Chapter 78

"Tex? Just a moment ago, didn't you agree to support the clinic? Why are you opposing it now!?"

"Millet, don't misunderstand. I'm not opposing it. I genuinely hope Leda's clinic will be established. But what about the healers in this town?"

"..."

No one, not even Millet, could answer Tex's question.

There are two healers in the town of Amrus. Both charge exorbitant fees, making it difficult for people to afford their services.

One has a difficult personality and sometimes refuses to treat patients even if they have the treatment fee.

The other seems more interested in research than treatment and is often absent when needed.

As a result, neither has a good relationship with the town.

Still, until now, the town had no choice but to rely on them.

"I'm not saying we should do something for them. But it's not right to completely ignore them and proceed with the plan."

"Recently, the guild has received complaints from both healers."

"Hah, complaints, you say. It's probably just because Leda is taking their patients, right?"

"Yes, that's exactly it. Leda is more skilled and charges less. She treats patients without complaint at any time. To be honest, I don't want to rely on healers who only care about money and complaints."

"We adventurers feel the same. We don't have much money, but we can't avoid getting injured as part of our job. So, we have no choice but to rely on healers like Leda."

I can understand Tex's point. No matter how much Leda helps the town, it's a problem to ignore the existing healers and give him preferential treatment. This could lead to Leda being resented.

"The commercial federation has also received complaints, which are essentially the same."

Erich, looking exasperated, informed them that the commercial federation, like the adventurer guild, had received complaints from the healers. His expression suggested that these complaints were not just one or two.

"In fact, since we started relying on Leda, we haven't used the town's healers."

"Well, it's unrealistic to tell merchants not to use a healer who is both skilled and cheap."

"Don't joke, Sir Tex. It's true, but still..."

In reality, the commercial federation had been asking Leda to treat their injured members. In the past, they relied on potions or the town's healers, but the treatment fees were too high. Leda's reasonable fees were popular not only among residents and adventurers but also among merchants.

"What should we do, Guild Master?"

"Leda's clinic will open as planned. That won't change. However, we can't ignore the healers in this town."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"I'll try to talk to them. If we can reach an agreement, that would be best."

"That's not going to happen. If it were possible, they would have already lowered their fees or treated patients more sincerely."

Tex is right. If talking could solve the problem, it would have been solved already. The reason Leda is relied upon is precisely because the problem hasn't been resolved.

"What I'm worried about is something else. I'm concerned that Leda might be retaliated against after the clinic is built. There are girls at Leda's place, and it would be too late if something happens to them."

"I have a suggestion. Since Leda has proposed hiring a doctor and a pharmacist, why not also station a guard? Even though Leda is an adventurer, it would be reassuring to have someone who can handle rough situations."

"Yes, that's a good idea. I agree. Leda is necessary for this town, and if something happens to Mina and Luna... I don't even want to think about it!"

Leda is a low-level adventurer, but she can probably protect herself. However, what about her daughters? While it's not certain that the healers will take direct action, it's better to be cautious.

"Guild Master, I don't think talking will solve anything. When we suggested lowering their fees, they dismissed it, saying why they should cater to us. How are we supposed to talk to people like that?"

"Why not just kick them out? They can't even talk, only think about their own earnings, and always try to take advantage of us. They're useless, and we might only appreciate them once they're gone."

Tex said what everyone was hesitant to say: "expulsion." However, that's not easy. The healers charge high fees, don't treat patients outside of regular hours, and sometimes refuse treatment. But they're not committing crimes. Even if the residents dislike them, they can't be easily expelled.

The discussion about Leda's clinic expanded into a long-standing problem. Everyone was struggling to find a solution when—

The meeting room door was suddenly slammed open.

"Excuse me for interrupting the meeting! As a staff member of the Recovery Guild, I oppose the construction of a clinic by a rogue healer!"