Chapter 16: Ch 16 : Duel
The morning sunlight streamed into the room, bringing a hint of warmth.
As Noel opened the window, a gentle breeze carrying the fresh scent of earth drifted in, instantly sweeping away the frustration he had felt over the past two days.
Two days ago, upon returning to the guild, Noel had been scolded by Mirajane and was forcibly confined to bed for rest.
If that were all, he wouldn't have minded too much.
However, when Mirajane placed a bowl of what looked like a bizarre mixture of dyes, emanating a pungent and indescribable odor, in front of him and ordered him to drink it, his thoughts momentarily came to a halt.
(That taste and feeling... honestly, it was more like poison than medicine, wasn't it?) Noel shuddered at the memory of forcing himself to drink it, only to immediately fall into a state of near-death.
With a creak, the door swung open, and Mirajane entered, carrying another bowl.
"Oh? You're already up, Noel? Don't you want to rest a little longer?" she asked with a gentle smile.
"Uh, no need. I'm already completely recovered."
"Is that so? What a shame. I just finished making your medicine," Mirajane said regretfully, glancing at the bowl in her hands.
Seeing the ominous liquid, Noel instinctively took a step back before forcing a bitter smile. "I think I'll pass... By the way, where did you even get this recipe?"