第１１６８堀：助けたらその次 (Part1)
Chapter 1168: After the Rescue, What Comes Next
Side: Yuki
"That was unexpected. Recovering from a comatose state so quickly... could it be the power of the ring?"
Having returned from the hospital, we are relaxing in the banquet hall of our home inn, recounting the day's events to Seraria.
"Hmm, honestly, I’m not sure. That ring has layers of suggestion, aromatherapy, and healing music woven into it, all designed to suppress suicidal impulses."
"For now, I think it’s best we just keep a close watch on her."
"Agreed. Besides, the ring’s true efficacy will likely show itself from here on out."
True, she started speaking the moment the ring was placed on her finger, but I don’t believe that was solely the ring’s doing. It’s more reasonable to assume that she had already begun the process of healing her own heart, and the ring simply provided the final nudge.
Still, as Comet mentioned, since we layered multiple effects to prevent self-harm, the possibility isn't zero. That’s why, as Agil suggested, we’ll continue monitoring her progress.
"True. But the fact that she didn't fall into a state of delirium after everything she’s been through is, in itself, a kind of success. Comet, Agil, could you two produce a few more of these rings? We could have the hospital conduct various experiments with them. They might prove highly effective for patients suffering from insomnia, for instance."
That was a blind spot. If we provide these rings to other inpatients to help stabilize their minds, and it results in preventing suicide or easing their mental anguish, it would allow us to properly verify the ring's effects.
"I had intended it to be a one-off for her, so I hadn't considered that. But I can see the utility. Can you handle the production?"
"Well, since I’ve already made one, making more is easy enough."
"True. But we’re already spread thin between the Blue Hole survey, the Great Mountain Range, and the Great Sea of Trees. How should we prioritize this?"
"We’ll just have to set priorities. The Great Sea of Trees survey requires Wazuphi to join us, so that’s on the back burner. The Blue Hole has Shera-chan and the monsters collecting data, so we can leave the site to them for now. Let’s prioritize the rings."
"Agreed. Let’s do that. And what about her? Is she staying at the hospital?"
"Yeah. We haven't fully confirmed the ring's effects yet, and I can't just let her return to normal life without caution. Show has agreed to keep her under observation at the hospital."
"Oh? I heard Show was training at the hospital, but I didn't realize he was going that far. Tell me, Rurua, how is her ability?"
At Seraria’s question, all eyes turn to Rurua. Rurua, having spent the day doing something different from us, had returned an hour earlier and was lounging in the banquet hall with tea and sweets.
"Hm? Oh, Show, is it? As I’ve mentioned before, his ability as a recovery mage is impeccable. Furthermore, by studying medicine, his effectiveness has increased significantly. I believe you recall, Seraria, that we’ve already received a letter of gratitude and a commendation from Emperor Eupia regarding that."
"Yes, Eupia did ask us to send more trainees. But you say that with a hint of reservation. 'As a recovery mage,' you say?"
"Yes. While his skills as a recovery mage are beyond reproach, he still has a long way to go as a physician. He lacks experience in the efficacy of drugs, proper dosages, administration, and surgical procedures."
Ah, that makes sense. Both medicine and surgery are methods that can kill a patient if one step is taken incorrectly. It requires proper knowledge and experience—things that can't be mastered in just a few months.
"Still, as expected of the brains supporting a great nation, his knowledge is up to standard."
"So, he’s currently gaining practical experience."
"Exactly. However, I’ve instructed the hospital to report any information regarding her to me, even when Show is absent, so I’ll know immediately if anything happens. We are monitoring her via the system, after all. If I may say so, she is a medically valuable patient, and if we can establish a method for her psychological treatment, it will save many patients in the future."
"And your husband is the one spearheading that effort, isn't he?"
"Haha, I’m still a novice myself, especially when it comes to psychology. But my husband is capable of such things."
"No, no, I’m an amateur at that too. When it comes to medicine and medical arts, Rurua and Elju are clearly superior to me. Besides, all I did was implement a stopgap for suicide prevention. I don't even know if that will truly work. Come to think of it, should I have cleared that with you, Rurua?"
"Not at all. I heard from you that you were going to perform some procedure on her, so there is no issue. After all, you are her primary physician, my husband."
Ah, so that’s how it’s been framed. That explains why the hospital staff doesn't question me when I intervene and why they offer to help whenever needed.
"So, what will you do next, my husband? Are you heading to see Orelia, Yayui, and Hovis?"
"Ah, probably. Oh, and I need to talk to Princess Fiora of Dafaio as well."
Right, there’s that absurd talk about taking her as a bride to handle affairs with smaller nations. I accepted the situation for various reasons, but how she feels is a different matter. It’s important that I meet her and talk it through.
"My, you seem surprisingly eager?"
"Who knows? Well, it’s true that work is busy and I’d like to find a solution. But I only negotiated with Princess Fiora regarding the water issue. I want to convey my true feelings and let her decide. Either way, sooner is better."
"True. Though, as I’m sure you know, if you tell her it’s a tool for Weed’s negotiations, Princess Fiora will gladly offer herself up, considering the debt and benefits the Dafaio Kingdom has received. Those in positions of power have no hesitation when it comes to their country and their people."
"...I suppose you're right."
That’s exactly why I hate it. Well, if it’s for the sake of the country, then that’s that. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that sentiment. But I also feel it’s wrong to say that just because one is royalty, they shouldn't have freedom. No, it *is* wrong. That much I can say for sure. If everyone were satisfied with their lot just because they were royalty, Seraria wouldn't have become a general leading the charge herself. She would have been married off for political reasons long ago.
"What? What’s with that look?"
"Nothing. I was just wondering why you were single until you married me. You are royalty, after all."
"Ah, that. I wasn't the kind of woman who would be satisfied with just any man. That’s why I’m here... though you seem to be implying that I’ve been living quite freely, don't you?"