第１１５５堀：医者としての見解 (Part2)
"Indeed, you are right. I heard from Ratz that even when rescued, many women who have suffered such degradation at the hands of bandits often choose to take their own lives. Why she would cling to the desire to live after enduring such torture is something only she can truly know, but perhaps..."
"Let us return to the matter at hand. Whatever becomes of her, it must be left to Yuki. It was he who took her into his care, and I trust him. I am certain he will handle it without issue, regardless of the outcome."
"...You’re right. My husband will see it through. Besides, if he needed any assistance, he would have asked for it immediately. After all, this concerns a woman."
Precisely. As Seraria says, Master is exceptionally gentle with women. If he judged that he could not manage alone, he would have called for us at once. The fact that he hasn't summoned us yet suggests he believes he can handle the situation himself for the time being.
"Also, though my report is belated, Shau happened to be present while I was treating those slaves, so she assisted me."
"Shau? Why on earth was she in a place like that?"
"Well, her ostensible purpose was to accompany Master and observe how slaves are treated here in Weed."
"Ah, checking up on Weed’s slave system, I see. In the lands where the Zuraburu Empire holds sway, slaves are still treated as nothing more than cheap labor. Once intercontinental trade begins in earnest, they will be snatched up by the Rogari or If continents in the blink of an eye."
"Yes. It seems she came to verify that we aren't following such practices, but..."
"The timing was unfortunate, wasn't it? Though, I suspect she was also curious about what kind of slaves her brother might choose."
Indeed, as Ratz suggests, there was certainly an interest in the kind of slaves Master would select.
"Still, I am glad. Shau’s recovery magic was sufficient, wasn't it?"
"Yes, exactly as you say, Eris. She was a great help."
Shau has been close with me, greedily learning and absorbing everything she can regarding recovery magic and medicine. She has reached a level where one could almost grant her a license as a physician authorized to perform basic treatments in Weed. Unfortunately, she lacks practical experience, but that is something we shall have to address in time.
"I see. If she helped out, then we should certainly provide her with the information regarding our slave policies. It is a pity for Shau, though; she surely intended to provide some support in her brother's selection process."
That sentiment is undoubtedly there. But with things having turned out this way...
"Well, with this development, Master’s slave selection will be delayed for the time being. First, we must investigate the bandits who were abducting those slaves. And regarding the investigation of the Great Tree Sea at the Lancer Magic Academy—Master will be absent for a while, at least. Will that be alright?"
I look toward Agil and Comet as I speak. They are currently occupied with the matter of the ghost, Havia. While Taizo and Taiki are there, I cannot help but feel that Master’s absence remains a concern.
"Oh, don't worry. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable. As for the situation here, Havia is stable, and we have experts on hand, so it shouldn't be a problem for a while. Right, Comet?"
"Aye. No issues at the moment. We’ll just continue to stack the days and make Havia stronger."
It seems the ghost situation is under control. Master will be able to remain by her side for the time being, but...
"Well, it is fine for my husband to be concerned for her, but please, ensure he does not push himself too hard. As you know well, he has a tendency to be overly meticulous with his work at times like these."
"Understood. I will be sure to keep a close watch."
"That is true. Yuki-san always tries so hard in these situations. I suppose because he knows he’s being self-indulgent, he feels the need to compensate by being extra diligent with his other duties."
As Seraria and Milly say, it is precisely at times like these that Master insists on "working hard." Even though he usually complains about wanting to rest.
"Now, even though we have been saddled with extra work, it is unacceptable for Weed to have fools trading in illegal slaves right under our noses. We shall move to eliminate them with everything we have. Everyone, lend me your strength."
"Understood!"
And so, we face our new challenges. What will become of her heart? What was the reason they drove her to such depths? And what of Yuki’s slave selection? What will become of it all!