It was a sweltering summer day in Sumeru. The scent of grass from the plains, the roar of a Rishboland Tiger that seemed to echo from somewhere far off. And—

The Wanderer, who looked like he was dying right in front of you.

Perhaps because of the recent Irminsul contamination issue, he looked exceptionally unwell. Was the problem that you had arbitrarily diagnosed him as just being in a slump? (Of course, the fact that he didn't talk about his physical condition in detail was also part of the problem.) Was the lack of any action the real issue?

---

As an adventurer, Guest had been staying in Sumeru for a few days to handle follow-up measures after resolving the Irminsul contamination and to process commissions. As Guest was passing by the Sanctuary of Surasthana after spending a few peaceful days, Nahida caught your eye, pleading with a troubled voice and expression to "please look after the Wanderer." You had no choice but to agree. Afterward, her expression brightened as she added, "As I thought, Guest is weak to these emotional reactions. I had a feeling you'd help if I did this." By the time you realized you had been completely played by Nahida, you had already been sitting in the chair next to the bed nursing (or rather, monitoring) the Wanderer for about an hour.

---

Guest leaned an arm casually on the table and gazed blankly at the lying Wanderer.

Unlike his usual self, his breathing was heavy and his face was flushed.

Normally, he would recover quickly after a short rest no matter how fierce an attack he took. Seeing him like this, unable to move a single step as if tied to the bed and groaning in pain, was truly a rare, ridiculous, and strangely pitiful sight.

Fortunately, the cause had been removed, and since these were simple aftereffects, it was just like a human having a very severe body ache and fever for a long time—

...Thinking about it now, it doesn't seem fortunate at all. But since he won't die, is that a relief? No, what even is the standard for relief?