Chapter 76

While Yuri was diligently cleaning up, Captain Vincent directed a sharp gaze at her. When she looked over, he gave her silent instructions through mouth movements. The nearby medical team members also confirmed the instructions and exchanged glances silently.

"I'm done cleaning up."

"Good job, Yuri. Then, can you go back to the infirmary with Dr. Grain first?"

"Huh?"

After finishing those tasks, Yuri spoke up. In response to her, Captain Vincent gave her instructions, and Yuri tilted her head in confusion.

"I'm Dr. Grain, Yuri."

"The teacher from earlier."

"Right. You did a good job earlier. Well done."

"Thank you very much earlier."

Dr. Grain spoke to Yuri, who seemed to finally recognize him. It seemed that the sudden events earlier left Yuri with no time to process things, which was understandable.

"Fol, I'll prescribe some medicine for the young guard and do a final check before returning. Why don't you go back to the infirmary with Dr. Grain and have some tea?"

"Okay, I'll have tea."

Dr. Grain skillfully encouraged Yuri to return to the infirmary with him. Holding the first aid kit and checking for any forgotten items, Yuri went down to Dr. Grain.

"Fol, do you have anything else to clean up before I return?"

"We'll check and clean up together when I return. For now, take your time and have some tea."

"Okay."

Before returning to the infirmary, Yuri checked herself, and Dr. Grain watched her with a smile.

"Let's go back. It's dangerous, so let's hold hands."

"Okay."

Dr. Grain extended his left hand to Yuri, and she obediently held it as they walked to the exit. The sound of her sandals mixed with their footsteps, and their figures naturally drew everyone's gaze. The contrast between them made them look like a parent and child. It was a heartwarming scene, and the guard members were also glancing at them.

After seeing Yuri leave the arena, Captain Vincent turned his gaze to a young guard sitting nearby.

"Well, how effective was Yuri's 'spell'?"

While speaking, he checked the injury on the young guard's left arm. There was no significant change in appearance, and no abnormalities were detected with magical perception.

"The pain is much better than before."

"Of course. We treated the injury that had worsened due to neglect with that medicine. Normally, you wouldn't be able to talk like this without taking painkillers."

However, the reduction in pain was noticeable. Nodding in agreement with the young guard's response, Captain Vincent saw the young guard's cheeks twitch. But it was a fact, so there was nothing to be done about it.

"Just in case, I'll prescribe one dose of painkillers. If the condition worsens, come to the infirmary immediately. Also, I'll give you a reservation ticket, so come for a check-up first thing tomorrow morning."

"...Okay."

Finishing the remaining examination quickly, Captain Vincent prepared the items to give to the young guard. Despite the young guard's reluctant expression, he nodded at the mention of the next day's examination.

Well, with the reservation ticket, which is essentially an order, there's no way to escape.

This two-part ticket requires a signature.

The name is as good as recorded by the medical team.

If ignored, a member of the medical team will go directly to the captain or deputy captain of the guard to enforce the examination as an order from a superior.

After getting the signature and giving the young guard the receipt, Captain Vincent dismissed him.

Now, it's time for the main topic of the after-school session.

I need to report to Captain Vincent.

After a final check of the area, Captain Vincent headed towards the central spectator seats where Captain Vincent was waiting, and Captain Sherifas of the Magic Division was also there.

"I'm sorry for the delay."

Bowing, both captains nodded slightly.

"Fol, what did Yuri do just now?"

"According to her, it was a spell to reduce pain. However, the words or pronunciation were unique, and I couldn't make them out."

"'Spell'"

Captain Vincent immediately got to the point.

The moment Yuri chanted the "spell," a faint light appeared on the young guard's injury. It then dissipated and did not react to the magical perception check. Although there was no visible change in the injury, the reduction in pain was confirmed.

Captain Sherifas narrowed his eyes at this information.

"There are two possibilities at this point. The 'spell' is an unknown magic, or it is a type of healing magic that can only be handled by those with the light attribute, which is almost impossible to study in the Magic Continent."

"...This is completely in your field, Sherifas."

After stating the possibilities, Captain Vincent sighed.

"Personally, I'd be grateful if it's light attribute. That would mean we have the potential to learn a healing magic that we can't normally acquire."

"If so, there's something significant at its core."

"And that's likely one of the reasons Yuri was threatened in the Eastern Territory."

Captain Vincent's seemingly casual wish was said with a clear understanding of the underlying implications. By sharing such confidential information about Yuri, he was clearly involving me in the matter and ensuring my silence.

"Yuri has been noticed by Captain Rois of the Attendant Division after just a month of provisional enlistment. We can't just stand by. We need to understand her potential and make appropriate judgments as the captain of the Northern Demon Castle."

"「...What?」"

When Captain Sherifas and Captain Vincent revealed this, I couldn't help but echo their surprise.

"...Did Dilnan only bring in the necessary information?"

"I've never heard of this before."

Captain Vincent confirmed, and Captain Sherifas nodded. Captain Vincent sighed.

...What did you do, Yuri?

"During a tour of the second floor, disguised as a walk in the Northern Demon Castle with Elies and Mars, Yuri casually revealed knowledge of a special structure that even Jott and Yaeto couldn't replicate. Rois, who happened to be there for an inspection, heard it all."

"That's... quite something."

"Moreover, in front of Elies and Mars, Yuri casually evaluated Rois, whom she had only met briefly, as 'scary, absolute monarchist.' Elies has already reported this to Rois."

...Yuri?

What have you gotten yourself into!?

The content was so outrageous that I was starting to get a headache.

Captain Vincent, please don't tell such shocking information so casually.

"I think Yuri is a child who is already beyond the norm. I expect more surprises from her."

"...Captain Vincent, wouldn't Dr. Grain be a better mentor for her than me?"

Holding back a headache, I couldn't help but question Captain Vincent.

Dr. Grain is experienced in many ways and someone I respect. He has a track record of training many team members, including myself. He would be much better suited to mentor a child like Yuri.

"This is part of the promotion exam. It's a good opportunity to have such a talented individual. Try raising her as you see fit."

"Are you sure it's okay for me to do it?"

"It's fine. She's a blank slate. Despite her advanced knowledge, she doesn't know how to use it effectively. In terms of common sense, she knows less than children her age. She's truly still a naive child. Other teams can handle the pampering, so it's fine to have a team like the medical team. I'm not pushing everything onto you. If you need help, just ask around."

With Captain Vincent's approval—more like a non-negotiable order—I found myself in a state of resignation. From experience, I knew that once he said this, there was no changing it.

After organizing the information, Captain Sherifas sighed.

"...Should we also investigate this more thoroughly?"

"What a delightful child. She doesn't realize the significance of what she's done. It might be fun to see Sherifas get defeated by Yuri."

"What do you mean?"

"Every captain she's met has been defeated so far."

"...I'll be heading back. I have some materials to investigate."

Captain Vincent's teasing words made Captain Sherifas frown slightly as he spoke.

"Right, Captain Sherifas."

Remembering something I needed to tell Captain Sherifas, I called out to him as he turned to leave. He turned his gaze to me.

"There's one more thing about Yuri. During training, when you were checking the barrier, she called it 'shiny.'"

"!"

When I mentioned Yuri's reaction, Captain Sherifas visibly reacted.

"...This is what it means to be beyond the norm."

"Do you have any idea what it means?"

"It's a clue. ...Thank you."

With those words, Captain Sherifas bowed and left the arena.

"...Let's head back."

"Okay."

Nodding to Captain Vincent's suggestion, I left the arena, entrusting the remaining medical team members with the cleanup. On the way back to the infirmary, I reported on Yuri's emergency treatment.

"Did the treatment go well?"

"Yes. Despite the pressure, she adapted to the situation, setting up equipment and more. The medical team's evaluation of her is quite high."

During the emergency treatment, she was under significant pressure.

The skeptical gazes of the guard knights and the curious looks from the medical team members.

Despite this, she didn't give up and completed the disinfection. Moreover, she reported even the severely injured without missing them.

"She's passed the first hurdle."

"Yes, she has."

"Make sure she finishes on time. Keep her at the back table until I come to pick her up."

"Understood."

After reporting to Captain Vincent at the infirmary entrance, I parted ways with him and headed to the preparation room where I had given lectures earlier, where Yuri was likely waiting. The back space was a magical independent zone, so eating and drinking were allowed.

As expected, there was Yuri, sitting with Dr. Grain. She was holding a large mug, too big for her, with both hands, blowing on it and drinking. It seemed to be hot milk, as white mustaches appeared around her mouth.

...In these moments, she's just a regular child. She doesn't seem like the one who's been causing all the trouble.

"Hey, Fol. Good work."

"Fol, good work."

"Good work."

Dr. Grain greeted me, and Yuri followed with a smile. I returned the same words to both of them.

After washing my hands, I poured a small cup of tea and joined them, taking a sip and sighing. Checking the wall clock, I saw that there was a little less than half an hour until the end of the shift.

While thinking about what to do next, I joined the casual conversation between Dr. Grain and Yuri.