Chapter 100

The request from the temple master was a simple one.

It was merely to carry the ailing child, Ruder, to the apothecary.

Tol and the others, with the child in tow, visited the apothecary, where the Ash-Ear women were elegantly enjoying tea. Upon noticing the visitors, Oudel raised an eyebrow in welcome. Then, noticing the child Tol was carrying, she immediately stood up.

"Oh, it seems Ruder isn't feeling well again. Could you bring him over here?"

As she spoke, the apothecary opened a low door at the back of the room. The interior was quite spacious, with bookshelves and beds, suggesting it was Oudel's private quarters. After removing the child's shoes and laying him down on the bed as instructed, Mue poked and prodded the child's body.

"Rue, does your tummy hurt? Cheer up!"

"You're so kind. Don't worry, he'll be fine soon. Maybe he's just having a bit of trouble breathing."

Oudel loosened the child's collar, revealing blue scales spreading across his throat and chest. Upon closer inspection, a small protrusion was also visible on the child's forehead. Noticing Tol's gaze, Oudel explained matter-of-factly.

"This child is the offspring of a Tea-Horn and a Blue-Scale. That's why this happens from time to time."

Tol, who had an idea, nodded silently. The six races blessed by the six great gods are said to have their blood imbued with great protection. The prominent physical characteristics that appear in each race are considered proof of this.

While the protection has a profound effect on the body, an overly strong protection can sometimes turn toxic. When the blood of two races mixes, it can occasionally lead to a rejection reaction. This condition is known as hybrid disease.

The symptoms vary depending on the mixed blood, but it is difficult to cure, causing prolonged suffering. In some cases, it is even difficult for the individual to survive to adulthood.

Oudel spoke reassuringly to the young child, who was sweating slightly on his forehead.

"I'm going to give you some medicine now. Just a little more patience, okay?"

Oudel opened the curtains to let in some air and picked up a small water jug from the desk by the window. The rare glass container was filled with a clear blue liquid.

Supporting the child's head with a large pillow and raising his upper body, Oudel brought the water jug to his lips. After confirming that his throat moved twice, Oudel laid the child back down. The child's complexion was already improving, and his breathing was becoming more steady.

"Alright, that's one worry off our minds. Thanks for the help."

"Rue, are you feeling better? Thank you, Grandma Oudel."

"It's no big deal, really."

"No, no, look at this medicine. It's thanks to you guys."

Oudel gently shook the water jug, which still contained some of the blue medicine, and her gray eyes sparkled slightly. She then explained the meaning of her words to the puzzled Tol.

"This medicine is made from the blue crown grass you collected the other day, along with the droplets of the thousand-thorn flower."

"Is that so? It can be used for more than just stopping bleeding, then."

"Yes, blue crown grass is effective for all blood-related diseases. The droplets of the thousand-thorn flower help restore strength, so you can see the results here."

"Those plants are more impressive than I thought."

"Things that grow in the miasma are special. They're different from ordinary herbs."

After saying this, Oudel's face darkened.

"However, this medicine only alleviates the symptoms; it doesn't cure them. A stronger remedy is needed for a complete cure—"

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted the Ash-Ear woman's conversation. The face that appeared from the other side of the door was Sora, who had been waiting in the other room.

"Oudel, how is Ruder feeling?"

"Yeah, he's fine now."

"Phew, that's a relief, Salissa."

"Yes..."

The one who answered the girl's call was an unexpected person. The woman, who had been with them in the wilderness just the other day, entered the room with Sora, her face clouded with worry. The Blue-Scale woman, Salissa, bowed her head slightly to Tol and the others and sighed deeply at the sight of the child lying on the bed.

"I'm sorry for the trouble..."

"Not at all, it's no trouble at all."

"Is this child...?"

"Yes, my brother-in-law and sister's child."

Salissa had come to pick up her niece but had rushed over when she heard the child had been brought to the apothecary due to illness. She had run into Tol and the others by chance.

"Well, we have some business to attend to, so we'll be on our way."

"See you again, Salissa."

"Thank you very much..."

"We'll come back to see the butterflies, Grandma Oudel! Take care, Rue!"

"Sure, come back anytime. Yuril, you need to build up more strength."

"Right. We'll bring the medicine you requested when we visit next time."

After leaving the apothecary, Tol and the others headed toward the large square in the center of the inner city. As they walked, Sora encouraged Mue.

"I'm glad your friend is feeling better, Mue."

"Friend?"

"Ruder, the one we just saw. He seemed quiet but was a cute kid."

"Rue isn't a friend."

"Really?"

"Rue is a bump!"

"Then, what about me?"

"Sora is family! Tol and Grandma Yuril are too!"

Tol suddenly thought about the child's matter-of-fact response. Perhaps living with cats had led Mue to categorize people into two groups: members of the pack and their subordinates. This might be related to the <sensory sharing> ability Mue possesses.

While deep in thought, the group arrived at a large building in one corner of the square. The row of stone pillars in the colonnade greeted them, and Mue exclaimed excitedly.

"Wow, this is the house of the god of thunder. It's so different from the house of the god of ice!"

With a calm expression, Yuril silently stepped forward and placed a hand on the child's shoulder, speaking in an icy tone.

"The important thing is the heart of faith, Mue."