Having turned on the light, all the illumination gathered on the child lying on the hospital bed.

It was a sight that Hilmirya had seen as a child, and a place she had always wished to be in.

At the heart of the operation, by the side of the injured.

It had been over a year since the last time she had been this close to a surgery.

It was during the Demon Annihilation War, where many were wounded.

Though Hilmirya didn't find any joy in the sight of so many wounded, the sheer number of casualties finally presented her with the opportunity to witness a surgery up close once again.

Unlike magic, there was no involvement of any supernatural powers.

It was only through the flesh and blood given by the gods and the wisdom bestowed upon the human race, that the surgeons, with their own hands, brought the wounded back from the brink of death.

"Operation commencing."

Soon, standing by the side, Hilmirya could only marvel at every move made by Cyclone.

Unlike past memories, Cyclone's speed and precision in wielding the scalpel were not just quick, but also remarkably accurate.

Every action of Cyclone was devoid of any hesitation.

As Hilmirya watched the surgery unfold, she handed over the medical tools that Cyclone called for.

Fortunately, Hilmirya's assistance did not hinder Cyclone in any way.

Simultaneously, Hilmirya monitored the patient's heartbeat and kept watch for any unforeseen circumstances.

At times, she would offer a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off Cyclone's brow.

In that moment of wiping away sweat, Hilmirya caught a close glimpse of Cyclone's earnest gaze.

"Number three clamp."

"..."

"Number three clamp?!"

"Y-yes!"

Hilmirya was taken aback, realizing she had gotten so engrossed in watching.

Drawn in by Cyclone's expression, by that...

It was in that moment that Hilmirya realized.

Perhaps, from the beginning, she had never truly hated Cyclone.

Perhaps, from the beginning, it was simply that Cyclone shattered Hilmirya's illusions by engaging in acts of intimacy expected between married individuals before their actual marriage.

Perhaps, from the beginning, the real source of Hilmirya's discontent was not that Cyclone had other women, but that it shattered her idealized image of being a perfect couple.

"Indeed, the toothpick only stopped at the surface of the heart. That old man kept this child at bay, seems like being cautious isn't such a bad thing after all."

Cyclone took out the toothpick and looked at Hilmirya.

"Hey hey! Stop daydreaming, miss~"

"Y-yes!"

Under Cyclone's lead, the surgery was successfully completed.

There were no tense moments, no thrilling twists, everything went smoothly.

Just like Cyclone had said earlier, as a doctor, saving the patient was the goal.

With a genuinely caring heart, after the surgery, Hilmirya rushed over to Cyclone.

"Will you... will you say it once more?"

"So, I also want to become a doctor like you!"

Cyclone gazed into Hilmirya's earnest eyes.

"I want to earnestly treat patients, and strive my whole life to save lives!"

Hilmirya reached out her hands, this time not coerced by Cyclone, but of her own accord.

Hoping that Cyclone would grasp it, and they could move forward together.

However, Cyclone did not take Hilmirya's hand, instead saying,

"No, I don't really want that. Let's skip the whole life-saving thing."

"..."

"I'm heading home now~ Bye~"

"Uh..."

Cyclone's immediate rejection poured cold water over all of Hilmirya's emotions.

As opposed to the dream-filled Hilmirya, Cyclone stood firm as a real-world doctor.

Watching Cyclone walk away, just like when she had been trained before.

Without a hint of hesitation, Cyclone turned and left.

Leaving Hilmirya alone, standing there, her hand still extended.

After some time, Hilmirya still did not move.

Just gazing ahead at the now empty space, until she could find peace.