I Stole the Heroines’ Tragedy Flags

I spun the aura around my body and checked my condition.

Fortunately, after the pain subsided, the remaining injuries weren't that severe. I crossed my legs and began to increase my recovery rate, and soon, even the last of the discomfort faded away.
"—Hoo."
Sweat dripped down as I opened my eyes.

I stood up and looked down at the floor, only to be greeted by a puddle of dark, bloody mess, instead of the usual wooden floor. It was a quantity that was hard to believe could have come from just one person.
'...Ugh, damn. The floor’s completely ruined.'
What would the owner of this hut say if she saw this scene? Of course, because of the hut’s peculiar nature, it would blend into nature and disappear on its own after a day. Still, it was awkward to have made such a mess in someone else's home.

As I quickly tried to gather mana to use a cleaning spell, I felt a sharp sensation.
—Crack!
With the familiar darkness, my vision went black again.

***
"...Ain student? What happened to you?!"
"…Well, you see."

It had been almost ten minutes since I returned to the Headmaster’s office. Upon seeing me, Sharin dropped the paperwork she was handling and immediately stood up. She rushed toward me.
"What in the world did you trade with her? Why is your mana…?"
"I'm really fine. My body has recovered."

"That's not the issue! Ain student’s mana—"
If you are reading this translation anywhere other than .net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.
Sharin examined my body from all angles while casting healing magic on me. As expected, the healing magic couldn't restore the lifespan that had already been lost. She knew this too, so she stopped her magic and looked at me with a sad expression.

"Ain. I told you before. You need to take better care of your body."
"...I feel ashamed."
"…"
As I met her worried gaze, a strange sense of guilt washed over me. Eventually, unable to stand the gaze any longer, I got up from my seat first.

"Thank you for letting me borrow the crystal. I’ll take my leave now."
"…Sigh, if I knew this was going to happen, I would’ve refused your request."
"Heh…"

Seeing me awkwardly smile, Sharin handed me something with an annoyed expression. It was a bottle filled with a bright yellow liquid.
"Drink this."
"...What is this?"

"It’s a potion made with the leaves of the Silver Oak tree. It’s a restorative potion commonly used by witches to recover from fatigue, and it will help prevent aftereffects."
"Are you sure it’s okay for you to give me such a precious thing?"
The Silver Oak leaves. The Silver Oak was a tree that only grew in the land of elves. It was a high-quality ingredient often used in potion-making because of its excellent ability to stabilize the mind and body. Even in the Empire, it was so rare that they considered it a treasure.

"Well, since you were hurt because I agreed to your request, I feel partly responsible."
"What do you mean—"
"Don’t feel burdened, Ain student. If you don’t drink it, I’ll feel more uncomfortable."

'This person is so kind.'
Who could possibly dislike a witch like her? Thinking back to those who had hated her in the past and caused her pain, I realized how mad they must have been.
"...Well then, I’ll gratefully drink it."

"Good. Drink it quickly."
I immediately opened the bottle she handed me. A refreshing mint-like scent gently wafted from it. I opened my mouth and poured it down my throat.
Gulp!

"...Is this apple-flavored?"
"It’s my favorite fruit. Does it taste alright?"
"Yes, it’s delicious. I like apples too."

"Glad to hear that."
As I drank the potion, a warm sensation spread throughout my body, and the fatigue I had been feeling melted away. A pleasant feeling surged through me, restoring my vitality.
'This restorative potion is incredibly effective.'

At least for today, I would be able to go about my day with more energy than usual. After feeling the effects, I bowed my head to her and expressed my gratitude once again.
"Thank you so much for giving me such a precious potion."
"Hehe, it’s nothing. I have plenty more, so just let me know if you need more later."

...Even though the Headmaster had instructed her, it felt like she was taking care of me a little too much. It was starting to feel a bit overwhelming.
"Well then, I’ll be on my way."
"...Alright. See you next time, Ain student."

 
***
Thud.

"‥‥."
She stared blankly at the door the boy had closed behind him. The concern for the boy was still evident in her gaze.
'...I wonder if he'll be okay.'

A witch's eyes are special in many ways. Like casting a divination, she could faintly sense the misfortune that the other would face in the future. And the fate of that boy, who had just been with her, was by far the most grim of anyone she had ever encountered.
In fact, she had felt something was wrong from the very first meeting. When he first entered the principal's office, he was carrying something that no ordinary person should have.
She thought, How did he survive with such a body? And now, his life expectancy had been halved again. Watching the flame of a life flicker out was a sight that, despite centuries passing, still tormented her.

"You're too kind, that's your problem."
She tore her gaze from the door and turned her head. She saw her familiar master, lying casually on the sofa.
"...You're here." "Yeah, just got here. Ain came by, right?" "Did you see Lily too?" "...I guess, sort of."

Creak—
Her master continued, chewing on a candy in a nonchalant tone.
"That kid, if he keeps going like this, he won't last a year." "‥‥." "Hey, don't make that face. Someone might think you're the one who did it to him." "But—" "You don't have to worry too much. He'll figure it out himself."

Crunch!
"We just need to watch him like we always do. If he needs help, he'll come to us on his own."
"...Yes, understood."

Her master's words were right. But even as she answered, the bitter feeling that remained within her couldn't be shaken.
***
Leaving the principal's office, I quickly followed the trail of Aria.

If I had no information, it would have been quite difficult to find her. But thankfully, based on information from the game, I could easily guess her location.
'...Found it. The temple.'
In this world, healing facilities are divided into two categories. Minor injuries are treated at civilian clinics, and anything more serious is taken care of in temples.

Naturally, these temples are run by priests of the Holy See. A significant portion of the Holy See's revenue comes from these temples.
'If she's being treated as a saint... it must be on the top floor, right?'
I looked up at a window on the third floor.

"...Invisibility."
With the incantation, magic was activated. The circle in my heart spun, and my mana poured out in chunks. ...Even now, it was still a strain to use 5th-circle magic with this body.
Soon, my form gradually blurred from the magic. It finally became completely transparent.

"Undetect."
I cast additional magic to avoid detection. Now, I was ready to infiltrate unnoticed.
"...Huff!"

Swish—
...
Thud!

With a single leap, I reached the third-floor window I was aiming for. I carefully opened the window and entered.
I surveyed the room filled with several beds. In the innermost corner, someone was lying alone.
'...As expected, here she is. Aria.'

"Ha... ha...." "‥‥."
Her white hair was spread out, and she was lying there, breathing irregularly. The sight of her panting and sweating was far from indicating she was in a good state. The bright smile she had at the entrance ceremony was nowhere to be seen.
'Where's the priest in charge?'

I spread my mana and scanned the surroundings, but there was no sign of anyone else on this floor. ...Leaving a patient like this alone? Are they out of their minds?
"Silence."
I was somewhat angry, but it wasn’t a bad situation for me right now. I quickly cast the spell to erase all signs in the area.

'This should be enough preparation, now...'
I reached my right hand out and placed it on her forehead. As my hand covered her small face, I could feel the softness of her skin.
When I gave the signal, a black flower pattern appeared on the back of my hand that was touching hers.

—Shaa!
It was the symbol of a deal with a witch, and it contained half of my mana. I manipulated it with an unfamiliar sensation and flowed it into Aria's body. Thankfully, there was no additional pain in the process of transferring it to her.
"...Hah... ngh...!"

She grimaced for a moment with a brief groan, but soon her heavy breathing started to steady. It seemed my mana had successfully settled into her vessel.
'I think I used about 10% of it.'
After measuring the remaining mana in my hand, I pulled it away from her. No, I was about to pull it away.

"...Ain." "‥‥!"
At the sound of Aria calling my name, I froze in surprise.
"Ain... don't go... please..." "‥‥." "Please don’t leave us..."

Was she having nightmares like I did? Aria kept calling my name, murmuring pitifully. Tears filled her eyes and streamed down her cheeks.
Swipe—
I wiped away her tears and instinctively stroked her hair. It was something I used to do for her and Seria often in the past.

'...I’m sorry I couldn’t be by your side.'
It was something I never got to say to her and Seria. Though it was unavoidable, I caused them both so much pain. Seeing her call for me even in her dreams, a deep guilt dug into me.
And then, at that moment...

Creek!
Someone opened the door and entered the room.