第１２４８堀：幽霊大地に立つ (Part2)
Hivia seemed satisfied with that explanation.
The reception lobby, located just inside the hospital entrance, was not particularly crowded, as was usually the case.
"Hmm. I suppose there aren't many people here, though."
"That’s a good thing. It means there aren't many sick or injured people," I replied.
"Indeed. It is proof that the people are healthy," Firia added.
"I guess that’s true. So, what should I do now?"
"Just wait a moment. I’ll go handle the registration."
With that, Kagura-neesama headed toward the reception desk. Unfortunately, for someone like Firia, the counter was just a bit too high; there were times like these when I really wished I had a little more height. There were footstools available, of course, but accommodating so many different races was always a challenge. While I was lost in such thoughts, Kagura-neesama returned.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Rurua-san is already expecting us, so she said to come to Examination Room 4 on the second floor."
"The second floor?"
"It’s over that way!"
And so, leading Hivia, we headed up to the second floor and arrived at Examination Room 4, where Rurua-neesama was waiting.
"Welcome, Hivia-san."
"Hello. I’m always in Yuki’s debt."
Even though there were many strange and fascinating things around her, Hivia offered a proper, polite greeting immediately.
"Not at all. My husband has mentioned how happy he is to be on such good terms with you, so we are the ones who should be thanking you."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Now, I would like to perform an examination to check your physical condition. Is that alright?"
"Yes, that’s fine. I just hope we can figure something out. Oh, it won’t be anything harmful to my body, will it?"
"Noriko-san undergoes these check-ups regularly, so there is no cause for concern."
"Really?"
"Yes. Rurua always checks my body for me. For the time being, my heart and lungs have stopped, but the internal organs don't seem to be decaying," Noriko-san chimed in.
"Since Noriko-san is the only ghost I have examined so far, there is much I do not yet understand about their specific traits. However, I believe examining your body, Hivia-san, will help shed some light on many things."
"Yeah, that makes sense. Medicine, just like technology, is built upon the accumulation of knowledge."
"Exactly."
The conversation with Rurua-neesama remained pleasant as the examination proceeded. The process was no different from a standard physical check-up. I did find myself wondering what the diagnostic criteria for a "ghost's health check" might be, but I decided to ask about that another day. Because she was a ghost, the process was surprisingly quick, finishing in about an hour.
"There we are. I will contact you with the results at a later date. I’m not sure if it will be through Aslin-chan and the others, Souta-san, or my husband, but you will hear from us."
"Got it. Thanks."
"Also, if you ever feel unwell, please tell those around you immediately. I will rush over as soon as I receive word."
"Understood. Now, let’s continue our tour of Weed!"
And so, Firia and the others continued to show Hivia around the city of Weed, though detailed explanations of the machinery and such took a backseat.
"This is delicious! The takoyaki I saw in the manga is amazing!"
"Takoyaki really is the best, isn't it?"
"Freshly made is the best!"
"It really is. But Hivia, you need to pace yourself."
"Pace myself? What do you mean?"
"Ahaha, people who come to Weed for the first time usually end up visiting the doctor because they eat too much."
"That won't happen to me! Oh, what’s that? Is that... taiyaki!?"
Watching Hivia get so excited, Firia and the others were certain of one thing: we would definitely be seeing Rurua-neesama again later today.
...But what happens when a ghost overeats? Does it even come out? I suppose the health status on a ghost's chart would just have to be written as "Deceased." How do they manage the health of undead, zombies, or skeletons, anyway?