Chapter 14: The Moon That Shines on You

After everyone confirmed the system message, Ruah, still tangled with Juju, sighed and lay back on the floor.

“Phew.”

It had been a gamble.

If Juju had maintained their balance even a little longer, or if Ruah hadn’t tackled them hard enough, both of them would have been bisected by Himari’s sword.

‘But it worked.’

She hadn’t missed the optimal moment, the fleeting instant when the two Skeleton Knights crossed paths.

The original protagonist, controlled by the player, could employ various strategies, but Ruah, lacking such an advantage, had no other choice.

“Is everyone… alright?”

At the mage’s question, Ruah, suddenly remembering her duties as a healer, sat up.

“Haa, haa….”

Himari was breathing heavily where she stood after using Battōjutsu. She was kneeling on one knee, clutching her left hand. Ruah quickly got up and rushed to her side.

“Himari, Himari. A-are you okay?”

“Yes, I am alright. However….”

Before Himari could finish, Ruah checked her left ring finger. Unlike the minor scratch from before, this time, the injury was severe.

————————-

<[Diagnosis (Lv.2)] has been activated.>

<Target’s current status: Comminuted fracture, laceration>

————————

“[Perfect Healing]!”

Without hesitation, Ruah grabbed Himari’s hand and activated her skill. A bright, deep green light, even stronger than when using [Healing], flowed from her hand and healed Himari’s injury. A significant amount of mana drained from her, but Ruah didn’t mind.

“Thank you, teacher.”

“You did well, Himari. Thanks to you, we can get out of here alive.”

At Ruah’s words, Himari finally smiled faintly.

“It is thanks to you, teacher. I would not have been able to do it… without you.”

Himari held Ruah’s hand. She felt Himari’s warm hand in hers.

“Teacher, heal me too.”

Juju squeezed between them. It seemed they had scraped their side on the floor when they fell with Ruah.

“[Healing]!”

“Ah, that’s much better. Thanks.”

Juju took off the gauntlets and wiped the sweat from her forehead. The mage, having stayed at the back, was unharmed.

“Now that the healing is done, let’s collect the loot.”

The mage pointed at the piles of bones.

“There should be C-rank Rare Metal dropped by the boss. Shall we look for it?”

Himari rummaged through the remains of the Skeleton Knights and found two lumps of metal, each about half the size of an adult fist. They glowed faintly in the dim light.

Rare Metal.

The only material that could penetrate a monster’s barrier, it was an essential component in crafting Hunter weapons.

“Here it is.”

Himari offered the Rare Metal to the mage, but the mage shook her head.

“It’s standard practice for the party leader to distribute the Rare Metal. And I don’t need it, since the guild provides for me. You guys can have it.”

“Thank you.”

Himari brought the Rare Metal over to Ruah and Juju.

“Please distribute the loot, teacher.”

Even though she had defeated the boss, Himari readily handed the Rare Metal to Ruah.

Ruah examined the Rare Metal, the first time she had held it in person, then held one in each hand and offered them to Himari and Juju.

“I don’t need it since I’m a healer. Fortunately, there are two, so how about you each take one?”

“Wow! Is that okay?”

Juju stared at the Rare Metal Ruah offered them, fascinated.

“Whoa….”

Himari also examined the Rare Metal and murmured.

“My first Gate raid… and my first Rare Metal drop… I seem to be having many first experiences today.”

After a moment of thought, Himari looked up.

“Juju.”

“Hmm?”

“Take this.”

“……!”

Himari offered her Rare Metal to Juju with a bright smile.

“Uh… uh… why? It’s yours, Himari.”

“It is… an apology for mistaking your gender.”

“I already said it was okay…”

“No, please take it.”

Himari took Juju’s empty hand and placed the Rare Metal in it.

“I am already satisfied… with the new experiences you and the teacher have given me today.”

“Himari… are you sure?”

“Of course.”

“……”

Juju looked at Ruah questioningly, and Ruah nodded.

‘She gives it to the protagonist in the game anyway.’

Himari, who already had a sword made of A-rank Rare Metal, didn’t need it.

‘But wait a minute.’

Ruah tilted her head, sensing something amiss.

In the original story, Himari only showed affection towards the protagonist. She gave the Rare Metal as a token of gratitude for the protagonist saying they needed her, not her Battōjutsu.

But now, Ruah had said those words, and Himari had given the Rare Metal to Juju as an apology.

In other words, the protagonist’s role had been split between Ruah and Juju.

‘Has the story changed…?’

“Teacher.”

“Y-yes?”

Ruah awkwardly looked up at Himari’s call. Himari was staring directly at her, a bit too intensely. Facing her long eyelashes and pretty face, Ruah blushed.

“I have a request… for you, who has guided me.”

“A request?”

“Please let me—”

Suddenly, Himari knelt on one knee before Ruah.

And from her small, plump lips came words Ruah couldn’t have imagined.

“—Become your moon.”

“……?”

‘Moon?’

A smartphone screen displayed the Felix Academy gymnasium.

The students, lined up in rows, and the teachers on the stage listened to the announcer.

“This month’s model teacher is School Nurse Han Ruah!”

—Clap, clap, clap….

Applause erupted again as Ruah’s ID photo appeared on the large screen in the gymnasium.

“Nurse Han Ruah handled the incident during last week’s external education program admirably. In particular, she acted exemplarily and ensured the students’ safety, even while isolated inside the Gate. Therefore, we present her with this certificate of commendation.”

It was the all-school morning assembly held at the end of the month.

The incident involving the first-year special class had become a hot topic throughout the academy. It was remarkable that freshmen, despite having just started school, had faced monsters and cleared a Gate, even with a teacher and a professional Hunter present.

It was only natural that Ruah, their supervisor, received the “Teacher of the Month” award.

“We would normally have a speech from the recipient… but unfortunately, Nurse Han Ruah is currently recovering at home due to aftereffects of the incident, so we will skip that. Now, the next item on the agenda….”

—Tap!

A long, white finger tapped the smartphone screen, turning off the live stream of the morning assembly.

“There is no need… to watch any further.”

To be precise, not all the students were gathered in the gymnasium.

Hoshikawa Himari wasn’t there.

She was walking towards the faculty dormitory building, through the cherry blossom trees that were just beginning to bloom.

Passersby glanced at her repeatedly. It was because of the traditional attire Himari had specifically chosen for today.

A luxurious kimono adorned with the Hoshikawa family crest, symbolizing the Milky Way. The dark fabric accentuated her features.

‘Nurse Han Ruah.’

As she climbed the dormitory stairs, Himari recalled Ruah’s face.

The school nurse who had vomited at the entrance ceremony, stuttered whenever she spoke, and was so shy she avoided eye contact.

And at the same time, the person who had encouraged the students, led the party, and successfully cleared the Gate.

‘She’s fascinating.’

She had never met anyone like her.

And the words Ruah had spoken to her in the Gate—

—I don’t need your Battōjutsu, Himari. I need you.

Perhaps it was a coincidence, but those were the exact same words her older brother had once said to her.

Her older brother, the only person who had seen her for who she was, amidst her strict father, who was only interested in honing her skills, and the family’s employees, who only did as they were told.

It was the first time she had heard those words since her brother passed away.

That was why Himari wanted to become her “moon.”

[Room 303]

Standing in front of the door, Himari took a deep breath and gently pressed the doorbell.

—Ding-dong!

“Come in!”

“……?”

A voice came from inside. Fortunately, Ruah was there. But Himari hesitated, unsure what to do. She was told to come in without the door being opened. How?

“Hello? Suah, is that you?”

As Himari stood there, flustered, she heard Ruah’s confused voice and approaching footsteps.

—Click!

The door opened with a cheerful sound.

“W-w-who is it…?”

Ruah peeked out cautiously, chain still on the door. She was in her pajamas.

“Good morning, teacher.”

Seeing Ruah, Himari bowed politely.

“Eek! W-why? What about the morning assembly?”

Ruah’s eyes widened in surprise. Himari thought she looked cute.

“I did not attend. I have… something more important to do.”

Himari said, politely clasping her hands.

“Are you… feeling alright?”

“Oh, yeah, it was just an excuse anyway…”

Ruah hesitated for a moment, then unchained and opened the door wide.

“Come in. It’s a bit messy though.”

As Himari stepped inside, Ruah quickly pushed the scattered items on the floor to the side to make space.

Himari smiled faintly, amused by her flustered movements.

“Um… well…”

Ruah averted her gaze, face flushed.

“Your… c-c-clothes… are pretty.”

“……”

—She was truly fascinating.

If she were embarrassed, she could have just kept it to herself, yet despite her blushing face, she had voiced her thoughts. Why? For Himari’s sake? Because she wanted to be honest with her feelings?

Swallowing her questions, Himari replied.

“Thank you. I brought this outfit… for an important occasion.”

Himari knelt before Ruah.

“W-what are you doing?”

“I have come… to formally make my request.”

“…The one you mentioned in the Gate?”

“Yes.”

Sitting formally, Himari clasped her hands and looked at Ruah.

“I want to become your moon.”

“Moon… the one in the sky?”

“Yes.”

Himari looked into Ruah’s eyes and spoke clearly.

“The Hoshikawa family has a tradition. Before children become independent, they stay with a respected mentor, observing, learning, serving, and experiencing the world. This is likened to the moon orbiting Earth, hence the term.”

“……”

“My father introduced me to many respectable individuals, but there was no one I truly wished to serve as a moon. However… I have finally met you, teacher.”

Ruah scratched her head.

“Why me?”

Of course, Himari had prepared an answer.

“In the Gate, you scolded the frightened students and encouraged them to stand tall. You also gave me courage and led us to victory with your strategy.”

“D-did I… hehe.”

“I am lacking, but if you allow me, I wish to stay by your side and serve you. By becoming your moon, I believe I can gain the new experiences I sought in Korea.”

“Hmm…”

“Please.”

Himari bowed deeply, her anxiety evident.

“Um, will you sit up first? You don’t have to do this…”

Himari used Ruah’s small arm for support as she stood up.

“Okay, I accept.”

“……!”

“I also wanted to… raise our affinity—I mean, become closer to you, Himari.”

Himari’s expression brightened considerably. It was wonderful that Ruah felt the same way.

“Thank you, teacher!”

“I look forward to working with you…”

Himari took Ruah’s hand, knelt on one knee, and kissed the back of her hand. It was a moon’s greeting to their master.

“Ah?!”

Ruah shuddered as if electrocuted. Himari smiled sweetly.

“Now then, please give me your command.”

“Huh? Command?”

“What task do you wish for me to perform? Until the moment you no longer need me, I will do anything you ask.”

“Anything… you say…”

“Yes, I will do anything you command.”

“Hmm… even if you say so… I don’t need any commands…”

Ruah scratched her head, looking troubled.

But then, as if an idea struck her, she snapped her fingers.

“—Ah, that’s right!”

“……?”

Ruah rummaged through her bookshelf and pulled out a book. She handed it to the curious Himari.

Himari watched with interest as Ruah’s face flushed slightly.

“H-here, r-read this and… give it back.”

“A book?”

“Yeah, it’s something you… need.”

Himari took the book and looked at the cover.

<Whae? Puberty and s*x>

A gift from the school nurse to Himari, who lacked common sense.