Chapter 91

Dr. Nina smiled softly as she leaned against the clinic door, holding the secret letter her mother had given her. "I'm going to assist the doctor. Health check-ups are important, you know."

In the activity report, the character designs are being revealed. Please take a look if you like.

"Sorry for the sudden visit, Yurikun."

"No, it's fine. If I can be of help, I'll do my best."

"Thank you."

Nina, the doctor in charge of the clinic, smiled gently. When she tilted her head, the rabbit ears on top of her head wiggled slightly. They were pure white and fluffy. Yurikun, who had learned in elementary school that rabbit ears should not be touched casually as they are sensitive organs and almost like a second heart, kept his hands to himself. ...Rabbit ears should not be touched casually. They are sensitive organs and important parts like a second heart. People who think holding a rabbit by the ears is a way to care for it are actually holding it as if it were prey. Please be careful.

Today, Yurikun was asked by Nina to accompany her on her work. Of course, Lux, his familiar, was ready to guard him, whether it was necessary or not. The job was to reach out to people who don't come for regular health check-ups. This had been ongoing since before Nina took over, as a consideration for busy craftsmen and shop owners who find it difficult to make appointments at the clinic. It's better to know your health status before getting sick, rather than waiting until you need medical attention.

However, such thinking is probably only common among medical professionals. For ordinary people, the clinic is a place to go when they feel unwell. They probably don't think about going when they're healthy. Probably.

So, Nina went to areas where craftsmen's workshops and commercial districts are concentrated to reach out and confirm appointments. She brought Yurikun today to borrow his appraisal skills, thinking that if he pointed out any issues, they might come for a check-up more willingly.

...Most people don't have perfect health. They might not have issues that affect their daily life, but accumulated fatigue is common. Sometimes, they might not be aware of their inherent physical conditions that make them more susceptible to issues. Just because they don't have a serious illness doesn't mean they are completely healthy.

Thus, the two arrived at the workshop district where the craftsmen lived. There weren't many people passing by as the craftsmen were working in their workshops. Noticing a craftsman sweeping the entrance of a workshop, Nina greeted him with a smile.

"Gurgal, good morning."

"Oh, Miss Nina. Good morning. ...What, you brought a chick too?"

"Good morning~"

Yurikun wasn't bothered by being called a "chick." Gurgal, the alchemist-blacksmith, was known for his sharp tongue. Besides, to a mountain folk elder around 200 years old, a teenager was just a chick. Nina was called "Miss," and Alie was called "Boy." Yurikun was definitely a chick.

Is this stubborn craftsman one of the people who don't come for health check-ups? Yurikun glanced at Nina. She shook her head with a smile. Then, she spoke.

"Gurgal is one of the rare craftsmen who comes for health check-ups regularly."

"Really?"

"Of course. We adjust the schedule to fit his availability and go out of our way to examine him. It would be strange if he didn't come."

"It would be great if everyone thought that way."

"Hmph. Humans have short lifespans but low awareness of health."

Nina laughed helplessly, and Gurgal sighed, as if saying, "What can you do?" Mountain folk live for about 500 years. During that time, they often face injuries and illnesses. Because of this, they take care of their health. Of course, they are robust enough to match their long lifespan, but they aren't foolish enough to think they can stay healthy forever.

To Gurgal, races with lifespans of 100 years or less seem to be living in a hurry. They appear to be overworking themselves in their short lives. This is a difference in perception, but at least from Nina's experience, the ones who come for health check-ups willingly are the long-lived races.

"Hey, chick."

"Yes?"

"Do you know the accessory craftsman, Bright?"

"Yes. I visit Bright's place sometimes."

"Then, convince that kid. Most people his age think they're fine without any evidence."

Yurikun tilted his head at Gurgal's muttering. Nina smiled helplessly. It seemed Bright was one of the problematic people. Young people might recover quickly with sleep, but that doesn't mean they aren't putting a strain on their bodies. Yurikun sighed and followed Nina, who was leading the way.

As they met more craftsmen, Yurikun pointed out hidden issues, and Nina persuaded them to come for health check-ups. Even if they weren't in immediate danger, craftsmen often work in the same posture, putting strain on their bodies. The lack of awareness was the problem.

"Bright-san!"

"Huh? What's up, Yurikun? ...And Miss Nina?"

"Good morning. I'm here to invite you for a health check-up."

"Ah..."

Bright averted his gaze from Nina's smile. As he started to say something about work, Yurikun gave him a stern look. He had checked Bright's condition after Gurgal's warning and, as expected, found that he was under strain like the other craftsmen.

"Bright-san, you're out."

"Huh?"

"Oh, that's not good, is it?"

"It's not good. Not good at all. The strain on your waist, neck, and shoulders is significant. You should get a proper diagnosis and treatment. It's an order."

"Hey, Yurikun, what are you talking about?"

"Even if you can't see it or feel it, there's strain on your body."

Yurikun's serious expression made Bright blink repeatedly. Nina was checking her schedule in her notebook, asking if this time was okay, but Bright was confused. Lux, who was tugging on Bright's pant leg, looked up at him silently, as if pleading.

"Yurikun, what does Lux want?"

"I think he wants you to get a health check-up so you don't collapse."

"Kyuu!"

"Seems like that's it."

"...But why?"

"Because Lux likes you, Bright."

"Kyukyuu!"

Lux nodded, jumping up and down. Yurikun, with a "see?" look, and Nina, with a smile and her notebook, all seemed gentle but persistent. Bright sighed in resignation, scratching his head as he looked at his schedule in Nina's notebook.

"I have a deadline around here. Can I come after that?"

"No problem. ...You'll come this time, right?"

"...Yeah. ...I don't want to make Yurikun my enemy."

Bright muttered, and it was clearly his true feeling. What was troublesome was the overprotective group behind Yurikun. Not just the members of the "Scarlet Lynx," but also the perfumer, Leopold, who was a friend of his. Bright didn't want to make that woman his enemy, knowing she could attack his weak points with a smile.

In the end, Bright agreed to get a health check-up. Nina was in a good mood as they walked. People who usually said, "I have work" or "I'm fine," had accepted the appointments this time. As a doctor, she was happy.

A doctor's goal isn't just to treat patients but also to prevent illness and help people stay healthy. It's important to know how to maintain health, not just treat illness. That's why Nina continued the health check-ups she inherited from her predecessor.

Their last stop was the familiar diner, "Sunlight Cafe." As they wondered why, Alga, the son of the neighboring inn, "Twilight Inn," ran over and grabbed Nina's hand. Yurikun was surprised, but Nina smiled wryly.

"Good morning, Alga. ...Was persuasion impossible?"

"I'm sorry. That stubborn old man, really, really..."

"Alga-san, good morning~"

"Huh? Why is Yurikun here?"

"Today, I'm assisting Miss Nina."

Yurikun puffed out his chest playfully, and Alga blinked repeatedly. He then clapped his hands, realizing he had forgotten Yurikun's appraisal skills. To Alga, Yurikun was the cooking expert of the "Scarlet Lynx" who sometimes ate at his father's shop. ...Which wasn't wrong.

As they chatted, they heard a woman's scream from "Sunlight Cafe." It was Shira, the waitress.

"Dad, you idiot!"

Alga held his head, but Nina just smiled wryly. Alga checked his and his family's schedules in Nina's notebook. ...It seemed only his father, Daraeos, was refusing the health check-up. Was the former adventurer shop owner afraid of doctors? Yurikun wondered.

"Yurikun, can I ask you to help?"

"Sure~"

Peeking inside, they saw Shira yelling at her father, who was ignoring her. Yurikun checked Daraeos's condition with his "Divine Eye" and sighed heavily. Despite being a former adventurer and still hunting for ingredients, he was clearly under strain and needed maintenance.

"Good morning. Daraeos-san, you're out too. Please get a health check-up."

"Yurikun?"

"Huh? What's up, kid?"

"Strain on your shoulders, knees, and left ankle. Your internal organs seem fine, but your joints are fatigued."

"Huh?"

Shira grabbed Daraeos's arm, and Alga, who had appeared, grabbed the other. They dragged him to Nina, who smiled with her notebook in hand. The rabbit doctor's smile was as beautiful as ever.

"Since our schedules are here, Dad, you should come too."

"Right! If Yurikun says you're out, you should go!"

"But what's with you guys!"

"Alie's protege, so no mistake!"

"..."

Daraeos was silent, overwhelmed by the children's arguments. He knew Alie's skills but had never seen Yurikun's. He didn't know how exceptional they were. But the power of the words "Alie's protege" seemed to work even on him.

...Impressive, the skilled authenticator who leads the "Scarlet Lynx." Alie's reputation was strong.

In the end, Daraeos, unusually, agreed to the health check-up. Nina was pleased, as it went more smoothly than expected. She always wanted people to come for health check-ups to take care of their health. The stubborn craftsmen had been convinced by Yurikun's insights, making it a smooth process.

"Yurikun, thank you today."

"No problem. It's great that everyone agreed to the health check-up."

"Really. ...Thank you, really."

Nina smiled, and Yurikun smiled back. Lux chirped happily at their feet. Everyone's health and well-being are the most important. If illnesses can be prevented, that's the best outcome. That's what they all thought.

Health check-ups are important.

The concept of pre-disease is important.

That's the gist of it.

And, don't grab rabbit ears (serious face).

Looking forward to your comments and feedback.