Chapter 83

This content partially overlaps with Chapter 48. If you find it unpleasant, please skip it.

Returning to the infirmary, I parted ways with Fol and entrusted the cleanup of the equipment to the younger staff before entering my office. Just as I did, Bax happened to come in with a cup of tea.

"Thank you." I took it and sipped.

"Good work. It seems that no matter where Yuriko goes, she's still Yuriko. I wonder why I feel a sense of refreshment even after she causes trouble."

"Bax, what do you think of Yuriko's 'spell'?"

While sipping his tea, I asked Bax, who seemed to be in a particularly good mood. Bax, undoubtedly the best medical mage in the medical unit, responded.

"It's a technique that doesn't exist in the medical magic of the Magic Continent. I've read all the documents on medical magic that Captain Sherifas has confirmed, so I can say this with certainty. What does Captain Sherifas think of Yuriko's 'spell'?"

"Even Captain Sherifas doesn't know. It seems to be a technique that can only be judged as a possibility. It might be unknown or light-attribute."

"If it's an unknown technique, there's a possibility that I can use it too. But if it's light-attribute, that's a different story. It would be great, but we'd need to consider how to obtain other light-attribute techniques to avoid wasting a valuable asset."

Bax accepted this without much surprise, as if it were completely normal. ...Bax has really grown into a good person.

"We expect the medical unit to perform its duties. As deputy captain, I share the same opinion. If it's light-attribute, it means we can perform healing magic, which is a step beyond medical magic, which is merely an auxiliary to medical techniques."

"Well, we'll wait for Captain Sherifas's confirmation. There's nothing we can do about it until then."

I put my cup on the desk and sat down, then started handling the remaining tasks I needed to complete today. At the same time, I discussed the current work situation, including the events at the arena, with Bax. We shared what we needed to talk about and discussed the plan for tomorrow.

"First, the examination of the boy who received Yuriko's 'spell' is going to be highly anticipated. It seems we'll have another early start tomorrow."

"Listen to Fol's report first, and if necessary, take action without waiting for me. If you need me for half a day, let me know via the magic bird."

"Understood. Even if I don't need you, I'll send a simple status report via the magic bird. There were fewer serious injuries than expected today, so there are no patients requiring close observation, and there are no delays in regular duties. There are no scheduled visits from external pharmaceutical suppliers this week."

"With the current Bax, I don't think there will be any problems even if I'm away for a few days."

"Tomorrow, we'll have a fully staffed shift, even without the captain."

After the final check, I looked at the clock, which was just past the end of the workday. I tidied up my desk and handed the documents I had gathered to Bax, who put them directly into the processing box. It seemed he intended to check on Yuriko before processing them.

"Well, is Yuriko done?"

As I muttered, Bax and I left the office. We found Yuriko sitting in a corner of the infirmary, looking unusually happy, with Fol standing beside her. Bax whistled softly.

Looking around, I saw that the staff were peeking from various places, watching Yuriko off.

"Are you done?"

"Yes, both the cleanup and inspection are complete."

"Right on schedule."

"Yuriko is excellent."

"Hmm."

I knew she was done, but when I asked about her performance, Fol praised Yuriko. It was impressive that Fol had said so much about her in just one day. Yuriko, receiving the praise, looked up at Fol with shining eyes.

"Hehe, Yuriko's eyes are sparkling, Fol."

"Fol is a strict instructor during work hours."

"Fol-shan, you're not scary. You're good with the whip. ...I was praised."

When Bax spoke to Fol, who responded matter-of-factly, Yuriko disagreed and smiled happily.

With her appearance, she looked incredibly cute. Considering everything that had happened, if there were any perverts around, they would probably be nosebleeding. At best, they would be acting suspiciously, and at worst, they would be writhing in agony.

As I thought this, I saw a few people writhing in agony. It seemed that even in the medical unit, there were some. Bax, in particular, was moving his hands skillfully, as if in a trance, which was quite unsettling. I wondered what he intended to do to Yuriko with those hands.

Fol, who calmly pointed this out, made me realize that Yuriko's instructor should indeed be Fol, not Bax. I imagined that Grain, in his own way, would have treated Yuriko like a pet, just like the other units.

Yuriko, oblivious to the outside world, was smiling happily.

Just then, Dillnan appeared, and Yuriko ran to him. Dillnan smiled and stroked her hair.

Despite the busy dinner hour, Dillnan had come to say goodbye, which showed his good manners or perhaps his worry.

"Good work. You'll be staying at Vincent's house for the next two days, so listen to him."

"Okay."

"Good. Come back bright and early the day after tomorrow."

"Okay!"

As Dillnan reminded Yuriko of the plan for the next day, Bax and Fol exchanged glances and smiled.

"Vincent, is it really okay for her to stay without any clothes?"

"Yes. My wife is eagerly preparing everything. Yuriko just needs to bring herself."

"Thank you."

"Indeed, I'll take care of her."

He bowed to me as well, looking like a mother. Yuriko, in particular, treated Dillnan like a mother.

Dillnan must have sensed something from Yuriko. After letting it go for a while, he nodded in understanding and gently pinched Yuriko's temple with his fist.

It was a very light tap, but it was still a sensitive spot. Yuriko's reaction was comically cute. Fol, who had a sadistic streak, smiled and said, "Serves you right," as Yuriko looked at her for help. For some reason, Fol's eyes seemed to agree with her.

"Is there no sign of remorse?"

"Sorry, Captain, sorry!"

Dillnan increased the level of punishment, and Yuriko genuinely repented. The infirmary, which had no patients, was filled with laughter.

After the punishment, Dillnan quickly headed to the cafeteria. Yuriko, rubbing her temple, looked teary-eyed. With Dillnan's goodbye, there was no reason to stay in the infirmary any longer.

As in the morning, I took Yuriko to the chart room and encouraged her to change. I helped her with the zipper, which she couldn't reach, and left the room. Bax and Fol were still laughing at the exchange between Dillnan and Yuriko.

"Even Captain Dillnan is helpless when it comes to Yuriko... One day, he picks up a child out of nowhere, and now he's like this!"

"True. I couldn't believe my eyes during lunch today. But Captain Dillnan only seems different when Yuriko is around. It must be Yuriko's effect. The contrast between his appearance and his actions is quite extreme."

"He's like a mother."

I agreed, and they both burst out laughing.

"But why not a father?"

"'Mother' makes a lot of sense."

"Probably due to his innate qualities. I think it's his ability to think and act on multiple fronts. Most men don't use this ability outside of work, and with a wife or mother around, there's no need to pay attention to everything. Single men's rooms, with a few exceptions, are a mess. Studies show that women are better at multitasking. Dillnan, until now, had no need to pay attention to others' private matters, and he had no interest in doing so. But when he recognized Yuriko's need for protection, his latent qualities blossomed. With his high multitasking ability, he can handle both work and taking care of Yuriko without any discomfort. That's why he seems like a mother."

"Indeed."

As we discussed Dillnan's transformation into a mother figure, they both laughed and nodded in agreement.

Of course, if asked whether Dillnan's inner self had truly changed, I would have to question it.

As we talked, there was a dull knock on the chart room door.

"Can't reach it, I guess."

Thinking of Yuriko's height and the doorknob's height, I opened the door and apologized. Yuriko's stomach growled as she held her nurse's uniform and sandals. Given the afternoon's work, it was understandable. Bax and Fol smiled again at Yuriko's usual self.

"Once you've put away the clothes, it's just a short walk home."

"Okay!"

I gave her the final task and, together with Yuriko, checked and put her uniform in the laundry basket.

With that done, I entrusted the rest to Bax and Fol, said goodbye, and left the infirmary with Yuriko.