Members of the 'Wings of Flash' and 'Rosenritter' who were watching over from the surroundings let out gasps of astonishment and awe.

Soon the light subsided... and there was Anastasia with not a scratch on her face as if sleeping.

She doesn't move a muscle. Potpourri was waiting nearby as she relaxed her face slightly.

"...Is it over?"

Potpourri let out a small, trembling voice and cautiously approached Anastasia.

Her large eyes quickly filled with tears, threatening to overflow at any moment.

She didn't try to hold back her tears and gently touched her cheek.

"...I'm glad. That the young lady's body... at least, that she returned to this beautiful state... Her soul may have been devoured by demons... but even so, being able to see such a peaceful expression on her face at the end... that alone is enough to be grateful for...!"

Potpourri said that and then cried while hugging Anastasia's body. It was then.

Anastasia's eyes, which had been closed, snapped open wide as she was embraced. The people watching around them were startled.

And then, with that same momentum, she embraces Potpourri's body.

"I'm not dead."

"Y-young lady!?"

Potpourri was so surprised she almost jumped out of her skin, staring intently at Anastasia's face. Anastasia still looked a little dazed.

"Young lady Anastasia! It's wonderful to see you safe and sound...!"

This time, Potpourri finally bursts into tears of joy and hugs Anastasia tightly.

Anastasia hugged back with her face slightly contorted in a daze.

"...Anastasia. I'm glad. Do you understand the situation?"

How much of the memory remains?

In response to Sylvia's question to confirm that, Anastasia moved her lips slightly.

"Yeah... Sylvia beat me up."

"...That's right. Haven't your skills declined?"

"...It was because the monster wasn't very good at using my body."

"Oh, okay… Honestly, you idiot, don't make me worry."

Sylvia replied curtly, although she was secretly delighted at her friend's return. However, she didn't say that much.

Anastasia took a small breath and then turned her gaze toward Christophe.

"I'm sorry... and thank you, Sylvia. And to the healer over there."

Anastasia moved her head as if to look.

In response to the thanks, Christophe slowly opened his mouth with a wry smile.

"It's because you tried to live that my healing magic reached you. Anyway, I'm glad things worked out."

"...Yes, thank you… Your warm magic... gently guided me in the darkness... It was an amazing power..."

Christophe tilted his head slightly, but a gentle smile played on his lips.

Sylvia had been watching this scene as she let out a soft sigh and then relaxed her lips.

(Christophe-san... You really are a miracle healer after all.)

Words cannot express the gratitude and respect that welled up in Sylvia's chest.

As the conversation ended, cheers erupted like a dam had burst.

"Young lady!"

"Anastasia-sama, it's wonderful that you're safe and sound!"

"Whoa... It's really great that everyone is smiling... I'm so relieved..."

Joyful voices erupted one after another from the other clan members as well.

It was enveloped in a warm atmosphere, as if the fierce battle just moments ago had been a lie.

Seeing the state of her companions, Sylvia let out a soft sigh and lightly clapped her hands.

"Alright, everyone. I understand how you feel, but the mission is only complete when we safely return to the surface. Don't let your guard down and start preparing for withdrawal."

As a leader, Sylvia's lips naturally began to curve into a smile as well while gently cautioning.

Chapter 39