Chapter 199 - Lili's Atelier
Since then, I had begun to show my face at Teacher's atelier quite frequently.
There were times when she would collect materials for a Homunculus, but I think, for the most part, she was researching seriously.
"So, how should I put it? Cancer isn't a curse. It's that cells that have been making healthy tissue until now can, due to some mistake, start making cells that act as poison. That is the cause."
"Hmm... first of all, I don't really understand the concept of a cell. Could you explain it a bit more simply?"
"Let's see. If you compare the human body to a large adventurer Party, then cells are like the adventurers belonging to that human body Party. So, what are cancer cells? They aren't invaders that came from the outside. It's more like a Party Member who was normal until now suddenly became a dangerous person. In our case, it would be Philia. When we first met, she was a kind and gentle older sister, but from a certain point on, she became a dangerous person who licks my chin with lifeless eyes and hints at mutual suicide, right? Damn, even saying this metaphor myself makes me feel incredibly depressed. I want to die."
"I see. So Philia was a personified case of Breast Cancer. It's true she has a physique and personality that seems to embody a woman's obsession. Or rather, Grudge Breasts."
In her absence, we were delivering a piece of shit evaluation.
"In that case, my lineage is a 'careless constitution' that produces poisonous cells from a young age."
"...Calling it 'careless' is a bit too cute, though, that."
"I wonder how a clan burdened with such troublesome genetics has managed to keep its bloodline going at all."
Teacher laughed sarcastically, but I didn't know how to respond.
A black joke making light of her own life. It was more than just harsh.
"In ancient times, dying in your thirties or forties was probably quite normal. I think the idea of a cancer lineage being used as a short-lived clan is only a matter of the last few hundred years at most. In the era before civilization—a constitution like yours wouldn't have been a handicap."
"However, even in the modern age where lifespans have extended to around fifty, it is strange that my lineage hasn't died out. One could only call it a Losing Wife."
"Well, I'm sure there are many beautiful people in your clan, Teacher, so even if they die somewhat early, wouldn't there be many men wanting to marry them?"
"...I understand Philia's feelings a little bit now."
For some reason, Teacher looked embarrassed as she cast her eyes down toward the desk.
"So, Hero-kun, do you know the crucial way to cure cancer?"
I squeezed out what little medical knowledge I had.
"...Cutting it out with a blade, taking medicine, or burning it away with radiation... maybe?"
"What is radiation?"
"Ah—do I have to explain that too... Even I don't really understand this..."
"It would be easy to understand if you used Philia as a metaphor."
"Um... you know how Philia's mind breaks when she witnesses me and Elsa flirting? It's like, the murderous glare emitted from both her eyes at that time is radiation, her eyeballs are radioactive substances, and the jealousy hidden within that is capable of emitting killing rays, which we call radioactivity... and then, like, using those killing rays effectively to burn away the impurities in my body."
"I'm gradually beginning to understand what kind of position Philia holds within you, Hero-kun."
After that, I continued my explanation with my full-of-holes knowledge, and Teacher continued to nod and take notes.
The conclusion we reached several hours later was this:
'Impossible with current technological power.'
I crossed my arms and looked up at the ceiling.
"...Well... I guess that's how it is."
"The inspirations gained from Hero-kun's knowledge are all wonderful, but it seems we need extremely precise equipment and minerals whose locations are uncertain. We won't be able to make it in time at this rate."
I'll leave it to my descendants rather than myself, Teacher said with a laugh.
"The only thing I can do now is, at the very least, make children with a man of a long-lived Race and pray that my children resemble them."
"...If you're thinking about children, that might be the best thing, but you shouldn't give up on the things that would help you, Teacher."
"Hahaha. Thank you. I'm happy that you care for me that much."
As she spoke, Teacher began clattering as she stripped off her armor.
...Teacher?
You know you're the type who looks thinner once you take your clothes off, right?
"Um, what are you thinking?"
"Hm? It is normal for you Japanese people to live until around eighty years old, is it not? In that case, I would certainly like to give birth to a child who carries your blood."
"Wait, wait, wait, wait, why are you casually making an invitation for an affair!? I have Elsa!!"
"I believe we have already done various things under the guise of medical exploration. What is there to fear now?"
"...N-no, that's not it... I was just telling myself that it was something truly necessary to help you, Teacher... T-this... making babies is absolutely out of the question..."
Ignoring my frantic panic, Teacher briskly began to undress.