Chapter 97

As the medical and magic units' general members returned to their respective duties, the infirmary, which had been bustling, now seemed unusually quiet. The people who remained gathered around Seriel, who had just let out a deep sigh.

First, the head of the infirmary, the medical unit captain Vincent, and his deputy Bax. Next, the magic unit captain Sherifas, deputy Alga, and one more person. Finally, the medical unit member and instructor Fol, myself, and the young Ludwig who was with us.

"I'm sorry, Seriel. This is the first time for many of us to meet a powerful angel, especially one in the same profession. Everyone is very interested in you," Vincent apologized with a wry smile, to which Seriel replied with a stern face.

"Well, I was somewhat prepared for this."

"Even those who work in research, not just doctors, would be drawn to the unique perspective of an angel. I've experienced a fair amount of this over the past century, but I didn't expect to encounter all of it at once upon arriving at the Northern Demon Castle," Seriel continued.

"Even my mentor's cheeks were twitching," Ludwig added.

"Ruu, you were the first to run away," Seriel said.

"Come on, mentor. I have some experience with this, and my danger detection skills are quite honed," Ludwig replied.

Ah, Ludwig really knows how to handle situations. Still, this father and son pair really do have similar voices.

The three members of the magic unit looked at the father and son with wide eyes.

"Seriel, let's start with the introductions on our side. You know Yurii and me, so I'll skip those. These are the three from the magic unit who specialize in magic at the Northern Demon Castle: Captain Sherifas, Deputy Alga, and Rishu, who is set to become Yurii's instructor. And Deputy Bax and Instructor Fol from the medical unit."

Vincent introduced everyone, and those whose names were called nodded or bowed in acknowledgment.

The unknown member of the magic unit is the one I'm supposed to work with. Oh, I see. I'll remember Rishu. I need to greet him later.

"Thank you. I'm Seriel, a free doctor from a sparsely populated area of the medical continent. This is my disciple, Ludwig. ...As you might have guessed, he is Captain Vincent's son. We are here this time due to this connection."

Seriel responded calmly, and Ludwig bowed politely.

"Now, let's start with Yurii's 'Circulation.' It will probably take about half an hour," Vincent said.

"Likely. Yurii is still not used to the 'Circulation.' It won't be that easy to shorten the time," Seriel replied.

"Then we can use this time to talk with Seriel. It won't be a waste," Vincent suggested.

The others nodded in agreement as Vincent and Seriel discussed the plan.

Just as the conversation was coming together, the infirmary door suddenly opened.

"Hey, it's the pharmacist!"

A man with the distinctive golden hair and blue eyes of an angel appeared, calling out in a manner reminiscent of a shopkeeper. The three members of the medical unit and, for some reason, Seriel reacted to his voice.

This man is handsome but has a somewhat light and modern appearance. He's tall, too. Are all angels this big?

"...Ciel, wasn't your arrival scheduled for tomorrow?" Vincent asked, puzzled.

"Oh? I told you last week that I would come a day early. Did you not get the message?" Ciel replied lightly, seemingly unaffected by Vincent's authority.

"......Bax."

"Yes, I understand."

Bax responded with a smile. ...He hadn't heard. This member needs some guidance.

"Is there a guest...? Oh!"

"...It's been a while, Ciel."

"......Seriel-sama!!?"

Ciel's expression turned to shock as he looked at us. The moment he recognized Seriel, he reflexively knelt on one knee, much to the surprise of the Northern Demon Castle's residents.

"......This isn't the heavens, and I don't have any official position here. I'm just an ordinary angel."

"If Seriel-sama is an ordinary angel, then ordinary angels are nothing but microorganisms!!"

Seriel, with a deeply furrowed brow and a very displeased expression, easily helped Ciel stand up, while Ciel was in a state of utter confusion. This is chaos. What is Seriel, to elicit such a reaction from Ciel?

"......At least, do your job. You're the pharmacist, right?"

"By Seriel-sama's command, I will finish as quickly as possible."

Seemingly tired of the situation, Seriel sighed and gave the order, to which Ciel responded with a sharp, serious tone, bringing the awkwardness to an end.

Despite the mix-up, Ciel is here, so the 'Circulation' hasn't started yet.

Bax and Fol are handling the necessary exchanges with Ciel, such as receiving the medicine and confirming the next order.

In the midst of this, Seriel spoke to Vincent.

"Is the angel you had in mind for the 'Circulation' that one?"

"Yes, he's... well, he's rather light-hearted. I've only interacted with him professionally, so I haven't fully grasped his character. But I trust him with medicine."

"...Despite his appearance, I can vouch for his competence. It might be worth letting him handle Yurii's 'Circulation.' He's a versatile type, having completed a vast number of 'Circulations' due to his magic's ability to adapt to many angelic types. He has more experience than I do."

Ciel, who had been waiting for the order confirmation, looked at the two of them.

Vincent, you thought Ciel was light-hearted.

"Ciel, this is Yurii. ...He's a light-attribute demon born in the demon continent. He seems to have an angelic ancestor and reacted to my presence."

"Nice to meet you, Yurii."

"...Huh? A child??"

Ciel, prompted by Seriel, looked at me with wide eyes as I introduced myself.

"Yurii is officially recognized as a temporary member of the Northern Demon Castle. Despite his age, he is very capable."

"He has already unlocked his light attribute through healing magic. However, there are no adults with light attributes in the demon continent, and they can't perform the 'Circulation.'"

"Then why did Seriel-sama...? It's impossible! Seriel-sama, do you realize how powerful a light-attribute user you are? There are only a handful of people in the heavens who can handle that 'Circulation'!!"

Vincent added more information about me, and Ciel responded with even more shock.

"First of all, why did you unlock the light attribute through healing magic? That hasn't been done since Seriel-sama and Rishel-sama!!"

"Huh?"

"...If you can do it, you can. I don't know the reason."

Ciel's intense reaction, even forgetting to use polite language, left me and Seriel at a loss. Seriel, looking at me, responded calmly. Yeah, that's right. And Seriel is the same.

"Anyway, since I was the only one here last time, I performed the 'Circulation.' This time, you're here, so you should do it."

"Sure, I'll do it gladly!"

Ciel, seemingly frustrated, responded to Seriel's request, but the atmosphere was now more like a local pub.

After Ciel received the next order from Bax and Fol, things finally got back on track. Ciel, who had been casually drawn into the situation by Seriel, now joined in.

Following Seriel's instructions, Ciel sat on one of the infirmary beds in a unique position, with only his left leg crossed. ...His posture was somewhat appealing, but it didn't have the same magnetic charm as before.

As I hesitated to approach, Ciel beckoned me over. When I did, he easily picked me up.

I tried to curl up for comfort, but it just didn't feel right. As I was enveloped in a veil of light, it was different from Seriel's gentle, soft light. It was overly bright and dazzling, like being in a fully mirrored room with chandeliers reflecting everywhere.

It felt somewhat uncomfortable, and I couldn't settle into a comfortable position, moving restlessly.

After a while, the light veil lifted.

"...Is my 'Circulation' not suitable for you?"

"Is it that your versatile 'Circulation' doesn't work for you?"

Ciel and Seriel, above my head, exchanged puzzled words. Not suitable... Yeah, maybe.

"...Brother, you're...?"

"Something?"

"Yeah, you're... sparkly? Shiny? ...Light-hearted. You're not as calm as Seriel."

I shared my honest thoughts with them. It might be impolite, but "light-hearted" felt the most fitting. Ciel burst out laughing.

"Ha! Light-hearted... My light attribute is even light-hearted!"

"You look the part. Kids are honest."

"Captain Vincent, that's harsh!"

Vincent also thought Ciel was light-hearted. Bax and Fol nodded in agreement, further encouraging Ciel's laughter. I see, this is what it means to be a laughingstock. I understand now.

"Seriel, it seems Yurii is more compatible with your 'Circulation.'"

"...It seems so. Ciel, switch places with me."

"Ahaha, got it."

Vincent's observation was met with a nod from Seriel, who then took Ciel's place on the bed. Ciel put me down, but I couldn't help but feel drawn to Seriel. I think it's like a cat being drawn to something.

Before being called, I went to Seriel, spreading my arms wide, ready to be picked up.

Seriel, with a slight smile, easily picked me up and placed me on his crossed legs. Yes, this is it. This perfect fit. I curled up without hesitation.

As I was enveloped in a soft light veil, the light was not as intense as Ciel's, but it was dense and fine, like pearls, and it shimmered in various colors—white, cream, and light blue—like a kaleidoscope, which was very beautiful and calming.

As I watched, a sense of security enveloped me, and I gently closed my eyes.