Chapter 16

Yuri was finally assigned to a unit, and after crying herself out, she fell asleep due to the fullness after lunch.

“What do we do next? Dillnan.”

“It’s convenient that she’s asleep. We’ll take her to the medical unit.”

When Elies asked about the plan, I first told her our next destination.

“A health check-up?”

“Yeah. We don’t know how long she was left in the ‘Deep Forest,’ and she’s so thin. It would be better to have her examined while she’s asleep, rather than having her cry and fuss when she’s awake.”

When I explained my thoughts, Elies nodded in agreement. I think Yuri would understand, but there’s no child who likes doctors.

“After that, we’ll place an order for Yuri’s knives and work clothes at the blacksmith unit. You might want to come along too.”

“Yes, that’s a good idea. I’ll also order a robe and a set of writing tools for the document unit. And I have something personal I want to give to Yuri.”

What does he plan to give her? I was a bit suspicious, but I decided not to press the matter. I don’t want to anger him, as he can be quite troublesome when provoked. I know of a few anecdotes about him, even I do.

I carried Yuri to the medical room, and Elies opened the door.

“Vincent, are you here?”

When Elies called out the name of the room’s occupant, a middle-aged man in a white coat came out from the back. Vincent, the head of the medical unit, was a veteran doctor with neatly trimmed silver-gray hair and ice-blue eyes.

“Elies, Dillnan. It’s good to see you here.”

Vincent’s voice and expression were filled with exasperation. His voice was incredibly smooth and low, and according to the women in the surrounding villages, it was a seductive, deep voice that resonated in their hips. However, I had a terrible experience with this voice in the past. Honestly, it feels like a weapon of mass destruction.

“...Ah, that idiot from the outer guard unit. Is he here?”

“He was treated by Bax and sent back to his room after being told to rest.”

“That’s good. I don’t want him here.”

After a moment of thought, Elies, with her beautiful smile, seemed to recall the events before lunch. If that idiot had been here, she would have calmly kicked him out. Vincent, who seemed to understand Elies’ character, sighed and gave up. He then looked at Yuri, whom I was carrying.

“Is this the reason you came here?”

“You figured it out.”

“I went to the cafeteria for lunch, and it was in an uproar. They were saying how cute and adorable she was.”

It seemed Vincent had already heard about Yuri. If that’s the case, it might only be a matter of time before the news spreads to all the units through the soldiers. Vincent, who had experience raising a son, looked at the sleeping Yuri with a gentle expression.

“So? Is there something that requires a visit to the medical room?”

Vincent’s expression changed to that of a doctor when he asked me. After I briefly explained why I brought Yuri to him, his expression became even more serious.

“I understand. I’ll examine her, so put her on that bed.”

“...Should I stay?”

“No need. ...Is there something else?”

“I need to call Jott and Kalf to place an order for Yuri’s work clothes. If possible, I’d like to take her measurements while she’s asleep.”

After laying Yuri on the examination bed as instructed, I asked if it was okay to leave. Vincent made a gesture for me to go.

“Bax, come here.”

Vincent called out the name of the deputy head of the medical unit, and Bax, a small, child-faced man with short blue hair and blue eyes, came out from the back, wearing the same white coat as Vincent.

“Is there a problem?”

“It’s a child’s examination. You have time and hands free, so it’s good for you to observe.”

“Could it be the one they were talking about in the cafeteria?”

Vincent’s words made Bax’s eyes light up. ...Now that I think about it, this guy is known for his love of cute things.

“I’ll take good care of it, so go quickly.”

Before I could say anything, Elies and I were ushered out by Vincent. I hope Yuri will be okay!

Worried, I headed to the blacksmith unit. I asked the soldier at the reception to call the head and deputy head of the unit.

Soon, a well-built man with short red hair and matching eyes came out from the back. It was Jott, the head of the blacksmith unit. The blacksmith unit handles a wide range of tasks, from creating weapons and armor to making work clothes with special fabrics and taking special orders. Jott was a leading expert in weapon creation.

“Hey, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? Dillnan, Elies.”

“It has been a while. Since the last unit leader meeting?”

“It’s been a while, Jott.”

We don’t usually see each other, so we exchanged greetings normally.

“So? Did you come here for the rumored little one?”

The rumors had clearly spread, and Jott grinned as he got to the point.

“Yes, it’s good that you’re so quick. Kalf is also being called.”

“Don’t worry. The guy who brought the news from the cafeteria is already eager to get started.”

“That’s reassuring. Kalf will have to work hard.”

Elies smiled at Jott, who looked at her with interest.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

A flamboyantly dressed man came out from a different direction. Despite being a man, he had long blonde hair tied up, glittery decorations, and heavy makeup around his amber eyes. He wore a modified version of women’s clothing for ease of movement, and his catchphrase was “Cuteness is justice!” This eccentric man was Kalf, the deputy head of the blacksmith unit and a leading expert in clothing creation.

“Where’s the cute little one?!”

“She’s in the medical room.”

Despite my internal hesitation, I tried to remain calm as Kalf enthusiastically asked. However, the moment I mentioned the location, he approached with terrifying speed, and I involuntarily grimaced. Elies stepped in to handle Kalf.

...I’m really glad he’s here.

I let out a sigh of relief, and Jott, standing behind Kalf, burst into laughter at the sight of me. How can such an eccentric person be a deputy head and act so calmly?

“So, you want us to come to the medical room for measurements?”

“Right. I’m fine with it. I was already planning to delegate the work to others since I expected this request.”

“We can’t wake up a sleeping child. There’s no urgent or special order, so it’s fine.”

When Elies asked them to come along, they readily agreed.

“So, what do you need?”

“I want to order a set of knives from Jott. They’ll be a special size. Kalf, I need a cook’s uniform and sleepwear, including undergarments, for the cooking unit.”

“I need writing tools and a robe for the document unit. And, Kalf, I have one more request for you.”

After listing the items needed, I answered first, followed by Elies. She then whispered something to Kalf, likely about the ‘gift’ she mentioned earlier. Kalf’s eyes lit up as he listened to Elies.

“Oh my! How wonderful! I love such requests, I’ll work on it enthusiastically!!!”

Kalf shouted with the highest enthusiasm, and Jott looked at me with a questioning gaze, but I shrugged, not knowing what it was about.

“Still, the Second Special Unit?”

“Yes. She’s too young to be confined to just the cooking unit, so I decided to have Elies take care of her once a week.”

“...How old is she?”

“I don’t know. We found her in the ‘Deep Forest’ with amnesia, and without a guardian, we wouldn’t even know her name. She looks like she might be 30, but that’s questionable.”

I explained the situation to Jott, who was hearing it for the third time today. As expected, Jott and Kalf were equally surprised.

“Hey, Captain Dillnan, that’s a bit much, even for a bad joke!”

“It’s the truth. She has no guardians, no weapons, and her magic use is questionable, with only water affinity. We found her being chased by a Resail, emaciated and on the verge of being eaten.”

“...That’s unbelievable.”

“I don’t know what will happen, but I brought her here to train her to survive in the ‘Deep Forest.’ I’ve gotten Elies’ permission for a temporary assignment, so I can watch over her for three months.”

“She’s a very well-mannered child. She’s polite, listens well, understands what we say, can ask questions when she doesn’t understand, and is quick-witted. She’s a child who’s not childlike in a good way.”

Elies and I explained to the surprised blacksmith unit members, who exchanged glances.

“Well, I didn’t expect you to bring such a strange child into the castle.”

“You’ll see when you meet her.”

We nodded in agreement. It’s understandable that they wouldn’t easily believe something they haven’t seen with their own eyes. I wouldn’t either. After all, the only certain information they have is that she’s a child.

“Let’s go to the medical room. The health check-up should be over by now.”

Elies suggested with a smile, and the two blacksmiths left to prepare the necessary items for measurements. When they returned, the four of us headed to the medical room.

“Vincent, we’re back.”

Elies led the way as the four of us entered the medical room, where Vincent and Bax were writing in a medical chart.

“You’re back.”

“Is it over?”

When Elies called out, Vincent turned around and nodded, pointing to the bed. There, Yuri was receiving an IV.

“Vincent?!”

“She was malnourished and showed signs of dehydration, so I’m being cautious. Dillnan, you weren’t giving the child enough water. Children need more water than adults, don’t forget that.”

I turned to Vincent in surprise and was sternly reprimanded. How could I have been so careless, knowing she didn’t seek comfort?

“...Anything else?”

“...There’s one more issue. This child is a neuter.”

When I asked if there were any other problems, I received an unexpected answer. The other three also doubted their ears.

“A neuter...”

“To think you’d bring such a special child to the ‘Deep Forest.’ I’ve only seen a neuter once in my life. Since it was still in its early stages, I’ve secretly asked the information unit to investigate. Vass will handle it. They might come to you for additional information later. But it’s troublesome. If mishandled, the child could be erased from existence.”

A neuter is a rare magical being, born once in a million. In childhood, they are asexual, lacking sexual characteristics. Upon reaching adulthood, they can become male or female or remain asexual. Therefore, if born into a noble family, they should be raised with extra care.

The suspicious circumstances surrounding Yuri became even more apparent, but Vincent had already taken the initiative by requesting a confidential investigation from the information unit, specifically from Vass, the head of the unit. That’s one less thing for me to do.

“I’ll try to talk to her when she wakes up, but the amnesia is likely psychological. It’s impossible for such a young child to be left in the ‘Deep Forest’ without being traumatized. Other than that, there are no major issues. Just make sure she eats well and gets plenty of rest.”

“Understood. ...Thank you, Vincent.”

Relieved to hear that there were no major health issues, I let out a sigh. I approached the bed and gently stroked Yuri’s sleeping face.

“She has a cute sleeping face.”

Elies came over to look at Yuri’s sleeping face. Her comment drew Jott and Kalf closer to the bed.

“Oh, this is the child they were talking about! Oh, she’s so cute!”

“...She’s pretty small. What’s her name?”

Jott and Kalf, who were looking at Yuri, expressed their thoughts. Their curiosity was evident.

“Her name is Yuri. Both of you, I’m counting on you.”

“Leave it to me. I’ll make the cutest work clothes and sleepwear.”

“The blacksmith unit’s skills will be on display. I’ll have the necessary knives and writing tools ready by tomorrow.”

Kalf, already enthusiastic about the cuteness, and Jott, whose craftsman spirit was ignited by the miniature practical items, began taking measurements. Yuri’s resilience in the face of the IV was impressive.

“Dillnan, is this child right-handed?”

“Yes. She held the fork in her right hand. Since she’s going to be a prep cook, prioritize the paring knife.”

“Can I choose the fabric for Yuri’s sleepwear and undergarments?”

“Avoid anything too flashy. Otherwise, it’s up to you.”

They efficiently took measurements and asked for necessary information. Kalf, it seems, is not eccentric when it comes to work. After finishing the measurements, they left the medical room, clearly excited to start working.

“Shall we have tea while we wait for Yuri to wake up?”

After the blacksmiths left, Bax brought in tea and cookies called Kirl for four people. Yes, we can take a break until Yuri wakes up. We sat in the chairs and drank tea. Elies also drank tea and started eating the cookies.

Curiosity piqued, I looked at the Kirl.

“Dillnan?”

When I looked at the Kirl with a mischievous expression, Elies asked what I was up to. I grinned, put down my tea, and broke a small piece of Kirl, heading to Yuri.

Vincent and Bax watched as I brought the Kirl close to Yuri’s face to test her reaction.

*Snap!*

After a brief moment, likely to detect the smell, she bit down perfectly! Just as I expected, Elies burst out laughing at Yuri’s reaction to food, while Vincent and Bax were taken aback.

Even as we watched, Yuri continued to sleep, still biting my finger along with the Kirl.

[Additional Information]

About the age of magical beings... 100 years is adulthood. Their appearance is around 15 years old.

The protagonist’s current appearance is set to be a slightly smaller 4 years old. So, to Dillnan and the others, she seems younger than 30. (Not a mistake, lol)

Kirl: A type of cookie