The infirmary feels rather dreary.
The furniture doesn't differ too much from the guest rooms.
But the stone structures are exposed and the walls lack windows.
In the center of the room there's some sort of operating table, with knives and bandages in the drawers.
"..."
Nanahoshi is at a corner.
The bloodstains on her are gone. She has been changed into a patient gown-like outfit.
Sterile, lifeless.
"Nanahoshi, are you alright?"
I ask. Nanahoshi glares at me and said.
"Do I look alright?"
"..."
Of course not.
Her face pale, dark circles under her eye.
Anyone can see she's not doing well.
Atonement's ability is hard even for the patient.
The other bed is empty.
Like on a rotation with us, Sylphy left for the guestroom.
I saw her on the way in. She looks rather haggard.
For 4 days, she assisted in the treatment.
Even though I doubt she was without food or water, it must still be hard on her body.
"They say I can't be cured."
"Ah, oh."
I sit on a chair beside her.
Doesn't look like Miss Yuruzu kept her in the dark about her illness.
"No, you will be better soon."
"I won't get better."
Having said that, Nanahoshi turns away.
Looking at the wall in silence.
What I said was probably irresponsible.
I don't know what I should be saying right now.
"..."
After I fell silent, Ariel and others all try to make conversations.
Some try to comfort Nanahoshi, others try to raise her spirit, and others say you'll definitely get better.
They each try to encourage her in various ways.
But right now, they might all have the opposite effect.
The one really suffering doesn't want to hear niceties like these.
"..."
Soon after, everyone ran out of things to say.
With Nanahoshi unresponsive, nobody knows what to talk about.
The silence is suffocating, making everyone restless.
"Then, Nanahoshi. I'm heading back. I'll come back to check up on you."
Starting with Ariel, everyone leaves for their rooms one by one.
Even though Cliff wishes to stay, but with Elinalise urging he left as well.
When they leave, I could hear Elinalise saying [... Nothing we say matters right now.]
And that's how it is.
Then, only I remain.
Why did I stay. I'm not sure either.
Still, I felt I have to stay for a little longer.
It's dangerous to leave her alone.
"..."
But I have nothing to say.
With a sick person.
With a person suffering from an incurable disease.
No matter what I say, they're just niceties.
Nanahoshi is very upset.
Her summoning research has been going so well.
Phase 1 had a little hiccup, but Phase 2 and 3 both proceeded smoothly.
Phase 4, with a little help from Perugius, should have results soon.
I'm not sure with Phase 5, but it's only a matter of time.
Maybe in 1, 2 more years she can return home.
To hear that she has an incurable disease, at a moment like this, of course she's upset.
Maybe not cancer, but it's still said to be terminal.
I wouldn't be surprised if she got violent.