Chapter 67

Tidus, with a wry smile, and Valerie, looking apologetic, greeted each other.

"Hey, Relda. Sorry, but can you treat me?"

"My brother, I'm sorry!"

Seeing Valerie bow her head, Tidus raised his hand, and it was clear that his fist was split open and bleeding.

"What did you do to get it this bad!?"

Relda hurriedly rushed to him and cast a healing spell on his fist.

"I was just interrogating. He wouldn't talk, so I had to use a bit of force."

"It's more than a bit, isn't it?"

The interrogation was not peaceful, but Relda did not ask "why" or "who." She could guess the reason, and understood why he had taken such risks.

"They were the ones who attacked us... but they didn't give us much useful information."

"Once the treatment was finished, Tidus briefly thanked her and shrugged."

"The attackers were former adventurers turned bandits. They are so blinded by money that they don't even remember their employer's face."

"It's not as simple as finding the culprit who cursed Valerie and calling it a day."

"Indeed. They are not fools. They knew we would investigate and made sure their identities couldn't be easily traced."

"It's frustrating... Sorry, I shouldn't keep you standing. Please come to the dining room. I'll have some tea brought out for you."

"Relda, we came here unexpectedly, so please don't trouble yourself."

"No, that won't do. Come, please."

It was impossible to just send them away after the treatment, so Relda led them to the dining room. When she met Riggs' gaze, he gave her a thumbs up, indicating he understood. She thanked him with her eyes and sat down across from Tidus and Valerie.

"I'm sorry for the sudden visit. I said it would heal with some saliva."

"...Brother, a split fist won't heal with saliva."

"If you don't use healing magic, it would have to be stitched by a doctor."

"I'm a bit dull to pain. Still, I was surprised by Relda's healing magic. It's truly remarkable... there's no scar left at all."

Tidus examined his hand in amazement. Valerie seemed to agree, nodding repeatedly.

"I'm not sure why, but wouldn't any healer be able to do the same?"

"Hmm, that's true. Injuries can be healed, but whether the scars disappear completely depends on the healer's skill. I've had other healers treat my injuries before, and while the wounds closed, the scars remained."

Tidus rolled up his sleeve to show a scar from a sword.

"It's an old injury from when I was a child. If my memory serves, the healer was quite skilled. Yet, the scar is still there. Relda's healing magic is in a different league."

"Actually, she healed my burns completely! Relda is an excellent healer!"

"Thank you. It makes me happy to hear that from both of you."

Relda smiled and thanked them, hiding her embarrassment.

"By the way, how much should I pay for the treatment?"

"Ah, what should I do? To be honest, I haven't set any fees yet. Right now, I receive payment through the guild for each request."

She knew she would eventually have to decide on treatment fees, but the prices other healers charged were too high to be a useful reference. She had agreed with the guild to set the fees before opening a clinic.

"I don't like this. I'm not saying you should be as greedy as other healers, but if you don't set a reasonable fee, people will take advantage of you."

"Maybe you're right."

"I know you are kind, Relda, but if adventurers and townspeople think they can get injured without consequences because you are here, it will be a problem. How about charging the same as a doctor?"

"That sounds good. Actually, the guild and I are discussing opening a clinic soon, and I want to have a doctor and a pharmacist there as well. If we set the prices together, it might make it easier for the townspeople to visit."

It wasn't officially decided yet, but Relda could only treat injuries at the moment. If it was to be a clinic, she wanted to be able to help those with illnesses and those in need of medicine.

"I see. Relda treats injuries, the doctor treats illnesses, and the pharmacist helps those who need medicine."

"Excellent, Relda! You are really thinking about the townspeople!"

"I am a resident of this town, and I've received a lot of help. I want to do what I can to help."

The people of Amrus were all good people. Starting with Riggs and Maylin from the inn, she had been helped by many. Living with her two daughters, she wanted to build a supportive relationship.

"Alright. As the lord, I will work with the guild to expedite the clinic project. As I said yesterday, I am willing to provide the land."

"Really?"

"Of course. If your clinic benefits the town, there's no reason to hesitate."

"Thank you."

"Relda, if there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Valerie."

Tidus was not only grateful to Relda but also considered the town's needs and offered his support. He was a truly good lord. Valerie, too, would genuinely help if needed.

(With such kind people as lords, this town will surely become a better place.)

Relda was certain of this. She wanted to contribute to the town as much as she could.