Chapter 22

"By the way, how was my healing magic in the end?"

Reta decided to change the subject to dispel the gloomy atmosphere after listening to the healer's story. The receptionist then changed her expression and clapped her hands.

"That's right! Mr. Dixon's healing magic is amazing!"

"Huh? Really?"

"Yes, indeed! Mr. Dixon says it's just basic healing magic, but in reality, it has the same effect as high-level healing magic! Normally, it's impossible to heal such severe injuries so perfectly!"

Among the severely injured were those with their insides spilling out and bones piercing through their flesh. Despite this, Reta healed all of them. Basic "Healing" can only treat wounds that need stitching and common fractures, but Reta's "Healing" had the effect of "Great Healing," which is equivalent to advanced healing magic.

"But why? I'm just casting healing normally."

"Probably because Mr. Dixon's magic power is too strong. It seems you have a lot of magic power, which is why even basic healing has an excessive effect."

"...Hey, miss... Is that a bad thing?"

"No, it's a good thing. It's wonderful."

"That's a relief."

Mina, who had been worried about Reta, sighed in relief. The guardian gently stroked the girl's head.

"However, this time you were lucky, but if you don't regulate your magic power, the efficiency will be poor. Casting high-level healing magic on minor injuries is meaningless."

"That's true. But, I don't know how to control it."

"The best way is to gain experience and increase your knowledge from magic books."

"But, how can I gain experience?"

"--- That's where the guild has a proposal for Mr. Dixon."

The receptionist leaned forward, placing her hands on the table. Her well-arranged face suddenly came close, making the inexperienced man flustered.

"What kind of proposal?"

"Could you regularly treat the injured at the guild?"

"Me?"

"Yes. You can also charge for the treatment. In fact, we would be in trouble if you didn't charge."

"Can I charge money?"

"Of course. Since you are using your time, it's necessary to pay you. However, we would like you to set a reasonable price that ordinary people can afford, not as high as a healer's."

That would make you a kind-hearted healer.

"In return for lowering the treatment fees, the guild will provide you with magic books, including those on healing magic. What do you think?"

"That sounds like it's all good for me, but what benefit does the guild get?"

It's a generous offer.

Receiving a direct request from the guild is not something that happens often.

Moreover, it involves no danger.

For Reta, who is a guardian of the young Mina, it's a good condition.

However, it also raises the question of "why."

"The guild also has significant benefits. First, the guild's contribution and evaluation in the town will increase. It will also provide a reason to control the town's healers and deter merchants who artificially inflate the prices of potions."

It turns out that people who cannot afford healers naturally seek potions, but some merchants take advantage of this and raise prices. While not all merchants do this, the reasonably priced potions sell out quickly, leaving only the expensive ones.

Potions are essential not only for adventurers but also for the town's defense forces and those who work outside the town. However, it's a problem if they are only taking money. If there is even one person who can provide treatment at a reasonable price, the situation would change.

If the guild provides treatment under its name, it will undoubtedly be seen as a significant contribution to the town, improving its evaluation. Unfortunately, no one has come forward to help yet.

That's when Reta arrived.

Moreover, he can use quite powerful healing magic. It's only natural for the guild to want to offer him benefits to get his cooperation.

"Consider this a long-term request from the guild. To be honest, there's no end in sight. If there is an end, it would be when there are more competent healers or more users of healing magic."

It was undoubtedly an endless request.

While there were benefits, there were also hidden drawbacks.

Not only the responsibility to the people who need treatment, but also the inability to move to another town.

Reta had moved from the capital with the intention of settling down, but he wasn't sure if he had planned to stay permanently. With Mina, he was unsure if he could make such a decision easily.

"I'll help you, Reta?"

When Reta was hesitating, Mina held his hand and said this.

"Mina?"

"Today's Reta was really cool. I was happy to be able to help. So, if we can help everyone, let's work hard together?"

The impact of the girl's words on Reta was something Mina herself probably didn't realize.

"Yeah, I'll do it."

He realized that somewhere inside, he had been trying to escape responsibility by using Mina as an excuse. But thanks to Mina, he was able to stand firm.

"Thank you, Mina. I'll do my best. I'll try to be useful to everyone and make you proud!"

"Sure! Good luck, Reta!"

On that day, Reta accepted the guild's request for regular treatment. This was the first step on his path to becoming a healer.

That night, Riggs, who had heard about Reta's achievements, celebrated with his daughter Maylin at dinner. Reta got completely drunk on the cold beer Riggs provided. Riggs, who also drank a lot of beer, ended up snoring and sleeping in the dining hall without returning to their room. Mina and Maylin, while criticizing their guardians for being "irresponsible," watched over them with a smile.

That night, Reta's journey as a healer began.