Chapter 94

"Dear, if you have some time today, there's something I'd like to ask of you..."

One morning at breakfast. As the meal was coming to an end and the maid Kimberly was serving the post-meal tea, Clara approached Noein with this request.

"Today, I only have paperwork and development work, so I have plenty of time... What's the matter?"

"In fact, I received a consultation from Dr. Sylphus about a certain student... It seems that the student's family is also involved, so it's not something the teacher can easily interfere with. I would like to ask for your assistance as the lord."

Clara not only teaches at the public school in the Arquvist domain but also serves as the principal. In this capacity, she received a consultation from Dr. Sylphus, who teaches the basics of medicine at the school.

"It involves the student's family... Is it about their future path?"

"It seems so. The student is interested in medicine, but their parents are opposed... Dr. Sylphus wants to educate the next generation of doctors."

Children clashing with their parents over their future is a common story in any era and place. However, if the number of doctors in the Arquvist domain could increase, the situation would transcend a mere family dispute and become a matter of the entire domain's benefit.

That's why Sylphus specifically sought Noein's cooperation.

"Understood, I'll drop by the school around noon. Is that okay?"

"Yes, thank you."

...

Later that afternoon, Noein left the mansion with Matilda and headed to the school as he had told Clara.

The school, a public facility, is located close to the lord's mansion, so it only takes a few minutes to walk there.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Clara."

"Thank you for coming, my lord."

"It's fine, it's part of my duties as the lord... So, where is Dr. Sylphus?"

"He's waiting in the office, along with the student in question."

"Got it, let's head there now."

The office, a small room with a few desks and a sofa for visitors, had Dr. Sylphus and a girl, presumably the student, sitting side by side.

"It's been a while, Dr. Sylphus."

"Lord Noein, it's been a while. I apologize for taking your time today."

"No, Dr. Sylphus is a benefactor to both me and this domain... I'm happy to help if I can."

As Noein said this to the modestly standing Sylphus, he turned his gaze to the girl standing next to him. She seemed extremely nervous in the presence of the lord.

"Lord Noein, this is—"

"Lilith, right?"

When Noein correctly identified the girl, both Sylphus and the girl herself looked surprised.

"You know her?"

"She's one of the early settlers who came to the Arquvist domain in the first year of its establishment. I remember all the settlers from that time."

Back when the population of the Arquvist domain was less than fifty, Lilith had fled from the Galdwin侯爵領 (Galdwin Marquisate) with her father Russell and mother Admia to the Arquvist domain. Noein remembered this.

"Moreover, her father was a hero who fought bravely despite being severely injured in the recent bandit raid. I couldn't forget his daughter."

"Thank you for remembering not only my father but me as well."

Lilith, deeply moved, spoke with gratitude, and Noein smiled at her.

Her father, Russell, was one of the men who had been severely injured in the battle against the bandits. Having lost a leg and unable to do farm work, he received a consolation payment from Noein and was given a light job, such as grinding soybeans, which he could do while seated.

As the family of an early settler and a man who had been honorably wounded for the domain, it was natural for Lilith to be remembered by Noein.

"Well, let's sit down and hear the details."

Noein sat on the sofa opposite the table and gestured for Sylphus and Lilith to sit as well.

"Clara told me that a student interested in medicine is having a conflict with their family... Is that you, Lilith?"

"Y-Yes."

Lilith, when asked, nodded with a slightly somber face.

"Dr. Sylphus saved my father, who might have died after his leg was cut off by bandits. Dr. Sylphus is my father's savior. After starting school and taking Dr. Sylphus's classes... I want to become like him and help people who are injured or sick."

Thanks to Dr. Sylphus, Lilith's father survived despite losing a leg. It makes sense that she would be interested in medicine after receiving direct medical knowledge from someone who saved her father's life.

"However, my father completely refuses to let me pursue a career in medicine... When I told him I wanted to be a doctor, he shouted, 'It's impossible for a woman to become a doctor, I won't allow it,' without even listening to my reasons... My mother only said she would follow my father."

"I see..."

Hearing Lilith's words, Noein understood the problem.

While there are differences by region, the idea that "men do this work, women do that work" is common in various aspects of the kingdom's society.

Doctors are generally considered a "man's job," and female doctors only exist in very small numbers to treat royal and upper noble women. It's understandable that a commoner like Russell would think that a female doctor is impossible.

"Do you have any reservations about teaching Lilith medical knowledge, Dr. Sylphus?"

"No, I don't. I have Elven blood... I come from a society where men and women are completely equal."

"I see, that makes sense."

Elven countries and settlements are said to have completely equal societies, and Noein had read about this in books before. It's natural for Sylphus, who has Elven relatives, to have a different worldview from humans.

"Moreover, she is very studious and quick to understand. I've had many disciples before, and compared to their younger selves, she seems to have a talent. If allowed, I would like to take her as a disciple and teach her all the knowledge I have."

Lilith, pleased by the praise, blushed slightly and tried to contain her smile.

"Understood. I'm very happy and grateful as the lord that a new doctor will be born from this domain... So, the only thing left is to persuade her father."

"Yes, that's right. As just a doctor, I felt it was overstepping to interfere in another family's affairs, so I humbly turned to you, Lord Noein, for help."

Sylphus said this apologetically, but Noein was grateful for his request.

To further develop the Arquvist domain in the future, it's important to eliminate such outdated customs. This case could set a good precedent. It's worth the lord's personal involvement.

"Understood. For the sake of the Arquvist domain and, more importantly, for Lilith's determination and future, I will take on the task of persuading her father."

"I am grateful, Lord Noein."

"Lord Noein... Thank you so much."

Sylphus bowed deeply, and Lilith, with tears in her eyes, expressed her gratitude.