第１３２４堀：精神的ケアの方法 (Part1)
Chapter 1324: Methods of Mental Care
Side: Rurua
I pressed my stethoscope against Lyushi’s chest—or rather, since that wasn’t quite possible, I asked her to move her breasts aside so I could place it directly in the center to confirm her heartbeat.
Even if she isn't quite as endowed as I am, she is still reasonably well-proportioned, and listening through her breasts tends to muffle the sound. It’s one of the drawbacks of being busty, I suppose.
"…Yes. Everything is fine."
As I said that, Lyushi began to pull her hospital gown back together. It’s the type that ties in the front, so it was a simple enough task. I used that moment to jot down notes in her medical chart.
Her recovery is going perfectly. Well, I had already confirmed that her body was fully restored the moment Master performed the treatment. The real issue was her mental state, but after meeting with Master today, she seems even more stable. I still can’t let my guard down, though.
While thinking this, I conducted the follow-up interview.
"How are you feeling? Any issues with your body?"
Oh, by the way, Master has already stepped out of the room. I don't think there would be any issue with him, her attending physician, examining her body, but he remains as he always is. I think it’s gentlemanly, but considering he has a reputation as a womanizer, I do wonder about it sometimes. Well, of course, we can’t have him laying his hands on just anyone, so we make sure to handle those situations ourselves when necessary.
"No. My physical condition is excellent. However, um..."
Ah, this won't do. I can enjoy some intimate time with Master later; Lyushi’s concerns are more important right now.
"What is it?"
"I asked Yuki-sama earlier as well, but... I have nothing to offer in return. Why would you go so far...?"
"Ah, I’ve heard. You’re feeling uncomfortable about receiving treatment for free, aren't you?"
"...Yes. I’m sorry."
I’ve been monitoring their conversation through the surveillance feed, and Master had already told me she was worrying about this.
"Master is kind in that way. Well, usually he’s the one who takes on the unpleasant roles, but he must have been worried about your heart."
Master is surprisingly sharp-tongued, too. I remember how his words used to pierce my heart when we first met.
"Worried... me? Do I look like I'm about to die?"
"No, from my perspective, you don't show any such signs. But that is only how it appears on the surface. There is always a possibility that you could receive a shock upon being told the truth. One can never truly know the human heart."
Indeed, the human heart is an enigma. Master worked desperately to create an anti-suicide ring for Lyushi to wear, but we don't actually know how effective it truly is. We have been mass-producing them and testing their effects on multiple patients, and the data is decent, but we lack the absolute numbers. I understand Master’s caution, but...
"...Lyushi-san, you have a choice. You can ignore Master’s consideration and clear up your doubts to ease your anxiety, or you can carry that anxiety and choose to trust him."
"...Will asking really resolve anything?"
"That depends entirely on you, Lyushi-san. I cannot judge whether what we offer is truly 'good' for you. Of course, Master and the rest of us believe it is, which is why we offer it."
"..."
It seems she cannot give an answer just yet. Still...
"The fact that you are now able to ask such probing questions is a good sign."
"Eh?"
"It is proof that you are thinking about your own future. That said, there is no need to rush for an answer. Nina-san and the others are here, so why not start by chatting with them, deepening your bond, or perhaps asking for their advice?"
"...Yes."
Lyushi replied with a hesitant nod. It seems Nina-san and Kishua-san have built a good relationship with her. I, unfortunately, am too busy and forced to remain professional. That is the difficult part of my position.
For now, the examination was over. When I stepped out of the room, Master and the others were waiting for me.
"How was it?"
"Yes. She seems to be recovering smoothly. Oh, Nina-san, Kishua-san, Lyushi-san said she would like to talk with you."
"Is that so? Then, I’ll go in."
"Same here. So, what about you?"
By "you," he meant me. I have to return to the director’s office for paperwork.
"I suppose so. The requested meetings are finished, and all that’s left is to check the status of the ring’s effects with Comet and Agil..."
"Well, there aren't any particularly clear results to report anyway~"
"That’s true. Even though I tagged along, there hasn't been any overtly obvious outcome."
Both of them shook their heads, indicating there was nothing special to discuss. They were right. In that case...
"Then let’s disband for today and return to our respective duties. Contact me if anything comes up."
"Understood."
"Got it. See you later."
With that, Nina-san and Kishua-san entered the room. After confirming that, Master turned to me.
"Can we talk about Lyushi’s future?"
"Yes. Of course."
With that, we returned to the director’s office to resume our conversation.
"Seeing her today, she seemed surprisingly energetic. I think it might be time to let her meet not just Ria, but Fiora and Orelia as well."
"I agree. I am in favor of gradually increasing the number of people she interacts with. However, there is one problem."
"What is it?"
"Yes. As you heard, Master, she is still very concerned about the free treatment."
"Ah, that. I did tell her she could work for us after she recovered, though."
"You didn't specify what kind of work, did you?"
"Well, I don't know what she’s suited for yet."
"For Lyushi-san, the uncertainty of what kind of work she will be forced to do is likely terrifying. After all, she was treated by the highest-ranking healer in Weed. The cost is likely beyond her imagination. Usually. And above all, she has nothing."
"So that’s the root of her anxiety."
"Yes."
Indeed, she has nothing. Cast out by her village as a nuisance, battered and broken, she truly possesses nothing but her own body. She has been exposed to too much malice to easily accept goodwill. She likely wants to believe, but cannot, and the thought of the future must make her tremble.
"For her, while the fact that her body has been healed is something to be happy about, not knowing how she will survive from here on out is..."
"A future that looks pitch black, then."
"Yes. However, I don't think it’s right to force her into anything immediately, either."
"I suppose not."
"That is why I was honest with her. I told her to choose for herself. Whether she wants to know the truth immediately, or whether she wants to stay quiet for a while, just as you suggested."
Master fell silent for a moment, seemingly surprised by my words to her...
"...As Rurua, do you believe Lyushi is recovering?"