ch81-ch100 · 084-ch84

Chapter 84: What It Means to Reflect

"So? What did the doctor say in the end?"

That's Shiraishi-san's question.

"They don't know. They said it had probably already been healed by 【Heal】."

We're at the general hospital nearby, the one I came to before.

They ran all kinds of tests, but they couldn't find the cause of the nosebleeds.

Apparently it's not any kind of illness.

My injuries were all healed by Shiraishi-san's 【Heal】 anyway, so the diagnosis came back as anemia and overwork. No transfusion needed.

They gave me something called a 'blood-building agent,' apparently a pill that's basically a lump of iron, and after a nutrient drip, I'm free to go once it finishes.

So here I am, wheeling the IV stand back into the waiting room.

"Though they say the aftereffects of my rapid level-ups have gotten worse than before, so I got referred to a specialist hospital. They think the cause might be over there."

The hospital they referred me to is a university hospital in Tokyo.

Apparently one of the few places researching dungeon-derived illnesses and the like.

"You look a little happy about that. It's a woman doctor, isn't it?"

That's right.

Supposedly a beautiful female doctor.

Annoyingly perceptive.

I glance over at Kasumi-san.

All good—she's asleep.

She conked out sometime after we reached the hospital, before I was first called in.

My mother is beside her, and the two of them are sleeping leaning against each other.

Yesterday... no, was it today?

She got called out in the middle of the night and pulled an all-nighter, apparently...

"Going by this, I'd say you two will be just fine together."

"I hope so..."

"Do you actually feel like you caused trouble?"

Ah. This has the makings of a scolding session.

"Seeing myself like this has made it sink in all over again."

"...Really?"

Really. Really.

From here on, all I can do is promise to come back on time, every time.

"That's not what I meant."

Apparently not.

So quit adventuring, then?

"I'm not going that far."

I wish she wouldn't make it so complicated.

"Show me some remorse, will you?"

Can I take a nap too?

Honestly, it kind of feels like this is already resolved.

For my mother, the landing spot is me acting together with Kasumi-san, whom she trusts.

And she's already seen that.

So all that's left is me showing remorse and behaving myself, I think...

Washing dishes every day? Cleaning, laundry, shoulder massages?

"Yes, yes. Be nice to your mama."

Ah, that's it.

As an apology, I'll invite Kasumi-san on a date.

Thanks, Shiraishi-san.

Where should we go?

"There you go, plotting something weird again. I said show some remorse."

"I am reflecting very, very deeply. Deeper than the Sanzu River. Deeper than a hole in a dungeon wall."

"Eh? Are holes in dungeon walls deep? Well, suddenly I'm seeing remorse..."

"Yes. I've turned over a new leaf: from now on, I shall live to atone."

Even after I repented and reformed, Shiraishi-san's scolding continued until my drip finished.

No—until the billing finished.

Are hospital wait times always this long?

"I'm very sorry about all of this, ma'am."

"It's fine, it's fine. I was asleep too. Don't worry about it."

Kasumi-san wakes and bows to my mother.

"I'm staaarved. What should we do about dinner?"

It's almost five o'clock, but we only just had lunch, it feels like.

Also, didn't you eat jumbo parfaits just now?

"Sorry, Shiraishi-san. I'd love to treat you, but it looks like my husband will be home. I'll make this up to you, I promise. And thank you too, Kasumi-san. I'll be in touch."

"Aw. Now it's Papa's scolding turn. No sleeping tonight, hm?"

I wanted to sleep at the hospital too, you know.

"Y-your father? Then I'll come along as well."

Ah—our house?

I exchange a look with my mother.

No way that's happening.

The place is a mess.

Her face says 'not letting you in.'

My room's not presentable either...

"Kasumi-san, my husband and I will definitely end up fighting, so it's better if you don't come today. Take Shiraishi-san out for a meal instead. She used that recovery magic for us—whatever it's called—and we haven't thanked her properly. Do it in my place, please. I'll give you the money."

"I—I couldn't. The money is fine. Understood. Please leave Shiraishi-san to me."

"Really? You're welcome to bill me later, you know?"

"It's fine, it's fine. Harue-san can treat me properly another day."

"Right. And next time I'll tell her That Story."

"Ah-hah-hah-hah!"

Hey. Cut it out.

"Kasumi-san, here."

"What's this?"

A card key.

"It's the key to the warehouse. Please register your license to it. Also, I'm sorry to ask, but there are things I picked up stored inside, and I'd like you to cash them in for me. I have to go to a different hospital tomorrow too, so I don't think I'll be able to enter the dungeon. Ah, I'll stop by on the way home. I'm coming to see you, Kasumi-san."

A dishwasher, a robot vacuum, a washer and dryer... and a massage chair. Yeah, I need those too.

Remorse is important.

And then, the date.

No wait—a date to go shopping for these might be even better?

"Leave it to me. Will your father be all right? Please talk things through with him calmly—don't let your temper get the better of you. I'd like to hear all about it tomorrow."

Father, huh...

I can't really picture him angry.

He seems the type to go all soft and gushy if he meets Kasumi-san.

Maybe he could just punch me and throw me out instead?

Then I could go to Kasumi-san's place...

No, no. Bad idea.

We'll clear Floor 30 together, and I'll visit her home honorably.