sampah

Bab 77 Dalam perjalanan

Mendesah

Aku mendesah. Getaran roda kereta kuda itu tersalurkan melalui kabin, menyebabkan tubuh Rafina dan tubuhku bergoyang ke atas dan ke bawah. Jika aku punya kecenderungan mabuk perjalanan, aku pasti akan merasa mual. ​​Meskipun mengakui kehebatan mobil modern, ini adalah pertama kalinya aku menaiki kereta kuda resmi di dunia ini. Namun, aku tidak merasakan sentimen maupun ketidakpuasan dalam diriku.

Mendesah

Desahan lagi. Dengan tatapan mata yang masih tertuju pada kalung itu, aku memendam rasa frustrasi. Rafina menatapku dengan pandangan jengkel dari samping.

“Demi Tuhan, bagaimana kalau kau bersorak, Shion? Kau sudah seperti ini selama dua hari.”

Kami sudah berada di jalan selama dua hari. Kenangan berpisah dengan semua orang, meninggalkan desa dengan semangat tinggi, masih segar di ingatan. Namun itu dulu, dan ini sekarang. Berpisah memungkinkan Anda untuk benar-benar merasakan hal-hal tertentu.

“Saya mengerti bahwa rasanya kesepian karena jauh dari keluarga, tetapi dengan keadaan seperti ini, Anda tidak akan bisa sampai ke ibu kota. Anda tidak akan bisa kembali ke kampung halaman untuk sementara waktu.”

“Aku tahu, tapi… aku sudah siap untuk itu. Tetap saja, itu hanya…”

Jika hanya sesaat, mungkin akan ada saat-saat ketika aku harus berpisah dengan keluargaku. Namun, benar-benar sendirian adalah yang pertama. Tentu saja, Rafina ada di sini, dan kesepianku sedikit berkurang, tetapi dia tidak dapat menggantikan keluargaku. Sahabat dan keluarga tetap berbeda. Meskipun usia mentalku sudah lebih dari empat puluh, aku bertanya-tanya apakah bertambahnya usia membuat orang lebih rentan terhadap kesepian.

Bukan hanya perasaan kesepian; mungkin aku khawatir. Bagaimana jika sesuatu terjadi pada semua orang saat aku tidak ada? Aku memikirkannya. Biasanya, aku bisa mengabaikan kekhawatiran seperti itu sebagai kekhawatiran yang tidak berdasar sambil tersenyum. Namun, di dunia ini, di era saat ini, itu tidak mungkin.

Keberadaan ras iblis, kemunculan makhluk-makhluk ajaib yang kuat—ini adalah ancaman yang nyata. Di dunia ini, aku, yang bisa menggunakan sihir, adalah yang paling mampu melawan ancaman-ancaman ini. Namun, aku harus pergi ke ibu kota. Jadi, aku bertanya-tanya tentang keluargaku, apakah mereka baik-baik saja atau tidak.

Meskipun aku telah memutuskan untuk pergi ke ibu kota setelah banyak pertimbangan, aku masih memikirkan hal-hal ini. Ada alasan lain di balik suasana hatiku yang suram.

“…Dan aku tidak bisa melakukan eksperimen sihir.”

“Benar sekali! Aku tidak bisa melakukannya!”

Tanpa sadar aku meninggikan suaraku. Rafina terkekeh menanggapi reaksiku. Tepat saat dia hendak mengatakan sesuatu, kereta itu berhenti. Sesuatu mendekat dengan berisik, dan pintu kereta terbuka.

“Shion-sama! Makhluk ajaib telah muncul! Tolong jangan tinggalkan kereta!”

“Dipahami.”

Pemimpin pasukan pengawal yang tegas dan berwajah berkeringat, Goht Fals, menatapku dengan serius. Meskipun merasa agak kesal dalam hati, aku menuruti perintah Kapten Goht. Rafina mendesah di sampingku, tetapi dia tampaknya tidak berniat mengatakan apa pun.

“Ini Goht Fals, dan aku akan melindungi Shion-sama dengan nyawaku! Ayo maju, prajurit pemberani!”

“Membiarkan!”

Para prajurit menanggapi perintah Kapten Goht dengan serempak. Jumlah mereka sekitar dua ratus orang, jumlah yang berlebihan untuk melindungi satu orang. Saya bukan anggota keluarga kerajaan, dan pengawalan sebanyak itu tidak masuk akal. Namun, ini kenyataannya. Mereka telah menyiapkan pengawalan yang setara dengan keluarga kerajaan. Yah, jika hanya itu, mungkin itu bisa dihargai. Masalahnya ada di tempat lain.

Sambil mendesah, aku melirik Rafina di sampingku. Dia membuka pintu, mengamati situasi di luar, mendesah jengkel, lalu menutup pintu.

“…Kali ini?”

“Dua goblin.”

Aku hanya bisa tertawa garing. Goblin adalah makhluk ajaib yang berbahaya. Ada risiko kehilangan nyawa, bahkan bagi orang biasa. Bahkan, aku hampir terbunuh oleh goblin di masa lalu. Namun, itu mengandaikan orang-orang tidak memiliki sarana untuk bertarung.

Di sini, kita memiliki prajurit yang kuat. Masing-masing dari mereka bukanlah prajurit biasa, tetapi jelas seorang pejuang berpengalaman dengan banyak pengalaman tempur. Mereka bertempur dengan kekuatan penuh untuk menaklukkan kedua goblin. Itu saja sudah cukup. Kehati-hatian diperlukan. Penting untuk mendekati lawan dengan kekuatan penuh. Setelah sekitar sepuluh detik, suara logam mendekat lagi. Pintu terbuka.

“Shion-sama! Makhluk ajaib telah dikalahkan! Sekarang semuanya aman, harap tenang!”

“Ah, terima kasih.”

“Tidak, ini tugas kita! Lagipula, sepertinya ini saat yang tepat, jadi mari kita makan siang di sini!”

“Oh, kalau begitu di luar…”

Dengan harapan di hati, aku mencoba keluar lewat pintu. Namun, dalam sekejap, aku dikepung, dan Kapten Goht menghalangi jalan, menutup pintu keluar.

“Aku tidak akan mengizinkannya! Kita tidak tahu dari mana para pembunuh itu akan menyerang! Shion-sama, silakan habiskan waktumu di kereta! Kami akan menyediakan semuanya, termasuk makanan!”

Jadi, beginilah. Selama dua hari, beginilah adanya. Aku tidak bisa keluar. Untuk makan, tidur, dan bahkan selama perjalanan, aku harus tetap berada di kereta kuda. Kapten Goht tidak pernah mengizinkanku keluar, hanya mengizinkanku keluar sebentar untuk ke toilet. Bahkan saat itu, hampir semua penjaga menemaniku. Itu siksaan. Tapi apa pun yang kukatakan, Kapten Goht tidak mau mendengarkan. Dia serius dan tampaknya memiliki kepribadian yang keras kepala. Aku bisa melindungi diriku sendiri, dan aku memiliki sihir. Dengan perisai alami, sebagian besar serangan tidak akan memengaruhiku. Bahkan jika kukatakan itu tidak masalah, Kapten Goht hanya menjawab dengan, “Jika kau lengah, kau mungkin akan kehilangan nyawamu! Aku telah melihat banyak orang seperti itu.” Meskipun itu mungkin benar, aku tetap berpikir ini berlebihan.

Rasanya sesak. Aku bahkan tidak bisa melakukan eksperimen sihir. Di dalam kereta, yang bisa kulakukan hanyalah berlatih melepaskan kekuatan sihir. Tidak bisa menggunakan sihir, yang merupakan penghilang stres yang signifikan, membuat keadaan menjadi lebih buruk. Oh, stresnya menumpuk. Aku bertanya-tanya berapa lama ini akan berlanjut, dan pikiran itu membuatku semakin gelisah. Melihat reaksiku, Rafina melirikku dengan simpatik.

“Kapten Goht, bukankah Shion ingin menghirup udara segar di luar? Dengan begitu, dia mungkin merasa lebih baik sebelum mencapai ibu kota.”

“Semangat dapat dibangkitkan dengan tekad! Namun, tubuh tidak dapat diabaikan! Jika kamu dapat bertahan selama sekitar sepuluh hari, aku dapat membawamu ke ibu kota dengan aman. Tolong bertahanlah sampai saat itu!”

Mengemukakan argumen psikologis itu sia-sia. Orang-orang seperti ini tidak mengerti. Bahkan jika ada masalah, mereka hanya mengatakan untuk menanganinya dengan semangat dan itu adalah kurangnya tekad. Setelah berurusan dengan guru dan bos seperti ini dengan menyakitkan, saya belajar untuk menyerah. Saya menepuk bahu Rafina dengan lembut, yang sepertinya ingin mengatakan sesuatu lagi. Saya mengangguk lemah pada Rafina, yang berbalik, dan dia terdiam karena ragu-ragu.

“Baiklah, itu saja pembahasan kita! Mohon tunggu sebentar! Saya akan membawakan makanan untuk Anda!”

Dengan ditutupnya pintu dengan cepat, suara berderit itu berangsur-angsur menghilang.

“Mendesah.”

Sekali lagi, aku menghela napas. Sungguh perjalanan yang menyesakkan. Kupikir aku akan memiliki lebih banyak kebebasan bergerak.

“…Tidak ada cara lain. Shion adalah satu-satunya yang dapat mengobati sindrom Malas dan melawan ancaman ras Iblis. Tidak aneh jika kamu diperlakukan dengan sangat hati-hati. Mungkin kamu terlalu bebas sampai sekarang.”

“Ya, mungkin.”

Kalau dipikir-pikir, mungkin memang begitu.

Sindrom malas menyebar ke seluruh dunia. Ancaman yang membayangi dari ras Iblis. Satu-satunya cara untuk mengatasi dan melawan mereka adalah sihir. Akulah satu-satunya yang bisa menggunakan sihir, dan jika sesuatu terjadi padaku, semuanya berakhir. Apakah yang tertulis dalam buku sihir yang kuberikan kepada adikku dapat dipraktikkan oleh orang lain masih diragukan. Tanpa aku, menyelesaikan masalah ini dengan segera akan menjadi tantangan. Aku telah menjadi tokoh penting, tampaknya. Meski begitu, perawatan ini…

Aku bertanya-tanya apakah keluarga kerajaan juga diperlakukan seperti ini. Memikirkannya, aku menyadari bahwa raja dan orang-orang bangsawan pasti mengalami masa-masa sulit. Tanpa sengaja aku menghela napas lagi.

“Shion, aku mengerti perasaanmu, tetapi cobalah untuk tidak menunjukkan sikap itu di depan umum. Sebagian besar orang yang akan kamu hadapi mulai sekarang tidak mengenal Shion. Kesan pertama sangat penting, dan itu juga dapat menciptakan tekanan pada pasien dan mereka yang mengajarkan metode pengobatan.”

“Ya, aku mengerti. Aku hanya bersikap santai karena ini Rafina. Aku tidak bermaksud bersikap seperti ini di depan orang lain.”

“Hah? Oh, begitukah? I-itu benar. Mungkin karena kau ada di depanku! Uh-huh, ya, pasti begitu!”

Rafina tertawa riang dengan ekspresi gelisah. Dia tampak gugup, tetapi aku bertanya-tanya apa yang terjadi. Saat aku memiringkan kepala dan melihat Rafina, dia mulai bersikap bingung.

Puncak Formulir

“Oh, benar juga! Jadi, kau tahu, teman dekatku memanggilku Rafi. Shion, kau juga harus memanggilku seperti itu!”

“Baiklah. Mulai sekarang, aku akan memanggilmu Rafi.”

“Hah?! Oh, ya! I-itu bagus!”

Entah mengapa, Rafi mulai menyeringai. Dia adalah seseorang yang ekspresinya mudah berubah. Seperti saudara perempuan saya, Rafi memiliki kepribadian yang jujur ​​dan tidak bisa berbohong. Kalau dipikir-pikir, mereka memiliki beberapa kesamaan. Keduanya lugas, tetapi saudara perempuan saya lebih bisa diandalkan.

Pokoknya, aku bersyukur Rafi ada di sini. Kalau aku harus menghabiskan hampir sepuluh hari di negara bagian ini sendirian, itu akan benar-benar membebani pikiranku. Jadi, aku menghabiskan waktu di kereta, mengobrol dengan Rafi. Itulah satu-satunya sumber kesenangan.

Bab 78 Rumor cenderung menumbuhkan ekor dan sirip.

Sepuluh hari kemudian.

Setelah melintasi medan pegunungan yang berbahaya, menangkis monster, kami akhirnya tiba di ibu kota kerajaan, Sanostria.

Rasanya lama.

Meski durasinya tidak terlalu lama, setiap hari terasa sangat panjang.

Sebagian besar waktunya dihabiskan di dalam kereta.

Akibatnya, saya kelelahan secara mental.

“Lihat, Shion! Ibu kota kerajaan sudah di depan mata! Ayo, semangat!”

“Aku bisa melihatnya… Ya, aku melihatnya.”

Saya sedang menatap ke depan secara diagonal dari jendela.

Dari keadaan lelah, gelombang vitalitas memenuhi hatiku.

Rafi yang ada di sampingku menepuk bahuku dengan gembira.

“Bagus sekali! Kau akan terbebas dari kehidupan ini! Benar!?”

“Y-ya… aku senang.”

Saya benar-benar merasakan hal itu.

Kapten Goht dan anggota pasukan pengawal adalah orang baik, tetapi karena ketegasan mereka, saya terpaksa menjalani kehidupan yang terkurung.

Diperlakukan sebagai orang penting, saya berada dalam kondisi setengah terkendali dengan dalih perlindungan.

Memahami bahwa mereka mempunyai alasan mereka sendiri dan tidak menyimpan dendam, saya secara halus mengusulkan agar diberi lebih banyak kebebasan, namun ditolak, membuat saya tidak punya pilihan selain menerimanya.

Jadi, sepuluh hari ini penuh tantangan. Terlalu banyak kejadian tak terduga.

Ah, ibu kota kerajaan sudah terlihat. Bersinar.

Itulah kota cita-citaku.

Dengan rasa rindu kupandangi ibu kota kerajaan.

“Shion-sama, ibu kota kerajaan sudah di depan mata! Kami akan segera tiba!”

Kapten Goht mengetuk pintu dan berteriak.

Saat mendengar suaranya yang dalam, mau tak mau aku mendapat firasat buruk, namun hari ini, itu adalah pengumuman yang disambut baik.

Biasanya, dimulai dengan “Shion-sama! Di luar berbahaya!” dan diakhiri dengan “Tolong jangan tinggalkan kereta!” Hari ini, kebiasaan menyebalkan itu… maksudku, tidak ada.

Aku sudah muak dengan kereta. Aku ingin pulang sendiri.

Tanpa mengungkapkan keinginan itu keras-keras, aku menghabiskan waktu dengan penuh harap menanti mendekatnya ibu kota kerajaan secara bertahap.

Dan itu telah tiba.

Gerbang besar.

Ia muncul tepat di hadapanku.

Lingkungan sekitarnya dipenuhi orang.

Angka yang luar biasa.

Pasti ada setidaknya seribu orang di sini.

Mereka masuk dan keluar melalui gerbang utama, menjalani pemeriksaan oleh penjaga gerbang.

Jumlah mereka cukup banyak, tetapi penjaga gerbangnya sendiri jumlahnya lebih dari seratus.

Kecepatan pemeriksaan imigrasi cepat, dan diselesaikan dengan cepat.

Saya pikir kami akan ikut antrean, tetapi kereta itu terus melaju tanpa henti, menyalip kerumunan.

“Hah? Bukankah kita seharusnya berbaris?”

“Tidak mungkin. Kereta ini adalah angkutan khusus yang hanya diperbolehkan untuk kalangan atas.

Tidak mungkin diperlakukan sama dengan orang biasa. Jika kita berbaris, kapten akan dihukum.”

“…Tapi aku bukan kelas atas.”

“Mungkin karena Anda dianggap sebagai orang yang sama pentingnya.

Karena ini perintah ratu, tidak akan ada yang keberatan.”

Perintah ratu, ya.

Menurut cerita Adipati Balkh, ratu telah memerintahkan mereka untuk membawaku ke ibu kota kerajaan.

Tampaknya dia menginginkan saya untuk mengajarkan metode pengobatan untuk penyembuhan.

Tentu saja saya mengetahuinya sebelumnya.

Baiklah, ada berbagai pemikiran, tetapi untuk saat ini, tidak apa-apa.

Saya memahami posisi saya sampai batas tertentu.

Untuk saat ini, hanya aku yang bisa menggunakan sihir yang tepat, dan hanya aku yang bisa mengobati sindrom malas

Setan tidak dapat dikalahkan tanpa sihir, dan sindrom kemalasan tidak dapat disembuhkan tanpa sihir.

Dengan kata lain, jika sesuatu terjadi pada diri saya, iblis tidak dapat dikalahkan dan sindrom kemalasan tidak dapat disembuhkan.

Hal ini telah ditekankan berulang kali.

Jadi, diperlakukan sebagai orang penting dan diundang ke ibukota kerajaan seperti ini bukanlah hal yang aneh.

Saya tidak punya ide yang jelas tentang apa yang harus dilakukan selanjutnya.

Baiklah, sudah lebih dari sepuluh hari, jadi saya telah membuat beberapa persiapan berdasarkan prediksi saya.

Masalahnya adalah apakah hasilnya akan seperti yang saya harapkan.

Saya tidak punya pilihan selain melakukannya.

“Oh, hei, bukankah itu…”

“Ah, ya, pertama kali melihatnya. Yang digosipkan.”

“…Jadi, rumor itu benar?”

“Orang Istrian, kan? Jadi, apakah orang itu yang mengendarainya?”

Suara-suara bisa terdengar dari luar.

Apa?

Istria? Apa itu?

Sebuah rumor?

Apakah ini betul-betul menjadi rumor?

Tidak, tunggu dulu. Itu tidak aneh.

Fakta bahwa saya mengobati sindrom malas dan mengusir setan sudah terkenal di Istria.

Bagi mereka yang tidak menyaksikannya, itu mungkin hanya rumor.

Banyak waktu telah berlalu sejak saat itu.

Tidak mengherankan jika informasi dari Istria sampai ke ibu kota kerajaan.

Saya tidak tahu apakah informasi tersebut dikirimkan secara akurat ke negara lain, tetapi warga ibu kota kerajaan harus mengetahuinya.

Sementara lingkungan sekitar terus berdengung dengan kegembiraan, saya…

“Ada apa, Shion? Wajahmu jadi pucat.”

Saya mulai gemetar, seakan tiba-tiba teringat sesuatu.

Anggota tubuhku gemetar karena kejang.

Apa yang terjadi?

Saya telah lupa.

Sekarang saya benar-benar ingat.

Saya pemalu.

Selama penelitian tentang pengobatan sindrom malas, saya menarik perhatian para dokter dan berbagai orang, tetapi saya tidak terlalu peduli.

Karena mereka membenciku.

Saya tidak berusaha disukai oleh orang-orang yang tidak menyukai saya, dan saya tidak peduli dengan penilaian apa pun.

Karena mereka adalah orang-orang yang tidak relevan bagi saya.

Lagipula pikiranku disibukkan dengan merawat adikku dan pasien-pasienku.

Jadi, saya tidak punya kemewahan untuk peduli dengan hal-hal seperti itu.

Kemudian, selama insiden Demon, aku menarik lebih banyak perhatian.

Tetapi saya putus asa saat itu.

Oleh karena itu saya tidak mempunyai ketenangan dan waktu untuk menunjukkan rasa malu seperti sekarang.

Mempertimbangkan semua ini, Anda mungkin tidak berpikir bahwa saya sebenarnya pemalu.

Namun, kenyataannya tidak demikian.

Ada dua tipe rasa malu: tipe yang malu kapan saja dan di mana saja, dan tipe yang malu hanya ketika kondisinya tepat.

Tergantung pada waktu, tempat, dan orang.

Dalam kasus saya, rasa malu sangat muncul dalam situasi ketika saya ‘didekati secara positif’ dan ketika ‘saya merasa harus disukai oleh orang lain.’

Bagaimana keadaan saya saat ini?

Orang-orang di sekitarku adalah orang asing.

Tapi aku tidak keberatan kalau mereka tidak menyukaiku, dan justru, karena ini lingkungan baru, aku rasa aku harus berusaha memberikan kesan yang baik semampuku.

Lagipula, mulai sekarang aku akan berinteraksi dengan banyak orang.

Karena rasa tekanan yang tidak dapat dipahami ini.

Akibatnya, aku mengaktifkan kemampuan rasa maluku lebih dari biasanya.

“Shion!? K-Tubuhmu bergetar hebat!?”

“T-tidak, R-Rafi. A-aku, uh, tidak gemetar atau apa pun. A-hanya, um, sedikit, kau tahu.”

“Ma-matamu terlihat merah! Apa kau akan mati!? Shion! Apa kau akan mati!?”

Saya tidak ingin mati.

Tetapi Rafi yang terusik dengan keadaanku yang tak seperti biasanya, membuatku makin gelisah.

Bagian dalam kereta menjadi kacau.

Rafi mencengkeram bahuku dan mengguncangku kuat-kuat ke depan dan belakang.

Saya mungkin muntah.

Saya mungkin muntah!

“H-hei, hentikan.”

“Jangan mati, Shion!”

Ini salahmu kalau aku merasa ingin mati!

“Le-lepaskan!”

“M-maaf! Kamu baik-baik saja!?”

Aku menarik napas dalam-dalam, mencoba untuk mendapatkan kembali ketenanganku.

“Entah bagaimana.”

“M-maaf. Aku, uh, kehilangan ketenanganku…”

“T-tidak apa-apa. Jangan khawatir. Mundurlah sedikit saja? Untuk saat ini.”

Aku kuat terhadap serangan karena perisai, tapi siapa sangka aku akan lemah terhadap guncangan fisik?

Baiklah, saya rasa begitu.

Sihir bukanlah kekuatan yang secara alami melindungi tubuhku.

Saya harus berhati-hati.

Baiklah, mari kita tenang.

Saya pernah menjadi pusat perhatian seperti ini sebelumnya, bukan?

Dipandang dengan hina, dibicarakan di belakang, dan tetap saja, saya hidup tanpa rasa peduli.

Meskipun demikian…

“Oh, apakah itu pahlawan yang menyelamatkan Istria?”

“Ya, tidak diragukan lagi. Aku mendengarnya sebagai rumor.

Tinggi dan sangat tampan, konon katanya dia adalah pahlawan jantan.

Dikatakan bahwa dia mengalahkan monster berbahaya dan merawat pasien sindrom malas!”

“Aku juga mendengarnya. Mereka bilang dia sangat tampan.”

“Kudengar dia seorang wanita.”

“Hah? Tidak, tidak, kau salah. Kudengar dia seorang pejuang yang kuat dan tangguh.

Dia diduga membunuh ribuan monster hanya dalam beberapa menit.”

Ah, rumornya menjadi kacau.

Tidak apa-apa untuk berbagi informasi.

Setidaknya lakukan dengan benar!

Merasakan tingginya ekspektasi dari orang-orang di sekelilingku, ketegangan pun meningkat lebih jauh.

Rafi, di sampingku, menatapku dengan ekspresi khawatir.

Dia mungkin tidak mengerti keadaan pikiranku, tapi dia memperhatikan keadaanku.

Aku tidak boleh terlalu gelisah dan membuat Rafi khawatir; aku harus tetap tenang.

Ketika saya memikirkan hal-hal ini, kereta berhenti.

“Saya Goht Fals, mantan kapten Pengawal Kerajaan Kedua Istria, sekarang kapten Unit Pengawal Istria!

Atas perintah Ratu Milhya, saya datang untuk memenuhi tugas mengawal seseorang. Ini suratnya. Kami meminta izin untuk memasuki ibu kota kerajaan.”

Sambil menengok ke luar jendela, saya melihat Kapten Goht mengeluarkan selembar kertas dari sakunya dan menunjukkannya kepada penjaga gerbang.

Rasanya situasinya menjadi semakin serius.

Tidak, mungkin itu penting sejak awal.

Saya hanya tidak menyadarinya.

Ah, mulai terasa menakutkan.

Namun kini tak ada jalan kembali.

“Hah! K-kami sudah menunggumu! Silakan lanjutkan.”

Kereta itu bergerak maju sekali lagi.

Meninggalkan orang-orang yang mengantri di belakang, kami melewati gerbang besar.

Pemandangan itu terbentang di hadapan kami.

Pemandangan kota di ibu kota kerajaan tidak jauh berbeda dengan Istria.

Itu negara yang sama, jadi budayanya sama, dan itu tidak mengherankan.

Namun, ada banyak orang.

Jumlah orangnya jauh lebih banyak.

Jalanan penuh sesak dengan pejalan kaki dan menjadi tantangan bagi kereta untuk melewatinya.

Kios-kios berjejer dan di mana-mana terhalang oleh pejalan kaki.

Jumlah penduduk Istria sekitar lima puluh ribu.

Jumlah penduduk ibu kota kerajaan, Sanostria, sekitar tiga kali lipatnya, sekitar seratus lima puluh ribu.

Jumlah penduduk Kerajaan Lystia dikatakan sekitar empat ratus ribu, dengan hampir separuhnya berkumpul di Sanostria.

Selain itu ada pula pelancong, pedagang dari negara lain, dan seterusnya.

Bahkan dibandingkan dengan masa sekarang, jumlah itu sudah sangat banyak.

Kereta itu bergerak sepanjang jalan.

Meskipun melangkah ke wilayah baru, karena beberapa alasan, ketegangannya meningkat.

Saya sendiri tidak begitu mengerti apa alasan ketegangan ini, tetapi mungkin karena kecemasan.

Tanah baru, pertemuan baru, dan audiensi dengan ratu tanah airku.

Itu akan menjadi rintangan pertama dan paling signifikan.

Jika Ratu adalah orang yang jujur ​​seperti Duke Balkh, saya mungkin tidak akan merasa segugup ini.

Mungkin itu bukan masalahnya.

Bagaimana pun juga, dia adalah kepala negara.

Saya berusaha tidak memikirkannya, tetapi ketegangannya tidak dapat disangkal.

Apapun yang terjadi, aku harus tetap waspada.

Karena saya tidak tahu apa yang menanti.

Dan jika instingku tidak salah,

tidak akan ada masa depan yang mudah di depan.

“Kamu baik-baik saja? Sudah merasa lebih baik?”

“Ya, aku baik-baik saja sekarang.”

Ada ketegangan.

Ada kecemasan.

Dalam pikiranku, diriku yang pemalu terus melirik ke sini.

Tetapi…

Detak jantungnya perlahan melambat.

Saat momen itu mendekat, tekad mulai terbentuk dalam diri saya.

Kereta itu sedang menuju ke istana di kejauhan.

Jalan yang berliku itu seakan melambangkan perjalanan yang hendak aku jalani.

Tidak apa-apa.

Karena tidak ada yang lebih membosankan daripada masa depan yang mudah dan dapat diprediksi.

Untuk saat ini… kalau saja aku bisa terbebas dari situasi ini, apapun akan kulakukan!

Sambil berteriak dalam hati, aku dengan sabar menanti saat itu tiba.

Terlebih lagi, kemajuannya lambat karena kondisi yang padat.

Akibatnya, butuh waktu hampir satu jam untuk mencapai kastil.

“Jadi, ini Kastil Sanostria…”

Melihat ke luar jendela, saya dapat melihat benteng itu.

Jembatan angkatnya sudah diturunkan, dan bahkan dari sini, saya dapat melihatnya dijaga oleh puluhan tentara.

The castle walls were considerably high, and even with the use of boosts and magic jumps, reaching them might be difficult.

It was sturdier than I had anticipated.

The scale was substantial, and there was no doubt that the wooden castle gate had considerable thickness.

From the outside, only a portion of the castle towers was visible, and the full panorama remained unclear.

Since it was my first time seeing a castle, I couldn’t tell if this was common in this world.

But, in some way, it was overwhelming.

The carriage came to a stop.

I could hear conversations up ahead.

It seemed like Captain Goht was explaining the situation to the gatekeepers, probably showing them a letter similar to before.

However, it was taking more time than I had anticipated.

The carriage had already stopped, and a considerable amount of time had passed.

“Did something happen?”

“Who knows. While the invitation has been extended, I didn’t expect them to arrive today at this exact moment. Perhaps the preparations weren’t in order… these things often happen. Especially with noble guests.”

It was a sarcastic tone, but I chose not to comment.

Nobles must have their own concerns and thoughts.

Having lived a life different from typical nobility, I couldn’t fully understand Rafi’s feelings.

But it was taking a long time.

While I could continue waiting, I wanted to see a bit more of the city at least.

It’s frustrating to see only a small part through the window.

Just a little bit would be fine.

With that in mind, I suddenly opened the carriage door.

The first thing that caught my eye was a crowd of people.

Countless houses.

The sweet scent, the comings and goings of carriages.

The hustle and bustle of people. The clamor.

The energy surpassed Istria, and I was overwhelmed by the vibrancy.

The climate in the Lystia Kingdom tended to be on the cooler side.

However, there was warmth in this place, causing sweat to form in an instant.

This was more a result of the vitality of the people than the temperature.

I couldn’t help but feel the urge to get off the carriage and explore the city.

But that wish was not to be granted.

“Shion-sama! It seems the carriage cannot enter. I apologize, but please disembark here and proceed on foot to the castle.”

Captain Goht, who had been talking to the gatekeeper, rushed over to the carriage. Perhaps, even with Istria soldiers numbering in the hundreds, gaining entry to the castle wasn’t as simple as it seemed. It was a bit dissatisfying, but there was nothing to be done about it.

“Understood.”

“Then let’s go. I and a few others will accompany you into the castle.”

“Just a few people?”

“I apologize. It seems other soldiers are not allowed into the castle. They will remain nearby until everything is settled.”

It might be challenging for everyone to enter, but a few seemed a bit insufficient. There should be barracks inside the castle.

“The treatment of Istria soldiers seems quite strict.”

“Yes, I agree. However, considering the current circumstances, it’s not surprising. After all, officials, high-ranking individuals, and nobles from various countries are visiting Sanostoria. We will have temporary residence in the capital after some form of identification…”

The chosen ones, huh? Those who came for the ‘Lazy syndrome treatment training’ from each country. Along with that, there would likely be discussions about attacks from the demon tribe. It seemed individuals of considerable status from each country were making visits. How should this be perceived?

There are five countries on this continent. The small nation where we live, Lystia. The country of medicine and technology, Mediph. The Empire of Knights, Rockend. The Iron Nation, Pulza. And the largest military state on the continent, the Grand Empire of Adon. Additionally, there seems to be a country with a unique culture called Tou far to the east, across the sea. Among all these countries, Lystia seems to be the smallest in terms of national power, population, and territory.

The reason for the kings not gathering is unclear, but perhaps it’s because they don’t see the situation as that serious. The official start of the international Lazy syndrome treatment training is about twenty days away, but not everyone entering the capital on that exact day. Some foreigners may have already begun to be accommodated. Anyway, due to such reasons, the soldiers might be on edge. It’s understandable that the alert level is higher than usual.

Even if they are soldiers from one’s own country, they might be assassins plotting to kill foreign dignitaries while posing as soldiers. If a foreign dignitary is killed within Lystia, Queen Milhya will be held responsible.

The reason for gathering many soldiers from within the country into the capital is not entirely unclear. Some Istria soldiers are also dispatched to the capital for that mission, and those who escorted me are part of that group.

Queen Milhya, huh? What kind of person could she be?

“Anyway, shall we enter? We don’t have much time.”

“Yes. Please follow me.”

Led by Captain Goht, we headed towards the castle gate with a few soldiers. Passing through the long drawbridge, as we approached the imposing gate, the path opened with a deep sound and the clinking of chains.

The castle gate gradually lifted. We steeled ourselves, followed the guidance of the gatekeepers, and set foot inside the castle.

○●○

I was guided to a room within the castle and left alone for about ten minutes. This time, led by several maids, I headed towards the audience chamber alone. I bid farewell to Rafi, who wore a worried expression, and walked alone through the red carpet until I stood in front of the enormous door.

It was undoubtedly the audience chamber. If I were to describe the impression of Sanostria Castle in one word, it would be “corridor.” There were long corridors with doors on the sides. That was all the explanation needed. Of course, there were undoubtedly luxurious furniture and various items scattered throughout.

“Queen Milhya is waiting here.”

The maids stepped aside by the door, bowing their heads. It seemed that I was supposed to enter alone. I felt nervous—extremely nervous. My body was shaking slightly from the tension. However, being hesitant wouldn’t help. I couldn’t keep the Queen waiting.

I stood before the door, took a deep breath, and glanced at the soldiers who were stationed by the door. The soldiers then opened the door to the audience chamber. The sight expanded before me. The most splendid carpet in the castle stretched out in front of me.

The gazes of the soldiers lined up on both sides were focused on me. In the center was a throne. Instead of looking directly at the person sitting on the throne, I lowered my gaze slightly and moved forward slowly.

I had learned the etiquette for an audience from my father, which was helpful, but this was a real-life situation. In the midst of intense nervousness, I desperately recited the sequence of etiquette in my head.

Walk slowly, keep the gaze slightly lowered. Do not look at the Queen until given permission. Approach within about ten steps of the Queen, then kneel on one knee. Keep the gaze lowered and wait for the Queen to speak.

Silence, no sound. The tension in the air was so palpable that I began to wonder if I had made a mistake in the etiquette. However, unable to say anything, I remained silent, waiting for something to happen.

Top of Form

“Are you Shion Ornstein?”

A clear voice echoed from above.

Younger than I expected.

But I’ve heard that her age is older than my father’s.

In terms of mental age, she might be younger than me, but the dignity conveyed by that voice didn’t feel like it belonged to someone younger. I half-reflexively responded.

“Yes, I am Shion Ornstein.”

“Well done on coming to the capital. First, lift your head.”

As instructed, I raised my gaze.

Directly in front, at a slightly distant position, there was a small staircase with about ten steps.

On top of that was the throne, and sitting there was a woman looking down at me.

Queen Laxua L. Milhya.

At first glance, I was captivated.

She was overwhelmingly beautiful.

Silver threads falling over her shoulders reflected light, sparkling.

A faint cherry blossom color on her pure white skin.

Her meticulously crafted form would catch anyone’s eye.

However, the time one could gaze straight at her was brief.

Most people would focus on her appearance, but I was different.

Because “the queen was clad in magic.”

Even those who hadn’t contracted the Lazy syndrome occasionally possessed magic.

Rose was one, and a few others.

I realized I was unintentionally staring, hastily lowering my gaze.

“I am Laxua L. Milhya.

I have heard about your efforts in treating the lazy syndrome and repelling the demonic forces. It was an impressive and swift performance.”

“Your words are too kind. However, it was a series of coincidences, and many people contributed to the effort. It’s not solely my achievement.”

“Humble. I already know what you have accomplished.

Excessive humility can become unpleasant. Accept it gracefully.

For the recent incident, you shall receive a reward. We have already prepared it here. Please accept it.”

The queen turned to the robust man standing next to her and nodded slightly.

He seemed to hold a position akin to a minister.

While his head had somewhat thinning hair, his dignified beard seemed to express his confidence.

Despite appearing as a chubby middle-aged man, his gaze was sharp.

A reward, huh?

I had heard about it beforehand, but I didn’t know what it would be.

Money, perhaps. Or some kind of item.

If it was an item, it might be a bit troublesome.

I’d have to be careful about where to store the gift from the queen.

Internally, with a sense of excitement, I waited for the queen’s next words.

The man, presumably a minister, took a parchment from his pocket, unfolded it, and let his gaze move across the document.

“In recognition of Shion Ornstein’s significant achievements in developing the treatment methods for lazy syndrome, administering care, responding to demonic assaults, and successfully repelling the demon incursion in the city of Istria, within the Kingdom of Lystia, it has been decided to bestow upon Shion Ornstein the following honors: the presentation of a residence located within the royal capital of Sanostria and the conferment of the title of ‘Dual Marquis.’

There shall be no dissenting opinions. This proclamation reflects the will of her Majesty, Queen Laxua of Lystia.”

The atmosphere in the room became slightly unsettled. Apart from the soldiers, there were also dignified-looking individuals present in the audience chamber. Were they civil officials?

Most of them seemed perturbed, and it hinted that this decision might have been made unilaterally by the queen. Up until now, it had been kept confidential. If that were the case, why was it kept a secret? Why would such a decision be made?

More importantly, what did they mean by a residence and marquisates? This was absurd. There was no way that the son of a minor noble would suddenly be given Dual marquisates. A marquisate was a high-ranking title, just below a duke, and it was named ‘Dual marquisate’ because the title ‘marquis’ sounded similar to ‘duke,’ making it less confusing.

Being granted the title of Dual marquis was an elevated status. The hierarchy went from baron, viscount, earl, Dual marquis, duke, and grand duke, with Dual marquis being an outstanding position among the nobility.

For a rural noble, especially the son of an honorary noble, to receive such a title was unthinkable. It deviated significantly from what could be considered a reputable lineage built in one generation. It was evident that this was an exception.

Almost everyone, except the queen and the man who seemed like a minister, appeared bewildered, and I shared the sentiment.

“Silence! You are in the presence of the queen!”

The minister’s roar immediately hushed everyone. Who was this person? He was frightening.

Internally shrinking, I chose to remain silent. Regardless, it seemed that this decision was final, and voicing any objections would likely be counterproductive.

“Shion Ornstein, these are the words of the Queen. Naturally, you will accept, won’t you?”

The minister uttered these words while glaring at me, his voice filled with an imposing presence. It was an unexpected turn of events. Frankly, my heart was struggling to keep up, but I understood that refusing was not an option. There was no time to ponder why the Queen had chosen such rewards.

I hesitated for a moment but nodded, saying, “I humbly accept.”

I glanced at the expressions of the Queen and the minister. I sensed a slight relief in their demeanor.

“Now, Shion Ornstein, you shall become a Dual Marquis. However, although you gain the title, no territorial domain shall be granted. You will receive only the title, a residence, and attendants. Additionally, you shall not have the right to participate in social events, regional conferences, nor shall you be granted the right to speak.”

Once again, a murmur spread through the room. It seemed that I would occupy a position similar to my father. Although officially titled a Dual Marquis, it appeared to be more akin to an honorary noble. It wasn’t explicitly stated, but the expressions of the surrounding officials seemed to ease slightly.

Perhaps they feared that the arrival of a newcomer like me might disrupt the power dynamics among the nobility. I had no intention or interest in such matters, but for the time being, it seemed that I wouldn’t be burdened with a troublesome position.

It was essential not to be overly optimistic, though.

“The rewards are as mentioned. Now, let’s discuss the tasks I will assign you in the future. First, attend to the treatment of lazy syndrome patients within the royal capital. You can get more details from the attendants. Understand?”

“Yes. I will address it promptly.”

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I came here for precisely that purpose. I had already considered treating the patients within the royal capital as a priority. The Queen nodded approvingly at my response.

“Now, Lord Ornstein, come closer.”

Though puzzled, I promptly followed the instruction. If there was something to discuss, it would be appropriate to do so here. What could it be? With such thoughts, I took a few steps forward. No one stopped me. It seemed somewhat erratic. A few more steps. Within five steps. Closer. The distance was different from what my father had mentioned. It was a distance allowed only if a significant level of trust had been established. Even at this proximity, the Queen’s voice couldn’t be heard. Another step. Still unheard. Another step.

“That’s far enough.”

A voice was heard nearby. My gaze, directed toward the ground as I kneeled on the landing of the stairs, caught sight of the Queen’s feet a short distance away. She was about three steps away. If I were an assassin, this distance would be enough to kill her in an instant. Yet, the Queen permitted me to be at this proximity. It wasn’t as if she trusted me. After all, today was the first time we met… or was it?

“It’s impressive how you’ve grown.”

Startled by her words, I instinctively looked up. The Queen had a soft smile on her face as she gazed directly at me. Her eyes reflected a hint of maternal warmth. I found myself captivated by her presence, momentarily losing my ability to speak.

Ah, yes. I had been entrusted to the Queen once before. After that, my father and mother decided to raise me as their own child. She knew about my past. As I listened to the voices near the Queen, the expression she had just worn vanished, replaced by a stern demeanor.

“Shion, refrain from using magic for a while.”

The Queen, who spoke with a voice audible only to me, swiftly transformed from a friendly woman into the dignified and resolute figure of a queen.

“Don’t use magic?” What on earth could that mean? It didn’t seem related to the magical requirements for treating the lazy syndrome. Was it about other types of magic? I questioned the Queen with my gaze, but she seemed unwilling to provide an answer. For now, I would comply since there didn’t appear to be significant disadvantages, but I couldn’t help wondering about her intentions.

“You may step back.”

Upon hearing her words, I bowed deeply and slowly stood up. As the realization that it was over set in, I moved my feet in a hurry. Exiting the audience chamber, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. I released a deep sigh as the doors closed.

It’s over. I was so nervous. I really hope that’s the end of formalities. I’m not good with these formal situations. The sense of relief gave way to a feeling of fatigue.

“Now, this way.”

Guided by the waiting maids, it seemed we were heading back to the room. I wanted to talk to Rafi and relax as soon as possible. Such thoughts surfaced strongly on my face, and I had forgotten the Queen’s words. I hadn’t accurately grasped what she was giving or bestowing upon me. Unaware of that, I followed the maids, savoring the sense of liberation.

Chapter 80   The maid, the guard, and the master

I, along with Rafi, Captain Goht, and a few soldiers, stand side by side, gazing up. It seems the other soldiers have already moved to the barracks in the royal capital.

In front of us is a house.

“It’s a house, huh.”

“A house indeed.”

“It is a house.”

Undoubtedly, it is a house.

The issue lies in the fact that we are “looking up” at it.

It’s larger than my own home.

Looking to the left, there are three windows.

To the right, there are three windows.

Looking at the upper left and upper right, three each.

In other words, just from the front, there seem to be that many rooms.

Spacious.

Insanely spacious.

It may not compare to Duke Balkh’s residence, but for a single noble, especially just mine, it’s too large.

I hear there are around twenty rooms.

Of course, it’s fully equipped with a kitchen, bath, and even a toilet.

Well, not a flush toilet, though.

No, that’s not the point.

The issue is that the house is too big.

What should I do?

I had expected a house with only a few rooms.

I never thought it would be such a mansion.

“Well then, Shion. We’ll take our leave here.”

“Yes. We were tasked with escorting Shion-sama back to your residence.”

“What!? You’re leaving!? Am I really going to live alone in this ridiculously huge house!?”

Rafi directed a serious gaze at me and firmly grabbed my shoulders.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen from now on! But if it’s you, Shion, you can surely overcome it! I believe in that! It’s not like I think dealing with the complications that come with receiving the position of a dual marquis and acting together with Shion, who got more than I expected, would be troublesome or anything! It’s true!”

Lies! Her eyes are wandering! It’s troublesome! I understand the sentiment, but I understand!

“Well then! Shion! Unfortunately, we have royal capital security duties to attend to! From now on, please act on your own! Farewell!”

“I apologize, Shion-sama. We serve the country! We cannot go against orders! So, here!”

Rafi and Captain Goht raised their hands abruptly, followed by the other soldiers. How heartless. What was the point of the exchange along the way? Rafi and the others left in an instant. What speed. What swift change. Rafi, I’ve revised my opinion of you. You’re colder than I thought!

“Sigh, but it’s appreciative that they accompanied me this far, right? Can’t rely on Rafi entirely. I have to do my best on my own, I guess.”

Forcing my thoughts to be positive, I gazed at the unnecessarily luxurious entrance. In front of the house was a courtyard, larger than my family home. Examining the lawn, plants, and the overall condition, it was clear that the place was well-maintained. I wondered who took care of it. Pondering this, I hesitantly opened the door.

The door wasn’t locked.

I slowly pushed the door open.

And…

“Oh, wel-wel-welcome back, Mas-master!”

As if waiting at the entrance, a girl bowed deeply. She had black hair in a side ponytail and was somewhat petite. Wearing a maid outfit, despite the modest attire that didn’t emphasize her figure, her chest was highlighted. She undeniably had a good figure. However, her face retained a strong resemblance to that of a girl, probably around fifteen or sixteen. My physical age is thirteen. Although she is older than me, she looks quite young, creating a sense of similar age. When she lifted her face, for some reason, her shoulders trembled.

“I-I’m s-so sorry!”

Watching her in bewilderment, the girl hastily lowered her head again.

“Huh? Uh, no, why are you apologizing?”

“N-no, um, I-I thought maybe you were angry, s-so…”

She said while trembling. I wondered why she was so frightened. Even if she looks at me with those scared eyes, it’s troubling.

“No, I’m not angry—”

“I-i-introductions! Uh, I-I apologize!”

Completely overlapping with my words, she seemed apologetic once again. It’s awkward timing or rather, suspicious behavior. Even though I’m not angry, for some reason, it seems like I am. Anyway, the conversation won’t progress like this.

“Um, I’m Sion Ornstein. And you?”

“I-I’m Winona… I-I’ve been tasked with taking care of Lord Ornstein. From now on, I will serve Lord Ornstein as a maid.”

“A maid!? Taking care of me!?”

Come to think of it, the queen mentioned something like that. Titles, houses—it was all too overwhelming, and I didn’t really pay attention. She mentioned giving me a maid. Oh, what a situation. A maid, it’s going to be troublesome.

“N-no, I’ll be fine on my own.”

“P-please! P-please let me stay by your side! I-I’ll do anything! A-anyt-anything! So, please let me stay by your side! I beg youuu!”

Winona desperately bowed her head multiple times. Unexpectedly met with such a reaction, I became flustered.

“W-wait. E-even if you bow your head like that—”

“P-please! Please have mercy!”

She’s crying. Crying uncontrollably. Almost on the verge of sobbing. She begged so desperately. I don’t know why she’s so desperate, but thinking about it, she must be here by the queen’s order. What would happen if I sent her back? It would be rejecting what the queen had given. That would be disrespectful to the queen’s generosity. I don’t intend to overly humble myself, but I also don’t intend to disrespect the queen. I’m just a human who happens to be able to use magic. If I make some kind of mistake, there’s a possibility it could harm my family. I’m not alone, and there are limits to what I can do. Selfish actions shouldn’t be taken. Besides… I can’t just leave a girl in this state. It’s simply pitiful. Oh, but having a maid means I’ll have someone like a subordinate. It might feel suffocating, and above all, I feel sorry for her. From the position of a maid, she might not want to be seen that way, though.

“Ugh, please, I’m begging you!”

Winona had reached the point of sniffing and wiping her runny nose with her sleeves. Without the luxury to enjoy the sensation of Winona clinging to my waist, I unconsciously covered her face.

With a mix of sympathy and a somewhat intimidating approach, I had no choice but to yield.

“I-I got it! I got it, so… Sorry, my bad! P-please, just let go!”

“W-why won’t you liiisten! Why won’t you liiisten!?”

“I-it’s true! So calm down! Okay!?”

Hearing my plea, Winona finally seemed to calm down, slowly distancing herself from me. While wiping away tears and sobbing, she straightened her posture.

“S-so, then… I-I’ll be in charge from now on, sooo.”

“Y-yeah. Please take care of me.”

Not exactly what I wanted, but oh well. Can’t be helped. I compromised while carrying a great deal of anxiety. I wondered how my life would be from now on. It didn’t seem like it would be a peaceful existence. I knew that, but with so many unexpected things happening, it was exceeding my tolerance.

“So, uh, let me tell you about the plans from now on. Lord Ornstein will be here from now on, here, here, here…”

Winona’s face turned bright red. Was it nervousness? Fear? Perhaps both? Watching Winona’s eyes wander, shoulders shake, sweat drip down, and eventually, seeing her upper body sway left and right, I felt a strange resignation. Ah, she’s just that type of person. Maybe she has an extreme nervous disposition. Or maybe she’s scared of me. Anyway, I need to get her to calm down.

“First, let’s calm down. Okay, take a deep breath! Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.”

I opened and closed my hands repeatedly, and Winona began to mimic the same movements.

“Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale… Ah, I-I’m starting to calm down.”

“Good. Now, take it slow and tell me your plans.”

“S-sorry for the trouble! Thank you for your patience.”

“It’s okay. Seriously, take your time and tell me about the plans. Okay?”

“Ugh, you’re… you’re angry, aren’t you? Y-you’re mad, right?”

“No, no, I’m not angry at all.”

I just wanted her to speak quickly. No anger or frustration, just a state of perplexity. However, it seemed she didn’t think so, as her eyes welled up with tears once again.

“P-please have mercy! F-forgive me for my sins! Please, please!”

“I’m not going to punish you! I’m not angry! I just want to hear about the plans!”

Despite my desperate explanation, Winona sat down on the ground and began to sob. From an outsider’s perspective, it might have looked like an arrogant master scolding a maid.

“A-are you really not angry?”

“I’ve said multiple times that I’m not angry!?”

“N-no, you must be angry! G-gonna be whipped a hundred times, huh? O-or maybe given some indecent orders… I-I’ve never even been touched by a man… U-uu, uu.”

“I’m not doing any of that! I said I’m not angry!”

Towards the girl named Winona, I had already formed one impression.

This girl.

Troublesome!

I realized it within minutes of meeting her. The difficulty of dealing with this maid became apparent.

Oh, I just want to go home.

But there are many patients waiting, and there’s a lot to be done.

I want to go home, but I can’t, and I can’t just leave.

Knowing all this, I can only resign myself.

I firmly grasped Winona’s shoulders, almost begging.

“Huh!?”

“Please, can you talk about the plans? Even if you think I’m angry, just talk… please.”

In a short amount of time, I had become quite exhausted. I said, dropping my gaze while feeling drained.

Whether it was due to that action or not, Winona, though still frightened, began to explain.

“Ugh, y-yes. From here, Lord Ornstein will be moved to a specialized facility where patients are gathered, and then, uh, afterward, you’ll undergo treatment for lazy syndrome. It’s within the royal capital, but just to be safe, about ten soldiers will come as an escort. You’ll be moving with them from now on.”

Inside the house, outside, under surveillance everywhere. What a stressful environment. And I’m even told me not to use magic. It’s torture. Does the queen hold some grudge against me?

“I have no problem with the treatment, but I’d like to know the specifics. I want to know the deadline, the duration of treatment, the environment, the personnel… and most importantly, how many patients are there?”

“W-well, the deadline is two weeks from today. After that, you’ll be dedicating your time to preparing for a training seminar on lazy syndrome treatment. There’s no specific duration. As for the environment and personnel, we’ve arranged everything based on information from Istria, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“How many patients are there?”

“A-a-at the current moment, it’s around ten thousand.”

“Ten thousand!?”

In Istria, there were about three thousand patients. Even that took about a week. Now it’s ten thousand, and the deadline is two weeks. Simple calculation shows that only six thousand can be treated. The remaining four thousand won’t receive treatment.

“… What happens if there are still patients left?”

“They will be rescheduled for a later date… lazy syndrome itself is not an immediately life-threatening condition, so the priority is to postpone it…”

“Let’s go.”

I left my bag there and headed straight for the entrance. Winona hurriedly ran to my side.

“A-are you leaving already? Shouldn’t you wait for the escort?”

“There’s no time. I want to treat the patients as soon as possible.”

“But, lazy syndrome is not an immediately life-threatening illness.”

I stopped and turned to face Winona.

“So, what’s the matter?”

“Huh!? I-I’m terribly sorry, I’m sorry! Please don’t be angry! Forgive me! Have mercy!”

I wasn’t really angry, I just asked a question, but Winona suddenly shrank back. Maybe my words were a bit sharp. I’m genuinely not upset; I just wanted clarification.

“No, I’m not angry… It’s true that lazy syndrome isn’t an immediately life-threatening illness. But considering the feelings of those who have family members bedridden for a long time, it’s better to cure them as soon as possible. The burden, both financially and mentally, is significant. If we could treat everyone immediately, it would be different, but if there’s a possibility of postponing some, it’s even more reason to act quickly. I understand because I had a family member who got lazy syndrome. Watching someone you care about live like a doll, without laughing, getting angry, or crying… it’s painful.”

Winona had a surprised expression and quickly bowed her head.

“I-I’m sorry. I said something thoughtless without considering anything.”

Maybe she’s a good person. It’s not easy to apologize immediately like that. She seems to be considering the other person’s feelings and changing her perspective. There’s a bit of self-consciousness or quick apology and shrinking back, but overall, she doesn’t seem like a bad person.

“It’s fine. I don’t think you can understand unless you’ve experienced it yourself. But you see, that’s why I want to cure them as soon as possible.”

If time is limited, all I can do is allocate as much time as possible. Despite getting somewhat used to the treatment, the efficiency hasn’t significantly improved. Healing simply takes time. I didn’t expect such a time limit. I thought they would let me treat everyone. I was overly optimistic.

“Also, could you call me Shion instead of Lord Ornstein?.”

“Y-Yes, understood. Sh-Shion-sama.”

It’s still awkward, but she’ll get used to it eventually. Let’s hurry and head out. With that thought, I opened the front door.

“Oh my, is this the Marquis Ornstein himself welcoming us?”

A sarcastic voice was directed at me. At the entrance, there was a dandy-looking man. A sword hung at his waist, and he wore armor over his neat clothes. A coat of arms on his shoulder indicated that he was undoubtedly a knight. Drooping eyes, a sarcastic expression, and oddly long hair. They say most of a person’s evaluation is decided by the first impression, and the impression I had of this man was not particularly good.

He’s probably in his early twenties. Behind him stood about ten knights. They seemed to be my escorts. The man performed an ostentatious bow while delivering his remarks.

“I am Fritz Emerich, the Deputy Commander of the Royal Capital Guard Knights, Unit Twelve. I have come in response to the mission to serve as the escort for Lord Shion Ornstein. You are Lord Ornstein, correct?”

“…Yes, I am Shion Ornstein.”

“My, my, you’re more of a child than I thought… Well, a petite one. I’ll tell you upfront, we are knights, and we can’t babysit. So, take care of that on your own, okay?”

I couldn’t help but marvel at the masterfully sarcastic tone. Being assigned as the escort for an unknown child was probably not something he welcomed. However, it didn’t make his attitude any more agreeable.

Aside from Fritz, the other knights also sent disdainful glances my way. For knights, they seemed surprisingly immature in their behavior. They should learn to be more understanding. Maybe it’s because they are still young.

Intentionally ignoring Fritz’s sarcastic remarks, I replied, “Yes, no problem. Outside of the escort duties, I don’t think we’ll trouble you with anything.”

I didn’t really need an escort, but they couldn’t just leave me unattended, given that I was here by the Queen’s order. Both Fritz and I had to compromise. In response to my answer, Fritz maintained his smile but subtly twitched his eye. It seemed like something bothered him. I didn’t mind being thought poorly of by someone harboring hostility.

“I see. That’s a relief. I suppose dealing with a cheeky child trying to act older is better than a high-maintenance one. Well then, shall we go, Lord Ornstein?”

With polite impoliteness, Fritz urged me toward the main gate. I headed in that direction without showing any concern. Winona followed us, looking timid. It seemed like she was supposed to come along, being a maid. As if the pile of problems wasn’t enough, it felt like new troubles were being added. I let out a deep sigh internally and continued walking to distract myself.

Chapter 81   A helping hand

I left the house and headed towards the facility where patients were gathered, guided by Winona.

The escorts, including Fritz, seemed to have no intention other than providing protection.

Winona, acting as our guide, simply trailed behind us, leaving everything to the maidservant.

Just like Istria, it seemed that the capital’s military training was not particularly high.

Perhaps it was because it was a small country or because there was currently no war, resulting in a state of peace.

Observing Fritz and the others behind me, I turned my attention to the front.

When Winona and I made eye contact, she let out a small scream and averted her gaze.

What’s with these people, seriously?

Honestly, it would be more comfortable to act alone, and I feel like things would go more smoothly that way.

But I can’t afford to be so selfish.

Winona doesn’t seem like a bad person at heart, and I’ll need to get along with her a little better.

If things continue like this, it’s going to be troublesome in various ways.

At least she needs to become someone I can talk to normally.

Why is it that I, who is supposed to be shy, have to actively engage in communication like this?

… Oh well.

“Does it take a long time to reach that facility?”

“Hya, hyai!? N-no! It’s, it’s not that far! We, we’ll arrive in just a few minutes!”

“Ah, I see.”

Don’t be so frightened.

Did I do something?

Or is it just her personality?

Considering her state when we first met, I think it’s the latter.

We’ll have to become friends over time.

We spend time chatting about trivial matters here and there as we walk.

After a while, a large building looms in front of the street.

It seems more like a comprehensive facility than a hospital.

Istria also gathered patients in a similar facility for treatment.

This facility, however, is much larger.

It may not be on the scale of accommodating ten thousand people, but it’s sizeable.

I wonder if it’s divided into different sections.

Or perhaps there are people receiving care at home without hospitalization.

I head towards the facility.

We arrive at the entrance of the facility.

A plaque on the double doors indicates that entry is prohibited for unauthorized personnel.

We should be fine since we are considered related parties.

Winona opens the door.

Inside, there’s a somewhat cramped space with another door.

She opens the second door.

And there, there is a scene different from what I expected.

It looks like a hall with several benches, and there’s a reception-like area.

Numerous corridors stretch to the left, right, and front, with visible doors.

It seems to have an open ceiling, and looking up reveals multiple floors up to the third.

If it were just that, my impression would have been limited to the building being spacious.

The issue lies on the first floor, around us.

There, doctors and nurses have gathered.

They surround us, standing there.

I can’t help but wonder what’s going on.

I look at Winona instinctively because I don’t understand the situation, but she seems just as bewildered and quite shaken.

What’s going on?

An elderly person in a white coat takes a step forward.

He seems to be the representative.

He scans Fritz, Winona, and finally shifts his gaze to me.

With eyes widened in surprise and uttering in confusion, he says, “What on earth is this?”

“…Could it be… Are you the doctor who treated Istria’s lazy syndrome patients?”

“Yes. I am Shion Ornstein.”

He slowly scans me from my feet to the top of my head.

Given my age, it’s a natural reaction.

“Is it really true? Can you truly treat it?”

He seems skeptical about whether I can treat the lazy syndrome. I am a child, and I’m aware of my lack of reliability. At least, I decided to answer the question with confidence.

“Yes. I can, and I have done so.”

“Oh… you can. You claim that a child like you can treat the lazy syndrome, a mysterious illness that doctors have researched for over three years and still couldn’t find a solution. Is that what you’re saying?”

Ah, that’s what it is.

Istria had a similar situation.

The pride of the doctors, huh?

For them, there is a past where they couldn’t produce results despite years of research, and they take pride in being specialists. It must be inconceivable for them that a child like me could treat it.

Or perhaps, even if it’s true, they dislike the idea of their pride being wounded.

Either way, I don’t have time to concern myself with them.

What’s important to me is the treatment of the patients.

While I can understand the struggles of the doctors to some extent, I must not forget the priorities.

No matter the situation, it is the patients and their families who are suffering.

“Yes. I can cure it. I have a track record, and the method is well-established. So, will you let us through? I want to treat the patients as soon as possible.”

I attempted to pass through the doctors somewhat forcefully, but I was stopped.

This did cause a slight feeling of discomfort.

No matter how much their pride won’t allow it, would they go this far?

The doctors should be aware that I am here under the queen’s orders.

Yet, would they be so obstinate even knowing that?

“We are here by the queen’s command! Obstructing us is equivalent to rebelling against the queen! You understand that!”

Fritz suddenly shouted.

There was a momentary stir, but it was brief.

The doctors turned their determined gaze toward us.

It’s still strange.

Would they go this far for their own sake?

The opponent is the queen and knights, after all.

“We have our own pride. We cannot allow passage until we fulfill that!”

“You lot… Prepare yourselves!”

A small scream erupted, and it was no wonder why. This impatient knight had drawn his sword.

This guy is insane. Just a little disagreement, and he’s already brandishing a sword. How arrogant can you get?

Fritz, veins bulging, raised his sword towards the elderly doctor at the forefront.

What’s wrong with this guy? Show some hesitation, at least!

Others, aside from Fritz, seemed not to have expected things to escalate so suddenly. I, too, must have shared the same thought. Consequently, the elderly doctor panicked, turning his back to Fritz and attempting to flee.

But it was too late.

The deadly blade was already before the elderly doctor’s eyes.

It’s going to hit!

Everyone must have thought so.

However, it never happened.

With a metallic sound, the blade came to a halt. I had stopped the sword with my bare hands.

The sensation transmitted through my hands didn’t prompt pain. The magical power gathered in my right hand absorbed the impact and nullified the blade’s force.

My current hand was harder than metal.

A shield.

The magic, gathering thousands of magical powers, rendered any attack ineffective.

From the perspective of those around, it probably looked like I had caught the sword barehanded. While that was impossible, I believed it was perceived as some sort of serious blade-catching feat.

In fact, I held the blade to create that illusion.

Using boost, I enhanced my grip strength.

Since I used a bit more magical power than usual for the boost, it was more potent than a regular one.

“What!? Y-you caught the sword with your bare hands!?”

Fritz and the people around him trembled in shock. They probably wouldn’t have imagined the use of magic.

Shields and boosts had no external elements, and from appearances, it wasn’t apparent that I used some mysterious force.

I believed I hadn’t disobeyed the queen’s order not to use magic.

“Holding a sword out of nowhere is going too far! There seems to be some circumstances for them. It’s not too late to listen to their story! If you’re going to harm people around, please leave!”

When I released my hands from the blade, Fritz still seemed to be recovering from his astonishment. However, he regained his composure, breathed heavily, and sheathed his sword.

“Hmph! I see. Well, go ahead. It seems you’re reasonably strong. Feel free to do as you please.”

Without hiding his irritation, Fritz, along with other knights, left the facility. Perhaps he didn’t like having his sword caught. Well, that’s fine. Now we can finally have a decent conversation.

Winona, perhaps frightened by the recent commotion, moved towards the wall, shivering. Despite me reassuring her, she seemed not only unconvinced but even more scared.

Let’s leave her be.

“Uh, thank you. For helping us.”

“Huh? Oh, no, it’s not a big deal.”

The elderly doctor bowed respectfully. Maybe he’s not a bad person. At least at this point, it didn’t seem like he was rejecting us to protect his pride.

But then, why did this happen?

“May we hear your circumstances?”

“Yes. As you can see, we are physicians, assistants, and nurses. Almost all of us have been involved in the treatment of lazy syndrome and the care of patients for several years. Much like Istria, over three years ago, the first patient with lazy syndrome appeared. From then on, we engaged in research for treatment and continued to provide care for the patients…”

The elderly doctor glanced at the other physicians. Their faces were worn out, devoid of energy. One can imagine the feelings of those who couldn’t cure patients ravaged by the disease, continuously encouraging families engaged in caregiving.

“Until now, we have been completely unable to find a clue for treatment, and we were overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness. At that time, we heard about Istria. There was a physician who treated lazy syndrome.”

Recalling the reactions of Istria’s physicians, most were surprised, some envious, denying the possibility. However, as the actual treatment progressed, they fell silent, unable to say anything. Of course, many people cooperated and supported me, but they were not the majority. Were the elderly doctors feeling the same way?

“Do you understand what we felt at that time?”

“Did you get angry that someone, unknown and untested, resolved the issue?”

Years of research not bearing fruit, and someone else, somewhere else, solving it. Hearing that must have been unbearable. It’s natural to feel that way because their efforts had seemingly been in vain. However, the elderly doctor said this.

“No. We were happy. Very happy. Everyone was delighted.”

Delighted? Even though it wasn’t their achievement?

Anyone, even good people, becomes disappointed when they realize their efforts were meaningless. Can one truly be happy because someone else achieved what they couldn’t? If that were the case, it would mean they genuinely cared about the patients as individuals involved in healthcare. Then why hinder my treatment?

“However, the joy was fleeting. We quickly realized the reality. No, we remembered it.”

“Why? If you were genuinely happy that you could treat patients, then there shouldn’t be any need to worry.”

“No, no, it’s different… Do you think for over three years we’ve done nothing but immerse ourselves in research? Do you think for over three years, we’ve only cared for patients, patiently waiting for miracles?”

“What on earth…”

Unable to understand the intention behind the words, I could only ask again. I noticed Winona standing at a distance. Apparently, she had finally regained her composure after the commotion. She still seemed scared and wasn’t by my side.

“Since the onset of lazy syndrome, we immediately searched for treatment methods. We provided support for caregiving and encouraged families, saying that we would surely find a treatment method. We had to believe. Doubting wouldn’t let us move forward. And a few months later, we heard rumors of someone treating lazy syndrome.”

Treated? That’s absurd. Besides me, no one else can use magic, and if there’s a treatment, there’s no need for me to be summoned here. As if reading my thoughts, the elderly doctor shook his head.

“As you’re thinking. It was a lie. It was a scam. These wicked people only think about exploiting the weak. Imagine telling people desperate for their family’s treatment, ‘If you take this medicine, you’ll be cured.’ Even if they think it’s a lie, they cling to it if there’s even a slight hope. If someone dear falls ill, it’s only natural. We told the families that such a medicine didn’t exist, but our words didn’t reach the patients’ families.”

Everyone seemed frustrated. Perhaps everyone here had experienced it at least once.

“Not just once. Using different methods, changing their approach, the scammers came multiple times. Even if it was clear it was a scam, families still clung to it. They desperately saved money, even for expensive goods, trying to purchase them. Do you think they’re foolish? What about them?”

“…No.”

I understand the sentiment. If I were in the same position and there were no such thing as magic, I might have bought that medicine for my sister. If I heard there was a doctor who could heal, even if they were far away, I might have traveled to seek their help. Outsiders might laugh at such actions as foolish. I think it’s because they’re fortunate not to feel that way. But in reality, the more precious something is, the more blindly one becomes, reaching for even a straw. That’s just how it is.

“We’ve encountered such situations many times. Witnessed families smiling with hope, thinking their loved ones might get better. And then, we’ve seen them turn to despair, shedding tears. Eventually, they lose all hope, just drifting through their days. Some even contemplate ending it all. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

“That I might be a scammer, that’s what you think.”

“When you speak, it’s clear you’re an honest person. Despite your very young age, you seem quite intelligent. Having seen many scammers, I can tell you’re not one of them. However, whether you can cure the lazy syndrome is a different issue. If you can’t treat it, if the doctor appointed by the queen, who traveled all the way to the capital with a proven track record, turns out to be unable to heal, the families won’t be able to stand up again. No one before you has carried the hope of being able to treat patients like you do. Do you understand? A scammer with a small hope is less damaging than a renowned doctor with significant hope, shattering the families’ aspirations. For us, for the families, for the patients, you are both an angel and a grim reaper. We are doctors, people involved in medicine. That’s why we know, ‘There’s no such thing as a disease that will definitely be cured.’”

Ah, I see. I finally understood their feelings. The people here are not only thinking about the patients but also the families of the patients. If I fail, if even one person is not saved, the families won’t have hope anymore. Living itself might become difficult. If it were just a small possibility I had bet on, I could convince myself even if I failed. But with a significant possibility, if I couldn’t treat them, they might think there’s no other option. If I fail, if I can’t save even one person, it will kill the hearts of those families. I may have achievements, the queen’s support, and information that I’ve actually treated patients, but that doesn’t guarantee success. They wanted to confirm it by talking to me. Even if I’m not a scammer, it’s not certain that I can fully heal the patients. As a doctor, they know that.

“They have suffered enough—both the patients and their families. I can’t bear to see them suffer any more. If there’s anyone causing them pain, we will never forgive that existence. We’re aware we’re making an unreasonable request. We, who couldn’t do anything, might seem presumptuous. But… but I want you to tell us. Do you have the resolve to bear all responsibility, regardless of the outcome? I want to ask you. Can you truly treat lazy syndrome?”

I wanted to help people. Initially, it was for my sister. But as I met various people, discovered my own capabilities, I wanted to save someone in need with that power. That’s why I’m here. Their gaze carries intense anger, hatred, and sorrow. It’s not directed at me but at the injustice in the world. Anger at the absurdity of why earnest individuals can’t find happiness. And there’s something faintly hidden in those eyes—expectation. I don’t know them, so I don’t want to pretend to understand or even can understand. There’s only one thing I can do. After pausing for a moment, I look at each of them.

“I can.”

I said it.

For a normal illness, I wouldn’t dare claim to cure it definitively. But lazy syndrome is different. As a magic user, I can treat this illness with certainty. So, without hesitation, I spoke confidently. Someone in the room choked back a sob. Someone else slumped to the floor. It was just words. Only a single phrase. I hadn’t healed anyone yet. However, upon hearing my words, those present crumbled. Maybe they had reached their limit, too. Even the elderly physician standing before me had tears streaming down his face. With unsteady steps, he approached me, gripping my hand firmly.

“I-Is it true? Can you really cure it?”

“Yes. I can cure it.”

“Wi-Will you save them?”

“…I will save them, without fail.”

The elderly physician, unable to contain himself, cried out. He covered his face with both hands and collapsed. In a hoarse voice, he spoke.

“Pl-please, take care of the patients…”

“Leave it to me.”

It’s alright.

I will definitely cure them.

So everyone can relax.

It’s okay now.

I held the hand of the elderly physician to convey my determination.

Passionate in heart, calm in mind.

Suddenly, I felt someone’s gaze and looked to the side.

I met Winona’s eyes for a brief moment, but she quickly averted her gaze.

Was there something she wanted to say?

But she never looked at me.

Maybe there was nothing.

Sorry, but right now, there’s no time to worry about Winona.

The patients are waiting.

Chapter 82   Between miracle and despair

The room the physicians led us to was at the very end of the facility. Along the way, we passed through several rooms. I somehow understood the reason— the treatment order. It was the same in Istria, the order in which the patients were treated. I still didn’t know the criteria for determining it, but the sequence for treating lazy syndrome patients seemed already decided. Otherwise, it would be unfair. Well, having an order was unfair in itself. In that case, it was crucial to adhere to the publicly established sequence. Otherwise, everyone would undoubtedly clamor to be treated first. Following the elderly physician, or rather, he introduced himself as Dr. Low, Winona and I arrived at a room in the facility.

“Here it is.”

Dr. Low turned back to us with a tense expression. Several other physicians and nurses followed from behind. Although this place was exclusively for lazy syndrome patients, it also handled treatment methods, so it wasn’t feasible to bring all the physicians.

When I nodded, Dr. Low knocked on the door and opened it. The interior wasn’t spacious. It would become cramped with just a few people. There were only a bed, some furniture, and chairs. A vase with a beautiful flower was placed on the shelf. Sitting in a chair was a man in his thirties—thin, with a pale and exhausted face. On the bed lay a boy around my age, clearly suffering from lazy syndrome. He lay motionless, gazing at the ceiling. There was no visible sign of magical power.

“Dr. Low, could it be that a physician has come from Istria!?”

“…Yes.”

Dr. Low had a complex expression. Although he had earnestly pleaded with me, it didn’t mean he completely trusted me. There must have been a lot of anxiety in his heart.

“W-Which one? Where is that doctor!?”

The man checked each of us. However, among us, the only ones he wouldn’t recognize were me and Winona. Moreover, Winona clearly looked like a maid. That left only me. His expectant expression turned into obvious disappointment.

“N-No way… Th-that kid?”

“Yes. He is Dr. Shion Ornstein, the physician who treated lazy syndrome patients in Istria.”

As Dr. Low spoke, the man sat in the chair with a smile. What he harbored was disappointment.

“Haha… Haha… So, those rumors were lies after all…

Deceived again. We were.”

“N-No, he is… he is…”

It probably wasn’t genuine. Dr. Low seemed bewildered, hesitating, unsure of what to do himself. I felt like I caught a glimpse of the past that the physicians and families of patients had gone through. This wasn’t the time for questioning here. There was no way for me to convince them with words. If that’s the case, then what I needed to do was clear.

“I am just a child. However, it’s a fact that I have treated lazy syndrome.

It may be hard to believe, but can you allow me to perform the treatment?

I won’t do anything to harm him. Just granting permission to touch will be enough.”

The man directed his eyes, now void of hope, towards me. What a despairing look he had. What kind of days had he been living through?

“Just touch…? Haha, I see.

Sure, go ahead. After you touch him, you’ll probably ask for money, right?

I don’t care anymore. Do as you please…”

Covering his face with his hands, the man seemed to give in to despair. This must be what Dr. Low was talking about. The despair of someone who had lost a great hope. However, it was premature. There was still hope. To convey that, I had to treat him.

I stood beside the man and placed my hand on the chest of the boy lying on the bed.

Cold.

No warmth.

There was no magic in him at all.

“I’ll heal you right away.”

As I said that, I immediately began supplying magic. Having provided magic to over three thousand patients, I had acquired an efficient method of magic supply. Treatment that once took up to five minutes was now possible in as little as two minutes.

My hands emitted light, but in this room, only I could perceive that light. So, to everyone else, it looked like I was just touching the patient.

100, 105, 110.

I gradually increased the amount of magic supplied. Even though I was accustomed to supplying magic, I didn’t know the adverse effects of providing it all at once. I had to supply it steadily and swiftly, being cautious and careful.

Once it exceeded 200, changes began to occur in the patient, the boy. His eyelids moved, and his fingers started to tremble.

“…He moved just now.”

“Huh?”

At Dr. Low’s murmur, the father lifted his gaze weakly. They should be able to see it—the changes in the patient.

“He moved?”

Yes, he moved. He was undeniably getting closer to a full recovery. I continued supplying magic. Eventually, his blinking became rapid, and his fingers, hands, and arms started to move.

Exceeding 300, the boy’s gaze turned towards us. Simultaneously, my hands shone brightly, and the boy’s entire body was imbued with magic.

Magic had returned.

“Father…?”

“Oh, oh, oh… su-such a, mi-miracle… Ahhhh! Tom! Tom!!!”

The father embraced his son, who had uttered a sound. I stepped back a little, sighing quietly to myself.

To say there was no tension would be a lie. There was anxiety. If I couldn’t treat him, such thoughts wouldn’t have been absent. But I was able to treat him. The father, crying out, hugged his son. The son seemed confused, not understanding the situation.

Amidst the doctors and nurses, led by Dr. Low, there were cheers, screams, or a mix of both, it was hard to distinguish.

“Y-You really treated him! Y-You cured the lazy syndrome!?”

“Is-such, such a thing, re-really…?”

“It’s a miracle… I can only describe it as a miracle.”

“What on earth did he do?”

The room became instantly noisy. I had seen this scene many times, yet it never became routine. I felt joy seeing people happy, but I couldn’t afford to immerse myself in those emotions. There were still more patients to attend to.

“You’ll be fine now. You won’t be able to return to your daily life immediately, but with rehabilitation, you should be back to normal. Initially, your voice may be weak, and you may not be able to move your body much, so please don’t push yourself too hard. Dr. Low, I’ll leave the rest to you?”

“Y-Yes. I’ll hand it over to the nurses here.”

I nodded gracefully and spoke to the father, who was crying.

“Take care.”

To head to the next patient, I tried to leave the room.

“T-Thank you so much! Thank you! Dr. Shion, thank you so much!”

The father repeatedly bowed his head in gratitude. It was a scene I had witnessed many times, yet it never became routine. Seeing their faces directly made my heart tighten, and I felt like crying. But if I did that every time, my body wouldn’t hold up. So, as always, I maintained a nonchalant attitude.

“No, it’s not a big de—”

I couldn’t say it wasn’t a big deal. It wasn’t something I should say. I remembered that I had sealed those words. Because it was a big deal. Their past few years hadn’t been so light. To downplay it would be to belittle their struggles. So, I said this instead.

“Please take a good rest today. Well then, take care.”

When a family member falls ill, there’s no escape from the demands of daily life, and there’s no day of rest without constant worry. That phase finally ends, and one can genuinely take a break. I know this because I’ve been through it myself.

“Now, Dr. Low, let’s head to the next patient.”

“Yes, Dr. Shion!”

Dr. Low, unlike before, was now smiling. Despite shedding tears, he tightened his expression and left the room. This wasn’t just true for Dr. Low but for other doctors and nurses as well. Everyone was pleased with the success of the treatments. This fact warmed my heart, and immediately, a sense of duty set in. I needed to treat as many patients as possible. Time was of the essence. Once word spread that treatments were successful, the process would likely go more smoothly. Now, I had to treat as many patients as time allowed.

“Really… to be able to treat them…”

I couldn’t catch Winona’s soft murmurs beside me. She seemed lost in thought, wearing a troubled expression. With Dr. Low and the others, I left the room and headed to the next patient. By the time we finished treating patients within the facility, it was already evening. The number of people treated was around 200.

There were still approximately 9,800 patients left.

Chapter 83   Race against time

Entrance hall.

A space illuminated by reddish-orange light.

Winona and I were facing away from the entrance.

In front of us were doctors and nurses.

It resembled the scene when we first entered the facility, but there were differences.

The expressions on the doctors’ faces.

And the atmosphere within the facility.

The oppressive air and the negative emotions that once lingered were no more.

The families of the patients were not here.

They were all by the patients who had completed their treatments.

We had already received numerous expressions of gratitude.

So, I told the families to stay by the patients.

They had thanked us enough.

They were free from the suffering inflicted by the lazy sysndrome.

“We will take our leave here.”

“Dr. Shion, thank you very much. With this, the patients in this facility… can move forward.”

Their expressions were brightened.

But it wasn’t entirely clear.

There seemed to be something lingering, and some of them had cloudy expressions.

Dr. Low appeared to want to say something with a furrowed brow…

And hesitantly, he began to speak.

“Not everyone among the doctors and nurses in this facility, but there are many whose family, friends, or lovers are affected by lazy syndrome. They are in a different facility, not within this one. Those involved in medical care are prohibited from directly dealing with their own families to avoid prioritizing them. I am… one of them.”

“I see…”

So, that’s why they were so deeply involved. Even for a doctor, it’s not common to empathize so much with patients. Some are afflicted with terminal illnesses, while others suffer from entirely different diseases. Amidst all that, their fixation on lazy syndrome, a rare ailment, stemmed from having their own family members or close ones affected by it. However, their sincere dedication to their work remained unchanged because the patients here weren’t their family or close ones.

“If we can get even a slight lead in treating lazy syndrome, if we can be involved in its treatment. That’s what I think as I work at this facility. Of course, there are also those genuinely involved in treating patients, even without a personal connection. We… had lost hope. But you saved us. I apologize for our rude behavior, skepticism; it was truly disrespectful.”

As Dr. Low lowered his head, the other doctors and nurses did the same. I hastily waved my hands.

“Ah, please raise your heads. It would trouble us if you continue like this.”

“No, let us do this. Otherwise, our feelings won’t be resolved! Dr. Shion! Thank you so much. Truly… thank you!”

“Thank you!”

Everyone expressed their gratitude so earnestly that I felt bewildered. I had received thanks many times before. Every time, I either left with just a few words or was left bewildered. It was unfamiliar. Being thanked by someone. I couldn’t help but feel awkward. I could only stand there, clueless about what to do. So, I had no choice but to act as usual.

“W-well then! We will excuse ourselves here! Th-the next patient is waiting, and we need to treat your family and loved ones too! S-so, see you!”

“W-wait! Dr. Shion! Can’t we offer you something as a token of our gratitude?”

“N-no, it’s not necessary! Take care!”

I hurriedly left through the entrance as if escaping. Thankfully, it seemed they didn’t follow me outside. While I could understand their feelings to some extent, I felt like I would panic if they thanked me any more. I tried to calm my accelerated heartbeat and took a deep breath. Phew, I managed to settle down somehow. I looked up at the sky dyed in red. Anyway, for now, I could treat only a part of the patients. The rest was to cure patients as much as time allowed. I hurriedly moved along the street. I felt someone’s gaze, and when I instinctively turned around, Winona was observing me.

“W-what’s wrong?”

“Huh? N-nothing! I-it’s, um, nothing at all!”

Both of us inexplicably became flustered. For some reason, it felt awkward, and I unintentionally continued the conversation.

“S-so, where should we go next?”

“W-well, we’re supposed to visit the facilities in order from the ‘First lazy syndrome Containment Facility’ we just left. I think they’ve already been informed, so we should be able to move on to the next facility and start treatment right away. The ‘Second Containment Facility’ is the largest, containing around 300 people.”

There are reportedly 45 containment facilities in total. Each one houses around 200 to 300 people, and similar to Istria, the treatment order is predetermined. In Istria, regardless of social status, treatment followed the conditions set by Duke Balkh. The duration of the lazy syndrome, the severity of symptoms, the family’s financial capacity, and various other conditions were considered to determine the order. I realized I had treated in the order I was brought in without questioning it.

Yes, it’s the same here in the royal capital of Sanostria. Although the conditions set by Duke Balkh might be different, the treatment order has already been established. It’s not easy to change that order. Breaking the order and cutting in line among people waiting will inevitably cause friction. Even if I were to receive treatment, it might lead to resentment from other patients. It’s not just about me; rather, that hatred might be directed at patients and their families. These are rules, norms to protect everyone. If I were to arbitrarily break those norms, people would suffer. In a sense, because the treatment order is already decided, it makes certain aspects easier. By completely accepting it, we can save unnecessary time and focus on treatment. However, the challenge lies within that treatment.

The number of patients is around ten thousand. At least by around twenty days later, we could treat that number of people. However, the time remaining for us is only about two weeks, and the remaining patients are around 9800. We need to treat over 700 people each day.

There is enough magical power, but it takes several minutes to treat one person. If we hurriedly assume it takes two minutes per person and aim to treat 700 people, it would take 1400 minutes. In a day, there are 1440 minutes. We have only a 40-minute margin. Moreover, it’s already evening today, and we’ve only treated 200 people.

Considering treating an additional 500 people, it’s undoubtedly impossible to accomplish within the remaining time today. In other words, time is overwhelmingly insufficient. Treating patients up to the 45th facility is impossible. We do plan to continue treatment as long as time allows, but we can’t do anything about the time itself.

If we can’t treat them within the designated period, the treatment of lazy syndrome patients will be postponed. The fact that lazy syndrome is not a disease that results in death is the reason for this. If it were a disease that led to death, things might have been different. But at the moment, the priority is the preparation period for dealing with the “Chosen Individuals from Other Countries” after treatment.

The gathering of Chosen Individuals from various countries is scheduled for one month after receiving the queen’s letter. That’s approximately twenty days from today. In other words, even after the designated two-week treatment period, there is still about a week for preparation. I might consider this preparation period to be long, but I can only say this because I don’t know the details. In other words, I have to accomplish everything within the given two-week period. I don’t know the exact duration of the lazy syndrome treatment training, and I don’t know if I can immediately start treating lazy syndrome patients afterward.

“…I want to ask the queen to extend the treatment period, but do you think that’s difficult?”

“Well, I think it’s challenging. We’ve received an announcement in advance that ‘plans will not be changed unless there are very exceptional circumstances.’”

“I see… it’s tough.”

As expected, the period is two weeks, and it seems impossible to extend it. If that’s the case, what I need to do is already clear. Instead of stopping, I need to keep moving forward and think while in motion.

“All right! Let’s go. To the next facility.”

“Huh? Aren’t you going back to your home? You haven’t even taken a proper break.”

“It’s okay; I’m used to it. We can’t waste time like this. Let’s hurry. All I can do now is treat as many patients as possible.”

I headed to the next facility at a brisk pace. If the time is fixed, I need to think about it. About a “more efficient treatment method.” And it needs to be done without fail and with certainty. I have experience with thousands of treatments. Now, I just need to trust my own inspiration and intuition. I must think efficiently but not rush to the point of failure. Above all, I shouldn’t harm the patients. I need to think of a method that is certain, solid, bold, and efficient. That’s the only way to treat all the patients within the given period.

“Wait, please, Lord Shion! D-don’t just suddenly run like that!”

I heard Winona’s scream from behind. I’m sorry, but I can’t slow down. From now on, it’s a race against time, against myself, and against lazy syndrome. So, I move forward with all my might. I will definitely cure everyone. That’s my pledge.

Chapter 84   Optimization

Second Laziness Syndrome Care Facility.

It’s already late at night.

However, the treatment continues.

In a large room, there’s me, Winona, the patients and their families, and accompanying doctors and nurses.

Further back, several beds are lined up with patients lying there.

Their families wait anxiously by their side.

The reason we’re conducting treatment at this hour is my suggestion.

However, the families of the patients agreed without hesitation.

From their perspective, they are grateful if the treatment can be done as soon as possible.

I recall families visiting the clinic in Istria late at night or early in the morning.

Anyone would want their family to recover quickly.

It was appreciated by me.

Asking for an extension of treatment time would be counterproductive as it would waste time.

I look down at the patient.

A man in his twenties.

The family consists of a young woman and an elderly couple.

Seemingly, his parents and fiancée.

While receiving the anxious gazes of the families, I remain composed and, as usual, place my hand on the patient’s chest.

However, it’s the “left hand.”

I usually use my dominant right hand for this.

To not miss any subtle sensations, I’ve been cautious and using my right hand.

However, having completed treatments for thousands in the past, I pride myself on considerable proficiency in treatment with my right hand.

Yet, the supply of magic from that right hand seems to be stagnating.

Through numerous experiences, I’m keenly aware of the sensation of magic supply in my hand.

It seems the growth of magic supply from my right hand has plateaued.

I’ve already treated over 200 people in this facility.

Using the experience gained from these 200 cases, I’ve attempted a more rapid supply of magic with my right hand.

Normally, I slowly increase the magic by increments of 5, cutting off the supply once the patient’s body is saturated with magic.

This is to minimize the risk of failure.

However, this method takes overwhelmingly more time.

Efficiency needs to be maximized, and the treatment must be completed safely.

There were some inefficiencies in the previous treatment methods.

Firstly, the fact that “the patient’s magic is generally around 100 to 300.”

It has never fallen below 100.

This applies to children as well, irrespective of gender.

If a person possesses magic, they invariably have over 100 magic.

In other words, it’s acceptable to supply magic without much caution up to 100.

The sensation of 100 magic is the one I remember the most.

Because before reaching the current level of magic, my external magic emission was only up to 90.

It’s something I did dozens of times every day.

I could even do it while sleeping.

Supply magic rapidly up to around 80.

Of course, not abruptly, but after several experiments to confirm a safe speed.

There is a possibility of adverse effects from a sudden supply.

In conclusion, there were none.

Ultimately, supplying up to 100 took a significantly shorter time, reducing the overall time by an average of about 20 seconds.

This is based on the assumption of patients with magic levels from 100 to 300, considering a certain number of patients and the overall reduction time on average.

Because if the patient is satisfied with a magic level of 100, the treatment can be done immediately.

If there are 100 patients, it means a reduction of approximately 33 minutes, or 2000 seconds, and with 700 patients to treat in a day, it translates to a reduction of about 231 minutes, or 3 hours and 51 minutes.

This is substantial.

In reality, a treatment that takes 1400 minutes can now be completed in 1169 minutes, or 19 hours and 29 minutes.

At worst, with 3 to 4 hours of sleep and shorter breaks, treatment seems feasible—but it’s not that simple.

Firstly, time other than treatment time is consumed.

It’s the time spent on movement.

Movement within the facility and movement to the next facility.

Internal movement takes a few seconds if close, but if distant, it can take several tens of seconds.

While it may not be significant for one instance, with 700 instances, it becomes a considerable amount of time.

And the number 700 is quite large for the population within one facility, necessitating the movement to three facilities.

The time for that movement is several tens of minutes.

In other words, the time saved through the efficiency of right-hand treatment is consumed by movement time.

I have already addressed this.

Just like in Istria, until now, I would move to the room where the patients were and conduct treatment.

After the treatment, the patients would be transported from outside, and the patients in the room would be transferred to their homes or another clinic.

That was the basic procedure.

However, in the capital city of Sanostria, the part about transferring patients after treatment was not applicable.

After treatment, the patients would continue to stay in those beds, and the postoperative course would be observed.

It’s quite a considerate and meticulous approach.

However, this approach is, at most, comprehensive follow-up for patients and not an essential part.

I don’t think that once the treatment is done, it should be left unattended.

I just believe that we should seek efficiency.

So, I asked the largest facility, known as the second lazy syndrome patient care facility within the facility, to transport patients from other facilities to this one as a starting point.

It imposes a significant burden, but in Istria, this was commonplace, and when it comes to treatment, no one seemed dissatisfied, perhaps because everyone wishes for a quick recovery.

While staying at the second facility, the doctors will rotate with each facility’s assigned doctors. Although it is burdensome, transporting patients is not that difficult, and, most importantly, it does not worsen the patients’ conditions.

I’ve come here by the Queen’s order, so there seems to be some flexibility, and if it’s challenging to move patients, arrangements can be made for a carriage.

As a result, patients from the third facility onwards were gradually gathered at the second facility, and I began treating them.

After treatment, each patient returns to their respective facility.

By the way, the patients from the second facility, after treatment, either get accommodated in another newly established facility or return home.

Furthermore, during treatment, to eliminate the time I spend on moving, I arranged for the patients to be moved to the largest room in the second facility.

Treating patients one by one, the patients treated would be moved back to their original facilities.

I treat the patient on the next bed, and in the meantime, a patient waiting is brought to the vacant bed.

This way, I can treat patients one after another by just moving within the room.

Through these measures, it became possible to minimize the wasted time due to movement.

At the current rate, taking about 1200 minutes a day, it should eventually be possible to treat all ten thousand patients.

However, it’s not that simple.

My magic power is a million, with a daily consumption ranging from a minimum of seventy thousand to a maximum of two hundred and ten thousand.

Magic is more than enough, and with sufficient rest, magic should recover.

So, what’s the problem?

The problem is not being able to rest sufficiently.

Let’s take the example of having ten thousand magic.

If half of the magic, around five thousand, is consumed, it would significantly recover with about eight hours of rest a day, but whether it would fully recover is a delicate balance.

The quality of rest matters, and time is crucial as a condition, but it’s not absolute.

If you can have a few hours of good sleep, the recovery amount will increase, but it’s not an easy thing.

Now, what about the current magic level?

With quite a large amount, even with normal rest, it wouldn’t fully recover if half, five hundred thousand, is consumed.

If five hundred thousand is consumed, even with eight hours of sleep, it might only recover halfway.

The recovery speed and the required quality of recovery differ between ten thousand and a million magic.

Using a million magic is not common, and concerning the treatment in Istria, I had received quite a bit of sleep.

One significant reason was being persuaded by those around me that it’s meaningless if I collapse, but I myself realized that magic wouldn’t fully recover without proper rest.

Additionally, the recovery amount varies depending on the fatigue of the body and mind.

If you take the same amount of sleep in a completely exhausted state and a lively state, the latter will result in significantly more recovery.

Let’s allocate about three hours to sleep and about fifty minutes to rest within the secured 240 minutes.

If you dedicate 19 hours a day to treatment, it would be quite exhausting.

Consuming magic is also consuming physical strength.

In such a state, being able to sleep for only three hours, if it continues for two weeks.

Without a doubt, magic will eventually run out.

This is just a current calculation, but probably around ten days later, the magic will likely run out, and I won’t be able to perform treatment.

If that happens, it will be close to a state of magic exhaustion, and I will lose the will to treat.

It’s truly a situation where priorities are flipped.

This way, it’s meaningless.

So, what I came up with was to “use my left hand.”

Now, after a lengthy explanation, let’s get back to the main topic.

In the large room of the second facility, I am treating patients with my left hand.

The time it takes is now longer than before.

But this is necessary.

I spent about twice the usual time, treating the patient.

“Wh-where am I…? What… happened?”

“H-he spoke. Oh, he spoke! That boy spoke!”

“Ah, yes… I spoke. I-I spoke, just like usual…”

“Henry… ugh.”

It became clear that the treatment was successful, and the parents cried tears of joy, while the fiancée clung to him, crying.

It’s good. It seems I was able to cure him.

Of course, I didn’t do it haphazardly, and if there were any issues, I planned to either interrupt the treatment or switch to using my right hand.

There’s no danger. With my accumulated experience, I can detect any issues immediately.

It seems there were “no problems at all” with the left-hand treatment.

However, it took time.

“It seems possible to treat with both hands simultaneously.”

If the right hand treatment takes about 1 minute and 40 seconds, the left hand takes about 4 minutes.

Even after the right-hand treatment is done, the left-hand treatment continues. So, the patient treated with the right hand is moved, and the patient treated with the left hand remains in place.

In this case, the burden falls on the nurses.

For the transfer, each person needs to be brought to a bed near me.

It is their job, so there may be no need to hesitate since they also want to speed up patient treatment.

If treating with both hands, while treating two with the right hand, one can be treated with the left hand.

By rough calculation, it would be possible to treat all patients in about 932 minutes, or approximately 15 hours and 32 minutes.

There would be more than 8 hours of free time each day.

However, considering breaks and unforeseen circumstances, it would be cutting it close.

Also, the number of patients treated on the first day is insufficient.

Currently, I have treated about 400 people, but it’s late at night, and about 300 treatments are delayed.

An additional 400 minutes, or 6 hours and 40 minutes, of extra time will be needed.

If there are two weeks, this time can be made up, but considering the current required time, it’s tight, and there is no margin.

Moreover, I am not yet accustomed to treating with my left hand, and I still feel uneasy about suddenly treating with both hands.

I would like to try with about 100 more patients.

During that time, twice the usual time will be needed.

With this in mind, time is running out.

I am being chased by time.

Anyway, I have to do it.

While I am treating, Winona has been accompanying me.

While treating the next patient, I say to Winona behind me.

“I’ll say it again, Winona, you’re free to take breaks. As for assisting with the treatment, I’ll rely on the nurses, so don’t worry.”

“N-No, I’m here. I-I am Shion-sama’s maid, after all.”

With that settled.

Even if I say she can take a break, if I don’t take one, she won’t insist on it.

Despite being clearly frightened and putting up a barrier between us, she unwaveringly treats me as her master.

Is it her pride, or is she just rationalizing it as part of her job?

No matter how many times I say it, it’s always the same, and nothing I say seems to get through.

I feel bad about it, but I want to prioritize treating the patients.

If I continue to treat with all my might, the path will surely open up.

I treat the patients, sharpening my senses, with a strong determination.

Chapter 85   Sometimes I panic

Around 6 in the early morning.

In the large room serving as a temporary treatment area, I let out a deep breath.

All the beds are occupied by patients.

Families are also present, but most of them are either asleep or rubbing their eyes, looking sleepy.

After the sun had risen for a while, finally, the treatment of 500 people was completed.

I haven’t slept at all up to this point.

While not sleeping for a day won’t kill me, it significantly drains my energy.

Since I’ve hardly taken any breaks, I am quite exhausted.

“Ah, Shion-sama, um, perhaps it’s time for you to take a little rest…”

Winona suggests hesitantly.

She, too, has been awake the whole time.

Although I tell her she can take a break, if I don’t rest, she won’t take any breaks either.

She claims it’s because she’s a maid.

Normally, I would be concerned about Winona and think about taking a break.

But now, it’s a battle against time.

I feel bad for her, but I want to minimize break time as much as possible.

I have gradually become able to treat with both hands.

It’s been about 17 or 18 hours since I started the treatment.

Even if I were to increase the pace from now on, it would be quite challenging.

Thinking about that throws off my balance, making me sway.

“Sh-Shion-sama! Are you alright!?”

Winona instinctively supported me.

It seems I’m more tired than I realize.

It reminds me of how I felt when I worked overnight in my past life.

“Ah, thank you, Winona.”

“N-no. Anyway, let’s take a short break! If Shion-sama collapses, it’ll be terrible!”

It’s the strongest tone she’s used so far.

Her words weaken the thought that everything will be okay.

Perhaps due to my anxiety, I find it hard to think rationally.

“…You’re right. Once I treat everyone here, I’ll take a short nap.”

As I say this, Winona sighs in relief.

It seems she’s genuinely concerned about me, rather than just wanting a break herself.

For Winona’s sake, I should rest.

At this point, I decide to treat only those who are waiting and ask others to wait a bit.

After treating a dozen or so patients in the room, Winona and I inform the doctors that we’ll take a break and leave the room.

The structure of the second containment facility has a hall extending from the entrance, with six corridors branching off.

In the hall, there’s a reception area and a general passage for staff, and beyond that are nap rooms and warehouses storing medical supplies.

Each corridor has hospital rooms and examination rooms, and it’s a three-story building.

The capacity is 200 people.

Despite being a three-story building, most of it is a large room, as private rooms are cramped.

Following my instructions, the second containment facility always has over 200 patients admitted.

Regarding treatment, it smoothly progresses without wasting time or seeking approval, perhaps due to an established order to follow my instructions.

After leaving the large room, Winona and I head towards the hall.

We’re going to the nap room.

There’s a dedicated room for us to rest.

As soon as I decide to take a break, exhaustion hits me.

I want to sleep quickly.

Realizing this desire, I suddenly sense a presence and shift my gaze to the entrance.

“Oh my? Are you okay? You look terrible. Could it be that you’ve been pulling an all-nighter for treatment?”

A smug tone.

Sarcastic words.

It’s Fritz.

He has his usual subordinates with him.

“It’s none of your concern.”

“Indeed, I’m just a guard, right? No relevance at all. However, going to such lengths when dealing with commoners. I find it quite incomprehensible. Anyway, it’s troubling for us, Lord Ornstein. Staying in a place like this without going home. As guards, we need to know where we belong.”

“Yesterday, you left midway, didn’t you? If you’re a guard, isn’t that dereliction of duty?”

I unintentionally replied with sarcasm.

However, what I said is likely true.

In response to my comment, Fritz subtly moved his eyebrows, but his condescending smile didn’t waver.

“Oh dear, you did tell us to go home, didn’t you? We merely followed that order. We are told during guard duty to ‘follow your orders.’ We just obeyed that command. However, that’s a story from yesterday. Today is a new day, and we’ve returned to our guard duties.”

With this justification, they seem to be doing whatever they want.

But I did tell them to go home.

It’s unsatisfactory, but I couldn’t muster the energy to press the matter further.

“…Well, it’s the same today. I don’t need guards. Having imposing figures within the facility frightens patients and doctors.”

“I see. Well, we also want to protect you, but if you say so, there’s no helping it. In that case, we’ll take our leave.”

Seizing the opportunity, Fritz gave a grandiose bow and turned his back on us.

Whether they disliked being my guards so much or if the job itself was troublesome, either way, I didn’t feel a favorable impression towards them.

Fritz showed no trace of respect towards me, and he left without a second thought.

I didn’t particularly want them to show respect, but being looked down upon didn’t sit well with me.

Honestly, I felt relieved when they were gone.

I let out a sigh as if expelling negative emotions.

Maybe I was becoming irritated due to fatigue.

I have to keep such emotions in check; I can’t let them burden those around me.

I must maintain a smile and a composed attitude.

I straightened my back, convincing myself that I had blown away my fatigue.

“Um, Lord Shion… Are you okay?”

“Hm? Oh, I’m fine. I’m still going strong.”

Seeing me relax, Winona began to look flustered.

Oh? Wasn’t that what she meant?

I unintentionally cracked a wry smile.

Anyway, let’s move to the rest area.

The desire to rest grew stronger, and my mind was gradually losing focus.

Passing by doctors and families, exchanging greetings, we made our way to the rest area.

Through the staff entrance, down the hallway with rooms on either side, we arrived at a room designated as the rest area.

Entering the room marked “Lord Shion,” a simple bed caught my eye.

It was about six tatami mats in size.

It’s more spacious than I thought.

Anyway, let’s wipe down and get some sleep.

As I turned around to greet Winona, she also entered the room.

I tilted my head.

She had plans to sleep in a different rest area.

I thought we would just exchange greetings, and then part ways.

Was there something else?

“It’s already fine. Winona, go to the rest area and get some rest.”

“Huh? I-Is that okay…?”

Winona looked up at me, almost peeking, and she seemed fidgety.

What’s going on?

“Uh, well…”

Her voice was soft.

Unable to understand what she was saying, I instinctively leaned in.

“Hm? What is it?”

“Well, um… Is it okay if we don’t… engage in any intimate activities tonight…?”

Intimate activities.

While it could have the meaning of tending to a sick person, in this context, it was probably something else.

In other words, that.

The kind of intimate activity between a man and a woman.

The unexpected words froze my mind.

Winona blushing only further disrupted my composure.

I never expected to hear such a thing.

“W-What!? N-No way!? Huh? Why would you even suggest that!? T-There’s no way we would do that, right!? Huh? Do people normally do that!?”

Unable to comprehend the meaning, I blurted out questions on a whim.

But asking whether people normally do that might be quite tactless.

“S-S-S-Sometimes, um, it’s not entirely impossible, I suppose.”

“Not entirely impossible!?”

It exists.

There are things between a master and a maid.

No, no, calm down.

Take a deep breath.

Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.

Ah, calm now.

Come to think of it, I’ve spent several decades as a virgin.

Without immunity, I easily get flustered in situations like this.

But that’s not the only thing.

I also calm down quickly.

Because I have an unwavering conviction that such things will never happen to me, it leaves no room for further disturbance.

After a long time, one reaches a state of resignation.

Wait, that wasn’t the setting.

I deliberately maintained my virginity!

Because I thought I couldn’t use magic without it!

For thirty years, being a virgin with no dating experience was for that reason!

I forgot!

Anyway, leaving aside such matters.

Calm now, I calmly accept the current situation.

It seems that, in the position of a maid, there are instances where you may attend to your master’s needs at night.

I hadn’t considered such a thing at all; unconsciously, I thought it could never happen to me.

So, I was shaken, but once calm, it’s not a big deal.

It’s not like she has feelings for me or wants something like that.

She probably just thought that, as a maid, she might receive such a request.

I don’t know Winona’s past or background, but it’s clear that she’s disturbed and frightened.

This is likely her first time facing something like this.

See, if you think about it rationally, there’s no need to be flustered.

Regardless of whether it’s a fact or not, for now, I need to handle this properly.

Silence is not an option, at least for now.

“Um, well, it’s okay. Yeah. I’m quite tired. Besides, you know, those things should be done with someone you like, right?”

“…………Huh?”

Why are you looking at me like that, as if you’re saying, “What are you talking about?”

I thought I said something good.

I feel like she slightly recoiled or made a strange face.

Did I say something weird?

But I can’t take back what I’ve said.

I keep up my smiling facade.

I’ve already stepped into this, and there’s no turning back.

So, I decided to go with it.

“Anyway, that’s the way it is! Winona, you don’t have to do that kind of thing!

Let’s go to bed early today! Okay!?”

“W-well, at least… C-could I, uh, wash your body for you?”

“I’ll take care of washing myself, so it’s fine! Let’s both rest early and recover our energy.

That’s it! Goodnight!”

I forcibly ushered Winona out, who seemed like she still wanted to say something, and closed the door.

For some reason, I feel short of breath, and my heart is pounding.

What on earth was that?

I’ve never experienced such a situation before.

Just a verbal exchange.

But even that was enough to make me uneasy.

In other words, this is too stimulating for a virgin.

When it comes to interactions with women, occasionally an older woman might be a bit forward.

Apart from that, there were hardly any events with a sensual atmosphere… or rather, there were almost none.

Without immunity, these situations are no good.

…I wonder what would have happened if I had agreed.

Would I really have received that kind of nighttime care?

It’s somewhat lascivious, and it makes me feel an urge to scratch my head, but it feels different.

In an obligatory relationship, doing such things wouldn’t bring joy.

Did Winona say that because it was an order?

If so, it’s a sad thing to consider.

Is being a maid such a job?

Unable to sort out my confusing feelings, I forcibly switch my thoughts.

Anyway, I need to sleep.

The treatment is still ongoing.

Patients are waiting.

I check for any presence outside the door, confirm that no one is there, and then go outside to borrow a hot water bucket.

Chapter 86   To catch up

I spent the majority of the day on treatments, taking intermittent breaks as if remembering to rest, only to resume the therapeutic routine again.

In the early morning, Fritz would arrive, delivering sarcastic remarks before leaving.

When going to bed, Winona would hesitantly ask if it was okay for her not to attend to the nocturnal duties.

This routine continued every day.

Honestly, it’s becoming disheartening.

Sleep is a luxury, barely reaching four hours.

Even with efforts to streamline and enable dual-handed treatments, things remained unchanged.

Calculations didn’t unfold as expected.

A slight deviation in tasks could result in time being squandered.

Smoothly transitioning patients proved challenging, and there were times when individuals requiring a substantial amount of magical energy for treatment seemed to be unending.

My foresight was overly optimistic.

Ultimately, despite calculations suggesting a daily sleep duration of eight hours, the actual sleep time was less than half.

And—still, the number of patients remained the same, perhaps a bit delayed.

It truly was a precarious situation.

Nothing seemed to go smoothly, and internally, I felt the pressure.

Externally, I maintain a facade of composure, but internally, it’s complex.

No family.

Life in a new land.

Unreasonable orders from the queen.

Unable to use magic, unable to conduct experiments.

I occasionally want to talk to Rafi, but she seems busy, and we hardly meet.

Unable to return home, rest is confined to a makeshift room.

Enduring the sarcastic remarks and insults from unpleasant individuals.

Winona, for some reason, remains frightened, obsessing over whether or not to engage in nightly activities.

Dealing with patients also accumulates stress.

It’s not their fault.

Even as a temporary physician, considering their backgrounds, I must carefully choose my words and actions.

Losing magical power inevitably leads to both mental and physical exhaustion.

There’s no time for myself. Impatience grows, and external expectations soar.

I work for no return, solely for self-satisfaction.

To be frank… it’s quite challenging.

I am not a virtuous person.

I just can’t leave it alone, and because only I can do it, I continue with these treatments.

But it’s heavy.

Their expectations, hopes, sorrows, jealousies, fears.

All directed at me, and I can’t digest it all.

Since coming to the royal capital of Sanostria, these feelings have become more pronounced.

This is the path I chose.

No regrets.

Just a bit tired.

I can’t complain.

The people around me either suffer from a laziness syndrome, are insufferable, or are distant from me.

So, I swallow my true feelings and silently save people.

For now, that’s enough.

A bit of a sense of duty, accomplishment, and the realization that the magic I found and created has been so helpful to people—those are the only things that heal me.

After finishing today’s treatments, I lay on the bed in the makeshift room.

Already the eleventh day.

I’ve reduced sleep to three hours.

Four more days, and at this rate, I’ll barely make it.

In other words, the next three days will be almost entirely sleepless.

Sometimes someone says,

“Take it easy, because someday you’ll be able to heal them.”

But can I say that in front of patients whom I couldn’t heal?

If I can say that I gave my all, poured out everything, and still couldn’t do it, maybe it could be a bit of comfort to myself.

But I haven’t given up yet.

I am not a virtuous person.

But I am not wicked either.

And I don’t want to be a coward or a cowardly person.

So, I lie to myself, blame myself for hurting and abandoning others.

I don’t want a future where that’s the case, so I give it my all.

That’s all.

Not because it’s a virtuous deed or for the sake of others.

If it were my sister, maybe she would help just for the sake of others.

But I’m the kind of person who thinks in terms of reason.

So, unless something significant happens, I can’t act on emotions.

…Except when it comes to magic.

I stared up at the ceiling.

My mind is not functioning properly.

Drowsiness is overwhelming. The fatigue in my body is intense.

“Starting tomorrow, I need to try even harder.”

It’s not because someone told me.

I am here of my own accord, and I am conducting these treatments by my own will.

Not because of Duke Balkh or the queen’s orders.

I followed them because I chose to.

It’s not anyone’s responsibility, and it’s not anyone’s fault.

Since it’s my decision, I won’t hold a grudge against anyone, and I don’t intend to blame anyone.

I will do it.

I closed my eyes.

For a few seconds, my body felt heavy, and my will gradually sank.

And then, almost immediately, I fell asleep.

○●○

Twelfth day. Three days left until the deadline.

I woke up early and devoted myself to treatments.

In the large room that serves as the treatment area, my position is fixed.

Beds are lined up along one side of the somewhat rectangular room.

I stand by the wall, next to the bed in the center.

There is one bed on each side, and patients lie down there.

Placing my hands on the chests of the two patients, I begin the treatment.

The right hand takes about 1 minute and 30 seconds.

The left hand has been shortened to about 3 minutes.

It seems challenging to go any further, but I believe there has been significant progress.

The issue lies in the remaining number of patients.

Approximately 2500.

Since I can treat three people in 3 minutes, the calculation indicates that I can treat everyone in 2500 minutes.

In other words, if I work through the night, I can complete the treatments in less than two days.

However, I’ve learned in the past ten days that such simple calculations don’t hold true.

There are people who require nearly 400 units of magical energy, and in such cases, it takes more than 2 minutes even with the right hand.

There’s also time for movement, and consistent results are not guaranteed.

Moreover, my current magical power is around 500,000.

Considering no breaks, recovering magical power is challenging, making the magical energy requirement quite demanding.

Even if every patient had a magical power of 100, it would still require 250,000.

While individuals with 400 magical energy are rare, there are a considerable number with 300, and quite a few with 200.

Therefore, during these three days, I might need a little break.

In any case, there is no room for complacency.

“Alright. This person is fine. Bring in the next patient!”

“Y-yes! Right away!”

Nurses hurriedly brought in the next patient.

Their movements weren’t particularly graceful, but that couldn’t be helped.

There are almost no people working continuously like me.

Hardly anyone devotes themselves exclusively to patients with the lazy syndrome, and everyone needs breaks.

Due to the shift system, they are not always assisting me.

As the treatment for lazy syndrome patients progressed, doctors and nurses were often assigned to other clinics.

This was because even individuals with ample experience, not necessarily doctors or experienced nurses, could assist in treating lazy syndrome.

I handle the treatment itself, and those assisting only need to transport or assess the patient’s condition.

For efficiency, it might be logical to continue assigning the same individuals.

However, doctors and nurses are extremely scarce.

The decision was likely made that they couldn’t be exclusively used for the care of lazy syndrome patients.

In reality, those who worked in the facilities before my arrival were often coerced into working.

This was due to lazy syndrome being considered an incurable and mysterious ailment.

But now, lazy syndrome is no longer incurable.

Moreover, there is minimal risk to life, and the treatment itself carries no danger.

All that is needed is me.

Understanding this, it was only natural not to allocate additional personnel.

I did advise the queen at least.

However, it seemed unacceptable to let the doctors be idle. As a result, the number of doctors decreased, and they transitioned to assisting with new nurses and volunteers.

They are doing their best.

Yet, considering efficiency, there is no denying that we are significantly behind.

The next patient was brought in.

A delay of about a minute.

However, if these delays accumulate, time will gradually run out.

Impatience arises, but I grit my teeth and suppress it.

New nurses and volunteers are working hard.

Winona also helps with transporting patients.

There used to be professionals, but not anymore.

Even though Winona is an amateur, her assistance is appreciated in the current situation.

Don’t think about unnecessary things.

Focus on the treatment now.

And so, I desperately continued treating the patients.

All the while, trying not to see the increasing anxiety.

Chapter 87   I’m bad at giving up

Thirteenth day. Early morning.

Thanks to the all-night treatment, the remaining patients are now 1,300.

At this rate, if things continue, all treatments should be finished by tomorrow afternoon.

Good.

It’s progressing more smoothly than I thought.

I can do it.

For a moment, it feels like my consciousness is about to slip away.

Seems like the lack of sleep, coupled with significant fatigue, is taking its toll.

Just a little more.

Hang in there, my body.

I was treating patients while sitting in a chair, but I almost fell asleep, so now I’m standing and sitting alternately during the treatment.

Since it’s a waste of time for meals, I’m eating while treating.

Both of my hands are occupied, so Winona is feeding me.

I continue the treatment while chewing.

My senses are dull.

Sometimes, I lose track of whether I’m standing or sitting.

My heartbeat intensifies, and my vision becomes shaky.

I’m standing halfway through sheer determination.

“Sh-Shion-sama… M-maybe you should take a short break after all. Considering the time allocation, th-there might be a little room for that.”

“…No. If I do that, it might not be in time. I don’t know what might happen… I have to proceed with the treatment as much as possible.”

I’m on the verge of collapsing.

I might vomit.

I seems on the brink of fainting.

How about my magical power?

Still there. If that’s the case, it might be simply due to physical and sleep exhaustion.

If so, I can still make it.

I won’t die.

Don’t give up.

Think about everyone.

Think about the year and a half he experienced.

How difficult it was.

How sad it was.

How lonely it was.

Don’t forget.

Now, the emotions the patients are holding are the same as those I had back then.

No, I was searching for a treatment method with hope, but they are desperately trying to find hope in the midst of despair.

It must be harder for them than for me.

So don’t stop.

Until the treatment is complete, I just have to keep pushing forward.

“Shion…-sama…”

Winona gazes at me.

Whether it’s my imagination or not, her eyes seem wet.

What’s wrong?

Why is she looking at me with that expression?

I don’t understand.

My mind isn’t functioning.

“Ugh, ugh… Why, why are you so…”

“Shion-sama… Ah, ah, Shion-sama…”

“T-Thank you, thank you, Shion-sama.”

The families of the patients, the doctors, the nurses, and the volunteers also began to cry.

No, maybe they were crying all along.

Their eyes, noses, and cheeks are all red.

Their gazes were directed at me.

Why are they crying?

I don’t know.

But now, there’s no time to spare for such thoughts.

I decided to help the patients.

I must absolutely heal everyone.

When I think that way, there’s a snapping sound.

My vision shakes.

The sense of up and down disappears.

What’s happening to me?

At that moment, my vision suddenly stopped.

But it was only for a moment.

My body was enveloped in something soft.

“Huh?”

Someone’s face was in front of me.

It’s Rafi.

I feel the sensation of a person on my body.

It seems she’s supporting me.

In that case, I must have really been about to collapse.

She had a sad, regretful expression.

“…Why are you here?”

“There’s no way I wouldn’t be. I heard Shion was doing something reckless! I’ve been running around with duties in the capital. I was planning to come see you right away, but I didn’t have as much free time as I thought. When I finally thought I had some time, I heard about Shion and rushed over. Honestly! Always doing something reckless! If you keep this up, you’ll really die!”

“Haha, well, it’s not enough to die.”

“You’re on the verge of death! Are you stupid? Seriously, are you stupid!?”

While Rafi scolded me, she slowly moved my body and helped me sit in a chair.

This is bad.

My legs won’t move.

Was this really close to the limit?

“Take a little rest, Shion. At this rate, you’ll collapse before anything else.”

“…No, I can’t… I can’t rest.”

As I said that, Rafi twisted her face with a sigh.

It wasn’t anger.

Her concern for me overflowed.

“If I rest here, I’ll probably sleep for over a day… and won’t be able to wake up midway. After that… even if I start the treatment, it won’t be in time… That’s no good. I have to heal… I have to.”

I muttered like a delirium.

Sobbing voices echoed throughout the room.

People in the room were crying.

Amidst that, there was someone raising their voice.

“Th-That’s enough!”

It was Winona.

Unlike usual, her usual apprehensive demeanor was subdued.

With a pained expression, she bent her knees in front of me, making eye contact.

It was a face on the verge of tears.

“Enough… isn’t it enough? You’ve worked so hard until now! No one should say anything more to Shion-sama! The patients will understand! Because you’ve done this much. They will surely understand!”

Enough already.

More than enough.

I’ve thought that many times.

Certainly, I must have worked hard.

I might have done what I could.

Maybe recklessness doesn’t have much meaning.

Perhaps there are people who think they don’t need to go this far, that they can wait for a few more months without any trouble, knowing there’s treatment available.

But.

That doesn’t matter.

I decided to do it.

I thought if I left it alone, if I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t be satisfied.

So, even if it’s reckless, even if it seems foolish, I decided to go through with it.

“I… I’m not one to give up easily. I won’t stop. I’ll continue.”

I tried to stand up.

But my legs had no strength.

It was certain that I was weakened.

So, while still in the chair, I reached out to the patients.

My hands were trembling, barely moving.

It’s okay. I can supply magical power without any problems.

As long as I can touch them.

However, I ran out of strength halfway, and my trembling hand fell.

But.

Midway, Rafi grabbed my hand.

Then, she moved my hand down to the patient’s chest.

“See, is this okay?”

“Rafi…”

“Don’t get it wrong, Shion. I’m against continuing the treatment like this. However, I know you well. No matter what I or others say, you won’t change your mind, right? Because you’re stubborn, straightforward, and selfish.”

Facing Rafi’s exasperated words, I gave her the most genuine smile I could muster.

Rafi sighed.

In that attitude, there was a sense of familiarity.

“You’re such a troublesome guy, aren’t you? But that’s exactly who Shion is. Do what you need to until you’re satisfied. I’ll help you until the end.”

“Thank you… Rafi…”

“It’s tough having a selfish friend like you.”

Rafi’s sidelong glance, as she chuckled, was as reliable as ever, the profile of a trustworthy knight.

Although she has her quirky side, she’s a person I can rely on.

I’m glad to have such a good friend.

“Now, let’s begin. If you collapse, I’ll definitely make you rest. Don’t faint, got it?”

“Hehe, talking about recklessness… But, I got it. I’ll do my best.”

More determination wells up in me than before.

Her presence has been encouraging me.

I continue the treatment.

Because my body can still move.

“Why… why are you doing this much…”

Winona still seemed puzzled.

But I didn’t have the luxury to focus on her right now.

I just need to heal the patients.

With that in mind, I kept channeling magical power.

Chapter 88   Something that cannot be negotiable

Fourteenth day. Before noon.

The number of patients left to treat: 100.

I’ve hardly taken any breaks.

I had meals while continuing the treatment.

Thanks to that, I’m about to finish treating everyone.

All the remaining patients have been brought into this facility.

As long as I don’t faint, I should be able to treat everyone.

The end is in sight.

However, there’s almost no strength left in my body.

My arms are supported by Rafi and Winona.

I can’t tell if the one being cared for is a patient or me.

It’s undignified.

But I continue the treatment.

I decided to do it, no matter what condition I’m in. I will see it through.

This is just sheer determination.

But that determination might save someone.

100 more people.

I’ll definitely treat them.

If I let my guard down, it feels like I’ll lose consciousness.

I won’t collapse here when I’m so close.

Suddenly, a voice came from above.

“Hey, Shion. Are you okay!?”

It was Rafi’s voice.

I didn’t understand the situation.

I didn’t even know what she was talking about.

Reality and dream blurred together.

Oh, I see.

There’s no strength in my arms.

My arms have completely lost sensation.

There’s only a faint sensation, close to a sixth sense, of the flow of magical power.

It’s barely assisting in supplying magical power.

If this sensation disappears, I’ll faint.

I tried to say I’m still okay.

But I couldn’t even utter a word.

I took a deep breath, trying to exhale from my lungs as much as I could.

I might really die like this.

Why am I doing this?

Even if I didn’t try so hard, those who couldn’t be treated wouldn’t die.

Isn’t it enough already?

Even if I give up.

Despite thinking that, my will remains unshaken.

There’s a part of me that says to give up, but it quickly fades away.

I am amazed at how unwilling I am to give up.

That’s right.

It doesn’t matter.

Even if the surroundings laugh at me as foolish, scorn it as meaningless, it doesn’t matter.

Even if I whisper to myself to give up, even if I weakly say it’s the limit, it doesn’t matter.

Because I decided not to give up.

I should have done it from the start if I were going to give up.

I’m unwilling to give up.

Otherwise, it would be a waste.

Doing nothing, shutting myself in, just making excuses without doing anything is boring.

I don’t want to regret anymore.

I’m tired of a dull life.

Don’t be arrogant about what you have, what you know.

Magic power, the people I’ve met, everything that makes up me is not a given.

If it will be lost someday, I should cherish it desperately until that moment.

I couldn’t do that.

So, when I die, there will be regret.

But I don’t want to live that way anymore.

Giving up, losing, regretting, not finding value in life, I don’t want that!

So, I will… definitely see it through.

I can’t speak.

So, I turned to Rafi and gave a small smile.

She seemed to understand my determination just from that.

“I… understand… you’ll keep going.”

Her hands were trembling.

But with a determined glint in her eyes, she bit her lip and supported my arm.

Rafi with the right hand.

Winona with the left hand.

The right hand was placed on the patient’s chest.

But the left hand wouldn’t stretch.

In my hazy vision, I could barely recognize Winona’s face.

She looked dumbfounded, tears streaming down her face.

A look as if she had seen something she shouldn’t have.

Under normal circumstances, when her mind was functioning properly, she might have noticed something.

But I was already at my limit.

The magical power inside me was only around 20,000 to 30,000.

If the upcoming patients require a significant amount of magical power, the treatment will be difficult.

But I don’t have time to think about such things.

Keep going.

Don’t stop.

Continue the treatment.

“You step back. I’ll take over from here.”

Rafi didn’t push her away or treat her gently. Instead, she sent a sincere look to Winona and gently took hold of my left arm.

Winona, still in shock, stepped back.

She, too, had hardly taken any breaks, just like me.

She reached her limit and had fainted a few times, sleeping as if passing out.

Later, she apologized to me multiple times.

Even though it wasn’t necessary.

It was my selfishness that got her involved.

Winona must have accumulated quite a bit of fatigue.

I don’t know the cause, but it seems like the thread of her will was cut.

She retreated to the wall, leaning her weight against it.

With Rafi’s assistance, my hand was placed on the patient.

But Rafi, too, had been with me for more than a day.

It seemed like there were various things even before coming here, and the fatigue was evident on her face.

Rafi didn’t complain.

So, I didn’t understand her hardships.

I’m always being helped by everyone.

I shouldn’t take that for granted.

“Kuh… this is about it.”

Rafi stretched out my arm.

However, it was clear that she had lost quite a bit of stamina, and her hand was shaking.

After finishing the treatment for a few individuals, now the nurses were standing by my side.

“We, we will help too!”

“But, you see…”

Rafi looked troubled.

Both Winona and Rafi had been helping me all this time because I was doing my best.

However, there was no need for Rafi and the others to push themselves too hard.

While there might not be anyone to replace me in treating lazy syndrome, roles like those of Rafi and Winona could be handled by others.

Although I appreciated their feelings, I didn’t want them to overexert themselves.

Having been reliant on others until now, I nodded towards Rafi.

Rafi distorted her face in frustration.

“I’m sorry. If I continue, I might become a burden. I’m sorry, but I leave the rest to you.”

“Yes! Please let us help! We’re more than happy to assist!!!”

As if they had been waiting for this moment, the nurses joyfully raised their voices.

Seeing everyone with smiles on their faces, I muttered to myself.

I’ve encountered good people.

Everyone involved in lazy syndrome is desperately thinking about the patients, providing care, and conducting research on treatment.

There is no gap between them and me.

Everyone shares the same goal – wanting to treat the patients.

So, I no longer hold back.

If there are people willing to help, I’ll accept their assistance.

With the support of the nurses, the treatment progressed.

30 people, 40 people, 50 people, 60 people.

The treatment time had significantly extended.

I initially thought I could treat everyone by early afternoon, but it was already approaching evening.

Yet, there were still 40 people left.

Treating one person took nearly 10 minutes.

At this pace, I might be able to finish the treatment today.

However, my stamina had long surpassed its limits, and I was continuing the treatment on sheer determination alone.

“Haa, haa… th-the next person.”

The patient who regained their voice with the return of magical light was talking with their family for a bit.

Seeing the happy faces of the families gave me strength.

Maybe this is why I’m pushing myself so hard.

Just a bit more.

It’s suffocating.

I can’t feel my body.

The pulsation of magic is gradually becoming inaudible.

Just a bit more.

Just a bit more.

“Pl-please do your best! Doctor Shion!”

Someone said.

Such encouragement was a first.

Small ripples formed on the surface of my thoughts.

“Ah, just a bit more! Doctor! It’s almost there!”

“Doctor Shion… ugh, Doctor Shion! Do your best!”

Encouragement mixed with sobbing from someone.

I didn’t have the strength to lift my face; I just accepted the voices reaching my eardrums.

One by one, the voices rose, and soon, they echoed throughout the room.

Everyone was cheering for me.

It’s pathetic how I’ve worried so many people.

While thinking that, a small flame ignited in my heart.

I felt a little bit of strength returning.

I continued the treatment.

Treated 10 people.

The sky was turning red, and the sun was about to set.

Even so, I didn’t stop my hands.

The voices of encouragement never ceased.

Doctors, nurses, patients’ families.

Even from outside the room, voices resounded.

Everyone was trying to support me.

Their passion was contagious.

I can’t end it here.

I’ll do it.

I’ll definitely see it through.

I treated another 10 people.

Remaining: 20.

The night has fallen.

But I should be able to finish it today.

Treated another 10 people.

Only 10 more.

It’s almost there. I can treat everyone soon.

Just a bit more.

I can treat everyone with this.

The finish line is in sight.

When I thought that, there was a strange feeling in my eardrums.

The continuous cheering abruptly stopped.

Simultaneously, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside, and someone entered the large room.

“Oh, oh, oh? You’ve been treating patients until this late? The deadline is today. And yet, you still haven’t treated everyone. Truly, nobles like you are nothing more than incompetent commoners. With all that time, you still couldn’t finish the treatment.”

It was Fritz.

He said I didn’t need to come in the morning for the remaining few days.

Then why now, of all times?

As usual, he brought several soldiers with him.

I ignored Fritz and continued the treatment.

There’s no time to pay attention to him.

I need to finish quickly.

Fritz walked rudely and came right next to me.

Rafi, who was resting next to me, immediately stood up and moved next to me.

“This is Istria’s stray dog. Oh, how rustic. Managing such a needlessly vast territory like Zeppenlast makes nobles reek of the wilderness.”

“What did you say, you…!”

Rafi’s anger showed on her face. However, Rafi didn’t have a sword, and she was in casual clothes. It seemed like she got some time off, and she wasn’t even wearing any armor.

Even now, I noticed such things belatedly. I have no room for such considerations. The nurses holding my arms are frightened. Because of that, my hands are trembling, and I can’t provide magical power properly. It’s tough in this condition. It’s not their fault. For these commoner nurses, knights are formidable beings.

“What… do you want?”

I was surprised that my voice came out. It seems I still have a bit of stamina left.

“Lord Ornstein, you seem quite tired. Could it be? Working overnight for several days? No, no, surely not. Nobles like you, who can’t do anything without the Queen’s backing, wouldn’t go that far for commoners, right? You wouldn’t do charity for commoners, right? You’re treating patients because it’s the Queen’s command, right?”

Annoying. We’re all exhausted. Don’t come and add more problems. This ignorant knight. Does he not understand how much everyone has struggled? How much they’ve endured? How much they’ve suffered? Why doesn’t he understand the wounds in their hearts? Why doesn’t he try to understand? Suppressing the rising negative emotions, I opened my mouth.

“Please state your business…”

Fritz dramatically tilted his head, wearing a creepy smile. He turned to his subordinates, and they entered the room carrying a stretcher. Someone seemed to be on it—an elegantly dressed young man. Behind him were similarly well-dressed men and women, presumably his parents.

“It’s the Queen’s command. Please proceed with the treatment of the person over there immediately.”

“What did you say!?”

Rafi was the one who reacted strongly to Fritz’s words. She glared at Fritz with clear anger.

“Oh my, anything wrong?”

“There is! The order of treatment was already decided! Other patients have been waiting for their turn patiently. We’ve been treating them in that order until now. Why should we treat that man now?”

I agreed with her. Honestly, if I were in good health, I would have snapped at him first. But in my current condition, even standing up is difficult. Internally, I was grateful that Rafi expressed her anger. Everyone present—nurses, doctors, and patients’ families—should share the same opinion.

Fritz looked around with a smile. When his eyes met someone, they would shrink back in fear and lower their gaze.

“You seem to be misunderstanding something. This is the Queen’s command. Peasants and country nobles like you have no right to talk back!! Don’t get too cocky, Zeppenlast’s stray dog. You know, we can easily bring about your downfall just following the Queen’s orders. Got it? Defying the Queen means just that.”

“Damn you!!”

Rafi is a noble’s daughter herself, serving as a mere knight. While she may not understand the intricacies of noble affairs, Fritz’s words are likely not just empty threats. Rafi gritted her teeth in frustration, glaring at Fritz, unable to do anything more.

“Hey! Hurry up and treat my son!”

“Why do we have to be in such a dusty place! Just heal him already! It’s unacceptable for commoners to trouble nobles!”

They were like typical arrogant nobles, completely oblivious to the fact that they stood out in this situation. Or perhaps they simply didn’t care. To them, commoners weren’t considered equals. That was the impression I got.

“Those two are nobles from the Adon Empire, chosen individuals occupying prestigious positions. Do you understand? Nobles of the empire. Lystia is a small nation, and if you offend imperial nobility, it could become a problem later on. If you were the cause, what do you think would happen? Even with your past achievements, going against imperial nobility may not go unpunished. It might extend to your family as well.”

It’s a straightforward threat. For Fritz, obeying orders from me is a matter of course, and the same goes for other commoners. From the perspective of nobles, we are meant to serve them, and I’ve come to understand that.

“You are also here by the Queen’s command. Do you understand? What will happen if you defy it? Now, quickly get to healing. It won’t take much time, will it?”

Certainly, the treatment won’t take more than ten minutes. Even though it’s been prolonged, considering it as a single treatment, it’s not that long. There are only ten remaining patients with lazy syndrome. Even if I treat the noble’s son first, it should still be possible to heal them all by the end of the day. It’s just the beginning of the night.

“Now, hurry up!”

Fritz orders me imperiously. Everyone is watching. You can see it in their eyes. Everyone is thinking, “Just treat the noble first.” It’s not what they truly want; it’s a compromise based on the premise of avoiding conflict. It’s true that this way, there won’t be any problems. There won’t be any neglect of the noble, no conflicts, and things will be settled peacefully. No one likes trouble. If the other party is a noble, you don’t know what will happen if you resist. A wise person wouldn’t refuse here. The answer is clear, isn’t it? I responded immediately.

“I refuse.”

Chapter 89   Difference in rank

“I refuse.”

The sound vanished. In the hushed atmosphere, Fritz’s temple twitched slightly.

“Is it just my imagination? I think I heard a refusal just now.”

“I refused… that’s what I said.”

Again, Fritz’s temple twitched noticeably. The tension in the air escalated.

“Do you understand the situation? If you refuse, do you know what will happen? Are you under some illusion that, being a Marquis, you have the right to refuse? No, such a position is just an empty title arbitrarily decided by the Queen. Nobody truly recognizes you. And the Queen’s command isn’t a product of her arbitrary decision. Do you get the difference? It’s not because the Queen supports it that you can oppose her command. What happened earlier wasn’t a threat. It was merely putting shame on a noble, and it’s worth the death penalty. If you prioritize commoners over nobles, neglecting the nobility, your family might also face execution, you know?”

“I didn’t know… about such things!”

“Oh my my!”

Fritz drew his sword with determination and pressed the blade against my neck. A scream echoed in the room.

“Don’t get cocky, you brat!

Just because you managed to treat lazy syndrome by chance, don’t think you’ve become something great, huh!?

You’re just a tool. If you can’t treat lazy syndrome, you’re nothing more than a kid. Don’t you dare act like you’re above us!”

A killing intent was directed at me. Behind Fritz, the nobles cast disdainful glares at me. They didn’t regard me as someone worthy of treating their son.

A boiling sensation surged within me. It kept rising uncontrollably. What is this emotion? I’ve never felt anything like it before. This dark, heavy, ominous feeling.

Oddly, strength returned to my body. No, it’s more like paralysis is setting in. I “stood up.”

Directly facing Fritz’s murderous intent.

“The one acting like they’re above others is you!

Commoner? Noble? Adon? Queen’s command? I don’t give a damn about any of that! I’m not here because of some order or to treat lazy syndrome!

I’m here because I want to be! I’m treating, because I believe it’s the right thing to do!

Because of the Queen’s command? I don’t care about that! Even if it’s the Queen’s command, I won’t obey it unless I agree! I only followed because I had no reason to refuse!”

“What the hell are you saying, you…! Disrespecting nobles! Royalty!”

“I didn’t know about that! I only do what I decide to do!

Execution? Executing my family? Try it, you damn bastard.

If you do that, I’ll pursue everyone involved to the ends of hell and make them pay, no matter what it takes!

Noble, queen, demon – it doesn’t matter!

I won’t forgive them under any circumstances, using any means necessary!”

I surrender to this emotion, a feeling both repulsive and strangely satisfying. My body temperature rises, and my mind feels like it’s boiling. Fritz glares at me with a demonic expression, his face reddened and trembling.

“H-How dare you, you brat! D-Don’t think you’ll get away with such disrespect here! I’ll execute you myself!”

“Stopppp!!”

Rafi’s scream echoes hollowly. Fritz, carried away by his emotions, shifts his weight backward and swiftly pulls the sword that had been against my neck.

“Aaaah! Doctor Shion—!!”

A scream resonates through the room again. Everyone covers their eyes, overwhelmed by grief, and raises their voices in despair. Fritz gleefully raises the corners of his mouth. He looks up at me, but his expression freezes.

“W-Why… are you alive?”

There is not a scratch on my neck. A regular person would have had their carotid artery definitively severed. However, I have a magical membrane. Even with the diminished magical power, if concentrated, it protects me from external attacks. A shield. It’s one of the magical abilities I possess. Against the sword skills of a fake knight with little skill, I can completely defend myself. Trembling, Fritz looks at me, and I take a step forward.

“You’ve made three mistakes.

First, you threatened me. I don’t yield to threats. In fact, I despise them.”

I took a step closer to Fritz. He recoiled in fear, his face contorted.

“Second, you used my family as a threat. I value my family. I won’t forgive anyone who tarnishes them.”

“W-What!?”

Another step forward. Fritz retreated, but there was a wall behind him; he couldn’t go any further.

“Third, despite being a ‘brat,’ you got carried away. There’s only one thing to do with an arrogant kid.”

I was aware of the true nature of the emotions coursing through my entire body. This was anger. Overwhelming anger. An emotion I had never felt before. As far as I could remember, I had never been angry.

However, the accumulated fatigue, various stresses, the selfish attitudes of those around me, the unreasonable circumstances, the misfortunes befalling those desperately resisting, and everything that had happened so far had reached a breaking point.

To put it simply, I snapped.

“Uwaaaah!”

Fritz seemed to be overwhelmed by my pressure as he raised his sword. His movement was too slow, too clumsy. Even a yawn could be dodged when compared to the moves of my sister or father. But there was no need for such maneuvers. The sword descended towards my face. I didn’t dodge. And…

“I punched Fritz with the sword.”

“Gebii!?”

The blade shattered, and my fist embedded itself in Fritz’s face. The sensation of his skull deforming reached my shoulders. The wall just behind Fritz was blown away by the impact. Fritz went through the wall, flying several meters before finally losing momentum and falling to the ground. He rolled a bit and, upon colliding with the opposite wall, came to a stop.

“That’s your punishment, you bastard.”

I spat out the words and glared at Fritz’s subordinates. They exchanged glances while carrying Fritz and left. What remained were the noble parents and their son. Left alone without any escorts among the commoners.

Perhaps they finally understood the situation because they began to panic.

“Hey, you chubby guy and outdated Zamasu woman over there.”

This was me.

“W-who are you talking about? We are the great nobles of Adon—”

I glared at the arrogant idiot of a noble who was lounging around.

“Shut up. Keep quiet. If you say another word, I’ll punch you.”

“…Sorry.”

Seemingly understanding the situation, the overweight noble father apologized while still lounging around.

“I’ll treat your son last. Be quiet and wait. If you cause a fuss, I won’t treat your son. Got it?”

“W-what are you saying, Zamasu? The first one to be treated should be my son—”

“Huh?”

“…U-understood… understood.”

The Zamasu’s mother said, dripping with sweat.

Why do I have to waste time on such nonsense?

Everyone seems scared.

I sit down and start treating the patient in front of me.

Maybe it’s because of the anger, but my body feels light.

I was extremely sleepy and fatigued just a while ago.

But no one moves.

Until now, the nurses quickly brought patients for treatment.

Winona’s mouth is wide open.

Even Rafi is staring at me in disbelief.

What is it?

Did I go too far?

Honestly, I became too emotional, and I can’t objectively understand what I did.

Did I do something terrible?

Oh well, I’m not really worried about my dad and the others.

Dad is incredibly strong, and my sister can fight once her rehabilitation is over.

There’s also Glast-san.

If I have to face the queen, I might not be able to resist, but she probably won’t execute us unfairly for something like this.

If she does, I’ll fight with all my might.

I understand the terror of magic better than anyone else. I can hold my own even against many opponents.

But that’s not the issue here.

Maybe everyone is hesitant because I made such a scene.

This is bad.

The image I’ve built up until now…

Anyway, I have to act as usual.

I try to put on a natural smile and move on to the next patient.

At this point, it’s faster for me to move myself than to wait.

My body is also feeling energetic.

Let’s continue treating patients with this momentum.

At that moment…

“Whoa! Doctor Shion, that was amazing!”

“S-so cool! Doctor Shion, you looked awesome!”

“That was refreshing! Seeing you blow that guy away!”

“Those knights act all high and mighty, but they never do anything!

Honestly, when I saw that guy get blown away, it felt so satisfying!”

Everyone suddenly cheers.

Huh? They’re cheering?

I guess there are various things among the people living in this area.

Well, as long as they’re happy.

And then, as if my energy has drained, my legs wobble.

Oh no, not good.

I feel a sudden wave of fatigue…

Someone supports me from behind.

It’s Rafi.

“Once again, doing something reckless.”

“Th-thanks.”

“If you exert yourself in your current near-limit state, you really might die… Hurry up and treat, then rest.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that.”

Supported by Rafi, I continued the treatment.

Afterward, I somehow succeeded in treating all the patients.

I was able to treat a total of 10,000 patients with lazy syndrome in the royal capital of Sanostria.

After treating the last patient, I lost consciousness.

Thanks to the anger, it seems that the remaining energy, vitality, strength, and magic power somehow held on.

Completely exhausted, on the verge of losing consciousness, I saw everyone’s smiles and worried faces.

Feeling happy, I finally drifted into sleep.

No more worries.

I’ve done it.

With a sense of accomplishment and happiness, I let go of consciousness.

By the way, I treated the son of those foolish nobles last.

Because it was a promise, regardless of who the person was.

Chapter 90   Of course if it’s a friend

Awakened.

I raised my upper body as if bouncing.

“Huh!?”

Rafi was beside me.

Upon checking my surroundings, it seemed like I had returned to my home.

I must have been lying on a bed in some room, as there was a blanket draped over me.

My clothes had also changed.

I wondered if Winona had helped me change while I was asleep.

“You finally woke up. How are you feeling?”

“… I feel kinda heavy, both in my head and body.”

“That’s understandable. After all, you’ve been asleep for a day and a half.”

“Really!? I slept more than I expected…”

I thought I had slept for about a whole day, but apparently, it was even longer.

By the way, sunlight was streaming in through the window.

It seemed like morning.

The chirping of birds reached inside.

The room had only a bed, a dresser, and a desk.

Although it was the first time I entered since coming to the capital, it might be my room.

It felt uneasy for some reason.

Unlike my hometown village, it was unnecessarily spacious.

“How’s your magical energy?”

“Well, I’d say about one-third. It has recovered quite a bit.”

“I see. You mentioned that you almost had no magical energy before fainting. I was worried you might develop lazy syndrome.”

“Probably not. I don’t think I’ll get lazy syndrome.”

“Is that so? If you say so, I feel relieved.”

The conditions aren’t clear, but it seems that there are rare individuals like me and Rose who don’t succumb to lazy syndrome. We are aware of the existence of magical energy and can control it, so I somehow understand. I don’t think I’ll develop lazy syndrome. If magical energy depletes, one might become lethargic, but it will always recover. The only time it won’t is when I die. As I mentioned this, Rafi sighed with relief.

“So, what happened afterward? Was everything okay?”

“Yeah, there were no major issues, or I’d like to say that, but various things happened. After you fainted, Winona and I planned to bring you here. However, doctors and families of patients offered their help. In the end, they assisted us and brought you to the mansion. But now, they’re worried about you and started asking if there’s anything they can do. While you were asleep, they brought ingredients, furnishings, so-called tokens of appreciation, and it became troublesome.”

“Oh, uh… You didn’t accept them, right?”

“I politely declined. It seemed like everyone was concerned about receiving treatment for free.”

“This time only, though.”

Normally, if any illness is treated for free, it would lead to unpaid work. If that happens, doctors and nurses cannot sustain their lives. If demanding compensation for treatment becomes the norm, it poses significant economic and medical problems. However, lazy syndrome is unique. It’s spreading globally, and so far, I’m the only one who can cure it. Doctors are humans too. They need money to live, and the compensation for individuals with rare skills is generally high. Demanding fair compensation for one’s achievements is only natural. That’s why it’s known that the first session is free. Not everyone in the world is kind. People tend to consider what they receive as a given, and this perception continues, and some may even believe it won’t change. Even people with common sense and morals can become numb to their feelings. Setting boundaries is necessary.

“And what about the others? The Queen’s envoys or something?”

“They came.”

As expected.

That’s how it should be.

It would be strange if they didn’t come.

Now, how should I handle this?

I have no regrets about my actions.

Honestly, I have a vague memory of what I did.

I remember blowing Fritz away.

I punched Fritz, who was assigned as an escort by the Queen.

I assumed I would be charged with at least obstructing official duties since it was technically during official business.

I hope it remains just my problem.

If harm comes to those around me, I’ll do everything to prevent it.

I should have the cards for that.

There’s no need to be humble at a time like this.

I anxiously waited for the next words.

Rafi, looking perplexed, finally spoke.

“The envoy said let them know when you wakes up.”

“… And?”

“That’s it.”

“That’s it? Nothing else?”

“Nothing. It seems there are no repercussions. There’s no order to surrender. Just report when you wake up.”

What does this mean?

I disrespected not only Fritz, who seemed like a noble, but also the nobles of the Adon Kingdom.

And yet, nothing?

Maybe it’s because I’m a Rugure, or perhaps because I’m the only one who can use magic and treat lazy syndrome – various reasons come to mind.

However, is it really possible for there to be nothing at all?

It’s strange.

The absence of any consequences felt eerie.

“What do you think, Rafi?”

“Well, I could see respect toward Shion in the envoy. Even if it’s official business, one’s attitude tends to show a bit in their inner thoughts. The envoy didn’t seem disrespectful or arrogant; rather, they appeared somewhat intimidated. Therefore, I don’t think the Queen intends harm to Shion… Can I be frank?”

“Huh? What is it?”

“To be honest, I’m not good at using my brain. I’m not very smart.”

She said it while looking straight at me, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Is it really possible for someone to say seriously that they’re not smart?

Too earnest. But that’s one of Rafi’s good points.

Maybe because I laughed, Rafi snorted.

“Hmph. There’s no need to laugh that much. I’m aware of it!”

“Sorry, I wasn’t making fun of you. It’s just… hahaha, I didn’t expect you to say it with a straight face.”

“Hey, cut it out! I told you not to laugh! Seriously, what a rude guy! Really, I mean it! Anyway, that’s how it is! Listen to what I say with a grain of salt, got it!”

“Got it. Thanks.”

Looking at Rafi, who was pouting, my heart warmed gently. Even in the capital, I wasn’t alone.

“So, Shion, what do you think?”

“Well, who knows? It’s unlikely that the events of that day haven’t reached the Queen’s ears. Unless someone with considerable authority is manipulating information. I can’t imagine someone would go out of their way to do that, though.”

“In that case, either the Queen herself isn’t concerned about it, or even if it’s an issue, she’s choosing to ignore it.”

“It seems to be the case. The fact that there are no repercussions at all is a bit concerning, though.”

“No, it’s possible.”

“Oh? What’s on your mind?”

Rafi raised her index finger and said with a smug expression.

“The Queen probably disliked Fritz and that noble, so she’s relieved you knocked them around!”

Rafi grinned as if saying, “How about that!?” I could only manage a wry smile.

“Would the Queen make judgments based on personal feelings like that? It’s a considerable issue, especially since it involves a noble from another country, the ‘Great Empire of Adon,’ not just Fritz, who is a domestic individual. Even someone as ignorant of the situation as me can tell it’s a pretty big problem.”

The Adon Empire, the largest military state on the continent. A massive empire that dwarfs everything in Lystia many times over. I don’t know the details, but it’s evident that the Adon, a major power, and Lystia, a small nation, wouldn’t be treated on an equal footing.

In terms of economic strength, military power, and overall national power, Lystia is undoubtedly inferior. Globally, Lystia should be in a lower position. To defer dealing with nobles from that major power and to do so with a disrespectful attitude, all while it was under the Queen’s orders, is quite remarkable.

Something is off about the fact that there are no consequences. I can’t shake this uneasy feeling. Is it the calm before the storm?

“Huh, heh! Just kidding! I was testing you, Shion! Well done on catching that! I’ll give you praise! Hahaha!”

Her eyes were gleaming. She was genuinely serious. Since I felt there was no need to address it, I remained silent, sending her a warm gaze.

Rafi, seemingly evading the topic, changed it.

“B-but, you know! I never expected Shion to get so angry. I was surprised too. Usually, your gentle and mature. It was the first time I saw you got angry. You seemed like a different person.”

I don’t remember much about that moment. It seems I was quite furious, and my memory went blank. However, I do recall shouting at Fritz, the escort soldiers, and the nobles. Oh, and I vaguely remember blowing Fritz away. Honestly, I remember feeling quite satisfied about it.

“Well, actually, besides that incident, I don’t have any memories of getting angry in the past.”

Even when I was in Japan, I don’t think I ever got angry. I might have had disagreements or voiced dissatisfaction, but I don’t recall expressing anger emotionally.

“So, that means it was the first time in my life being angry, right?”

“Yeah, it seems so. I was pushed to my limits at that moment, both physically and mentally.”

In that state, I don’t think one can maintain rational thinking. I feel like I did something regrettable, but once it’s done, there’s no choice but to accept it. It weighs heavily on my mind when I recall it. I can’t just feel emotionally charged and think, ‘Well done!’ Even if there’s justification, the fact remains that I exposed my emotions without restraint.

“…Of course, Shion is human too.”

“Can you stop calling people monsters?”

Saying this with an exasperated expression, Rafi shrugged her shoulders.

“Not in that sense… Look, I’ll explain it to you since Shion doesn’t seem to see himself objectively. Despite you age, you have a mature and composed personality, knowledge beyond your age, courage, and initiative. On top of that, you possess the talent and tenacity to develop magical techniques on your own. You maintain a broad perspective in any situation and, in a sense, has the stubborn conviction like a wild boar that never stops moving forward. The insensitivity to keep going alone even in situations where ordinary people might give up is not something everyone possesses. A child or even an adult with all these qualities, don’t you think?”

“Isn’t your tone getting harsher each time we talk?”

“It’s your imagination. Anyway, if there’s a person like that, those around might wonder if you’re truly a child or a human being. Of course, since you are human, this expression is more like a metaphor. It’s simply admiration and awe for someone so different from ourselves.”

“Admiration and awe, huh.”

Should I be happy about this?

I’m not happy at all.

“For my part, I feel a bit relieved. Someone who consistently moves forward, always in the right, can be precarious in the eyes of those around.”

“Why is that?”

“Because we can’t understand what’s in their hearts. When Marie was sick, did you complain to us or silently research lazy syndrome without a word? You might have told your parents, but we didn’t hear about it. That situation continued for over a year and a half. As friends, it’s natural for us to be concerned.”

Even if someone says it, I don’t recall ever complaining. I probably didn’t tell my dad or mom either. It’s not like I had a choice; I decided to do it, and I thought I was the only one who could. Besides, if talking to someone wouldn’t solve the problem, it would only burden them unnecessarily. I didn’t want to do that.

I feel like I burdened my sister quite a bit, though. Perhaps, for me, my sister is special. That doesn’t mean I don’t trust my parents or friends, though. It’s challenging to put it into words.

“I didn’t really have any complaints. There were things to do, and even if things didn’t go well, I just kept looking for solutions each time.”

“…That’s the reason people around you would worry. Ordinary people, when faced with failure, either give up or, if they attempt it again, their spirits wear down each time. They tend to harbor dissatisfaction, despair about the future, and it’s natural for them to share that with someone. But you overcame many difficulties on your own. Each time you faced a setback, you silently found the right path, searched for a solution, and executed it—all on your own. In other words, without borrowing anyone’s strength, you usually handle everything by yourself. This incident, too, was mostly resolved by Shion, and those around you couldn’t do much. While it’s understandable, friends still want to contribute.”

Upon hearing this, I couldn’t help but be surprised at how I was perceived. Looking at it that way, there might be some truth to it. It’s natural for friends to worry about someone who doesn’t share their troubles. She’s watching over me. That made me happy.

“If you’re a friend, huh? Rafi really did worry about me.”

“If you’re a friend, this much is natural. Don’t do anything reckless. Although there’s not much I can do, I should still be able to help in some way. Remember that I’m here by your side.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll remember that properly.”

When I smiled, Rafi seemed awkward and averted her gaze. In some ways, she resembles Cole.

“You sly one, really. I can’t say anything more when you look at me like that.”

Contrary to her words, Rafi had a gentle smile. As Cole mentioned, good people have gathered around me. I’m grateful. I shouldn’t forget that I’ve been blessed with good people around me.

“Thanks, Rafi.”

“No problem. Don’t worry about it.”

It’s a matter of course. That’s what her expression said. When she responded in a light tone, I couldn’t say anything. I’ve been taken care of in many ways by her. It’s essential to understand that this isn’t something to take for granted.

If something happens, I want to repay her in some way, even if it’s not necessary. When I have time, I’ll invite her to a meal. Whether in Istria or the capital, time has always been tight, and the time spent with friends has been short. Even when we were together, it was mostly about work or mission-related discussions, more like colleagues than friends.

Eventually, when there’s time to relax, I’ll invite Rafi. As I thought about it, the image of my sister looking angry for some reason popped into my head. And I felt like the red necklace shining on me gleamed. No, it’s probably my imagination. It was just a reflection of light. I wonder if Dad, Mom, Sister, and everyone else are doing well. I want to see them again.

“Anyway, rest a bit more. When you’re feeling better, you can report to the castle. You should discuss the details about the lazy syndrome.”

“Yeah, got it. Thanks.”

“All right then, I’ll be heading back. I have work to do. Make sure to get some proper rest.”

Rafi raised her hand for a farewell and left the room. I wonder if she had been accompanying me all this time. Rafi never mentioned such things. She might have her tough times too. Thinking about my proud and reliable friend, I sat up.

My stomach growled.

I wonder if Winona is outside. I should have her prepare a meal.

With that in mind, I left the room.

Chapter 91   Once the troubles pass, again

For me, the word “confinement” generally carried a psychological connotation.

Because in modern times, I rarely found myself in genuinely constricting situations.

In unique situations like crowded trains, it was unavoidable, but those were exceptions.

However, now I was in an inescapable state of confinement.

“Ugh, it’s tight.”

As I said this, Winona hurriedly lowered her head.

“I-I’m sorry! But if I don’t tighten it like this, it might loosen and fall off.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. Sorry, continue.”

Winona cautiously continued her work.

I was in my room, in the midst of having Winona change my clothes for me.

I wanted to do it myself, but that wasn’t possible.

It was necessary to change into formal attire.

Casual wear was fine if I were alone, but there were established etiquettes, like how to tie a tie or wear a kimono.

I didn’t know how to dress, and until now, I hadn’t needed to know.

For nobles, formal attire seemed to be a matter of course, and it was common sense to visit the queen dressed formally.

Normally, I wore loose and simple clothes.

Formal attire, on the other hand, was tight, exerting pressure on the abdomen and groin.

The fabric felt good, but it was too tight to enjoy.

It seemed that Winona had placed an order with a tailor for clothes in the two weeks since I arrived in the capital.

Well, it seemed to be at the queen’s command.

“How… how does it look?”

It seemed like Winona had finished dressing me, and she brought a mirror in front of me.

Hmm.

It doesn’t suit me at all.

Not at all.

Classic trousers and shirt reminiscent of the Middle Ages.

A slightly unusual design vest worn over a slim jacket.

Finally, a one-sided cloak to complete the ensemble.

The cloak had a somewhat unique shape, hanging down only on the right side.

On the back side, there was a symbol resembling the branches of Lystia’s national emblem.

It seemed that by covering the dominant hand side with a cloak bearing the national emblem, it symbolized dedicating one’s will to the country.

Since I’m right-handed, it would be the right side; for left-handed individuals, it would be the left side.

It’s merely a covering, not completely hiding the arms, so it doesn’t conceal weapons or anything.

Probably some historical tradition.

This formal attire seems to be exclusive to nobles, especially those of the upper echelons.

Because I became a marquis, I’m now forced into such clothing.

Honestly, I still don’t feel the reality of it.

I haven’t even informed my family yet.

I think I’ll write a letter to my sister tonight.

I’ve been busy for two weeks and couldn’t contact them.

I got sidetracked.

In the first place, lower-ranking nobles like me wouldn’t directly meet with royalty or upper-class individuals unless something significant happened, so such formal attire isn’t necessary.

It seems that for regular tea parties and social gatherings, standard formal wear is sufficient.

It’s what you might call a dress code.

Moreover, it’s clothing not allowed for commoners, so I can’t even imagine the equivalent attire in Japan.

I’ve only worn things like formalwear, mourning attire, and business suits, so it feels really awkward.

I can’t complain since I have to go to the queen.

“Even a servant doesn’t have proper attire…”

“W-Well, I think it suits you!”

I turned back to Winona with a forced smile.

When she saw my face, she reflexively looked away.

It’s not even a compliment, Winona.

Despite feeling like I might fall into self-deprecating thoughts, I shook my head.

Just for today, and it won’t take more than an hour.

I just have to endure that time.

That’s right. It’ll be over soon.

So without worrying, I’ll quickly go to the castle and get the report over with.

“Alright, shall we go?”

“Y-Yes.”

When heading to the castle, it’s common to be accompanied by a maid.

But only up to the castle gates.

A maid like Winona can’t enter the castle, at least not in my case.

Whether a person can bring attendants or guards into the castle seems to be determined by their status.

For foreign dignitaries, it’s almost a necessity to have maids and guards to some extent within the castle.

Of course, in small numbers, but even among the nobles of one’s own country, it’s not often permitted.

Generally, upper-class nobles can bring in maids, but I’m a newcomer.

Even as a marquis, it’s mostly just a title without achievements, and it strongly carries the arbitrary and unilateral decisions of the queen.

In reality, there was quite a commotion during the ennoblement.

Leaving my residence, I headed to the castle with Winona.

Unless Winona is guiding, she always walks a couple of steps behind me.

If I don’t initiate conversation, we walk in silence.

She averts her gaze when our eyes meet and has never shown a smile.

She either fidgets awkwardly or timidly asks, “Do you have any business?” if I don’t start a conversation.

Yet, she inquires if an escort is needed at night.

Honestly, I don’t understand what she’s thinking.

She’s usually timid and hesitant, so why is she bold about nighttime?

Just to clarify, I’ve never asked her for assistance even once.

…Not even a bit, not at all, I haven’t hesitated in the slightest.

That’s the truth.

First of all, there’s that.

I have promises with my sister, and I’m not considering getting involved with anyone romantically.

I have no intention of building a relationship that goes beyond friendship, let alone a physical one.

And besides.

If I were to do that, there’s a chance I might lose the ability to use magic.

I’m a virgin.

Thanks to that, there’s a possibility that I can use magic in this world.

I’m not willing to take the risk of potentially not being able to use magic in my future life for the sake of a momentary pleasure.

At least, not at the moment.

So, I’m still pure and innocent, with a clean body.

Well, I don’t think it gets dirty just because I’ve done it.

It’s more of a mental thing.

Anyway, my relationship with Winona hasn’t improved.

Maybe it’s even worse.

It hasn’t changed much since we first met.

She’s still afraid of me, still timid, and I, in turn, am considerate of her, hoping to improve this relationship a bit.

Perhaps this dynamic will continue for a while.

I know that people have compatibility issues, and there are times when it’s just unavoidable.

So, there’s no need to force ourselves to become close.

I think with time, we’ll both get a bit more accustomed to it.

Both Winona and I.

As I pondered these things, we arrived at the castle.

Explaining the situation to the gatekeeper, they opened the castle gate for us.

“Alright, you can go back home. I’ll return on my own after it’s done. You don’t have to wait for me.”

I crushed all possibilities from the beginning.

It’s about her.

She might wait until I come out.

During the treatment for lazy syndrome, she spent almost all of her time with me.

Even when she could take a break, she insisted on staying up because I was awake.

Sometimes she reached her limit and fell asleep, but she was almost always with me.

Whether she’s serious, stubborn, or driven by a sense of duty, I don’t know.

Anyway, because of such situations, I’ve made it a habit to tell her what she can and can’t do, and what I’d like her to do beforehand.

It’s not that I understand Winona’s personality; it’s more like I naturally found a way to deal with her.

When I said my farewell, Winona reluctantly gave her consent and saw me off until I disappeared through the gate.

The gate, about 6 meters wide horizontally and 8 meters high vertically, closed with a deep, resonant sound.

“Then this way.”

With the soldier who had been guarding the gate, I headed toward the entrance of the castle.

Chapter 92   Milhya’s true intention 1

I’m not sure about the exact size of the castle, but it gave me the impression of a maze.

Upon entering from the main entrance, there was a hall, and the structure allowed access to the second floor from there.

There were numerous doors on both sides and in front, with no signs or labels, making it nearly impossible to discern where each door led.

Recalling two weeks ago, I distinctly remember heading down the left corridor and being made to wait in a room along the way.

The audience chamber was not in the central depths of the castle but rather in a surprisingly distant location.

This might be to prevent immediate access in the event of an attack.

Perhaps for this reason, the path from the main gate of the royal capital to the castle was also intricate.

It twisted and turned, and although the castle was visible, reaching it was not as straightforward as going straight ahead.

“This way.”

Guided by the gatekeeper, we headed to the left.

It was likely leading to a waiting room.

There, I would probably have to wait for several tens of minutes before proceeding to the audience chamber.

However, it’s just a report, and the queen wouldn’t move to the audience chamber for my sake every time.

Two weeks ago, she might have seen me for instructions, to see my face, and during the ennoblement, to make my presence known to officials and nobles, among other reasons.

It’s not easy for someone like me, the son of an honorary noble, to be granted the title of a marquis.

I have no idea about the queen’s intentions or thoughts.

I can only vaguely sense it, at best.

She remains a distant figure for me, and I have no ambition to get closer to her. In fact, I think it’s better that way.

However, becoming a marquis might complicate things.

There must be some intention behind the ennoblement.

In the future, she might assign me some kind of mission.

Handling lazy syndrome and the demon race.

I still don’t know the details, except for what I asked Duke Balkh, so I can’t say much.

Anyway, it all starts with listening to what she has to say.

“Please, wait here.”

It was the waiting room I had been to before.

The gatekeeper who guided me bowed, closed the door, and left.

Left alone in the room, I sat in a chair, passing the time.

After about ten minutes, there was a knock on the door.

“We apologize for the wait. The queen is ready to see you. Please follow us.”

Several maids came to escort me.

Led by them, I left the waiting room.

We turned several corners in the hallway, moving from the main building to a separate wing.

It wasn’t in the direction of the audience chamber.

I wondered where we were going.

After ascending a spiral staircase and continuing down the hallway, we finally reached a few rooms.

It was quite far from the entrance.

A simple carpet stretched along the corridor.

Candelabras were evenly spaced, and chandeliers hung from the ceiling at regular intervals, though less ornate compared to the main building.

There wasn’t much splendor for a place where the queen would be.

Continuing down the corridor, we reached the end, and a thick door came into view.

It looked substantial, giving the impression that something important lay beyond.

Just as I thought we were going to enter there, the maids turned their bodies to the left.

Huh? Over there?

At that moment, the maids spoke towards the door with a melodic and appropriately modulated tone, reminiscent of a bell’s sound.

“We’ve brought him.”

“Enter.”

The maids stepped aside, indicating for me to enter.

It seemed that I was expected to open the door myself.

Were they not going to come in?

Before I could ponder that question, I placed my hand on the door handle.

A simple door, no different from an ordinary one you might find in town.

However, the voice coming from inside was undoubtedly the queen’s.

I opened the door.

The view unfolded before me.

It was a study.

Shelves filled with books covered one entire wall.

The distinctive scent of books reached my nostrils the moment I entered.

The room was about thirty tatami mats in size.

Within, there were only bookshelves, a desk, and inexplicably, a small bed toward the back.

Although there were several small windows near the ceiling, not much light reached the interior.

Perhaps it was to prevent excessive sun exposure.

Despite that, the room wasn’t dark. Even though it was early afternoon, candles on various candelabras throughout the room were lit.

The door closed slowly behind me.

It seemed the maids had closed it.

As I cautiously advanced, trying to sense the faint presence in the room, I found it cluttered and full of blind spots, making it difficult to see clearly.

“Over here, this way.”

A light-toned voice reached me from the back.

As I moved in that direction, I eventually reached a desk.

There she was, the queen… or was she?

There was a reason I doubted it.

Firstly, her appearance was rather unkempt. She wore a thin shirt casually, almost resembling a pantsuit.

Her hair was disheveled.

And her expression, how should I put it, resembled that of a sloppy woman in her thirties who had partied too hard the night before, now suffering from a hangover and troubled by a headache.

There was no vitality. Thinking back to the queen I met two weeks ago, it felt like a completely different person.

Though she was beautiful, she lacked the dignified aura.

The issue extended to her actions.

Several books were casually piled on the desk, and there were many such piles.

The peculiarly balanced towers of books wobbled when she turned the pages roughly.

Resting her cheek on her hand, yawning lazily, rubbing her eyes, and then turning the pages again.

Who would believe that this was the queen, the ruler of the Kingdom of Lystia?

“Ah, you’re here. Come over here.”

Waving her hand playfully, not like a queen but more like an office worker, I bowed my head respectfully.

Due to the unexpectedly light atmosphere, I responded in a manner similar to when encountering an acquaintance from work on the street, creating a slightly awkward moment.

“Oh, thank you.”

“Yeah. Sit over there.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Following her instructions, I sat in the chair next to the desk.

I was nervous.

However, my mind was more occupied with countless questions than with the feelings of tension.

“Um, excuse me, Queen Milhya… right?”

“Hmm? What are you talking about? We met two weeks ago, didn’t we?”

“Yes, we did.”

It was just too different.

Physically, she undeniably looked like the queen.

However, her attitude and attire were too dissimilar.

Rather than believing she was the same person as the queen, it seemed more plausible that she was the queen’s twin.

“Oh, I see. That’s what it is. Well, this is how I usually am. Only a handful of people know about it. If you can’t believe it, should I tell you something only the queen would know? Like the fact that you’re the descendant of the fallen Rugure in the war a thousand years ago. Or perhaps stories about your foster father Gawain, who used to serve me?”

In this brief moment, she disclosed things that only a few people would know.

Well, there was no doubt she was the queen.

I was just surprised.

That’s just how she is.

I just needed to rewrite the data in my mind.

Alright, data rewritten.

“No, I believe you. I apologize for the misunderstanding.”

“Good. People usually react that way when they see me for the first time. Most people can’t adapt so quickly. You’re one of the fast adapters.”

Well, it’s difficult to accept that the queen is usually sloppy.

Everyone has some preconceptions, after all.

“This place is my study. Unlike the library, it’s where I’ve personally gathered books. I spend most of my time here. People rarely visit, and I can work undisturbed. It’s hard to have a decent conversation in the audience chamber.”

“So, that’s why you called me here.”

“Exactly. I’ve heard your report, and I know about the past two weeks. But before we get to the main topic, there’s something you need to do.”

The queen straightened herself and turned towards me. Surprisingly, she slightly lowered her head.

“I apologize. I caused inconvenience due to the mishandling on my part.”

I never expected the Queen of a country to bow her head.

A Queen is not a commoner.

If you’re a Queen, you cannot live as a regular person. A Queen is never on an equal footing with anyone, and bowing one’s head is a significant matter.

For the head of a country to apologize to an individual is almost unheard of. Verbal apologies might be possible, but bowing one’s head is unprecedented.

Yet, she was bowing her head.

I actually thought there might be some kind of punishment.

Regardless of who I am, if I disobey the queen’s orders, I won’t receive special treatment. The commoner and the queen are in different realms, living in completely different worlds.

Maybe it was because of this common understanding that I was thrown off, and I couldn’t help but ask.

“Um, does that mean I won’t be punished?”

The queen lifted her face and looked at me with a puzzled expression, as if my question had not been specified.

“Blowing away Fritz, whom I appointed as the captain of the guard? Moreover, it seems you took a rather high-handed attitude towards the upper-class nobles of the Adon Empire, but there’s no need to worry. Normally, if you defy my orders, punishment is unavoidable. Unless there’s a very good reason. Also, disrespecting and neglecting a dignitary from another country, especially from an empire, could lead to capital punishment. However, that won’t happen, and there will be no punishment. I promise.”

Punishment, capital punishment.

Those words were thrown around, but the premise was that there was no need to worry.

“Is that because I’m someone who can treat the Laziness Syndrome?”

If I was being treated specially, my feelings would be complicated. I didn’t act that way because I had special privileges. If I had been acting arrogantly just because I had special treatment, I would be no different from the arrogant nobles. They take responsibility for their actions with conviction, not just because they have privileges. They harbor prejudices and just want to oppress others. They want to feel superior just because they’re in a higher position. I didn’t want to associate with such people, even if I unintentionally relied on someone else’s authority. It was a reality I didn’t want to accept. But.

“No, that’s irrelevant.”

The queen casually dismissed my words.

“I-Is it really irrelevant?”

“Not at all. First of all, I never said, ‘Prioritize the treatment of Adon’s nobles.’ I just gave permission for Laziness Syndrome treatment. I also included the words ‘according to Shion’s instructions.’ Fritz, on his own, assumed, ‘Because they are an imperial noble, they should be prioritized for treatment,’ and even lied, saying it was my order. He has a tendency to look down on commoners too much. Probably, those words came from his distorted thoughts. He distorted the queen’s orders, used them to exert power, and, in addition to suspension, faced demotion.”

“S-So that’s how it is. But I was the one who punched him…”

“While you are not completely blameless, there’s no problem in this case. The same goes for Adon’s nobles. Originally, concerning the treatment of people from other countries, we made a pledge not to initiate treatment unless there’s a special reason. The prioritization of treatment for non-Lystians has already been established as a policy in each country. That’s why Shion will be conducting a Laziness Syndrome treatment workshop. It’s to treat everyone equally. This also applies to the Adon Empire.”

“So, does that mean… the treatment for that noble was arranged by Queen Milhya?”

“Yes. However, not because it’s Adon, but because we have a certain number of permissions for the treatment of people from other countries unless there’s a special reason. We ensure that we don’t grant permission for sudden visits to maintain equality. That’s why I instructed to follow your guidance. However, Fritz misunderstood and obstructed the treatment for the noble. He probably didn’t expect a commoner to be prioritized over a noble. Due to the recent issues, technically, I could have revoked the permission for treating Adon’s nobles, but Shion’s leniency prevented that. He won’t cause any more trouble in this state.”

“Why not? Adon is a, um, powerful nation, right? Even if you had conditions for treatment, can you really offset the fact that you were disrespectful to Adon’s nobles?”

The words ‘keep your promise because it’s a promise!’ require certain conditions to be honored. Various factors, such as trust between parties, are important, but first and foremost, being ‘equal’ is crucial. People who genuinely keep promises, even with partners it’s okay to betray, are not that common. Breaking a promise indicates a lack of regard for the other person. If, for an unavoidable reason, a promise is broken, a person should sincerely apologize or find a way to seek forgiveness and act accordingly. This applies between nations as well.

“Well then, our country is a small nation, inferior not only to Adon but also to other countries. Until now, we couldn’t adopt such a firm stance. However, the situation has drastically changed.”

“What exactly happened?”

“What are you saying? It’s you.”

The queen tilted her chin, wearing an expression of disbelief.

“Me? Huh? What about me?”

“Why are you surprised? It’s only natural. Besides, you should be well aware of it when you set foot in this land. Without you, Laziness Syndrome cannot be treated. At least, not as effectively. Laziness Syndrome has spread worldwide, although it’s relatively stagnant. The treatment isn’t complete. In our country, people affected by Laziness Syndrome exist not only in the capital but also in Istria. Tens of thousands are bedridden, incapable of doing anything, causing significant economic damage. Moreover, the only means to counteract the demonic race is magic. Considering the possibility of a one-sided attack by the demonic race, your existence is unique. While you may not be used as a negotiation tool yet, you’re invaluable. Everyone understands this, and it’s the same for other nations. Only you can solve this. You should understand how important you are.”

There was no surprise in the queen’s words. Because I already understood. Originally, I knew about this to some extent. So why am I so surprised? Probably because I didn’t truly feel it. You can only imagine with words or text. So even though I felt like I understood, there was no real realization. However, being directly told by the Queen of Lystia made me understand. My worth.

“As for the demonic race… to be frank, few people from other countries believe in it. It’s an event within Istria, and even within Lystia, the existence of the demonic race remains in the realm of rumors. Your powers and magic, for that matter, fall into the same category. Only a very small portion of people have actually seen it. There are just rumors that you somehow saved the city. For now, the intention is to maintain that situation.”

With my brain still in shock, I forced it to work.

“Why is that? Wouldn’t spreading rumors about the existence of the demonic race and my magical abilities make people in other countries believe and be more vigilant during the next Scarlet Night? People from other countries don’t know about Scarlet Nights, Rugure, or the demonic race, right?”

“Most of them don’t, that’s correct. A very small fraction of people might possibly know about the events from a thousand years ago. I learned from the books left by the king from a thousand years ago, but it’s not guaranteed that other countries have similar history books. However, that’s only history. The fact that Shion, who is a Rugure, exists, or that the demonic race might reappear, those things they wouldn’t know. Naturally, this applies to the next Scarlet Night as well. During the last Scarlet Night, many people with magical power fell victim to the lazy syndrome, and they were unconscious. Only a handful of people, like Shion and your ally Rose, were able to perceive the existence of entities that could only be seen in the presence of the scarlet night and magical power akin to a Wraith during the Scarlet Night. People won’t believe the words of such a small number of individuals, especially since they haven’t directly seen the existence of the demonic race. Except for the appearance of Einzwerf, there have been no reports of demonic races appearing outside of Istria. That means even if people with magical power notice the Scarlet Night, their understanding would be limited to ‘the sky is red.’ Alternatively, it’s possible that the demonic race appeared and was defeated in some other country, but they’re deliberately hiding it. In that case, the question would arise as to who defeated the demonic race. Currently, the only person capable of using magic is Shion, who is a Rugure. While there might be others with magical power, they likely wouldn’t be on Shion’s level, considering the nature of magical composition. There might be people with magical power, but it’s doubtful that they can use magic. There aren’t many individuals like Shion who can elevate a small question into a technological advancement. In other words, people who are aware of the two Scarlet Nights and the existence of Wraiths are almost nonexistent in other countries. Even if there were a few who were aware, they wouldn’t have the freedom to alert the nation or take action, as these phenomena are invisible to others.”

I pondered over the thoughts while listening to the Queen’s words, not readily accepting everything. I still didn’t know if she was an ally, an enemy, or something in between.

“Wouldn’t it be better to convey this information, then?”

“Do you remember the earlier discussion? I mentioned that I couldn’t take a strong stance against other countries in the past. It wasn’t about trying to establish a dominant position over other nations. Lystia is a small country. If invaded by another nation, we’d be in deep trouble. There hasn’t been a large-scale war for a thousand years. However, the number of magical beasts has decreased, and currently, we can handle them by dispatching a certain number of extermination squads. As a result, the threat from magical beasts has diminished. If that’s the case, can you guess what comes next?”

“…Conflicts among humans over territory?”

“It’s not limited to territory, but that’s close enough. A thousand years ago, the power among various countries was evenly matched. Because of that, wars were constant, and conflicts kept arising. However, the era ended with the appearance of the demonic race, and nations joined forces. If a common enemy appears, it’s natural for people to cooperate. With Rugure’s assistance, the demonic race was sealed. The ‘weaker demonic creatures’ that weren’t sealed continued to exist and breed, engaging in conflicts with humans. Their numbers exceeded that of humans, and even after the sealing of the demonic race, humans cooperated to tirelessly exterminate these creatures. However, over a thousand years, the situations in various countries have changed. Lystia lost its national strength, and the Adon Empire gained power. Similarly, other countries underwent similar changes, developing distinctive characteristics as individual nations. With the extermination of magical beasts and the onset of a superficial peace, people resumed conflicts. The ones targeted first are the nearest, less fortified, and militarily weaker nations. A country located near the center of the continent—”

“Lystia, right?”

I’m not particularly knowledgeable about geography or history, but I know that much. Even though my mother tried to teach me, I’m just not that interested…

“Well then. Originally, Lystia was located in the central-western part of the continent, but due to the territorial expansion of the Adon Empire that occurred simultaneously with the demonic invasion, it contracted to the central part of the continent. It became a sort of Cold War situation. It was clear that, in a few years, Lystia would become a colony of the Adon Empire.”

I knew that Lystia was a small country. However, I didn’t know it had been cornered to such an extent.

“If the Adon Empire were so inclined, Lystia would have no means to resist. Becoming a colony of the empire would undoubtedly entail oppression and heavy taxes. I tried to prevent that by seeking alliances with other nations and making contact with influential nobles within the Adon Empire while gathering information, but there was no longer any viable option. However, fortunately or unfortunately, the onset of the lazy syndrome and the appearance of the demonic race occurred. And I learned that Shion was involved in the treatment and extermination of them. There was no time to lose. In other words, I—utilizing your existence—have been engaging in transactions with other nations. Hence, ‘yet’ your magical abilities and identity cannot be clearly known. We must avoid letting this information be widely known among many people and the upper echelons of other nations.”

“So, that’s why you’re telling me not to use magic?”

“Yes. If it becomes known that you can use magic and that lazy syndrome treatment can be reliably carried out, individuals from other countries might forcibly attempt to abduct you. Currently, it’s not known that you are the only one who can counter the demonic race. Also, regarding lazy syndrome treatment, it’s not known that it can be performed through magic. Although a mysterious treatment method that gradually heals by merely touching is becoming known, it’s not immediate. It will gradually permeate, and eventually, during the next scarlet night, it’s necessary to effectively make others understand your power when the existence of the demonic race becomes more clearly widespread worldwide. By doing so, it’s crucial to make known the ‘importance and necessity of you’ and that ‘Lystia has the right to it.’ At the current stage, talking about you being the only one who can use magic and counter the demonic race lacks credibility. That means people don’t know about your importance. At this point, the possibility of abduction is low, but I thought it prudent to assign guards. However, even within the country, things aren’t unified, and I could only assign someone like that… There’s a shortage of personnel in various aspects. We didn’t have enough manpower to assign many soldiers to the guards of the chosen ones who gathered from other countries. That’s why, due to the shortage, I entrusted the security of your move to Duke Balkh.”

I began to break down the Queen’s words little by little. Her words gradually entwined with my rationality.

I found myself in the midst of a disturbance that not only involved Lystia but other countries as well. I felt like I was being forcefully made to understand this situation. Even though I should have known.

Understanding, seeing, hearing, and experiencing are different things.

Am I not experiencing it right now?

Even so, the impact is profound.

No, I shouldn’t be thinking about this now. Let’s continue listening to the story.

“Now, I’ve talked about the situation in our country and with other nations, about Fritz and the Adon nobles, and the reasons for prohibiting the use of magic. Any other points of concern? I can’t talk for too long.”

In response to the Queen’s question, I pondered. Honestly, there were many things I wanted to ask. About my origins, about the woman who brought me here, but I didn’t know if it was the right time to ask those questions now. Opportunities to talk to the head of the country, Queen Milhya, are not likely to come often, and there isn’t much time for this conversation. After a few seconds of contemplation, I spoke.

Chapter 93   Milhya’s true intention 2

“Well, I have two questions.”

“Go ahead, but if it drags on too much, I’ll cut it off,” the Queen said.

“Yes, of course. Then… my first question is about the duration of the lazy Syndrome treatment. Why was it two weeks? Given the circumstances, I think there was a bit more flexibility.”

Yesterday and today, I’ve been using for rest. In other words, there was at least 14 days, not just 12, and I had room for 16 days. If I had known from the beginning, I might have been able to get a bit more sleep.

“Firstly, we didn’t know how much time we could allocate to treatment. We didn’t know how many requests for lazy Syndrome patient treatments would come from other countries, when they would come, and it wasn’t clearly defined. There’s a limit to the number, but the timing is generally set a week before the training session. However, if you are among the chosen ones, it doesn’t apply. The father of that Adon noble was among the chosen ones, so he was given permission to undergo treatment earlier than a week before. By the way, the order of treatment is based on the order of application. I won’t go into details here. There are various restrictions, so not just anyone can apply. That’s why in this case, we maintain fairness. We have set the duration and number equally for each country. From the week before the training session, about two weeks after your arrival, is designated as the treatment period for our citizens. I felt bad about it, but things were quite busy, and I couldn’t talk to you earlier. It’s because of such circumstances that we created an opportunity for a discussion like this,” the Queen explained.

I see, even with this explanation, I can understand to some extent. However, in reality, I haven’t treated patients from other countries during these two days. How does that fit into the explanation?

“And I wanted to know how you were handling the lazy Syndrome treatment in Istria, as informed by Duke Balkh. It seems you initially tried to provide treatment to the limit of your physical strength. Considering late-night treatments and planning to cut down on sleep, I heard that you were stopped by those around you.”

“Uh, yes. Well, that’s true.”

At that time, there was no time constraint, so I recalled being persuaded by doctors, nurses, and friends to take proper sleep. I was strongly discouraged.

“I’m aware of the number of people and the duration of treatment in Istria. Around 3,000 people in a week. Considering that, two weeks wouldn’t be enough for the treatment of 10,000 people in the capital.

Although it won’t be life-threatening, some citizens have been struggling for many years. I hoped you could treat them if possible. So, I thought if I mentioned a period of two weeks and said there would be no further extension, you might come up with some method to treat everyone.”

The queen thought I might find some way to treat everyone if she had mentioned a two-week period and emphasized no extension. She didn’t expect to treat everyone rigorously for two weeks.

“Ah, well, but it’s already two days after that one-week period.

Is it okay for the treatment of nobles from other countries?”

“Oh, that. That had a strong implication of ‘just in case.’

In reality, apart from Adon’s noble, there were twenty people who applied in advance. Moreover, their arrival is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. So, you don’t need to worry about it.

It turned out this way, but the other party is an entire country. It was essential to exercise caution.

That’s why I pushed you beyond your limits, but…”

“No, no, I did it voluntarily.”

I have no regrets or resentment. Regardless of the queen’s intentions, I made the decision. If actions and choices are my own, blaming someone else would be misplaced. Well, it depends on the situation, but for this instance, there’s no issue.

Upon recollection, both in the capital and Istria, the number of noble patients with lazy syndrome was strangely low. Could that be the reason for the fewer treatment requests from nobles of other countries? No, it’s still too few, even though there were hundreds in the country. I had the desire to know why, but I endured it. The second question was more critical.

“May I ask the second question?”

“Yes, what is it?”

It was a question I’d held since the beginning of our conversation with the queen. I had to ask, no matter what.

“Why did you tell me all this?”

She might have anticipated that question, as she only slightly lowered her gaze.

“Even with the previous discussion, you could have simply given orders without telling me. I would have complied with the invitation to the capital without being threatened, even without a reward. If it weren’t too selfish, I might have obeyed. You could have waited to tell me, and if I resisted in the future, you could have disclosed it then. The previous conversation covered quite sensitive details. Why did you tell a child like me, who isn’t even a noble? Didn’t you consider it risky? Didn’t you think it could be spread or used against you?”

A person in the position of a queen should not casually reveal internal matters. If she were such a person, the country would likely have collapsed immediately. However, I didn’t get the impression that she was that kind of person. Her sincere attitude and genuine apology were favorable, but there was a sense of discomfort. Generally, those who do such things would be considered decent individuals, but can someone really function as a Queen with such actions?

Leaders of organizations, big or small, carry both positive and negative aspects, and they cannot remain entirely pure and upright. While a sincere ruler is an ideal for the people, it’s an impossible standard to maintain. Leading people without any flaws and remaining entirely righteous is unattainable. Anyone who has been a part of a school or company organization should understand that there is always some aspect of this nature.

So, why did she tell me? It’s only natural to ponder that. There was no immediate response. Perhaps it wasn’t something she wanted to discuss.

I patiently waited for the queen’s words. Eventually, Queen Milhya sighed softly and spoke.

“Not… a debt or ulterior motive, maybe. It’s the burden of entrusting the fate of our country to a single child. The burden of mandating the duty to save this world. And despite knowing all that, I have no intention of considering any other choice for myself—a burden towards me. I feel sorry for imposing such a tremendous burden on you. However, our country is in such a state of exhaustion. We don’t yet know if magic is the only means to counter the demons. But listening to Istria’s report, it’s likely that without you, the country would perish with nothing to be done. Not only our country but others as well. To seek cooperation in the future, there was a need to explain. Issuing orders unilaterally would only cause problems in the future.”

The words of someone carrying the weight of a nation resonate heavily. I cannot fully comprehend her conflicts and emotions. I can only imagine. So, I won’t pretend to understand. She is likely an honest person, but as a ruler, she must conceal that honesty. What was the reason for showing it to me? Am I special? No, even if I were, she wouldn’t do something that could be exploited as a weakness.

“I understand the debt part. What about the ulterior motive?”

“I thought that if I approached it this way, you wouldn’t be able to refuse. The power you exhibit when acting under orders and when acting with your own will is significantly different. Regardless of whether you like it or not, if you have a strong will to do something, it becomes a source of power. Additionally, in the future, if any problems arise, having received explanations in advance, you will likely make maximum efforts to resolve those issues. However, without explanations, you might compromise based on conditions, and the compromise point is determined by the sensibility of someone who doesn’t know the circumstances. In reality, whether it’s correct or not remains unknown to the person. A person who is to save our country and the world, without knowing anything, wouldn’t be capable of making accurate judgments in critical situations.”

“So, you told me to make me realize all that.”

The queen nodded casually.

“It’s also to make you feel it. Through the report from Duke Balkh, I got a sense of your character to some extent. I don’t think you’re the type to boast about it. You already know a lot of circumstances.”

The conversation flowed so smoothly that I couldn’t immediately grasp its meaning. However, a few seconds later, I realized it.

Ah, I see.

So that’s why there was an ulterior motive.

This was all part of the queen’s calculations.

I understood.

That’s how it was.

In other words, on this day, at this moment, in this place, the queen and I became collaborators, accomplices, and interconnected beings. In terms of saving the world, other countries have the same goal. So, cooperation is not such a simple matter. From the perspective of the country called Lystia, saving one’s own nation must come first; otherwise, even if the world is saved, it wouldn’t matter. The queen’s actions were for that purpose. To fully involve me and to get herself entangled in the process.

“Now then, are there any more questions for now?”

“None.”

I lowered my head, cradling it in my hands.

Oh, what a situation.

What a situation!

While the grand story of saving the world didn’t feel quite real to me, I found myself facing a more immediate problem than saving the world—a problem of saving a country.

To be honest, when talking about saving the world, I had considered it to be something as simple as treating lazy syndrome and defeating the demons when they appeared.

But in reality, it wasn’t such a straightforward matter.

Firstly, I didn’t know why Einzwerf appeared in Istria.

Was it a coincidence, or was it inevitable?

Either way, if demons were to appear in a distant location, in another country, I wouldn’t be able to defeat them.

There were such issues to consider.

The conversation had derailed.

Anyway.

Queen Milhya’s calculations were correct.

“I ended up feeling that I had to cooperate with the queen after hearing the inside story directly from her.”

Originally, I intended to follow the queen’s orders, but the meaning of ‘following’ had changed from what it was until just now.

Unless something significant happened, I probably wouldn’t defy the queen’s orders.

For the queen, that was likely the real aim of this conversation.

She chose the method that would make me most willing to cooperate, having heard about my personality and actions from Duke Balkh.

Without needing to ask, it was without a doubt that what she intended to say in the end was that.

While saying things like feeling indebted, Queen Milhya was currently smiling with an easygoing attitude.

I couldn’t understand her true feelings, but I had certainly been skillfully manipulated.

Originally, I had intended to lend a hand with treating lazy syndrome and subduing demons.

Looking at the conditions of both my country and others, it was clear that the challenges were more significant than I had anticipated.

After all, she was the queen.

It was all part of her calculated plan, wasn’t it?

And her calculations, indeed, brilliantly led to the correct answer.

“The questions are over. Now it’s my turn.”

Queen Milhya stood up and extended her right hand.

“Naturally, I’ll provide support and cooperation as much as possible. I’m willing to accept certain requests, and we can discuss the rewards as well. Will you be my ally, Shion Ornstein?”

She exuded the solemn air I had seen in the audience room, maintaining a dignified smile on her face. A smile that conveyed confidence in the correct answer.

I also stood up and looked at the queen’s right hand.

Ah, I see. So, that’s what it was.

I understood that ‘up to this moment’ was part of her plan.

I extended my right hand, initiating a ‘handshake with a meaning of cooperation.’ It was a gesture made of my own will.

Considering everything that had transpired, I couldn’t say anything, and rather, it was commendable.

The queen smiled satisfactorily.

As my right hand was gently shaken up and down, the mantle on one side continued to drape down.

Chapter 94   What was lost and what was gained

The only sound echoing in the room is a clattering noise.

A long table, seemingly able to accommodate twenty people, stretches straight ahead.

On the table, there is only one person’s worth of meal.

Unlike when I lived in the village, it’s a luxurious dish.

Soft meat and tender bread, just having these makes one feel quite prosperous.

In addition, there are fresh vegetables and fruits, along with warm soup.

The soup is not lightly seasoned but has a rich and fragrant aroma.

It’s evident that various vegetables and meats have been simmered together.

Even in Japan, it seems like a dish with a considerable price tag.

I wonder what Dad would say if he saw this.

I feel like he would make a complicated expression.

Back home, considering the village and everything, he used to prefer simple dishes.

He never intended to indulge in luxury, nor did he find great joy in extravagance.

However, eating something delicious does provide energy for the day.

In my current position, a meal like this seems natural, and Winona has prepared everything.

By the way, I’ve entrusted her with some of my wages as living expenses.

Since she’s handling the management, I’m not quite sure of the details.

Winona, standing in the corner of the room, watches over my dining scene with bated breath.

“How… how is it?”

“Yeah, it’s delicious.”

Winona sighs with relief.

This is a routine occurrence.

Though, it’s only been a few days.

“Hey, hey, wouldn’t it be better if Winona eat with me too? It’s kind of dull eating alone.”

“N-no, that’s, that’s absolutely not possible! I, as a maid, cannot share a meal with Shion-sama. It’s, it’s just not done!”

And there it is.

Is it really that bad?

I was the son of a noble just a few weeks ago.

Now, I’m almost the same as a commoner.

She doesn’t need to show me that much respect.

Even after explaining that, Winona stubbornly insists it’s impossible.

It feels suffocatingly formal.

If only she could be a bit more casual with me.

But even if I tell her that, it won’t work.

She will never let me into her personal space.

Seemingly respectful, it’s the same as rejecting the other person.

I can’t help but feel a bit lonely.

It’s probably inevitable, though.

I absentmindedly survey my surroundings.

The dining hall is unnecessarily spacious.

The house assigned to me seems to have been inhabited by a reasonably wealthy noble in the past. I don’t know the details, but they were apparently a noble with business acumen who ascended to the position of a Marquis through that influence alone.

As the years went by, they retired and decided to live in seclusion in a naturally abundant rural area. Conveniently, I happened to visit the royal capital and become a Marquis, inheriting this house in the process.

As a result, the house has aged to a certain extent.

However, it has been well-maintained, and it seems livable for several more decades.

This house is vast.

Incredibly vast.

There are over a dozen rooms, unnecessarily spacious.

Only Winona and I live in this house.

Because of that, it feels quite empty.

To be honest, it’s unsettling.

It somehow makes me feel lonely.

I recall my childhood home.

It was a somewhat large house, but I think it was just right for a family of four.

Perhaps Dad built a moderately sized house for our family.

By the way, rent is automatically deducted from my wages.

Two more days until the training seminar.

It’s been three days since I talked with the queen.

After establishing a clear cooperative relationship with her, we chatted for a bit and then parted ways.

I was firmly instructed not to share this information with anyone.

Not only the world but also the country of Lystia itself is in crisis. To save it, I seem to have various things to do from now on.

I’ve heard some details, but not everything.

By the way, after the conversation with the queen, here are the three main points:

Firstly, regarding my wages.

Despite being an upper-class noble, I am not obligated to fulfill the duties of a landholding lord, and thus, I receive compensation. Nobles can either take on the responsibilities of managing their territory or engage in public service.

Well, there are also idling nobles, but each case has its reasons for being permitted.

That aside, managing the assigned territory as a lord is considered separate from public service.

The latter involves directly serving the country in roles like soldiers, knights, and civil servants.

Since I fall into the latter category, instead of receiving a portion of the taxes from my subjects, I get my income directly from the country.

In this way, I, a mere magic enthusiast, have been promoted to what is essentially a public servant.

Just like working for a demanding company, I am destined to face unreasonable requests.

Well, according to the queen, she seems to respect my opinions, so there should be improvements in the workplace.

At this stage, I believe that after completing the tasks assigned to me, I will be allowed to make those requests.

I’m contemplating various aspects of it, but for now, prioritizing the Laziness Syndrome Training Seminar would be wise.

Partly because it’s the queen’s command, but also because I have a desire to utilize this skill to help people suffering from illnesses.

The feeling that something I created can be useful to someone is indeed a source of joy.

As a side note, the salary seems to be quite substantial.

At least enough to live in a mansion, hire a maid, and have reasonably luxurious meals while only consuming about 20% of the income.

I don’t particularly value money, so the joy is not overwhelming, but having some savings could prove useful in the future.

Because of such considerations, I felt somewhat pleased. Just a bit, though.

Next, regarding Winona.

As a marquis, it’s customary to have one or two maids.

Typically, one would hire knights for personal guards or a private army, but that would make movements difficult.

Therefore, the queen chose the “most unproblematic maid” and assigned her to me as a servant.

I was instructed to inquire about her details directly from Winona.

Although I originally intended to do so, it’s still a bit awkward to pry into someone else’s personal matters.

Just one thing.

I heard that Winona seems to be of noble birth.

Well, that makes sense, given that she’s become a maid for a noble.

I assume it’s common for them to be either daughters of nobles or come from a lineage of butlers or maids.

While she is undoubtedly skilled, her personality doesn’t seem suited for a maid, and above all, she suggests being a nightly companion every day.

If this isn’t a problem, then what is?

She performs her duties well, so there’s no dissatisfaction, but there’s still a nagging feeling.

Is there some underlying reason?

Lastly, the reason for making me a marquis.

Honestly, when I heard the details, I was surprised, but strangely, I also found myself understanding.

In simple terms, there seem to be two reasons.

One is “to build a foundation by accumulating achievements and spreading my name domestically and internationally.”

As the son of an honorary noble, I’m essentially just an ordinary child without any titles. Even if I were to achieve success, the publicity effect would be weak, and it would be challenging for the world to accept me.

Being a child who rose to the rank of marquis through accomplishments is more acceptable to society than the title of a commoner’s child. Moreover, it enhances my value as a piece for dealing with other countries, especially the empire.

It’s like adding a gloss to my image.

Despite having a remarkable achievement worldwide, being the one who successfully treated Laziness Syndrome, there was significant resistance to conferring a title, especially the high-ranking title of marquis.

However, the queen seemingly decided on it somewhat forcefully.

She went to great lengths for it, but I won’t know the details of that story.

I don’t want to know about political affairs.

It’s nothing but trouble, after all.

And the second reason was that “if my status is low, the students at the Laziness Syndrome Treatment Training Seminar might not willingly seek my guidance.”

To explain this, it’s because the majority of the chosen individuals from each country are nobles.

When you think about it, rulers who consider commoners as candidates to represent their countries are quite rare, unless there’s a very special reason. Generally, they choose nobles.

There’s a significant gap between nobles and commoners, particularly in terms of education.

I’m a noble myself, and my parents were both educated. Hence, I could seek guidance from an early age. For commoners, this is challenging because there are no schools accessible to them.

One way to receive education in this world is by attending very small schools established for nobles. These are institutions that require specialized knowledge and are more like tutoring or specialized training schools.

Unlike places for mandatory education, these schools focus on gaining specialized knowledge in small groups.

The majority of nobles acquire education from private tutors or family.

Naturally, since most common families lack educated individuals, they seldom receive education. Hiring a private tutor requires a considerable amount of money, making it nearly impossible for commoners to afford.

Therefore, while it’s not absolute, it’s almost unheard of for a country to choose a commoner for representation.

All of this is hearsay from the queen.

Because of these reasons, I, as the one teaching the method of treating Laziness Syndrome, namely manipulating magic, am instructing the “chosen ones”—meaning the nobles.

Hence, I became a marquis for such reasons.

It’s absurd when you think about it conventionally.

Normally, I would start as the lowest rank, a baron.

It’s not hard to imagine the amount of resistance there was.

In any case, I was told that there are also upper-class nobles among the participants in the treatment seminar, and making me a marquis was the only option, or so they say.

There was apparently another reason, that before anything else, I had to treat the people of my own country, but it seemed like a secondary consideration.

Patients, their families, and medical professionals didn’t seem to care much whether I was a commoner or a noble.

By the way, while the conditions for the “chosen ones” were generally directed by the queen, there were some countries that ignored her instructions and made their own selections.

Age restriction is another factor.

Originally, magical abilities are present only in those below their twenties. This assumption is based on the condition of individuals found so far being below their twenties, so it’s not a definitive judgment, but the probability is high.

However, there are cases of people forcibly volunteering and entering the chosen ones, as was the case with that foolish noble, Adon.

As an aside, those obese nobles had no magical abilities whatsoever.

Lost in thought, I realized the meal had ended without my noticing.

“Thanks for the meal. It was delicious.”

I said, and silence filled the air.

Usually, there would be an immediate response here, but today there was none.

Winona seemed to be lost in thought or had her gaze fixed on the floor.

“Winona? Is something wrong?”

“Huh? Oh, um, I’m sorry. W-what is it?”

“Well, I finished eating. It was delicious.”

“Ah, th-thank you very much.”

Winona bowed energetically.

Perhaps she’s tired. Even when I’m asleep, she seems to take care of things around me. I tell her to rest, but she ends up working.

I wonder what to do about that.

“If you’re feeling unwell, feel free to take a break, okay?”

“N-no! I-I’m fine. I’m in great shape, really.”

Certainly, her complexion doesn’t look bad. Her movements are agile enough that she doesn’t seem like someone with poor health. It seems like she’s not lying.

“Okay, if you say so. Well then, I’ll go back to my room.”

“Y-yes! Understood!”

I wiped my mouth with a napkin, stood up, and left the dining room with a wry smile.

Hmm, Winona is the only maid, and she has a lot of work. It might be a good idea to hire a few more. At least one more person might be needed as her assistant.

Even though I’m the only one she takes care of, the mansion is spacious. Just cleaning alone could be quite challenging. Winona is, after all, a maid chosen by the queen. It might be a good idea to consult with the queen. It won’t be easygoing, considering it’s the queen, and while unnecessary hesitation isn’t required, the relationship is not casual enough to meet without reservations.

“Well then…”

I walked down the corridor and headed to my room.

There’s nothing specific to do from now on.

That’s because everything that should be done at this point has already been completed.

First, regarding the treatment of Laziness Syndrome applicants from other countries, as mentioned by the queen, it’s already resolved. It involved less than a hundred people, and it could be finished within a few hours. That happened the day before yesterday. Since then, there haven’t been any new applicants.

While there’s a possibility of more applicants in the future, it’s not expected to be a significant number.

They didn’t express much gratitude even after being treated. There were quite a few who seemed arrogant or condescending. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a child or because I’m from Lystia.

Their demeanor was not as appreciative as the commoners who repeatedly expressed their thanks.

Perhaps that’s just how nobles are.

“And then, what I had to do.”

That is—’Preparations for the Laziness Syndrome Treatment Workshop.’

I have knowledge about treating Laziness Syndrome, and I can perform the treatment myself. However, conveying those methods verbally doesn’t mean others will be able to do it immediately. It starts with introducing the concept of magical energy, let alone releasing magical energy. Moreover, since it’s a new attempt, it’s uncertain whether it will work at all. It’s not something that can be done on the fly, and there are many necessary preparations.

In fact, when I heard about the queen’s order from Duke Balkh, he, acting as the queen’s proxy, had already conveyed to her what was needed for treating Laziness Syndrome, and the preparations were almost complete.

The queen, who had already received various reports from Duke Balkh, was well-informed about the situation. Naturally, she was knowledgeable about Laziness Syndrome, and my explanation was almost unnecessary.

Thanks to that, I expected that we both had a certain common understanding about what was needed for the Laziness Syndrome treatment workshop, and when we met, I confirmed that it wasn’t a mistake.

Due to the lack of time, the exchange was almost entirely one-sided, with me instructing Duke Balkh to compile the necessary preparations in writing. With a three-month timeframe to finalize the Laziness Syndrome treatment, I am developing various strategies. It’s honestly a gamble whether everything will go as planned…

Anyway, the preparations are almost complete. Now, all that’s left is to wait for the chosen ones from each country to gather. However, there is a concern, or rather, a worrisome aspect: the selection method. How they chose these individuals and what criteria were used.

One method to know whether they possess magical energy without my direct observation is using the Trout. By observing the Trout, if a faint light is visible, it means they have magical energy. However, that was impossible at the moment because the Trout is not in its spawning season.

The reason a Trout emits magical light is part of its mating behavior, and it only happens during the approaching spawning period. Currently, it’s not that time. Of course, if you focus your eyes, you can see the inherent magical energy in the Trout’s body. However, this is only possible for those skilled in handling magical energy or individuals with exceptional magical aptitude. In reality, besides me, no one else could see the light emanating from the Trout.

It’s a bit unsettling to claim that I have a unique aptitude, but there’s no other way to put it, and it can’t be helped. Anyway, even if there were individuals who claimed to have seen the Trout shining in the past, determining whether it’s a falsehood or the truth can only be done by someone with magical energy. In other words, if someone talks about shining even when it’s not visible, it might be judged as having magical energy.

One could conduct a test by showing Trout from different locations simultaneously and asking which one emits light. However, even that is not foolproof, and in any case, it’s impossible at this time. Judging by the Trout as a criterion introduces uncertainties.

I can’t personally observe them, so I can’t accurately determine whether they have magical energy or not. However, I don’t have the time to travel to each country for inspection, and doing something like that is unnecessary compared to inviting them to Lystia for simultaneous training.

So, how were the chosen ones selected?

On this point alone, I was at a loss. In the end, no solution came to mind. But it seemed the queen had some insights into the selection method.

Internally, I was somewhat skeptical. I thought she might have found some method since she had magical energy, but it seemed that wasn’t the case. In the end, I couldn’t get any information about the selection criteria or methods.

On the day of the magical energy identification, she simply said to look forward to that time when the magical energy would be revealed. I wasn’t looking forward to it; in fact, it made my stomach ache. If there were no individuals with magical energy, there would be nothing I could do. In such a case, there would likely be condemnation from both the various countries and internally. It wouldn’t just affect the queen but might also backlash on me.

Well, that’s fine, I guess. Feeling an odd pressure, I returned to my room and lay down on the bed.

“…I wish I could use magic…”

Even if no one was watching, using magic might be dangerous.

“J-Just a little, would, would be okay?”

While gasping for breath, I looked down at my right hand. There were still several experiments I wanted to conduct. Even during the period when I refrained from using magic, new ideas would occasionally flash through my mind. Maybe this approach could lead to the creation of a new spell, or perhaps it could evolve my existing magic. Continually experimenting and trying different things had become a part of my daily routine.

Shaking my hand as if plagued by withdrawal symptoms, I resisted the urge with a firm gritting of my teeth.

“Kuh! N-No, I must endure, endure. Just for now, just for now…”

Is it really necessary to endure? It wouldn’t matter if no one saw. That’s what I think, but I can’t break the promise with the queen. Even if no one else is watching, I am watching myself. It may be a one-sided order, and without knowing the reason, I can’t act lightly, because the queen and I have made a secret agreement.

It’s just a verbal agreement. However, it was also a pledge. Considering the reason she shared such confidential information, I can’t take it lightly. At least, not now.

The information she conveyed to me, most of it could potentially overthrow countries and shake the world. At the center of it all is me. And the queen has willingly plunged herself into this whirlpool.

I wasn’t dragged into it; I chose to be a part of it. While it might have seemed like a beacon of hope for her, it was also a path filled with hardships. My existence, the existence of Rugure, is casting a significant influence not only on the queen but also on this world.

It feels like we are already drowning in the surging tide of fate. There’s no turning back. I’m no longer the me who knew nothing and innocently studied magic. I closed my eyes. My body felt a bit heavier, but in return, I felt a surge of something from within my chest. Things lost. Things gained. Savoring those sensations, I closed off my consciousness.

Chapter 95   Winona’s circumstances

The day before the training session.

The sun had already set, dinner was over, and all preparations for sleep were in place. After washing away the dirt and fatigue from my body, I returned to my room and looked out the window.

The moon was yellow, not red. There are times when I wonder when the days dyed in red will come. It’s said that it won’t be a problem for several years, but whether it’s two years, three years, or more is uncertain. It’s a period of anxious days, but I usually try to keep those thoughts out of my mind. After all, when the time comes, I will be the first to know.

I collapsed onto the bed and gazed up at the ceiling.

“So, it begins tomorrow.”

The training session starting tomorrow seemed more challenging than treating lazy syndrome in a different sense. To be honest, the training session felt heavier than the treatment itself.

Treatment could be managed with time, physical strength, magical power, and determination. While there might be friction and complicated relationships, interacting with people inevitably led to such situations, but the treatment itself wasn’t that troublesome. So, the rest was a battle against myself. It had its tough aspects, but for me, it was relatively stress-free. Quietly working on something suited my nature, which is why I delved into researching magic, something I didn’t fully understand.

However, I’m not good at leading people or teaching them. It’s not a matter of being incompetent, but rather, it causes me a lot of mental stress.

Originally, I was shy, and while I had forgotten about it since there were things I needed to do, I didn’t have the ability to smoothly communicate with others in normal situations.

In my childhood, I managed to overcome it to some extent thanks to my sister.

Of course, even when I was in Japan, it’s not like I didn’t interact with people. However, as a working adult, being shy usually doesn’t bode well in most situations. Therefore, many working adults, despite being shy or not good at socializing, manage to get by, forcing themselves and enduring.

I was one of those people, masking my discomfort and doing things I wasn’t good at. This only added to the stress. In other words, I’m not good at dealing with people. It’s not an inherent trait that can be overcome; it’s something to endure somehow.

Placing my hand on my chest, I felt my heart beating faster than usual. The day before the event, or rather, the day before an important task, it felt like nervousness. It was an obsessive thought that failure was not an option.

Indeed, if the training session ended in failure, there would be consequences. Both I and Queen Milhya would likely be held accountable.

“…I’ve done it so many times before, haven’t I? Overcome it many times…”

I unconsciously spoke to myself as if reminding myself. There were two opinions within me—one that believed I could do it and one that doubted. Both opinions were not entirely wrong. The fact was that I had overcome difficulties in the past. However, the nature of the challenges faced before and this time was different. Trying various opinions, denying them, and ultimately failing to convince myself, I approached tomorrow in an unstable mental state.

Let’s be honest. I’m extremely anxious. Filled with the fear of failure, I got up from the bed and headed towards the desk. On top of it lay the magic book I intended to use for the training session. I had created it myself. I handed one of the two books to my sister. This one was the other one I had created. The contents were the same. I wanted to make enough copies to distribute to all the trainees, but due to the scarcity of clean paper, it was impossible. While substitutes such as parchment or wooden boards were plentiful, using them for the nobles’ classes would be problematic. In the end, I settled for verbal explanations. Having paper was a luxury, I realized.

I flipped through the magic book, simulating in my head what kind of lecture I would give repeatedly. Adapting on the fly might work, but it’s not efficient, and teaching someone something is not a lax endeavor. A single mistake could implant incorrect knowledge in the other person’s mind, leading to different, incorrect conclusions. That’s why educators must take responsibility for each word they say. If you don’t know, admit it. Never claim to understand something you don’t. After running through dozens, maybe hundreds of simulations a few times, I returned to bed. There’s no point in thinking any further. I should have done what I could. Even if there are deficiencies now, I won’t be able to address them. So, it’s more constructive to rest as much as possible to prepare for tomorrow.

“All right, let’s sleep.”

Once a decision is made, the next step is execution. In other words, it’s time to go to bed. I extinguished the candle flames. Even in my room, I never used a flare during ignition. It might sound a bit self-righteous or awkward to say, but I’m just diligent, or perhaps clumsy. That’s just the way I am, so there’s no helping it. Well then, time to sleep. I closed my eyelids in the room painted in darkness. Right as I was about to do so, there was a knock on the door.

“Winona? Please come in.”

I said, and a few seconds later, the door opened, allowing the candlelight to spill into the room. As expected, it was Winona. I sighed internally. Ah, the usual.

When Winona entered the room, her face turned red. Well, she might have been blushing even before entering the room. Even in the candlelight, her face was visibly red. It was the usual scenario. I could predict the unfolding events.

She looked embarrassed, avoiding eye contact, and said, “Um, were you going to bed?”

“Were you going to bed?” Her words were identical. I wasn’t sure if she was aware of it, but the consistency suggested… she was probably practicing. When preparing in advance, I often rehearse such conversations in my head. Consequently, similar words tend to come out in the actual situation. I believe Winona is doing something similar—practicing her lines in advance.

I slightly altered my response. However, the gist remained the same: either I was about to sleep or hadn’t gone to bed yet. She usually arrives somewhat early for bedtime, prompting her to respond, “Is that so?”

“I-Is that so?”

Bingo.

Winona’s line hit the mark, not that it brought any joy. I observed Winona. Despite the familiar situation and identical dialogue, today seemed a bit different. She appeared slightly more scantily clad than usual.

Sleepwear for women in this world tends to be quite thin. It typically involves a camisole or babydoll-like undergarment with just a cardigan thrown on top. Although there are variations between individuals, the general theme remains consistent. However, this applies mainly to nobility. I don’t know much about commoners and their sleeping attire because I’ve never seen a woman’s sleepwear outside my family.

Even considering that, Winona’s attire today is thin. No, the style is similar, but the fabric is, how should I put it, quite transparent. Too thin. You can see the skin—enough to notice the distinct curves of a woman. Despite wearing a thin cardigan over it, very little is left concealed.

Today, there’s an even stronger allure, or something of that sort. Winona is still young, around the late teens, I suppose. Therefore, there’s a sense of youthfulness and innocence, yet her breasts and hips appear mature. It wasn’t something I paid much attention to before, or rather, I couldn’t see it, so I didn’t notice.

An unspoken atmosphere. In the midst of it, each slight movement from Winona sends the sound of fabric rustling through the silent air. It’s seductive. However, I am composed. I should be calm. I am calm, right? Yes, I am!

“A-um…”

“Y-yes!?”

For some reason, my heart is pounding. I’ve never experienced this before. Not understanding the reason, I feel embarrassingly flustered.

“Um… W-Would you… um, spend the night with me?”

Until now, I would have immediately refused. However, on this particular day, I couldn’t give an instant answer. Faced with Winona’s beseeching gaze, my body stiffened. Suddenly coming back to my senses, I hastily shook my head.

“S-Sorry, but, you know, that’s not necessary.”

Although my voice sounded firm, the embarrassment overshadowed any composure, preventing me from reflecting on myself. Upon receiving my response, Winona looked disappointed and was about to leave the room – that’s what she would normally do. However, today’s Winona remained motionless in the same spot, tightly pursing her lips.

What’s going on?

I think this, but I can’t say anything. Despite refusing once, I couldn’t bring myself to tell her to leave. Another bout of silence. Within it, Winona finally spoke.

“I-I mean… Do I not have any appeal…?”

“Huh? N-No, I think you do. Yeah.”

“B-But, Shion-sama, you seem uninterested in me, um, in that way…”

“I-It’s not that I don’t want to… It’s more like, I can’t, or rather…”

Winona widened her eyes and approached my face.

She’s close, too close, this girl!

“S-So, in a physical sense?”

“Wha- No, not like that.”

“T-Then, what do you mean!?”

“It’s not that, okay?”

“Then! I-Is it because I’m not attractive to you…?”

Her face looks like she might burst into tears. Usually, if someone gets this close, Winona would panic and retreat, but she’s the one who came this close, seemingly unaware. What’s visible on her face? Frustration? What could she be anxious about? I sighed and responded to Winona’s question.

“No, it’s not like that. It’s not because of Winona or any issue with my body.”

“T-Then, why?”

“It’s because of a promise.”

“A promise…?”

“Yeah, a promise. It’s not something someone else imposed on me. I decided it myself. I made a choice not to engage in that kind of relationship with anyone.”

More precisely, I won’t get married. I believe that includes romantic relationships with the opposite sex according to the promise I made with my sister. So, I won’t get involved romantically, won’t have physical relationships, won’t date, and won’t marry. It’s a promise from my childhood. But I intend to keep that promise. Even if there’s a risk that not losing my virginity might affect my ability to use magic. I won’t break the promise unless someone appears whom I want to embrace enough to risk breaking it. I doubt someone like that will ever appear, though.

“W-Why did you make such a promise!?”

Winona pressed me with a questioning tone. Her distance is closer than usual. But I, who has somewhat gotten used to the situation, could think about it relatively calmly. Why, indeed. I wonder why. I can’t come up with a fitting answer.

“Hmm, maybe it’s because I don’t want to cause sadness.”

“S-So, for that reason, you gave up on major life choices!?”

“Nah, not just marriage but also romantic relationships and physical relationships. Well, it turned out that way.”

“That’s absurd!”

Emotionally shouted at, I felt overwhelmed. Why is Winona acting like this? She’s not her usual self. Some kind of impatience and a peculiar emotion are distorting her expression.

“It might be strange, yeah. But I’m the one who made that decision. So, I’ll keep my promise. No matter how absurd it may sound, I decided it, you know.”

“F-For someone else’s sake…?”

“For someone else’s sake and for my sake, maybe.”

No regrets, no hesitation. That’s how I feel. So, I faced Winona’s gaze directly. Her eyes are wavering. I don’t understand why she’s doing this. What’s clear is that she isn’t satisfied with this action. It’s not what she truly wants.

“Even if there’s no promise, I would have declined.”

“W-Why?”

“Well, Winona, you don’t have any special feelings for me, right?”

“T-That’s, well, I, I-I-I…”

Winona was visibly shaken. It’s evident to anyone that she doesn’t harbor romantic or admiring feelings for me. Maybe she didn’t realize it herself.

I wonder if she thought that if she kept asking me to sleep with her every day, it would be interpreted as having affection for me. Normally, one might think there’s an ulterior motive behind it. However, being the king of virgins, I remain unfazed. A resigned virgin possesses infinitely clear eyes, remaining unperturbed by various matters.

In other words, it’s acceptance.

Acceptance leads to resignation, and resignation leads to optimism. Ultimately, you start thinking that it doesn’t really matter and may even take pride in it. That’s the essence of being a human… no, a virgin.

If I were to accept Winona’s proposal and engage in a physical relationship, I believe we would only gain temporary pleasure and mutually cause more harm.

There is no bond between us.

No friendship, trust, or love.

Therefore, this act should not be condoned.

As I stare at her, Winona avoids eye contact.

She’s easy to read.

It’s clear she can’t tell lies, and I’ve come to understand this over the past two weeks.

She’s not a bad person.

Just not someone who appears to be strong.

“Hey, Winona. Why are you doing something like this? Is there a reason behind it?”

I spoke to her as calmly as possible.

“W-Why would you ask such a thing?”

“I can’t imagine Winona doing something like this lightly. Even though we’ve only known each other for about three weeks, I feel like I understand you to that extent. If it’s okay with you, could you tell me?”

Winona had been looking down, hugging her body, but she eventually nodded slightly.

Sitting on the bed, I gestured for her to join me.

“Sit.”

Normally, she might have hesitated.

But today, the current Winona was straightforward.