Chapter 54

When you get used to the environment, you tend to let your guard down, don't you?

That day, the hideout of the "Crimson Lynx" was in an uproar as if it had been attacked by enemies. Instructors, trainees, and apprentices alike were running around in a panic. It was an unusual scene. Even the leader, Allie, couldn't hide her momentary shock and was a bit slow in her response. The only one who remained calm was Jake, who was usually considered a useless adult.

"Can someone go to the clinic and bring the doctor here?"

In his usual calm tone, Jake said this, and Kouresh shouted that he would go and ran off. He had met the new female doctor at the clinic a few days ago. They weren't close enough to introduce themselves, but they could be considered acquaintances. Lelai started running after Kouresh, probably because she judged that she wouldn't be of much help here.

"Brook, please carry him to his room. And Allie, check his status and condition."

"…Understood."

"…Got it."

"Why are you, who have been through so many battles, panicking like the kids?"

Jake muttered in exasperation, but neither Brook nor Allie responded. Brook, without a word, picked up Yurii, who had collapsed, with Yack's help and headed to Yurii's room. Allie, scratching the back of her head, followed behind. Jake sighed and addressed the still panicking members.

"Standing around here won't help. It's probably just exhaustion, so there's no need to worry too much."

"But!"

"But!"

"Or rather, if I collapsed, would you all just leave me? Why are you so panicked?"

"It's because you always do that."

"…I guess I'm a bit hurt, too?"

Jake grumbled at their unanimous response. But the others were still flustered, as if they hadn't heard him. The reason they were so panicked was that Yurii had suddenly collapsed. At breakfast, he seemed a bit slower than usual, but otherwise normal. However, when he went outside with Yack to hang the laundry, he suddenly swayed and fell down. Yack, who was next to him, tried to catch him, but being still a bit weak, he couldn't support Yurii, and they both fell.

When everyone saw this, they all panicked. The only one who remained calm was Jake, who checked Yurii's condition and concluded it was probably just exhaustion, not a serious illness or injury. Jake wondered why the members of the "Crimson Lynx," a treasure hunter training clan, were so flustered. But they had a point. Most adventurers and treasure hunters are tough and rarely get sick, only injured. In the hideout, the only one who had ever collapsed from illness was Jake, and even then, it was due to his own doing, like staying up all night reading. Everyone had predicted he would collapse eventually. Considering this, it was understandable that everyone was shocked when Yurii, who had been fine, suddenly collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut.

Moreover, the reason for the panic was that Yurii was always smiling and had become a significant presence in just two months. He was an untrained civilian, which made everyone even more worried. If he were trained, they might have thought he could handle it, but knowing he was weak, their concern grew.

"…Yack, please go hang the laundry. Actually, if everyone helps, it will be done faster. And for lunch, since Yurii is out, let's divide the tasks and work hard."

"Understood!"

Everyone nodded and dispersed. Hanging laundry was usually the apprentices' job, but some trainees offered to help given the situation. The trainees were also involved in preparing lunch and shopping. Everyone was united in their efforts, eager to finish their tasks and check on Yurii.

"…You're loved, aren't you?"

Jake watched everyone bustling about and chuckled.

"I think he let his guard down."

The doctor, a rabbit girl named Nina, smiled gently. Her white hair, tied loosely at the back of her neck, and her round glasses perched on her nose gave her a charming look. Her red eyes behind the glasses were gentle, and her white coat made her exude a calming presence.

"Let his guard down?"

Allie repeated, and Nina nodded calmly. Yurii, still looking dazed, watched Allie and Nina. Lying in bed, he seemed confused about what was happening.

"He's been here for about two months, right? He got used to the life, let his guard down, and the fatigue caught up with him."

"…Is that possible?"

"The impact of environmental changes is significant. You can accumulate stress without realizing it."

"…."

Nina's words left everyone silent. It was hard to imagine stress in Yurii's carefree demeanor, but stress can build up unnoticed. Especially after being suddenly transported to a foreign place, it would be strange not to feel overwhelmed. Yurii had been maintaining a facade of calm, but his body had been tense. Once he relaxed and truly adapted to the place, the fatigue hit him all at once. No medication was prescribed; instead, Nina advised him to rest and eat well before leaving. Yurii, still dazed, thought to himself, "The white rabbit has red eyes," as he watched her leave.

Deciding to rest as advised, Yurii lay down. He didn't feel particularly tired or sleepy, but his body was telling him to rest. Despite not feeling sleepy, he soon fell asleep. The gentle snores that followed brought relief to those who had come to check on him, and they quietly left the room.

Yurii's eyes fluttered open when he heard a gentle knock. Responding drowsily, he saw four apprentices peering into the room, looking worried.

"…What's going on, everyone?"

"Um… Yurii, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. No need to worry so much."

Yurii smiled as usual, and Yack let out a relieved sigh. Pushed by Ulgrus behind him, Yack stumbled into the room. The apprentices filed in, and Yurii tilted his head in confusion.

While Yurii was still puzzled, the apprentices quickly prepared. Mag held a tray, and Camille brought over a side table that Yurii rarely used. Ulgrus helped Yurii sit up, and Yack poured water into a glass.

"…Everyone?"

"Yurii's lunch. We made it together."

"…This is…"

"Something you made before."

Mag said softly and opened the lid of the small pot on the tray. Inside was freshly made egg congee. The eggs were a bit overcooked, but the aroma was unmistakably that of egg congee seasoned with dashi and soy sauce. While Yurii was still surprised, Camille skillfully served it and handed it to him. Yurii took it reflexively.

"Mag said you made this when Jake collapsed."

"Mag was really serious about making the dashi."

"The eggs are a bit overcooked, but it should be edible."

"We tasted it."

"…Thank you."

Yurii felt a bit teary as he thanked them. He knew how happy it made him to have someone cook for him. He hadn't taught them how to make egg congee; Mag had just watched him. Despite this, they recognized it as a suitable meal for someone who was ill and made it for Yurii.

Taking a spoonful, Yurii tasted the egg congee. It was gentle and comforting. The dashi, made by Mag, who was obsessed with it, was perfect, with a soft kelp flavor. The seasoning, likely a mix of soy sauce and salt, was a bit strong but not unpleasant. It was more like a regular meal than a sick person's food. The overcooked eggs, having absorbed the broth, were flavorful and delicious.

"It's delicious."

Yurii smiled genuinely, and the apprentices beamed with joy, happy that Yurii appreciated their effort.

"Eat up, rest, and get better."

Ulgrus, despite his noble upbringing, said gruffly. He was still the same brash kid.

"Don't force yourself to eat everything."

Camille laughed cheerfully. "We'll eat the leftovers," he added, his usual self. Despite his noble appearance, he was quite down-to-earth.

"…Instruction."

Mag muttered, and Yurii tilted his head. Ulgrus explained that Mag wanted more lessons, and Yurii nodded with a smile. Mag, with his limited words, was best understood by Ulgrus, who had known him the longest.

"Next time, if you're not feeling well, tell us, Yurii."

"…Got it. Sorry, Yack. I caused you all worry."

Yack lightly tapped Yurii's forehead, and Yurii laughed, a bit embarrassed. He hadn't realized how tired he was, and he was a bit scared that he might do the same thing again. He knew he would get a severe scolding if they found out.

A few days later, when Yurii fully recovered, the "Crimson Lynx" members celebrated as if it were a festival.

I think, "Don't panic so much," but they were really worried.

I guess if your mom suddenly collapses, you'd be shocked too.

Yurii, loved by everyone, continues to live a happy and carefree life.

I look forward to your comments and feedback.