第１５６９堀：遠足前には体調を確認します (Part1)
Chapter 1569: Checking Vital Signs Before the Excursion
Side: Enora
"Alright, everyone, stay still. I need to check your vitals before we head out."
With those words, I began assessing the physical condition of Yuki and the rest of the castle exploration team.
You might wonder why I’m here. Well... earlier this morning, while Yuki was resting, Deryu and Agil mentioned how filthy and neglected the Adventurer’s Guild had become. They suspected the castle would be in a similar state, and since I’m the best person for health management—what with Rurua and Lilishe being too busy, Hiren being out of the question, and Senal being only a secondary option—it was decided I would accompany them to prevent any potential illnesses.
Everyone agreed that since Yuki had been sleep-deprived, we had to prevent any further decline in his health. It was an easy decision. And because I’m here, I’m going to do my job properly.
Especially with him.
"Yuki, you look like you’ve shaken off the sleep deprivation, but how are you feeling? Any sluggishness? It’s quite common for people to develop a fever after taking unexpected morning or afternoon naps."
Yes, it’s surprisingly common for children—or anyone, really—to spike a fever after sleeping at odd hours. Sleep is often a sign that one’s physical strength is waning; if you fall asleep when it isn’t part of your routine, it means you’re exhausted. In other words, your health is deteriorating. That’s what leads to the fever.
Yuki has been sleeping sporadically. I’ve known for a while that his fatigue has been piling up, and with this expedition, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he fell ill.
"No, I don't have a fever. I'm fine. I feel refreshed after that nap. Right, Rushi?"
"Yes. I feel refreshed after sleeping."
"Is that so? Well, you both look healthy enough. Aside from that, there’s the matter of mental fatigue, but you don't seem to be suffering from that either, right?"
I turned to confirm with Deryu and Agil as well.
"Indeed. The filth is the only real problem; I don't feel unwell in the slightest."
"Well, dirt is just part and parcel of research, isn't it?"
"I suppose you have a point. That leaves Ria, Dressa, and Canaria. Are you three alright?"
Canaria is the one I’m most concerned about after Yuki. While Ria and Dressa are there to support her, the emotional toll of returning to her home country—and specifically the castle where she once lived—is inevitable. Ordinarily, I would have advised her to stay behind, but given the connection to the Dark Guild and the possibility of being targeted, we couldn't afford to split our forces. She had to come along.
Canaria’s emotional fluctuations have become so muted that she’s become difficult to read. That’s why Ria and Dressa have essentially become her personal guardians. Anyone can fall ill, but with Canaria, even if I can't read her, I still have to check.
"I'm fine," she said.
"Yes, I have no issues either."
Ria and Dressa looked perfectly healthy. The two of them had even been sparring with their swords earlier that morning.
"I am also fine."
Canaria, the one I was most worried about, answered just as calmly. As expected, her expression didn't shift. In a way, it’s a skill. I’ve met people like her before, and even then, I never knew how to handle them. People involved in politics would probably envy her; you can’t read her inner thoughts at all. Though, if I said that to Rurua and the others, they’d probably get angry.
Regardless, I cast a careful gaze over her from head to toe. Her breathing was steady, and there were no abnormalities in her magical readings or status.
"I see. You seem to be fine. However, it’s common to feel unwell once you’re actually on-site, so don’t hesitate to speak up."
"Understood."
Her response was prompt, almost too formal. I’ll have to keep a close eye on her.
"And what about Kagura, Kiyu, and Covil? Any issues?"
"Honestly, I’d rather be sleeping after all that paperwork."
"Kagura is her usual self, I see."
"Hey."
I ignored Kagura’s grumbling. Incidentally, Mikos remained at the church to assist with medical duties.
"Haha, I have no problems. How about you, Covil?"
"I am fine as well."
Kiyu and Covil were also in good shape. Everyone seemed to be in the clear. I brought up my holographic monitor and logged their charts.
"Yuki, there don't seem to be any issues. You’re cleared to depart."
"Got it. Let’s go. I have a bus waiting outside the church."
Once I gave the green light, Yuki—who apparently had everything ready—led the group out of the church and boarded the bus, heading toward the royal castle at the heart of the capital.
Usually, there would be some form of reception, but this town has been abandoned, and the word is that the master of the royal castle has fled, leaving it in ruins. It’s reached the point where I was specifically asked to accompany them. I’ve heard whispers from my patients that no one dares go near the place. They claim it’s because of the Hinsua soldiers stationed there, but rumors say the former castle staff were slaughtered during the civil unrest, and their ghosts and zombies now wander the halls.
However, our preliminary intel showed no magical signatures of such creatures. Well, if they were ghosts, someone like Havia might be able to sense them, but we won't know for sure until we get there.
Lost in these thoughts, we arrived in front of the royal castle. Stepping off the bus, we were greeted by a towering gate, but it was merely a shell; the massive doors were shattered, riddled with holes and charred black. It was a sight that spoke of deep-seated resentment.
Even so, a line of soldiers stood waiting to greet us. One could only sympathize with the struggles of the Hinsua Kingdom, which had managed to dispatch soldiers just to maintain public order.
"Thank you for going out of your way to welcome us," Yuki said, acting as our representative.
"Not at all. With this aid in supplies, we should finally be able to clean and repair the castle, not to mention maintain order in the town. This is the least we can do."
"I’m glad to hear that. But the fact that you were able to take action simply by having these supplies delivered is a testament to your efforts thus far. It’s a small gesture, but aside from the supplies, we have some souvenirs for you all. Please enjoy them during your breaks."
Yuki handed over a bag he had Deryu carrying.
"This is?"
"Ah, it’s an item bag. It contains alcohol, food, and some simple games. Please, feel free to keep the bag as well once you've checked the contents."
"...Thank you. Right this way, then."
The soldier accepted it honestly and guided us into the castle. Usually, this might be seen as a bribe, but with Yuki, it’s different. Or rather, if you consider it a bribe, then the entire former capital is effectively being bribed. This is just a necessary expense.