After retrieving the magic stone from the defeated Cyclops, I walked toward the two young girls.

“Are you alright?”

Although they shouldn’t have been affected by the battle, I asked to confirm. The two girls’ eyes sparkled as they responded.

“Th-thank you so much for saving us!”

“You were… incredible. I mean, just… incredible!”

The blonde girl clasped her hands together in front of her chest, expressing her gratitude, while the silver-haired girl flailed her hands in a mix of awe and praise.

It had been a while since I’d received such a warm, direct expression of gratitude. Though happy, I couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed.

After that, I got a quick rundown of their situation. The blonde was named Elle, and the silver-haired one was Sheena. They had been on a mission as usual, but the sudden appearance of the Cyclops had thrown things into chaos, putting them in a perilous situation just as we arrived.

“I’m glad we got here in time. Elle's wounds seem to have healed, but Sheena still has some injuries. I guess the healing potion wasn’t enough…”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m about to heal it myself.”

“You are?”

As I reached for my puppet bedding, Sheena started to chant a spell. After a twenty-second incantation, she announced:

“Advanced Healing: High Heal!”

“…Impressive.”

With no scars left, Sheena’s injuries were completely healed. My astonishment mixed with a sense of curiosity. Earlier, she’d mentioned her profession was an assassin. I didn’t recall assassins having healing magic.

“So, Sheena, you’re not actually an assassin?”

“I-I am, but a cleric taught me healing. Assassins don’t naturally learn it, but since we couldn’t always rely on potions, we both worked hard to learn it. It’s spell-based, so I didn’t have time to cast it back then.”

“I see.”

Apparently, Elle had learned mid-level “Mid Heal” and Sheena mastered the advanced “High Heal.” Considering I’d only managed to learn “Minor Healing: Low Heal” over many years, I had to admire their dedication.

I smiled, expressing my genuine respect.

“It’s amazing how much effort you put in. You both worked so hard, Sheena.”

“Eek!”

…Hmm? What’s wrong? Sheena’s face suddenly flushed red. Did bacteria enter her wound and cause a fever?

“Are you okay, Sheena?”

“Eep! W-wait!”

To check, I placed my forehead against Sheena’s. No fever… no, actually, her temperature was suddenly rising. What’s happening!?

“S-sorry!”

“Huh?”

After a loud apology, Sheena quickly stepped back, hiding behind a nearby tree, peeking out with her face still red.

I realized my careless action had likely made her uncomfortable. Obviously, it’s not pleasant to be touched by a stranger, especially for someone you just met.

In recent days, I’d grown too used to Flare’s casual physical contact, forgetting what’s appropriate.

“That wasn’t right of me. I should apologize for touching you without permission.”

“Oh, no, no, I don’t think that’s necessary,” Elle said with a slight smile.

“El? What do you mean?”

“Just... a little oblivious, aren’t you?”

“?”

Although I didn’t fully understand what Elle meant, judging by Sheena’s expression as she returned, she didn’t seem genuinely upset.

Relieved, we resumed our journey back.

“Wait! Even Flare is a puppet?”

“No way!”

“Hehe, that’s right! Just like Tetra!”

On the way, they started asking about us. They seemed fascinated by the sight of a puppeteer defeating a Cyclops. When I mentioned that Flare was also a puppet, they widened their eyes in amazement.

“I’ve never heard of a talking puppet.”

“Right? I was pretty surprised myself.”

“Incredible! How did you do it?”

“Well, I’m not entirely sure, but it seems like it happened from a continuous connection and care.”

They bombarded me with questions, but it seemed we’d been positively accepted.

“See, see! You can praise me even more if you want!” Flare said with a happy grin, clearly pleased by Elle and Sheena’s compliments.

Come to think of it, Flare always helped me so much. Maybe I should give her more credit too.

“Thank you, Flare, for always being there.”

“Huh? Ike?”

I placed my hand gently on Flare’s head, stroking it softly. She smiled blissfully after a brief look of surprise.

“I get it now. No wonder she developed a heart.”

“Hmph.”

“That’s unfair! I want to be praised too!”

…Wait, did I just hear three voices? Flare and I were here, so that leaves… only Elle and Sheena—!?

No, I realized there was one more person. Turning my head quickly, I saw her standing beside me.

A slender girl with light blue semi-long hair. I called her name.

“Tetra… have you developed a heart too?”

“Yep, you got it. V for victory!” she replied, making a V sign with both hands, her expression still stoic.