CH 19

“This is the last patient.”

Says a tired Roa.

After Ahri brought the first patient, it looks like we’ll manage to treat all of them on the same day.

Having a workbench and utensils I’m used to really does improve efficiency dramatically, I think as I prepare a semi-custom made potion for the last patient. I’ve been reading the condition of every patient individually and preparing a potion that will get them feeling as good as possible. This means I’m basically just treating the symptoms.

I’m going to need to determine exactly what’s causing this, but treatment comes first, otherwise some people might be left with after-effects.

I have a freshly made shining golden potion, and watch closely as the patient drinks it. This patient’s symptoms are numbness in his limbs and a strong sense of fatigue, which are the standard symptoms of this disease.

The potion’s light runs through the patient’s entire body.

“My hands! I can move my hands… Thank you doctor!”

The patient thanks me profusely while moving both hands.

I’m not a doctor, but it’s fine. I smile and send the last patient home.

Roa looks relieved. Ahri and Roa have been bringing patients from all around the camp, and are probably tired by now.

“Thank you for today Roa.”

I say out of consideration.

“It’s my job.”

She answers with few words, as always.

“Here, you and Ahri can have this. It’s a potion to relieve fatigue.”

I hold it out for her with a strained smile.

I made enough for two people in between patients.

Roa hesitates at first, but ends up taking it.

“…Thank you.”

She whispers before leaving the tent.

“Hmm, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be easy to break the ice. Oh well, I guess I just need to be patient. Let’s finish up here.”

I mumble while stretching, before facing the desk again.

I’m writing an interim report for Kalin.

I skim through the notes I took while treating people, and a scroll where I transcribed the patient’s histories. The scroll is hovering next to the desk while literally scrolling.

I only write the results when it comes to the treatment, and roughly summarize what I currently know about the origin of the disease.

I leave the tent with this simple report in hand. I should also report orally, and take the opportunity to talk about the magic crystals.

It’s completely dark by now, but I still see some lights with people working underneath them. Among them are people I just treated.

These people greet me as I pass, and thank me.

Other people’s eyes also feel warm. Earlier today it felt like they were sizing me up, but that’s completely gone.

I reach Kalin’s tent, and see there is still light inside. There is someone stationed in the entrance, no doubt a guard, who I ask to tell Kalin I’m here.

“Come in Rust.”

I guess she heard me from the inside. The guard and I exchange awkward smiles, and I go inside.

“What do you want so late?”

“I finished treating the patients, Lady Kalin. This is a simple report.”

I hand her the paper.

“…! In half a day!? You’re still too much, Rust. I mean, it’s wonderful but…”

“So it’s possible there will be after-effects… I see.”

Kalin says as she looks through the report. She straightens her posture and smiles.

“Thank you so much Master Rust. You’re saving my people.”

I bow while putting on airs of polite elegance and respond.

“I am glad to be able to fulfill my duties. Also, everyone here is my colleague.”

I say right before my stomach growls.

“Hahaha, I see. Let’s get something to eat. I’m sure you didn’t even eat anything. Two light meals please!”

The last part was yelled to the person outside.

“You’re right, I only ate portable rations.”

I say as I remember eating between patients.

“Portable… Those grass bricks!? You’re still eating those? You’re a master alchemist now, you know? You’re beyond help…”

Says Kalin while laughing loudly.

“Ahh, I haven’t laughed like that in a while. Now tell me more about this while we wait for our food.”

Says Kalin while pointing to the last part of the report.

I explain to her my opinions on the origin of this disease, and my plans starting tomorrow.