Suteko Ni Narimashita 21

I trailed slowly behind the man. 

To an onlooker, it might appear that a parent was reluctantly dragging their child to a cram school or some other place the child disliked. 

Frankly, the comparison wasn’t far off. 

I was being led to a clinic, an idea I wasn’t particularly fond of. 

Is this what children feel like when they’re taken to the dentist?

It was hard to think of this man as a parental figure, however. He didn’t even try to match my pace. 

He walked steadily, occasionally turning around to ensure I was still following before continuing. 

It’s tough keeping up… Couldn’t we at least talk?

But how should I initiate the conversation?

“Uh…”

Hearing my voice, the man paused and turned around. I seized the opportunity to catch up. 

“What?”

“Why am I being taken to a clinic?”

The man resumed walking, but his steps were more measured this time. 

I can finally keep up!

“Isn’t it to treat your Three-Days Fever?”

“Well, yes, but…” 

That’s not what I’m asking. Why a clinic when medication should suffice?

“Why do I have to go to a clinic? Shouldn’t the medicine be enough?”

“No clue,” he answered promptly. “I can’t read Mr. Gustav’s mind, nor am I privy to the specifics. I’m following orders to take you to the clinic and get you some treatment.”

“I…I see,” I responded, somewhat sad. 

So, he doesn’t know the reason either.

By the way, I learned the shopkeeper’s name is Gustav.

Who knew…

As we conversed, I found myself running out of breath. 

Finally noticing my panting, the man shifted to walk beside me instead of leading the way. 

There are still so many things I want to know. Might as well ask him everything.

“What’s your name?”

“Nyxie.”

“Nyxie… Why do you take orders from Mr. Gustav?”

“Because I’m an adventurer.”

So, Nyxie, the adventurer, is contracted by Mr. Gustav, the shopkeeper, to escort me? It’s hard to wrap my head around this, especially since Nyxie is so tight-lipped. But I guess that must be the case.

“Where is this clinic located?”

“At the end of the Fifth District. We’ll be there soon.”

He answered calmly, maintaining his pace. 

“What did he mean by ‘donating silver coins’?”

“It’s a payment method. If you don’t donate, you won’t be treated.”

“Why not just outright ask for payment?”

“Because the clinic doesn’t take payments.”

This is so complicated. The underlying idea is essentially the same. I wonder if the clinic aims to project an image of ‘free treatment.’

Uh-oh, the conversation has died down.

I quickened my pace again. 

“What kind of treatment will I receive?”

“A healer from the Healer Guild will cast a spell—or rather, perform legal art—to cure people.”

Wow, is that a thing?

“Is there a difference between ‘legal art’ and a spell?”

“It’s not a spell because it’s an art.”

“Uh, but an art is essentially a form of magic—”

“—Yet they’re different.”

Many times, his responses were abrupt. I thought he might be annoyed, but looking at his expression, he didn’t seem offended. Maybe he was just that kind of person. 

Nonetheless, I’m intrigued. The way he differentiated between ‘spell’ and ‘art’ made them sound like distinct concepts. 

Despite having practiced magic for a while now, it appears I still have much to learn.

“!”

I was so engrossed in the conversation that I failed to watch where I was stepping.

I tripped over an uneven patch on the road and tumbled forward. 

“Ouch…” 

I grazed my hand on the rough surface. Though it was a minor scrape, it stung quite a bit. 

“Are you okay?” 

Nyxie stood there, offering no assistance, his expression unreadable. 

“Yeah, I’m okay…” 

I said, gesturing with my hand. 

As I stood up, my vision wavered, possibly due to low blood sugar or anemia. 

After confirming that I could walk, Nyxie resumed his pace, seemingly unbothered by my stumble. 

And he’s sped up again—Hey, remember, I’m the one who’s not well here.

***

Shortly afterwards, we reached the clinic without much further conversation. 

The structure was entirely constructed from stone. 

The walls were smooth and appeared to be made of a single slab. 

At first glance, they seemed like concrete, but they had a blue, shiny texture. 

What an interesting material.

Architecturally, the building resembled a church, with multiple windows adorning its exterior. 

The window panes were incredibly elaborate. 

Until then, I’d only seen frosted glass and had no idea this kind of craftsmanship was possible.

Upon opening the wooden door, I noticed the walls inside were also constructed of the same blue stone. 

Chairs were securely fastened to the nearby wall and floor. 

Looks like I can finally take a break.

“Seems there’s no one here. Let’s proceed,” Nyxie commented, scanning the waiting room before moving further. 

I followed him.

The examination room was towards the back. 

Instead of individual private spaces, it was an open area with several indentations on the floor where cushions were arranged. 

A woman in a green uniform and cloak sat alone. 

Nyxie offered her a courteous bow, to which she responded with a warm smile. 

“I would like to request treatment,” he said, then shifted his gaze toward me.

“Donation.”

Hearing the word again, I finally grasped its significance and took a silver coin. 

“P-please accept this.”

“Thank you. May God watch over you and bestow His kindness upon you,” she replied, accompanying her words with a brief prayer. 

She held the coin aloft before placing it in a pouch hanging from her neck. 

Her movements were smooth, revealing her familiarity with the procedure.

“So, what seems to be the problem?” Nyxie motioned to me with a tilt of his chin.

“I have [Three-Days Fever].”

“My, my…” The healer’s hand flew to her mouth in a theatrical gesture of surprise, followed by a smile. 

“Please, have a seat over there.”

I was directed to a cushion on the floor. 

“Relax,” she instructed. 

Extending her hand toward me, she began to chant a spell.

“—I, Telet, implore God to help purify you. [Healing]!”

A warmth enveloped my entire body, driving the coldness to the periphery. 

“—Once more, I want this person’s health restored. [Revitalize]!”

I felt a surge of strength return to me. 

I recognize this sensation.

My [Fighting Spirit] seemed to activate, even just a little.

“Thank you for your assistance,” said Telet, stepping back and gesturing for me to rise.

Clenching and unclenching my fists, I confirmed the returned strength coursing through my limbs.

I feel incredible.

My body felt as light as a feather, devoid of joint pain.

“Ah, thank you so much!” 

Unable to contain my gratitude, I thanked her profusely. I hadn’t expected to feel this revived so quickly.

“I’m merely doing my job,” Telet responded, her laughter as soft as her visage was gentle at that moment.

“Now, young man, please don’t linger. Head home and make the most of your renewed health,” she advised, then turned to Nyxie as though scolding a parent. 

“Along with the treatment, I’ve included a vitality-boosting procedure as a precaution. He should be stable for a while but do consider preventive measures. The healing fish are rather affordable this time of year.”

“Unfortunately, I am merely his escort, not his guardian,” Nyxie clarified.

“Oh, I see…” 

Telet’s eyes met mine, and in them, I saw a touch of pity.

“Then, this young man…?” 

Telet seemed poised to inquire further about the nature of our relationship when Nyxie interjected.

“He’s from the slums.”

“Oh, my, that’s quite challenging,” Telet remarked, her hand gravitating toward the pouch on her chest. 

She was concerned about my financial situation.

“Don’t worry, money can be regained,” Nyxie reassured her.

Upon hearing this, Telet’s expression turned somber for a moment before she looked at me once more.

“Fortunately, you don’t seem to be walking a dark path. I genuinely hope you continue to tread where the sun shines, for then, God will be merciful to you.”

Her eyes met mine, and I sensed her genuine concern for my well-being.

Just then, a loud thud resonated from the entrance, announcing a new arrival.

“Ms. Telet! I’m hurt again! The usual, please!”

The noise gave the impression of numerous people, but it was just one man. 

A robust individual who appeared to be a craftsman approached Telet, an apologetic smile on his face as he held a cloth over his injured hand.

“Mr. Haman, again? You really should be more cautious in your work,” Telet advised.

“It’s just a scratch, but I’d like to be treated just to be safe.”

Haman’s eyes shifted to me and Nyxie. His face briefly twisted into a frown before returning to its initial cheerful demeanor as he spoke to Telet.

“Can you treat me as a precaution? You can do that, right? Please.”

“Of course, but you’ll have to excuse me; I need to finish up with my current patient first,” Telet replied.

Haman glanced at me again, his gaze lingering as he sized me up from head to toe.

Ah, that look again. This is why I didn’t want to come to the city.

“I’m sure he’s fine. Just treat me,” the man insisted, pushing me aside to approach Telet.

“Um—”

I was getting annoyed. Even if I was just a child, that behavior was unacceptable.

“What do you want?” 

The man scowled at me, not even attempting to mask his irritation.

“Listen, being injured doesn’t give you the right to shove someone aside and jump the queue. Especially when it’s not a life-threatening emergency.”

“Huh?” 

The man seemed shocked and turned to Nyxie for validation. 

“What a rascal! Is this kid your son? You should teach him some manners!”

Nyxie, unfazed, closed his eyes and looked back at the man. 

“I’m not his guardian.”

He just denied it, huh?

The man sighed in exasperation. “Who cares! You’re fine, aren’t you? Move it!”

Once more, he pushed me aside, and I barely kept my balance.

What a malicious person.

I couldn’t help but shoot him a glaring look.

What should I do now? I can’t just let this go. I’m annoyed, and it’s escalating.

I couldn’t attack him, though. 

That would add to Telet’s workload—although it might also mean more money for her. 

Seeing that I remained silent, the man must have thought I’d stopped resisting. 

He lost interest and turned back to Telet.

He’s grinning. I would love to wipe that smile off his face.

My rationality held me back from causing him physical harm.

Alright, if I can’t hurt him…

A sly idea for some petty revenge began to form.

I smirked. “Hey, Mister.”

I know it’s probably too late to apologize, but I’ll leave that unsaid for now.

“Huh? Do you still need something?”  

He scowled at me, but I returned his scowl with a smile.  

I gently channeled my magic, focusing it on the man’s arm.  

His arm bore a minor cut as if nicked by the blade of a thin knife.  

If that’s the case, my magic should suffice to heal it.

“…Your hand doesn’t seem injured. So, what are you talking about?”  

As I spoke, I discreetly healed his wound. He remained oblivious.  

Easy-peasy. A quick fix.

The man stared at his hand, visibly stunned.  

His skin was flawless; not a scratch could be seen. 

“It seems that there’s nothing after all.”  

Upon seeing this, Telet grinned.  

The wound had disappeared.

The man had been sure it was there, but a second glance at his hand proved otherwise.  

That must have unnerved him.

His confidence began to wane.  

His cheeks flushed in embarrassment, and he went momentarily silent before erupting in anger.

“Hey! What did you do!?”  

He vented his frustration on me, perhaps to salvage his pride. 

He yelled, grabbed my shoulders, and tried to shake me.  

I won’t retaliate, but I won’t be moved either.

I stabilized myself with telekinesis. Despite his force, my body remained immovable.  

I met his gaze unflinchingly.  

His face began to betray signs of confusion.  

“Isn’t it good that you’re fine?”  

I offered him a smile.  

The man froze.

“Why did you accuse me? Or rather, do you think I’ve done something?”  

I was just a young boy, and from an outsider’s perspective, the image of this man accusing me must have looked absurd.  

I glanced upward to meet his gaze as I spoke again.  

“I’m glad you didn’t get hurt.”  

“Tsk…”  

He clicked his tongue, released his grip on my shoulders, and turned away with a mix of annoyance and defeat.  

“I’ll be back.”  

After addressing Telet, he exited the clinic. 

The sound of his footsteps grew fainter—He’s such a noisy man, whether coming or going.

“‘I’ll be back,’ he says… Advance notice is hardly necessary for a clinic.”  

“Hehehe, I know, right?”  

I was unsure if Telet fully grasped the situation, but she chuckled softly.  

All right, it’s time to head home. 

“Please take care of yourself.” 

As I left the examination room, Telet offered a subdued wave to see me off.  

***

“Wow, but legal art sure is amazing.”  

Excited, I addressed Nyxie, who listened with a blank expression.  

“So, it can not only remove the cause of a fever but also strengthen the body externally! I want to study legal art as well!”  

“You just need to learn it.”  

“I have no idea where to start.”  

Crossing my arms, I let out a whine. Nyxie responded with a frown of annoyance.  

“If you possess magical power, consider joining the Healer Guild.”  

“I’ll think about it.”  

“Is that so? Life’s tough if you’re from the slums, so be prepared.”  

“Will I face discrimination there too?”  

I had vaguely anticipated this.  

“Absolutely. There are hardly any healers or mages who won’t discriminate against you. That woman is the sole exception.”  

“By ‘that woman,’ do you mean Ms. Telet?” 

She seems kind, but is she genuinely different from the rest? 

“People with magic are highly valued. Therefore, discrimination is normal. Typically, residents of the slums are refused treatment, even if they offer payment.”  

“Did I just get lucky, then?”  

“No, it’s more than that—”  

Nyxie abruptly closed his mouth.  

“I’ve said too much. Let’s go.”  

He seems to have a lot on his plate. 

Exiting the clinic, I felt a newfound lightness in my rejuvenated body.  

How refreshing…