"Hey, hey, Ceres-kun, is it okay if I join you in hunting too?"
Ceres-kun's idea of me being a "full-time housewife" is wonderful and makes me happy. Perhaps for an ordinary woman, this life would be the best!
But when I'm with Ceres-kun, it reminds me of the dream I abandoned for the sake of a woman's happiness—the other dream.
"If possible, I'd like to fight together... just a thought!"
"Well, to be honest, I'm worried, so I'd rather you didn't go hunting. But if it's what Shizuko-san wants..."
Judging from the atmosphere, he seems really concerned.
"Hey, haven't you forgotten? Even now, I used to be an S-class adventurer known as the 'Black-Haired Soothing Hand,' and I'm still an A-class adventurer. There are only a few S-class adventurers in the world, and there are only about 50 A-class ones!"
"That's true, but I'm still worried..."
"Hehehe, don't worry about me! I won't be fighting alone. If I'm in danger, you'll come to my rescue, won't you?"
"Well, that's true..."
Ceres-kun is very kind...
Certainly, the current life is attractive, but I also worry about Ceres-kun. I mean, he's an S-class Dragon Slayer. I think everyone probably feels the same way.
But I was an adventurer specialized in healing, and I had some decent combat skills. It's scarier to think about what might happen if I'm not there, just in case...
"Don't make such a worried face..."
"Shizuko-san is stubborn, so I guess there's no helping it... Understood."
"Well then, can we accept a request tomorrow? This time, Ceres-kun can just watch."
"Got it."
But I've had a gap of nearly 15 years... Let's start with something simple...
* * *
"Shizuko-san, I didn't hear about this at all! I'm sorry, but let me help!"
It's only natural that Ceres-kun is surprised.
After all, what we're facing here is a group of orcs.
And since I'm a woman, they see me as their natural enemy... and there are at least thirty of them.
"Ceres-kun, didn't we promise yesterday? This time, Ceres-kun just needs to watch!"
"But..."
"Don't make such a worried face. Even now, you're referred to as a 'hero (Eiyuu),' and I'm called the 'Black-Haired Healer.' I'll be fine with this."
"Got it... but in return, if things get dangerous, I'm jumping in immediately."
"Hehehe, you're such a worrywart. But if it's just this, I'll be fine."
It's been a while since I've been in a battle... hehehe, I'm looking forward to it.
"We'll go head-on..."
"Shizuko-san, your weapon..."
"Hehehehe, I won't need a staff for opponents like these! Bare hands are enough."
It's been a while since I've felt this sensation.
"Shizuko-san!"
"Hehehe, let me show you how the Black-Haired Healer fights..."
With that, I dive into the group of orcs.
"Holy Circle!"
I create a blade of light with magic and strike at the enemy. It's one of the few offensive spells a healer like me has. The blade flies, and it easily cuts an orc in two.
"""""Bmoomoo!""""""
"Holy Armor!"
This is an application of Holy Wall. I wrap myself in a small barrier of light like armor. With this, I can withstand attacks from ogre-level enemies without a scratch.
And then...
"Light Berserker!"
This is a spell similar to 'Berserker.' It doesn't eliminate reason but heightens one's aggression. Under its influence, I can become ruthless and cruel, taking pleasure in killing.
"""""Bmoomoo!""""""
"Hehehehe, ahahahaha, die, die, die!"
I release Holy Circle to sever the enemies, protect myself with Holy Armor, and elevate my spirits with Light Berserker while annihilating the enemies.
And if I get injured, I instantly heal myself.
This is how I, the "Black-Haired Healer," fight.
"Hehehe, ahahahaha, ahahahahaha!"
All the enemies in front of me are killed... the biggest drawback of this fighting style is that unless they're very close to me, I consider them enemies and kill them. So, I can't cooperate with other parties.
"Hehehehe, you're still alive? Even though you're just pigs... Ahahahahaha, just die... Ahahahahahahaha!"
And to everyone around, this appears excessively cruel.
I used to be bad at killing creatures, even now. It's only with this magic that I can kill. To protect my comrades, I must be ruthless. That's why I've mastered this... Ceres-kun... This is me as an adventurer.
I wonder if I'll be hated for this? This fighting style almost made me miss my chance to get married.
But... Ceres-kun, I want to show you. And if possible... I hope you won't dislike me... and that you'll still be there with your usual smile...
* * *
"Ceres-kun..."
Did he come to dislike me? But if it's Ceres-kun, it'll be okay, right?
"Shizuko-san! That was amazing... Yes, I feel relieved now."
"Ceres-kun, thank you."
"Shizuko-san... wait, you don't mean..."
"Yes, I mean that... Is it bad?"
"It's not bad, but..."
Afterward, I hugged Ceres-kun passionately. It was a mixture of happiness and probably some excitement... maybe...