Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 77: Making things right

"I... I’m so sorry."

The moment Riku’s apology reached her ears and she felt him hugging her back, Lila felt relieved. However, it was extremely short-lived.

The immense tension that had kept Lila on her feet, the adrenaline that had fueled her desperate courage, suddenly snapped. Her grip on him loosened, and her body went limp. Without any warning, she slumped against him, unconscious, the emotional and physical toll of the past few minutes finally overwhelming her.

"Lila!" Riku cried out in alarm, carefully supporting her weight and easing her gently to the floor, his heart lurching with a new wave of fear and self-recrimination. He quickly checked her pulse – steady, but she was out cold.

He immediately tried to channel his healing magic. A soft golden light enveloped his hands, but as he was about to touch Lila, the System chimed in, its voice calm but firm.

Ding!

[Dear Host, your companion is safe.

The immediate crisis has passed, largely due to her bravery. Trust in her resilience and let her recover naturally.]

Riku looked at Lila’s peaceful, albeit pale, face. There were some streaks of hair stuck to the now-drying tears that he gently tucked behind her ears.

I... I understand, System, he thought, a wave of shame washing over him again. I almost...completely messed up

[It is important to route all future spells via the system in the future to prevent such circumstances. It is also recommended to avoid situations with emotional duress.]

But can you tell me why it is happening? Why did I suddenly start losing control over myself?

[The peaceful life is the dream that the host is trying to achieve, and that is this system’s primary purpose. However, that was not the purpose of the character that you inherited.

The Grand Maximus was the one who stood at the very top of this world, even bending divine will to dance on his fingers. And the path to it was not a rosy one. It was filled with blood and cruelty.

Initially, there were no problems as long as you stayed in your village, not affecting the world. But as you travelled the world and experienced emotionally disturbing situations again and again, the experiences of the Grand Maximus returned to the body, which was about to consume the host.]

Then, what can I do? How can I get rid of this sick, perverted psycho?

[You cannot, host. The Grand Maximus no longer exists. However, the body remembers. frёewebηovel.cѳm

As long as the host keeps on invoking the spells via the system, it would force the host to compensate by spreading goodwill, which would counter the rage and ego that the Grand Maximus carries.

Eventually, a time should come when the host is able to use his entire strength without worry, but till then, the system is there to help the host.]

I understand, Riku affirmed, his resolve hardening. No more unsanctioned spells. I’ll deal with this... other self... later. For now, I want to make things right. Could you help me with that, System?

[Affirmative, Host. How may I assist?]

There is one spell I would like to cast. It’s called ’Serene Sanction’. It is a reality alteration spell, which I want to make things normal again.

I want to use it to make everyone here forget the events of the past few minutes – my... outburst, the violence, everything.

The guards and acolytes should be healed and displaced from the inn, with a lingering memory that no one was here and it was a false alarm. The innkeepers and Elara should just feel a bit drowsy and confused.

[What about Lila, host?]

Leave Lila out of this, I think it is time I spoke to her truthfully about everything. After all she has shown me, this is the least I owe her.

Whether she would still like to be with me after this, I will leave it up to her.

[Affirmative, host.

One-time special discount activated.

Executing ’Serene Sanction’.

Goodwill Points: 512 - 500 = 12 Points remaining]

Riku closed his eyes for a moment, then raised a hand. A soft, brilliant white light, pure and neutral, emanated from him, expanding rapidly to fill the common room. It wasn’t his healing magic, nor the purple fury of moments ago. This light had a gentle blue color, and washed over everyone – except the unconscious Lila – and as it did, a heavy drowsiness seemed to settle upon them.

When the light finally faded, the scene in "The Respite" had transformed. The acolyte and guards were gone. The broken table and doors were whole again. The shattered chairs had fixed themselves. The chill in the air had vanished, replaced by the usual slightly musty warmth of the old inn.

Lila lay peacefully on the floor where Riku had gently placed her.

The old innkeeper was slumped in his armchair, snoring softly once more. His wife was blinking dazedly near the kitchen entrance, a half-chopped carrot in her hand. Elara found herself sitting on the floor just inside their room’s doorway, her head leaning against the frame, a confused frown on her face.

"Wha... what happened?" Elara murmured, pushing herself up, her limbs feeling strangely heavy. "My head feels fuzzy. How did I get on the floor?"

She looked around, spotting Riku kneeling beside Lila, who was still unconscious. "Riku? When did you come back? Is Lila okay? What happened?"

Riku looked up, offering Elara a tired but reassuring smile.

"She is fine, she just suddenly fainted. However, I am sure that she will be okay soon. Come on, help me put her on the bed."

The duo gently picked up Lila from the floor and placed her on the bed. Elara then turned her attention back to Riku.

"Did your investigation go well?"

"Yeah, it went well. I think I have some new leads on how we might be able to understand and help with the Creep."

Riku briefly described his plan to Elara, on how he planned to open a center to heal people of the creep to gain more insights.

"I might have to leave for a bit later, so you have to look after Lila for a bit," Riku said as he thought about his dwindling goodwill points. He had to go out and earn more of it to continue using his spells later "I will be back soon."

"Nooo.. don’t leave me.."

Just as Riku got up to leave, he and Elara heard a desperate plea coming from the bed near them.

"Lila..."