第１３２３堀：命の価値 (Part2)
"Now then, let's start with a proper introduction. I'm Yuki. I was the one who handled your treatment when you were brought into Weed—do you remember?"
I decided to start by gauging whether she understood who I was and the current situation.
"Yes. I remember. I am truly grateful to you for saving me back then. And, of course, to the adventurers and the merchant, Asu, as well."
She replied with a steady, firm tone this time. Her eyes didn't flicker; they seemed composed and clear.
"I see. Well, Nina and the others told me you’d regained your memory, so I was worried, but you seem to be doing alright?"
"Ahaha... Honestly, if you ask me if I'm 'alright,' I’m not entirely sure. But I don't intend to throw my life away anymore. If I had stayed in that state, I don't know what I would have done."
"Well, that makes all the effort I put into healing you worth it."
I meant that from the bottom of my heart. Even if I do as I please, it’s still a somber thing to have your efforts rejected by the very person you saved. As I thought this, for some reason, Lyushi lowered her head slightly...
"U-um, s-so, I, well..."
"Hm? What's wrong?"
Fearing some kind of seizure, I signaled to Ria to be ready to move at a moment's notice.
"I-I don't have any money... I can't pay for the treatment... at all..."
"Wait, did someone demand payment for your medical bills?"
"No, but I’ve heard about you from Nina and the others, Yuki-sama. That you are the consort of the King of this land, Weed. And that you are a healer of the highest caliber, on par with the hospital director, Rurua-sama. I received treatment from someone like that, and I haven't offered anything in return..."
"I see. So you feel awkward because you were saved without providing any compensation?"
"...Yes. I am truly grateful for being saved, but I don't know how I can ever repay you. More than anything, I was driven out of my village, so I have no assets or anything to my name... Not that I had much to begin with, I suppose. Ahaha..."
Lyushi’s forced laugh was incredibly painful to witness. It would be easy to tell her that she doesn't need to pay, but that wouldn't be good for her mental state, nor for how others might perceive her.
I don't think anyone would begrudge me for healing her, but it is a fact that Rurua keeps a close watch on my work, and there are many patients both domestic and abroad waiting for treatment from her. By prioritizing Lyushi, I’m inevitably going to draw some resentment. To mitigate that, she needs to provide some form of equivalent compensation; otherwise, life will be difficult for her moving forward.
The reality is that simple, unearned goodwill can often be a burden to the person receiving it. Especially for those who are genuinely decent people. A villain or someone who lacks manners wouldn't have a guilty conscience, after all.
But there’s no need to force an answer right this second. So...
"Tell you what. I’m sure it’s awkward for you, so I’ll have you do some work for me later on, but for now, just focus on your recovery."
"Eh? But aren't I already healed? I have all my limbs, after all."
"Well, compared to your previous state, yes. But the level of treatment I performed is unprecedented. The ring you’re wearing is there to support that recovery."
"This ring?"
"Yeah, it’s a ring that provides continuous recovery magic. So don't go taking it off on your own."
"Eh?"
"By that look on your face, you’ve already taken it off, haven't you?"
"Yes... when I wash my face, or when I’m in the bath..."
"Well, try to bear with it from now on. It’s fine to shift it slightly while you wash, though."
"Um, won't the ring get damaged?"
"No. I wouldn't prioritize a ring over a human life. You don't seem to understand why I’m having you wear it, do you?"
"...Thank you."
Lyushi bowed her head deeply at my words. ...Well, considering how she’s been treated in the past, I suppose I can understand her reaction, but I hope that one day, being able to say that a life is more important becomes the norm for her.
While I pondered this, I turned to ask about Rurua and the others coming in.
They say you can't put a price on a life, but when you look at the cold, hard reality of hospital construction and maintenance costs, it essentially means that a life is cheaper than the facility built to save it. It’s an unfortunate necessity, but that is the reality.
And that is exactly why people strive to move toward a better future.