Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

“You’ll need a whole month to recover, Master.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard that a dozen times already. You’re persistent.”
“Because—because you’re not staying put at all, Master!!”

Snatching the book from my hands, Momo’s voice rang out through the library.

It had been several days since we drove Theo off in the desert. I’d lost count of how many times we’d had this same exchange.

“As expected of the Greedy King’s collection. It’s a hodgepodge, but full of fascinating knowledge. Look, Momo—this food here, called ‘Fruche.’”¹　
“Ah—that’s probably from my world… wait, that’s not the point! If you keep wandering around like this, your wounds will never heal. You were seriously injured, remember!?”
“I’m not wandering. As you can see, I’m floating.”
“Ugh, you always have a comeback!”

Ignoring Momo’s sulking, I turned my eyes back to the book I’d taken back.

Controlling magic power was a wizard’s daily routine; skip a day and your skills dulled by three.

This delicate manipulation—floating myself and the book—was a welcome stimulation during days that would otherwise be nothing but waiting for my body to recover.

“Let me ask you instead—don’t you have anything else to do? At this rate, you’re nothing but dead weight.”
“I knew you’d say that, so I’ve been helping out with everyone’s work! They said I’m as good as a hundred men at heavy labor!”
“Ha ha, is that so? Then hurry along and work. I’ll relax here.”
“Noooope! You’re going back to bed, right now!”
“Honestly… you’re stubborn too.”

It had been like this ever since I received treatment. Granted, nearly dying had been my own fault, but this level of overprotectiveness was excessive.

Momo had always hovered around me here and there, but lately, it was more annoying than ever.

“Ha ha ha! Nothing warms the heart like sibling affection. Pardon the intrusion, White One.”
“If you know you’re intruding, then go home. Stop invading my privacy.”
“Master, just reminding you—this is the king’s castle.”

Dealing with Momo alone was already more than enough trouble, but now another nuisance had shown up.

The king ducked under the doorway, which for his tall frame seemed low, his hand wrapped in bandages.

Other than that, he bore no real injuries—despite having stood against two dragons. Compared to me, who had nearly died fighting Theo alone, that was impressive.

“But the pink-haired one is right. Take it easy, lest your wounds worsen. If my collection interests you, you may take a few volumes to your bed.”
“Ah, how kind. Then, Momo, take everything from this shelf to that one and move it to my room.”
“Master, there’s a dictionary here. While we’re at it, let’s look up the word restraint.”
“Ha ha ha! Such greed in my presence! I like it—take them all!”
“Wait, really, Your Majesty!?”
“I don’t mind. Consider it a gift to celebrate your recovery. So, how fares your body?”
“Not yet at full strength, but nearly healed. The disease they implanted in me—it hasn’t spread, has it?”

According to Momo, Pest had directly injected an illness into my body.

Supposedly, it was meant to counteract the poison Orgueil had unleashed, but because of that, my treatment required meticulous care and repeated purification by magic.

“No problem. The sorcerers I scouted are skilled. Still—using a sickness to resist poison, fascinating.”
“If you want to scout her, ask her yourself. I don’t even know where she is anymore.”
“Well, surely the hint lies in those underground ruins, does it not?”
“…If you’ll give me permission, I’d investigate them right away.”

After Theo and the others were driven off, all that remained near Valka’s nest was the great hole leading into the underground ruins.

For now, the king had ordered the area sealed off, with reinforcement work underway to prevent collapse, though progress was reportedly poor.

Thanks to Theo carelessly dropping “meteorites,” much of the ruins’ interior had also caved in, and anyone venturing inside risked being buried alive.

“Wait until you’re closer to full recovery, White One. The interior may not even be safe.”
“That’s right, Master. If you get hit by another beam, you’ll really die this time.”
“I’m not a child. I won’t fall for the same trap twice.”
“Fuhaha! Spoken in that state, you don’t sound convincing at all! …Still, I know full well you’re no ordinary person.”

After laughing heartily, the king’s face grew serious, his gaze fixed firmly upon mine.

His eyes sparkled like those of a child who had spotted a beetle while running across the mountains.

“So, you truly have no intention of remaining here with me? You would want for nothing, White One. If it is your wish, I’ll even prepare mountains of sweets!”
“………No. I’ll pass.”
“That was some serious hesitation.”
“Not at all, Momo. I simply have things of my own that must be done. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

I passed the king by and left the library, where I had spent more time than in the infirmary bed meant for me.

Through the hallway window, the sky outside looked on the verge of tears, heavy with clouds, the air pleasantly cool.

Since the death of Valka Muetta, the desert’s climate had begun to shift. How well could the people of Regulus adapt to what lay ahead?

“Master! Don’t leave me behind—where are you going?”
“Nowhere. I just can’t sit still, so I’m going for a walk. You don’t need to come.”
“I’m coming! I’m your disciple, after all! Besides, I’m curious about what you just said.”
“Ah, you mean the ‘things I must do’? Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t concern you.”

I quickened my floating pace down the corridor, but Momo stuck close at my side.

Persistent girl. Even after I pushed her away this much. No wonder she had chased me all the way into this desert.

“…Momo. Do you want to return to your own world?”
“Huh? Well… of course, if I could, I’d want to.”
“I see. Then put in a little effort toward that. Don’t think I’ll always be around.”

My body felt heavy. And I knew this condition would likely never improve.

The time I had left to do what I must—to push her back to her original world—was not much. I had to hurry.

From me, who was dying, to you, who were alive… just what, and how much, could I leave behind?