I Was Deemed a Worthless Saint Without a Level-Up Blessing and Was Sent Off to Marry a Neighboring Country, but It Turns Out My Blessing Was Actually Level Cap Removal - Episode 43

When viewed up close, the wounds seem even more painful.

No, it’s not just the scars left by the dragon. Upon closer inspection, there were small wounds all over Alvent’s sturdy body.

To heal wounds, there are potions in addition to holy magic, but they are not something you can drink immediately during battle.

If it takes time for the wound to heal, there may inevitably be a scar left behind.

Countless scars eloquently told the story of how many battles Alvent had overcome to protect the Gobules Kingdom.

Since I will be going on the expedition together, Ferulina secretly and strongly resolves never to let Alvent’s scars increase from now on.

“Does the wound hurt…?”

“Ah, fortunately. It doesn’t hinder my movement.”

“Um, um… is it okay if I touch you…?”

When I hesitantly asked, an awkward nod was returned.

“Ah, ah. If it’s necessary to cast the holy magic, I don’t mind…”

“Well then, excuse me…”

Gently, I touch Alvent’s chest with my fingertips.

As I traced the scar with my fingertips, the strong body slightly trembled.

“I’m, I’m sorry! Does it hurt!?”

“N-no, it doesn’t hurt at all, but when you touch me so gently, it feels too gentle and ticklish, you know…?”

Alvent, turning his face away, answered in a flustered manner. His stern features were slightly flushed.

“I’m so sorry…!”

The apologetic Ferulina places her entire palm on her chest. The heartbeat she feels through her palm is unusually fast, thumping rapidly.

They might be worried about whether Ferulina’s holy magic will work on the wound.

In order to make Alvent feel even a little more at ease, I smiled gently, and when Alvent glanced at Ferulina, he groaned, “Ugh.”

It seems that something is putting a burden on Alvent, so Ferulina closes her eyes, concentrates, and begins to chant a spell.

“Holy God. Your beloved child, who has received your mercy, earnestly prays. Please heal the curse that dwells within this one’s body――”

What I am reciting is the spell for breaking the curse.

Alvent was saying that even though the injury healed, the scars never disappeared.

And if Ferulina is correct in what she read in the ancient texts, then what is engraved on Alvent’s body must be a “curse.”

I pray with all my might that the curse placed on Alvent will be lifted.

However.

“……Ferulina, that’s enough. Don’t push yourself.”

After a while, the hand that had been pressed against my chest was gently and softly grasped and then released.

There was no change at all in the scar on Alvent’s chest.

Of course. Ferulina herself didn’t feel any sense of achievement.

Although I had anticipated it, it seems that Ferulina’s power cannot break the dragon’s curse after all.

“You used more magic than usual today, didn’t you? Don’t push yourself for an unbreakable curse. You look pale.”

“I’m very sorry…”

I bowed my head and apologized to Alvent, whose voice was full of concern.

As pointed out, perhaps I’ve overused my magical power, because my head is feeling a bit dizzy.

“Even with Ferulina’s holy magic, just knowing that the curse cannot be undone is a harvest in itself. For now, this should be enough, right?”

Alvent twists his body to reach for the clothes he took off.

That back is so pristine compared to the dragon scars on the front, as if to show that Alvent has never turned his back on an enemy.

However, there is only one thing in the middle of it.

“Please wait!”

“Captain! That is…!?”

Ferulina and Lobes shout at the same time.

“What is it?”

Ignoring Alvent, who raised his voice in confusion,

“Please show me your back well!”
And circle around behind Alvent.

The center of the back. The area just below the shoulder blades is darkened to about the size of a fist.

Ferulina, trembling, reached out her hand to the skin that had turned a dark purple, just like the dragon’s scar.

What my fingertips touched was neither the smooth texture of skin nor the rough texture of a scar.

The way the hard, mineral-like texture stretches thinly and adheres only in that spot…

“Scales…”

“!? No way!? Lady Ferulina, please move out of the way!”

Pushing Ferulina aside, Robes clings to Alvent’s back.

From Robes’ face, which is being patted without hesitation, the color is gradually draining away.

“There’s no way… scales could possibly grow…!”

“Scales? What do you mean? Do I have scales growing on my back?”

Apparently, I didn’t even notice it myself.

Alvent raises a suspicious voice.

However, Ferulina barely heard the voices of the two.

It’s a lie. I hope it’s a lie.

In my mind, another version of myself is screaming.

What lingers in my mind are the descriptions from the deciphered ancient documents.

An old sieve, a description whose truth or legend is unknown.

If that content is true, then Alvent will――.

I feel like the ground beneath my feet has fallen away.

My whole body trembles…

“Ferulina!?”

Unable to even respond to Alvent’s voice, Ferulina lost consciousness.