I lay Rico down on the bed in the room. It must have been quite painful for her. She was covered in sweat all over her body.
“Master, I will take care of Rico, so…”
Mei gently placed her hand on my shoulder. I asked Mei to change Rico’s clothes and left the room.
Everyone remained silent. A heavy atmosphere enveloped the dining room.
“Rico-sama must have been exhausted. Since Mei-dono is an excellent pharmacist, if we leave it to her, everything will be fine.”
Gon’s words gave me a slight sense of relief. Indeed, Mei was a top-class pharmacist. She would surely heal Rico. I reassured everyone and sent Peyris off to the university, Ferris and Luala to Agarta, and Gon to Krumufar. Today was the day Rico would go to Krumufar once a week.
And I headed to the room where Rico was sleeping, accompanied by Fairy. When I entered the room, Rico was already dressed by Mei and sleeping.
“Mei, I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s alright. Rico-sama has been very busy lately… She’s exhausted. This will be a good rest for her.”
“I’m relieved to hear that from you, Mei. But you’ve been just as busy, haven’t you? I brought Fairy with me so that she can help you if anything happens. Fairy, I’m counting on you.”
“Leave it to me!”
Fairy fluttered her wings and proudly stood up. Urged by Mei to go to work, I headed to Agarta.
Honestly, I couldn’t focus on work at all. Ferris and Luala seemed to be covering for Rico’s absence. They were completely immersed in their work, as if they had forgotten that Rico wasn’t there. It pained me to see them like that. Helplessly, I wandered into the city.
“Oh, Lord Linos, this is…”
“Lord Linos…”
People in the town bowed their heads when they saw me. I always told them that it was unnecessary, but for some reason, everyone bowed to me. At first, I thought it was because of my title as the king, but according to Layfence, that wasn’t the case.
“The essence of authority lies in how many people you can make bow their heads to you. Even if someone is an idiot, if they can make many people bow to them, naturally, people will think that person is great. That’s authority.”
Certainly, in my previous life, the son of the company president was an idiot, but he had an odd presence. Come to think of it, he used to bow to the employees every morning during the company assembly… Remembering such trivial things, I walked through the city.
How long did I walk? Before I knew it, I had walked all the way to the North Gate. I climbed up onto the gate and looked out over the city.
Scaffolding was set up here and there, and buildings were under construction. Mei and Gon encouraged the use of sheets they made together to prevent dust and noise from leaking outside, so covered buildings caught my eye. Suddenly, the sheets on those buildings looked like scabs on a human body. That’s right, the wounded city was also trying to regenerate in this way. Surely, Rico would recover too. Feeling the pain means the body is telling us where the problem is. If we treat it, Rico will surely get better. Thinking that, I felt a little relieved.
I returned home early that day. When I entered the room to check on Rico, an unexpected scene unfolded before my eyes.
“It hurts… it hurts…”
Rico desperately endured the pain, clutching her stomach. Mei was earnestly rubbing her back. Fairy fluttered above them, dropping some kind of scales. After a while, the pain seemed to subside, and Rico weakly lay back down on the bed.
“Rico…”
Instinctively, I took Rico’s hand and held it tightly. Rico weakly opened her eyes and smiled faintly, murmuring in a feeble voice.
“I’m… alright.”
“She wakes up every few tens of minutes due to stomach pain. In the morning, she woke up once due to the pain, so I made a painkiller for her to take. She rested for a while… but when the medicine wears off, it starts again…”
Mei apologized with a look of remorse.
“It’s okay, I can make a powder to alleviate the pain.”
Fairy sent a telepathic message. I sat next to Mei.
“When did Rico start experiencing this pain?”
“…It was about two days ago when she started complaining of stomach pain.”
“I see.”
“I initially thought it was just food poisoning… I never imagined it would escalate to such severe pain…”
“My healing magic didn’t cure it, which means… Mei, do you have any idea about a disease with these symptoms?”
“… “
“What’s wrong?”
“There is… one possibility. It’s called Gaisha.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a disease where the muscles in the body become rigid. It starts with severe abdominal pain as the abdominal muscles stiffen. Then gradually, the muscles in the whole body stiffen, causing intense pain. Finally, it leads to the heart stiffening and death.”
“… Is there a way to cure it?”
“…Unfortunately there isn’t.”
Unable to contain myself, I stormed out of the room. There’s no way Rico could have such an illness. Rico couldn’t die. I desperately tried to convince myself of that. A future without Rico… I couldn’t even fathom such a thing. Lost in my thoughts, I stepped into the backyard and noticed the shrine of the Sun God. Desperate for something to cling to, I stepped onto the teleportation barrier.
“Oh, it’s been a while. How have you been?”
Without wasting time on greetings, I told the Sun God about Rico’s condition.
“Hmm, that’s a troublesome matter. I’ve heard of the Gaisha disease before, but it has never been cured. However, Sandyu might know something.”
Summoned by the Sun God, Sandyu arrived.
“…Hmm. From what I’ve heard, the symptoms seem similar to the Gaisha disease. However, I’m afraid there is no known cure.”
“Oh, Lord Linos, what has happened…”
Maidens Chie and Sakae were sobbing uncontrollably. The Sun God and Sandyu decided to search through old texts in hopes of finding some clue or lead.
When I returned to the mansion, Gon was there. I told him about what I had heard from Mei earlier and my visit to the Sun God. Gon had also suspected the possibility of that illness. While we were discussing, Mei entered the dining room holding Fairy.
“Master… Rico-sama is calling for you.”
“Ah, I see. I’ll go right away.”
I left the dining room and headed to the separate room where Rico was.
Upon entering the room, I saw Rico lying on the bed with a calm expression.
“…I apologize for showing you such a sight.”
I approached Rico and held her hand tightly.
“You must be exhausted, Rico. Please rest for a while.”
Rico smiled faintly and shook her head slowly.
“It’s not exhaustion. My life is nearing its end.”
“Don’t say foolish things!!”
I shouted with a surprising volume. However, Rico’s expression remained unchanged.
“…I thought my stomach was going to rip apart. This kind of intense pain… it’s the first time. It’s not a normal condition for it to worsen like this… There’s no doubt about it.”
“…”
I couldn’t find words to respond and simply looked down.
“…Linos.”
“What is it, Rico?”
“I have a request. Can you please listen?”
“Ah, sure.”
“This is my last will. Please make sure to hear it.”
“Don’t say such unlucky things… talking about a will!”
I held Rico’s hand, tears streaming down my face. Despite that, Rico gave me a gentle smile.
“Linos, what I want to ask of you is to take a new wife.”
“Why would you bring up such a topic at a time like this…”
“No, it’s precisely because of the current situation. Listen carefully, Linos. If I die, Mei will be left alone as your wife. In that case, Mei won’t be able to continue her research. It’s too pitiful to confine Mei to the traditions of the nobility. That’s why I want you to take a new wife.”
“…Rico, you don’t have to think about such things. Who would I…?”
“First, it would be Concidy-sama from the Kingdom of Niza.”
“Concidy-sama?”
“When you became the king, His Majesty… my older brother, recommended it.”
“…That time!”
“Marrying Concidy-sama would strengthen the alliance between Niza, Hideita, and Agarta. The Dwarven King also desires that. Besides, Concidy-sama gets along well with Mei. They could support each other, with Mei as the shadow and Concidy-sama in the spotlight.”
I was speechless, unable to find words. I had no idea such discussions were taking place behind my back… In my stunned state, Rico continued her words.
“And then, Soleil-sama from the Cyrius Kingdom.”
“Soleil?”
“Yes. That person has exceptional abilities in commanding spirits. Although Mei is currently commanding spirits, there’s no guarantee she can continue doing so. If Soleil-sama, who is adept at commanding spirits, were to become involved, they could be a good confidant for Mei.”
As she finished speaking, Rico looked up at the ceiling, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. Then, she looked at me again.
“And lastly, Matokal.”
“Matokal?”
“She is the princess of the Lamaron Empire. Incorporating her bloodline would serve as a significant deterrent to Lamaron. And if… if a child is born between you and her…”
“If a child is born, what then?”
“If a princess is born, please make her the wife of Aros, who is my older brother’s child.”
“What?”
“Originally, my older brother wanted to marry our child and unite our children. But with this body of mine, and if I die, the connection between you and Hideita will be lost. So please, marry Matokal. And please bear children with her. If a child is born between you and Matokal, there should be no problem with their lineage for entering the empire.”
“Rico, why do you have to say all that?”
“That’s how politics works, Linos… You know, Linos… Although we’ve been married for only a few years, I was truly happy. In the first place, as a rebel, I should have been killed. But I was able to spend such blissful days… I’m completely satisfied.”
I continued to hold Rico’s hand, tears streaming down my face.
“I’m sorry, Linos. I was an inadequate wife. But if I am reborn, please become my husband once again. I will be born as an even more adorable woman.”
“Stop it, Rico. Don’t say such things!”
“If I don’t say it now… I’ll soon be unable to speak… Ahh… it hurts… it hurts…”
“Rico! Rico!”
Frantically, I used healing magic. Rico slumped back onto the bed, completely exhausted. At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and I heard Mei’s voice.
“Master, Lady Roni from Pousehai is here.”
For the time being, I made my way to the dining room. Roni, the young and capable black rabbit introduced herself.
“I have come on orders from Chwan-san. I heard about Lady Ricolette’s illness…”
“Chwan?… I see, Gon must have told you. So, your name is Roni, right? That’s right. She’s been experiencing severe pain in her abdomen. Please, heal her. At least, take away the pain!”
I pleaded desperately with the black rabbit. She was led by Mei to Rico’s room. After some time, Mei returned to the dining room.
“…Master, Lady Rico entrusted me with three letters. They are addressed to the Dwarf King of Niza, the Chief of the Vival Tribe in Sirius, and… to Matokal. Lady Rico requested that they be delivered immediately…”
“…Ah, yes, please make sure they are delivered.”
Mei silently headed towards the backyard, where the teleportation barrier was.
The time until Roni returned felt incredibly long. It must have taken about an hour. Finally, she returned to the dining room.
“How is Rico?”
Roni stood up straight and bowed.
“This is not something that can be cured. We… cannot heal her.”
…Everything before my eyes turned pitch black.
I lay Rico down on the bed in the room. It must have been quite painful for her. She was covered in sweat all over her body.
“Master, I will take care of Rico, so…”
Mei gently placed her hand on my shoulder. I asked Mei to change Rico’s clothes and left the room.
Everyone remained silent. A heavy atmosphere enveloped the dining room.
“Rico-sama must have been exhausted. Since Mei-dono is an excellent pharmacist, if we leave it to her, everything will be fine.”
Gon’s words gave me a slight sense of relief. Indeed, Mei was a top-class pharmacist. She would surely heal Rico. I reassured everyone and sent Peyris off to the university, Ferris and Luala to Agarta, and Gon to Krumufar. Today was the day Rico would go to Krumufar once a week.
And I headed to the room where Rico was sleeping, accompanied by Fairy. When I entered the room, Rico was already dressed by Mei and sleeping.
“Mei, I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s alright. Rico-sama has been very busy lately… She’s exhausted. This will be a good rest for her.”
“I’m relieved to hear that from you, Mei. But you’ve been just as busy, haven’t you? I brought Fairy with me so that she can help you if anything happens. Fairy, I’m counting on you.”
“Leave it to me!”
Fairy fluttered her wings and proudly stood up. Urged by Mei to go to work, I headed to Agarta.
Honestly, I couldn’t focus on work at all. Ferris and Luala seemed to be covering for Rico’s absence. They were completely immersed in their work, as if they had forgotten that Rico wasn’t there. It pained me to see them like that. Helplessly, I wandered into the city.
“Oh, Lord Linos, this is…”
“Lord Linos…”
People in the town bowed their heads when they saw me. I always told them that it was unnecessary, but for some reason, everyone bowed to me. At first, I thought it was because of my title as the king, but according to Layfence, that wasn’t the case.
“The essence of authority lies in how many people you can make bow their heads to you. Even if someone is an idiot, if they can make many people bow to them, naturally, people will think that person is great. That’s authority.”
Certainly, in my previous life, the son of the company president was an idiot, but he had an odd presence. Come to think of it, he used to bow to the employees every morning during the company assembly… Remembering such trivial things, I walked through the city.
How long did I walk? Before I knew it, I had walked all the way to the North Gate. I climbed up onto the gate and looked out over the city.
Scaffolding was set up here and there, and buildings were under construction. Mei and Gon encouraged the use of sheets they made together to prevent dust and noise from leaking outside, so covered buildings caught my eye. Suddenly, the sheets on those buildings looked like scabs on a human body. That’s right, the wounded city was also trying to regenerate in this way. Surely, Rico would recover too. Feeling the pain means the body is telling us where the problem is. If we treat it, Rico will surely get better. Thinking that, I felt a little relieved.
I returned home early that day. When I entered the room to check on Rico, an unexpected scene unfolded before my eyes.
“It hurts… it hurts…”
Rico desperately endured the pain, clutching her stomach. Mei was earnestly rubbing her back. Fairy fluttered above them, dropping some kind of scales. After a while, the pain seemed to subside, and Rico weakly lay back down on the bed.
“Rico…”
Instinctively, I took Rico’s hand and held it tightly. Rico weakly opened her eyes and smiled faintly, murmuring in a feeble voice.
“I’m… alright.”
“She wakes up every few tens of minutes due to stomach pain. In the morning, she woke up once due to the pain, so I made a painkiller for her to take. She rested for a while… but when the medicine wears off, it starts again…”
Mei apologized with a look of remorse.
“It’s okay, I can make a powder to alleviate the pain.”
Fairy sent a telepathic message. I sat next to Mei.
“When did Rico start experiencing this pain?”
“…It was about two days ago when she started complaining of stomach pain.”
“I see.”
“I initially thought it was just food poisoning… I never imagined it would escalate to such severe pain…”
“My healing magic didn’t cure it, which means… Mei, do you have any idea about a disease with these symptoms?”
“… “
“What’s wrong?”
“There is… one possibility. It’s called Gaisha.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a disease where the muscles in the body become rigid. It starts with severe abdominal pain as the abdominal muscles stiffen. Then gradually, the muscles in the whole body stiffen, causing intense pain. Finally, it leads to the heart stiffening and death.”
“… Is there a way to cure it?”
“…Unfortunately there isn’t.”
Unable to contain myself, I stormed out of the room. There’s no way Rico could have such an illness. Rico couldn’t die. I desperately tried to convince myself of that. A future without Rico… I couldn’t even fathom such a thing. Lost in my thoughts, I stepped into the backyard and noticed the shrine of the Sun God. Desperate for something to cling to, I stepped onto the teleportation barrier.
“Oh, it’s been a while. How have you been?”
Without wasting time on greetings, I told the Sun God about Rico’s condition.
“Hmm, that’s a troublesome matter. I’ve heard of the Gaisha disease before, but it has never been cured. However, Sandyu might know something.”
Summoned by the Sun God, Sandyu arrived.
“…Hmm. From what I’ve heard, the symptoms seem similar to the Gaisha disease. However, I’m afraid there is no known cure.”
“Oh, Lord Linos, what has happened…”
Maidens Chie and Sakae were sobbing uncontrollably. The Sun God and Sandyu decided to search through old texts in hopes of finding some clue or lead.
When I returned to the mansion, Gon was there. I told him about what I had heard from Mei earlier and my visit to the Sun God. Gon had also suspected the possibility of that illness. While we were discussing, Mei entered the dining room holding Fairy.
“Master… Rico-sama is calling for you.”
“Ah, I see. I’ll go right away.”
I left the dining room and headed to the separate room where Rico was.
Upon entering the room, I saw Rico lying on the bed with a calm expression.
“…I apologize for showing you such a sight.”
I approached Rico and held her hand tightly.
“You must be exhausted, Rico. Please rest for a while.”
Rico smiled faintly and shook her head slowly.
“It’s not exhaustion. My life is nearing its end.”
“Don’t say foolish things!!”
I shouted with a surprising volume. However, Rico’s expression remained unchanged.
“…I thought my stomach was going to rip apart. This kind of intense pain… it’s the first time. It’s not a normal condition for it to worsen like this… There’s no doubt about it.”
“…”
I couldn’t find words to respond and simply looked down.
“…Linos.”
“What is it, Rico?”
“I have a request. Can you please listen?”
“Ah, sure.”
“This is my last will. Please make sure to hear it.”
“Don’t say such unlucky things… talking about a will!”
I held Rico’s hand, tears streaming down my face. Despite that, Rico gave me a gentle smile.
“Linos, what I want to ask of you is to take a new wife.”
“Why would you bring up such a topic at a time like this…”
“No, it’s precisely because of the current situation. Listen carefully, Linos. If I die, Mei will be left alone as your wife. In that case, Mei won’t be able to continue her research. It’s too pitiful to confine Mei to the traditions of the nobility. That’s why I want you to take a new wife.”
“…Rico, you don’t have to think about such things. Who would I…?”
“First, it would be Concidy-sama from the Kingdom of Niza.”
“Concidy-sama?”
“When you became the king, His Majesty… my older brother, recommended it.”
“…That time!”
“Marrying Concidy-sama would strengthen the alliance between Niza, Hideita, and Agarta. The Dwarven King also desires that. Besides, Concidy-sama gets along well with Mei. They could support each other, with Mei as the shadow and Concidy-sama in the spotlight.”
I was speechless, unable to find words. I had no idea such discussions were taking place behind my back… In my stunned state, Rico continued her words.
“And then, Soleil-sama from the Cyrius Kingdom.”
“Soleil?”
“Yes. That person has exceptional abilities in commanding spirits. Although Mei is currently commanding spirits, there’s no guarantee she can continue doing so. If Soleil-sama, who is adept at commanding spirits, were to become involved, they could be a good confidant for Mei.”
As she finished speaking, Rico looked up at the ceiling, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. Then, she looked at me again.
“And lastly, Matokal.”
“Matokal?”
“She is the princess of the Lamaron Empire. Incorporating her bloodline would serve as a significant deterrent to Lamaron. And if… if a child is born between you and her…”
“If a child is born, what then?”
“If a princess is born, please make her the wife of Aros, who is my older brother’s child.”
“What?”
“Originally, my older brother wanted to marry our child and unite our children. But with this body of mine, and if I die, the connection between you and Hideita will be lost. So please, marry Matokal. And please bear children with her. If a child is born between you and Matokal, there should be no problem with their lineage for entering the empire.”
“Rico, why do you have to say all that?”
“That’s how politics works, Linos… You know, Linos… Although we’ve been married for only a few years, I was truly happy. In the first place, as a rebel, I should have been killed. But I was able to spend such blissful days… I’m completely satisfied.”
I continued to hold Rico’s hand, tears streaming down my face.
“I’m sorry, Linos. I was an inadequate wife. But if I am reborn, please become my husband once again. I will be born as an even more adorable woman.”
“Stop it, Rico. Don’t say such things!”
“If I don’t say it now… I’ll soon be unable to speak… Ahh… it hurts… it hurts…”
“Rico! Rico!”
Frantically, I used healing magic. Rico slumped back onto the bed, completely exhausted. At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and I heard Mei’s voice.
“Master, Lady Roni from Pousehai is here.”
For the time being, I made my way to the dining room. Roni, the young and capable black rabbit introduced herself.
“I have come on orders from Chwan-san. I heard about Lady Ricolette’s illness…”
“Chwan?… I see, Gon must have told you. So, your name is Roni, right? That’s right. She’s been experiencing severe pain in her abdomen. Please, heal her. At least, take away the pain!”
I pleaded desperately with the black rabbit. She was led by Mei to Rico’s room. After some time, Mei returned to the dining room.
“…Master, Lady Rico entrusted me with three letters. They are addressed to the Dwarf King of Niza, the Chief of the Vival Tribe in Sirius, and… to Matokal. Lady Rico requested that they be delivered immediately…”
“…Ah, yes, please make sure they are delivered.”
Mei silently headed towards the backyard, where the teleportation barrier was.
The time until Roni returned felt incredibly long. It must have taken about an hour. Finally, she returned to the dining room.
“How is Rico?”
Roni stood up straight and bowed.
“This is not something that can be cured. We… cannot heal her.”
…Everything before my eyes turned pitch black.
