Investing in My Crippled Wife: Every Return Makes Me Stronger-Chapter 37: Finally, It’s Over

A few minutes later, the tent flap rustled.

Soren straightened up immediately. Beside him, the two guards turned as well as Seria stepped out into the late evening light. Her white robes were still immaculate, her expression as serene as when she had first arrived. There was no trace of the urgency from earlier, only a quiet calm that seemed to settle over the space around her.

The older guard stepped forward first. "Miss Seria. How are they?"

Seria clasped her hands in front of her, with a gentle expression on her face. "They are fine. Both are stable now."

Soren felt a weight lift from his chest.

"The boy will wake within the day," she continued. "His ribs will need time, but he is young and strong. He will make a full recovery."

She paused, her gaze shifting to Soren. "The father is another matter. He lost a great deal of blood before you brought him to me. His body has been through significant trauma, both from today and from whatever caused that old wound. He will live, but he may not wake for a few days. He’ll need to be placed in a hospital for proper monitoring."

Soren let out a long breath he had not realized he was holding. His shoulders sagged slightly as the last of the tension drained from him. "Thank you."

The younger guard grinned and nudged Soren with his elbow. "Told you. Miss Seria is the best."

Soren nodded, but his attention remained on the healer. He took a step closer, his expression serious.

"Miss Seria. How should I repay you?"

Seria raised an elegant eyebrow, a flicker of genuine curiosity crossing her face. "Repay me?"

For saving them—the treatment, your time, and the potions you must have used—I will cover the cost in any way I can.

She studied him for a long moment, her head tilting slightly. "Are you their family?"

Soren blinked in confusion. "No."

"Are you a relative? A close friend? Someone who has known them for years?"

"...No." He shook his head. "I met them today. At the Gate."

Seria’s expression did not change, but something in her eyes softened. "Then why are you asking such a question? I heard what you did from the young women inside. You carried the father out of the Gate, stabilized them both, and drove them here at breakneck speed. That is more than enough for a stranger."

Soren met her gaze without flinching.

"Well, stranger or not, they were my comrades. We fought together. That means something." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "And it is basic human decency to help someone when they are in need. I did what anyone should have done."

Seria was quiet for a moment. Then a smile spread across her face, warm and genuine, different from the serene expression she had worn before. It reached her eyes and softened her entire demeanor.

She murmured something under her breath, so faint that Soren almost missed it. "Basic human decency, huh..."

He caught the words but did not understand why she had said them. There was something in her tone, a note of reflection, perhaps even surprise.

She shook her head lightly, as if dismissing her own thoughts, and looked back at him. "Then it is a healer’s duty to help those in need. You do not have to repay me. I was simply doing what I was trained to do, just as you did what you believed was right."

Soren opened his mouth to argue, but she raised a hand to stop him.

"I’ll arrange for his transfer to the city hospital now. They’ll take care of him from here." She smiled again. "You have already done more than enough. More than most would."

Soren hesitated, then nodded slowly. "This... alright. Thank you. Truly."

Seria inclined her head gracefully. "Rest now. You have earned it."

She started to turn, but her gaze caught on Soren’s hands. They were trembling. Fine tremors that ran up his arms, the kind that came from pushing past every limit a body had. Her eyes traced the tension in his shoulders, the pallor beneath the dust and dried blood on his face.

Without a word, she raised her hand and made a soft flicking gesture.

Golden light wrapped around Soren like a warm blanket. It seeped into his muscles, easing the deep ache that had settled into his bones. The tremors in his hands quieted. The fog in his mind cleared just enough for him to think straight again.

Soren blinked, suddenly aware of how close he had been to falling over. "That was..."

"You were running on empty," Seria said simply. "That will hold you for now. But you need proper rest." She glanced toward the tent. "There is space inside. You can lie down while I finish here. I will wake you when they are moved."

I appreciate the offer, but..." Soren shook his head, glancing at the time. "I should go. Everything seems to be handled here, so I will take my leave."

Seria raised an eyebrow. "You can barely stand."

"I can stand well enough now. Thanks to you." He managed a small smile. "And I have someone waiting for me at home. She will be worried if I am out too late."

The words hung in the air for a moment.

The older guard’s eyebrows shot up. The younger guard’s mouth fell open slightly before snapping shut. Even Seria’s serene expression flickered into something that looked like genuine surprise.

"Someone?" the younger guard repeated. "Waiting at home?"

"Umm, yeah," Soren said simply. "My wife."

The younger guard stared at him, then let out a low whistle. "Man, you’re really something else."

The older guard shook her head, chuckling. "Indeed, you are full of surprises."

Seria watched him with a new light in her eyes. She tilted her head, a small smile playing at her lips.

"Not only brave and selfless," she said softly. "But also a devoted husband. Interesting..."

Soren rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling awkward. "I... should go."

Seria nodded. "Go home, Mr. Soren. And rest."

Soren bowed his head to her, then nodded to the guards. "Thank you for everything."

He turned to leave, but Seria’s voice stopped him.

"Mr. Soren."

He looked back.

Her expression had softened, the teasing warmth replaced by something quieter, more sincere. "The world could use more people who believe in basic human decency. Do not lose that."

Soren held her gaze for a moment, then nodded. "I will try not to."

Seria smiled once more before turning and walking back into the tent, the fabric falling shut behind her.

Soren stood there for a moment longer, her words settling into his chest. Then he turned and walked toward the plaza exit, his steps steady despite the weight of the day pressing down on him.

’Finally, it’s over...’