [Curse Sensing] skill I had mastered during my time as a [Curse-weaver], I could see what others could not.
While it was invisible to Balan and his family, a purple mist was coiling around Lina’s thin neck. It looked as if she were being slowly strangled with a length of silk floss.
"Well? Have you ever seen symptoms like this before?"
Balan’s gaze darted back and forth between Lina and me, his anxiety making him restless.
"There’s no doubt her physical strength has been severely depleted. First, let’s have her drink some 'Golden Tree's Drop.' It’s fast-acting."
Inventing a plausible name for a medicine on the spot, I pulled a potion from my rucksack. I uncapped it and held it in my left hand, bringing it to Lina’s lips.
At the same time, I placed my right hand near her neck to counter the magic.
"It’s a bit bitter, but try your best to get it down."
"...Yes."
Lina timidly took a sip from the small bottle. In that exact moment, I activated the [Curse-weaver] skill [Dispel Curse]. The purple mist clinging to her neck vanished instantly.
"...Eh?"
Lina let out a small cry of surprise. She opened and closed her hands, a look of pure disbelief crossing her face.
"Lina, what is it?"
"Strength... it’s coming back to my body. I couldn't move it at all before, but now..."
Even as she spoke, Lina’s complexion improved rapidly. Color returned to her pallid skin, and her eyes regained their light.
"Incredible! No one else could cure her! Walt, you’re an amazing [Herbalist]! Thank you! I thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
Balan bowed to me over and over again.
"We’ve only just begun the treatment. I expect she’ll continue to improve, but let’s save the celebrations for when she’s fully recovered. That said, she’s no longer in immediate danger."
"That’s more than enough! I’ll pay whatever you ask, just please stay and continue the treatment!"
"Of course, that’s the plan. But before that—"
Balan looked at me, puzzled, wondering what else I needed.
"—I’d like to find an inn. Could you show me the way?"
"...Right. Sorry. I forgot we hadn't settled your lodging yet."
Vastly relieved that his sister’s life had been saved, Balan immediately took me to a local inn.
That evening, I was invited to dinner by Balan’s family. I sat with his blacksmith father, his brother, and the newly recovered Lina, sharing a meal and the local liquor.
Balan called me his "savior" repeatedly as he poured me drinks. I sipped the local brew slowly, keeping a close eye on Lina’s condition.
It was heartening to see her. After being bedridden for so long, she was already well enough to sit at the table and eat with us.
However...
A thin, purple mist was already beginning to reappear around Lina’s neck.