Chapter 555
Bels Village Sightseeing
Meanwhile, Miabel and Citrina were touring the Fire clan village. It was neither an exploration nor an adventure, it was just a regular sightseeing tour. However, nothing particularly unusual caught their attention as their legs naturally carried them toward the herd of horses.
Hehe, it was fun riding a horse the other day, wasnt it, Rina-chan?
Bel was all smiles after suddenly remembering her horse riding experience from the other day. Citrina also smiled happily.
Yeah, it was a lot of fun. I want to go for another long ride with Bel-chan.
Thats right. Once this problem is resolved, lets all go together again.
Suddenly, Bels expression darkened.
Anyway, I wonder if Mia-onesama and the others are alright. I hope the discussion goes well.
Bel-chan, are you worried?
When asked the question, Bel tilted her head slightly.
Hmm Mia-onesama, Ludwig-sensei, and General Dion are there. Rafina-sama and Grand um I mean Price Abel are also there. So I think its okay, but
For some reason, Bel felt an odd sense of apprehension. She had a bad feeling that something unpleasant was going to happen. Suddenly, a horse let out a neigh.
Eh?
What was that now?
Lets go and see.
They quickly found the horse that had neighed in pain. It was a beautiful white foal.
Beside it, a woman from the Fire clan crouched down, examining the foals forelimb.
Ahover there, the leg seems to be swollen.
On the foals foreleg, there was a slight swelling, perhaps from a festering wound.
Youre right. It doesnt seem to be broken, though.
Hearing their voices, the woman who was caring for the foal stood up.
It looks like the wound has festered. Im in trouble.I want to go and get some medicinal herbs right away, but
The older woman said with a sigh.
We dont have enough helping hands, so we cant really pay attention to all the horses. This shouldnt be happening, but its causing trouble for the horses.
Watching her murmur forlornly, Bel wished to help and glanced at Citrina, who stood beside her. Citrina responded with a small nod.
Is it alright if I check the foal?
After receiving the womans permission, she approached the foal.
Then, Citrina took out a pure white handkerchief and soaked it with a paste-like substance from her medicine bottle.
What is that? The woman asked, looking a little surprised.
Its a paste made from ground medicinal herbs. It helps purge the poison that has entered the body and relieves pain.
As Citrina explained, she tried to get closer to the horses leg, and then Bel took a step towards the foal.
Its okay, its okay. As long as you leave it to Rina-chan, youll be fine. said Bel as she gently stroked the foals neck. The foal looked at Citrina, then quickly turned back to Bel and slowly closed its eyes.
After seeing that, Citrina quickly pressed a handkerchief against the foals leg.
Although the horse let out a particularly high-pitched cry, it did not become violent.
After tying the cloth tightly so that it would not come loose, Citrina looked at the woman.
Its not much, but its the medicine. I think itll be fine if you apply it for a few days. said Citrina as she handed over the medicine bottle.
The woman blinked in surprise and then said, Thank you. You were a big help, with a gentle smile.
Citrina lowered her head a little awkwardly and quickly left the place.
Rina-chan! Bel chased after her. When she caught up, she looked at Citrinas face and smiled happily.
Hehehe. Rina-chan, you did something good, so I dont think you need to be embarrassed.
Im not really embarrassed Citrina began mumbling something to that effect. Essentially, Citrina was still not accustomed to being thanked for doing something good.
But your handkerchief is now ruined, said Bel, looking troubled.
Dont worry. I have plenty more. Look Citrina replied with a smug look on her face, pulling out a bundle of handkerchiefs to show Bel.
Bel rolled her eyes in surprise and asked, Wow! Thats amazing! But why do you have so many handkerchiefs, Rina-chan?
Citrina answered with a smile, Of course, I have plenty of them so I can always treat you if you get hurt, Bel-chan.
Eh?
Rina knows her friends personality very well. Bel-chan likes adventures and exploration, right? Hehe, dont worry. Even if Bel-chan gets hurt or is in a pinch, Ill help you.
Citrina said with a smile, looking as sweet as a flower.
Thank you. Rina-chan.
Bel was about to smile as well, but suddenly she felt a pain in her chest. A sense of guilt arose within her.
I have kept a big secret from my friend, my one and only best friend. Perhaps its because Ive always thought of this world as a dream world, one that I would leave someday. I feel like Im being very dishonest with Rina-chan, who always has a carefree smile and calls me her friend. I havent been responding sincerely to Rina-chans feelings, and for some reason, I really hate that.
Bel gently looked up. Suppose I were to end up living in this world forever. In that case, I think honestly revealing my secret would be the first stepbeing responsible towards this world. Until now, I planned on being just like a guest, considering it a world I would leave at any moment, a dream that would eventually end. Thats why I tried to avoid making connections as much as possible and just tried to have fun, so that it wouldnt matter if I disappeared at any moment. That was the plan, butI realised that it was no good. Just like Grandmother Mia, whom I respect so much, I decided to live my life to the fullest and never give up. In other words, it means making connections and taking responsibility for this world. Thats what I thought. And thats why,
Listen, Rina-chan, Bel mustered up some courage and took a step forward.
Whats the matter? Bel-chan.
Theres something Id like to talk to you about. said Bel in a low voice.
Its a very important matter. I want to tell you my secret. Will you listen to it when we return to the Empire?
Bel-chans secret Citrina repeated with a furrowed brow.
Hmm, understood. Well then, I will listen to it when we return to the Empire.
It was at that moment that Mias slightly panicked voice echoed around the area.
Abel! Wait a minute!