Author: Yume Neiji

Half an hour after the bell rang, the noisy area immediately regained tranquillity. Since it’s an enemy attack, I wonder if it was only the scouts unit due to the small number of people.

After examining all the patients in the sanitary building, one by one, we make sure that they calmed down. In the Medical Record, I then wrote the “medical care” applied for each one.

What I found was that, for the patients undergoing medical treatments, what they were eating was not enough for them to be treated.

However, the lack of certain nutrition is actually not unusual even for people in the capital city which is far from the battlefield.

The most common deficiency is in the body, there is only a minuscule amount of minerals consumed in various places. This too can be supplemented to some extent by consuming green leafy vegetables and nuts. For some reason, when the quality of the soil deteriorates, the nutrition that should be contained may also be missing.

Patients should be considered to have some degree of certain intake of vegetables and fruits even if we are lacking in stored food. However, when I asked Katie-san to show me the food storage, none of the preserved vegetables were so fresh and of good quality.

The soil in the production area is deteriorating… It’s useless if you don’t see it. But the method of soil improvement should not only be widespread in the capital…

“For the past couple of years, monsters have come into the field and the amount of food produced has decreased. The orchards were also damaged… Natural fruit trees are valuable to local residents, so we cannot force to collect them.”

“Monsters… I also saw goblins on my way here. Is that the kind you speak of?”

“No, it seems to be a monster that kills crops, but for details… The land occupied by the monsters is dangerous and we can’t even get close to it.”

As far as I can tell, it’s a very bad monster. If such monsters breed and continue to grow, they will not be able to procure food from nearby areas and will rely on transferring to distant places.

And another problem, the lack of medicines, it will be difficult to solve. Even though the fields where provisions are produced can be moved, there is no room to devote the cultivation of herbs.

“About that monster, were the Knights been called for help?”

“Yes several times. We respond to each case, but… We haven’t solved the problem because it means that if we don’t stop the roots, it doesn’t make sense. Rather, the damage just spreads.”

“…I understand, thank you for telling me everything.”

“No- No, to rely on Glass-sensei who just came here… I’m also sorry to say some self-important words like “You should take a rest.” Thanks to Glass-sensei being here, everyone as well as my subordinates were relieved.”

I’m not really used to being praised after all, for me, I think I’m just mishearing things or I’m just getting ahead of myself.

However, there is a big change in attitude after I got the trust of Katie-san and Presha-san. The fact that they are conscious of me being a man also comes down to me through the gesture of touching their hair and ears.

“… It’s already late today, so I’d be happy if I could talk about future activities carefully next time.”

“I’m looking forward working with you. Well then, I’ll leave now… if I went to see what happened a while ago, would it bother them?”

“How about this… I think if there is an injured person, I will get a report here.”

Katie-san then goes out of the sanitary building to see the situation, but there is no sign of someone coming. If no one was injured, it didn’t matter.

“You may be stopped by guards by walking in the fortress at night. If you’ll go up, please walk in a bright place.”

“Y-Yes, I do not want to be treated as a suspicious person, so be I’ll careful.”

“Fufu… It was a mess a while ago, but it’s already settled down. I thought Glass-san was unreliable, but it wasn’t the case… I’m truly sorry.”

When I look at her like this, each gesture has its own sensuality and I can’t help but notice it. –When I went out, Lendl-san, who’s wearing his colored glasses and collar coat stared at me.

“Glass-sama seems to be vulnerable to older women. I have to report this to the headmaster of the Academy.”

“N-No, not really weak… I may be weak, but it’s not that strong.”

“Uh-huh, No way… Lendl-san, Please keep it a secret. The headmaster of Silvana Magic Academy, Millenia Weed was called the “Jade Witch”, if she’s in a bad mood, it will be terrible… huh?”

Katie-san seemed to notice it as she was saying it. The house name of me and the headmaster is the same.

“…was the headmaster so old that her child was there?”

“No, no … I’m her younger brother, but we have different parents.”

“Well… you’re her younger stepbrother right? Then, is it a forbidden…?”

“N-No, that’s not true … if my stepsister hears that, she would surely get angry.”

“I’m sorry, I have such advanced imagination… But it’s Sensei’s fault too, you showed me an incredibly lovely side. All the members of the medical team from the age of 16 to the age of 40 have become fans of Sensei.”

There is no way such painted story would happen–I tried to say it back.

But when I look at the state of the room we are in, the medics running around the sanitary building along with the patients who have calmed down came to see me.

“Although it had been said that popularity was not built in a day, Glass-sensei taught me that it can happen overnight.”

I was hoping to gradually get results and be trusted. I can only say that it was good that I was able to get a position in the place that will be my most important workplace.

On the other hand, I clearly felt a pair of eyes slightly glaring at me. I could feel the line of sight in the cafeteria and I cannot help but recognize that I am “targeted”.

More than that, I am glad that the patients who had lifeless eyes until I consulted, now shows signs of recovery― is it settled completely?

Anyway, I would like to continue to be careful not to disturb the atmosphere of the workplace.

　　◆◇◆

To get to the walls surrounding the fortress, you have to go up to the 4th floor. Since Dite-san had led the archer squad there for defence, I would have to go that far to hear about the situation.

That was not part of a military doctor’s category of interest though, I wonder if I should just return to the residence.

“Hmm … that is…”

The castle wall extends inwards from the courtyard, and there is a door that seems to be accessible from the courtyard. I was wondering if it could be opened when Dite-san came out.

“Oh, Thank you for your hard work, Dite-san. Does that door have a staircase to go up?”

“No, it is a device that can be moved from the first floor to each floor, though it requires human power. Katie is always worried, so I came to tell her that no one was injured. It’s okay to convey it with the horn, but it’s already night-time.”

Dite-san says while stroking her light red hair. I could see that she was prepared for the battle by wearing a breastplate that makes it easier to shoot the bow.

“As Astina-sama has said, the enemy forces were trying to cross the river. If the response was delayed, they could have climbed the wall, but thankfully we prevented them at the water’s edge.”

Prevented –in other words, shooting an enemy soldier.

Dite-san smiled, but it looks a little empty.

“…I can’t really say this to everyone but, I don’t think there would be many fights if you yourself fear to die. Only those who are prepared to be killed can kill.”

“…Everyone in this fortress is grateful to Dite-san and the archers. I don’t think it’s bad to fight for safety.”

Dite-san looked at me without saying anything.

When I look at her elegant beauty, I once again thought – If not because of the war, as a member of a duke’s household, she would now probably be on social gatherings instead of the battlefield.

“I didn’t wish for consolation. Seems like you are not afraid of me…”

“I’m not afraid. Everyone in this country is proud of you.”

“…Even if I say, from here on, I’ll take you in to search for some survivor?”

―Seems like, Dite-san came down to see if there are some soldiers who survived the attack of the archers from the wall.

I don’t know if she was really going to take me from the beginning as several more soldiers descended from the top of the wall – they were Dite-san’s subordinates who accompanied her in the battle.

“I understand, I will accompany you. Lendl-san, please go back to the residence first.”

“……Understood”

When I commanded Lendl-san who was about to come with me, he was a little hesitant, but he still followed my instructions.

“Well then… let’s go. Thank you for coming without hesitation. Can you ride a horse?”

“N-No, my horseback riding experience is…”

“Then I’ll have you ride my horse. I wish you will like my horse.”

Dite-san starts walking with her subordinates –It seems that we are heading to a general-purpose gate to get out of the castle.

Are there any survivors?

As a military doctor, what I want is to see that there are some survivors.

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After taking a nap in the bedroom for a while, I noticed that the sunset was shining through the window.

Woken up by Lendl-san, we headed for the dining room. The number of lower ranked soldiers is large, so every 100 people are supposed to eat in turn.

Since we have joined the table for the medical soldiers, we also eat our meal according to their manners. There’s bread with firm skin and low moisture, soup with shredded smoked meat and some vegetables prepared. It also came with a piece of goat milk cheese and you could choose to drink either wine or water.

In the capital city, I wasn’t worried about the nutritional imbalance because the main staple food and side dishes were served every meal, but as a medical doctor I had to judge that this situation was not good.

After eating, we went to the sanitary building. I’m going to talk to Katie-san who was said to be still working.

“Thank you for your help, Glass-sensei. Hmm, as expected, is it about the meal…?”

“Yeah, you are right. May I have a little suggestion?”

Katie-san said she was allowed to bring and have dinner in the room. Though the tray filled with dinner meal, was still on the table, untouched.

“Now, I’m making a schedule for tomorrow’s treatment. The situation changes every day so I have to decide where to assign each personnel. Depending on the condition, it may be difficult to take charge for some patients alone…”

“That’s truly troublesome… Pardon me but if it’s ok with you, you could tell me about it.”

From the medical records I saw previously, there was always a written note – finding out the patient’s mental state.

Mental symptoms can be more difficult to manage than physical injuries. I haven’t seen many patients, but I had seen the course of treatment.

What is needed now is “healing” and improvement of physical factors that affect the mind – which was also what I’m about to talk to her right now, nutrition status of the daily meals are also very important.

“It’s hard to explain, but for patients with mental aftereffects, they have a hard time responding to treatments. Since it is our base and as long as this fortress is in the enemy’s line of sight, the enemy may attack even in the middle of the night… However, there are some patients who are frightened when the bell that notifies of an attack sounds…”

“I see, are you afraid that it may possibly cause depression? I have experience with emergency response to such symptoms.”

“Hmm… i-is that true?”

As the Medic Captain, she must have kept in mind to show calm appearance. Katie-san, who always had a gentle smile, looked upset for the first time.

“First, you should always have a method of sedation in case the patient gets outraged or frightened by an external factor. You need to choose the right one, because painkillers that relieve the pain of the wounds also have sedative effects, but if you rely on that alone, that may cause dependence on the painkiller.”

“Aah, My goodness! We didn’t really think that far when we cared for the injured person… We can only encourage the scared patients…”

“It’s also very important and necessary. However, depending on the symptoms, it may be better to consider medical treatment in the town. You need to be particular about completing everything in the fortress…”

―I just talked about that and…

The sound of high-pitched bells echoed out. Then, the inside of the sanitary building suddenly became noisy.

This is… as Astina-denka has said, is it the work of the Zirconia army…?

“To have an enemy attack at a time like this… Excuse me, Glass-sensei, that’s an emergency alert. I need to calm down the patients, so let’s continue the discussion later…”

“Please let me help. It’s okay, I won’t cause further confusion the patients.”

“Captain Katie! Please close the door of the sanitary building, there’s one person trying to run away… Kya!”

A patient is running over here, pushing the medic.

She’s bandaged all over her body and it was obvious that her injuries haven’t healed yet. She can’t stand the fear of the enemies, and is trying to escape to a safe place by herself.

“Move aside… I’m going to my dad and mom… No–, let go!”

A confused patient can be surprisingly powerful. It’s the same even if it’s not on the battlefield, it’s not uncommon for doctors and nurses to get injured as they often get jostled by patients.

“Kuu …!”

We somehow need to stop the patient. I don’t know which unit the soldier belongs, but she has tremendous force –it may even be impossible to stop her depending on the other party.

The moment I touched her, I know what state she’s in. To stop her from panicking, what I need is– it was one of the medicinal plants that I brought up from the academy and carried around.

Green grass, hand over you healing power to me… [Green healing…. Green heal!]”

“Se-Sensei… –what on earth…”

It was a medicinal herb that has a sedative effect –I can convert that medicinal effect into magical power, extract it, and send it to the patient.

A sedative as a substance takes time to enter the blood and exert its effect. However, with “Green Healing” the effect will appear immediately after being sent. Not all medicinal effects can be converted into magical powers, but sedatives are relatively easy to convert.

“…”

The tension from the patient’s body ceased, along with the strength which was rampant in her arms. The hand that grabbed my arm also lost its power.

“Okay… it has worked. Katie-san can I see the other patients? I may be of help with my power.”

“Ye-Yes… Glass-sensei, please…!”

“Lendl-san, once this patient calms down, crush this grass and give her an oral dose. She was so agitated before that it’s easy to have nausea … we need to suppress it.”

“Understood.”

In any event, it would be very helpful to have someone to help me. Katie-san also followed my instructions –it would be a good fortune if it’s approved by now, but the patients are the current priority.

When we walked up to the room on the second floor, I could already tell what’s going on, there were shaking beds, and one patient was even holding her head in a corner of the room –they all showed fear of the battlefield that has comes back.

Reassuring patients is my role now. Believing that the Dite-san and the others would be able to repel the enemy, I looked at the condition of each person and uttered words of encouragement.

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Glass-nii, who began to read the medical records of the knights, was so concentrated that he could not hear the surrounding sounds like when he was studying at the Academy.

What we are doing is identifying treatment improvements for each injured person.

Even for patients who he hasn’t seen directly, Glass-nii may already find out a better drug. If they can use it, they can recover faster.

When I had cold, he noticed it and gave me medicine. When I drank it earlier, I thought that my throat hurt a little, but I started to heal and feel better that I no longer have to leave the school.

The teacher in charge of me, who contracted with the spirit of ‘air’, didn’t really teach me. I didn’t have the same guidance as the others did, and there were many lessons I couldn’t take, so I didn’t really need to go to the Academy every day, and my parents even asked me to come back.

But I couldn’t go back.

Since I can’t get the role of getting a job as a magician –It was already decided on how I would be treated at that house.

“Lendl-san can take a rest at any time.”

“Yes. I’m sorry for worrying you.”

I’m already used to speaking with polite words like this. I don’t think I can always do it myself, but I used words that I wouldn’t hesitate to use when I’m talking to Glass-nii.

When I was just new to the school, there was an event called an “outdoor school” where I joined a group with senior students to participate, and I met Glass-nii there.

Since I was a kid, I was a child nobody cares about.

In the family, I’m always alone when going out. During class groupings, I was also left alone. It was such a joke that the teacher could not notice it either.

During the outdoor school, I was left behind in the forest by the children of the same group and I got lost. In the darkening forest, I continued walking without knowing where I was going, saying that I could leave the forest by myself.

At that time, it was Glass-nii who helped me. Even though I was in another group, when he heard that I was lost in the forest, he came alone to find me –After that, Glass-nii was so angry that I could only watch and blame myself.

I wanted to give back.

I’ve always wanted to ask why he came to help me.

“Fuaaa… My eyes are little tired. Why do doctors want to write in characters that only they can understand?”

“Glass-sama seems to be reading it smoothly though.”

“The instructor who was teaching me also wrote a lot of quirky characters. Well, in some cases it can only be used for a few minutes diagnosis. I think the letters were simplified for faster writing.”

In this country with few doctors, hospitals in the capital are always crowded. Glass-nii too will be very busy from now on.

I was afraid that Glass-nii would be overdoing it, and the headmaster asked me, “I want to ask your help on my brother’s role.” Because she knew I was a friend of Glass-nii.

But if I went to the west with my identity– Leslie Li Lenklus, I will be caught at home. To prevent this, the headmaster’s suggestion was to disguise myself.

By interfering with the power of my ‘air’ spirit, I can force Glass-nii to recognize me as another person if he becomes aware of my real identity.

Glass-nii even said that I could treat spirit of ‘wind’ as ‘air’. If I could really do something similar to that I wouldn’t be a flop.

Air is something that is always there, even if it is invisible or its presence is not recognized. It’s very vague, but I have contracted with the spirits that live in such things.

If I change the ‘air’ around me, the impression that others have will also change.

But if I keep doing that, I won’t have any magical power left, so even if I no longer disguise myself, I need to make Glass-nii think that “Leslie” and “Lendl” are different people.

Every time he noticed, I interfered with the ‘air’ and changed his perception. However, when I have to show my face, I have to increase the degree of interference.

I believed it would work, but at first, I was so nervous that my voice seemed to rise. Even my feelings were covered by the spirit of ‘air’.

“The drug inventory is pretty low. If we can’t get it in a nearby town, we have to ask the central office… Or can we consider self-sufficiency in the near fields?”

“You will make your own medicine? If so, the burden on Glass-sama may be too heavy…”

“The manufacturing method itself is not difficult if there are materials. Medicines can be specialty products, and I think if we can secure the origin of medicinal herbs, we can hire townspeople and ask them for help.”

“I see … If we ask help from that ranch owner, the talk may proceed smoothly.”

Glass-nii, who was cramped in the academy, is now very lively.

Even after seeing the misery of the battlefield, Glass-nii who is still trying hard to do what he can without being depressed, is really amazing.

At first, I truly felt fluffy going to the west with Glass-nii. With that, I’m no longer qualified to be here.

So I became the person called “Lendl”. I took this name from my great-grandfather. Even if my magic power is exhausted, I will continue to change the ‘air’ with magic.

However, I really want to see the letter I received from Glass-nii as “Leslie”, though I know I should never do that.

“… Hmm … this is …”

Some medical records have different cover colors, and a small piece of paper is attached.

This was the thing written there.

“Captain Raquel has long consulted with the previous doctor. I think it is difficult for her to reach out to her succeeding doctor, Glass-sensei. However, I would be grateful if you could still read the medical examination record. – Katie”

Katie-san truly cares for Raquel-san. She even asked Glass-nii to see the medical records. –She even said that I couldn’t see the medical records of the executives without their consent…

That may be because Raquel is not feeling well. Glass-nii seemed to be pondering on what to do, but he never opened the record.

“I can understand Katie-san’s feelings, but looking at this makes it difficult to build trust. So I think we can’t see it now. First of all, we have to get the opportunity to hear it frontly.”

“You will meet with Captain Raquel tomorrow morning, so I think you will have the opportunity to talk.”

“Yeah. Very well…we should take a break, let’s continue the rest at night. Lendl-san too, you should rest.”

“I’ll stay up until dinner. I have something to write.”

“I see, I understand.”

Glass-nii then goes into his bedroom.

After seeing the door closed, I approached the small mirror hung on the wall of the living room.

Glass-nii looks at me as a man…

However, while looking in the mirror, my original appearance will be discovered. I have to continue to perform from now on.  The secretary, “Lendl”, is completely different from “Leslie”, who he treats just like his sister.

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The knights are separated from each other by executive class, platoon class and soldiers. The medics’ residence also doubles as a lodging facility for visitors, and compared to other lodgings for soldiers, the structure was excellent.

Inside the castle wall is a courtyard where soldiers’ residences are built. A white-painted building over the trees, you can feel a little nostalgia by making it similar to the Silvana Magic Academy.

Forty-eight medical personnel including Katie-san are living in the two-story residence. The fortress has a total of 3,000 soldiers, and there is only one fortress of this size in the north, south, east, and west of the kingdom.

However, shortly after the Zirconia attack, one medic is in charge of treating ten people. It seems that it was exactly a situation in shambles. There are many medical personnel who go to medical treatment due to overwork or illness, and 16 are new recruits.

The woman who guided us was one of the oldest medics, and a year older than Captain Katie. There are many soldiers who can continue to be active for a long time if they can successfully pass through the recruitment period.

“Glass-san, to tell you the truth, when you came here alone, it is still not enough. You were like a drop of water on a hot stone… Even wounded people in the sanitary building are likely to take a month to heal. In this situation, in the next enemy attack…”

“What happened with the former military doctor?”

“She can no longer heal anything in the fortress, so she’s currently recovering in the nearby town. Wendel is the town that brings food and supplies to this fortress.”

After departing from Portolo, there was another town that we passed shortly after, it seemed to be the most prosperous around here. Probably that was Wendel town.

“Well, even when she’s in town, she will feel sick alone… Attack-Captain Presha is a friend of hers, so sometimes she visits her. You could also take a walk in this garden. Just look at that… Nothing is the same as before…”

The woman who seemed to be easy-going, had her eyes moistened and she wiped it roughly. Lendl-san also turned his back on me – apparently, he too cried.

“There may be something I can do… I hope I can meet her once.”

“She comes here once a month. At that time, you can try to ask Attack-Captain Presha about it. Though she doesn’t like guys, so if she’s in a bad mood, you shouldn’t get near her.”

If I tell her that Presha-san now calls me “Glass-sensei”, she would probably not believe it. Presha-san also said that she was not fond of men.

The former military doctor…

From now on, I will start my activity as a military doctor by referring to the medical records that she wrote. But I was thinking of another approach.

By touching a person, I can identify the nutrients that the other person lacks and recall the plant that possesses those nutrients. In other words, it is possible to get a clue for treatment even for a disease whose cause is unknown –as long as the plant that I recalled is available.

　◆◇◆

Even though the room that we were guided to is a shared room, there is a living room. It was designed in a way where you can freely move to the two bedrooms from there.

Even if several people come together, there is no problem that there is only one bedroom, it seems that it is possible to divide the rooms even if it was small.

When a high-ranking person comes to visit the fortress, they may come with the master and some squires, principle wise, it is impossible for the master and the squire to sleep in the same room, so it was necessary to deal with such a situation.

“Is it okay if I occupy a guest room?”

“Well, it would be nice if it was free for the time being. There’s a desk in the living room, and I can write things here… There’s also lighting.”

“I heard that Glass-sama is a student. But don’t let the roots get too tight. As Katie-sama said, you have a slight fever.”

“Ah …? I still have a lot of energy. I will look at the medical records immediately. Lendl-san, isn’t it about time to be taking off your hat?”

“Then, I’ll remove it. May I use that room?”

“Oh, let’s make it into Lendl-san’s bedroom. I’ll use the other room.”

I took Arlaune from Lendl-san. Arlaune woke up after he closed the bedroom door – However, she still looks sleepy.

“…Summoner… It’s almost time to return to the spirit world…”

“Why so suddenly? I think this fortress is full of magical powers …”

“This power is something I shouldn’t use just because I’m here. In reality… it’s dangerous to be so full…”

The appearance of Arlaune fades – I can also see an illusion that the petals are scattered on the spot. The bulb used as a medium was left behind.

There is no magician other than me in this fortress.

In other words, no one is aware that the amount of magical power in the atmosphere is increasing because of Astina-denka’s presence here.

I was overwhelmed by her presence when I was facing her, and could not recognize this anomaly. What’s mysterious about her is her constantly overflowing magical power.

I’d like to immediately hear how Astina-denka gained such magical power that she has now. But I’m kept from directly reporting to her.

Well, it does not mean that it disturbs Astina-denka’s body. She also did not show any strange physical condition. If there is something, is should be well hidden… I wonder if Raquel-san knows about it…

“Glass-sama, in what way can I help you with?”

“Hmm… Ah, Lendl-san. I’m sorry, I was thinking a little.”

When he was hiding his face with hat and glasses, I had a neutral impression on Lendl-san for some reason. However, when he removes his hat and his glasses, he looks like a young man but has a solid masculine appearance.

“Your impression changed when you take off your hat. The atmosphere around you also seemed to be different.”

“I’m often told. Personally, it’s more comfortable to wear glasses and a hat.”

He really looks like another person. It’s okay to say that the air around him changed.

If Arlaune saw Lendl-san now, she would call him “Onii-san” without any doubt.

The chest, which was said to be a pigeon chest, really seemed to be quite bulky, but when he took off his coat and came out just with a shirt, it was not so.

“Glass-sama, which one would you like to see? Medical records seem to be organized by victim’s name.”

“Can you bring it all for the time being? I’m going to read it all through today.”

“…Even though Glass-sama was asked not to overdo it, you don’t seem to listen. As a secretary, what I can do is reduce your labor.” So to say, I could at least declare that Lendl-san is the “ideal secretary” I imagined.

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“Zzzz… Zzz…”

Arlaune was sitting on Lendl-san’s lap, but after a while she began to nap.

The sanitary building was built in consideration of the sun, and it felt warm so she fell asleep – It is possible to live only with water and light, but since she also consumed magical power to materialized, it makes sense to preserve it.

In the sanitary wing, medical personnel were engaged in treating the injured. The second floor and above are hospital rooms while the first floor has the treatment room, diagnosis room, waiting room for medical personnel, and the changing room.

We passed through the lounge when the medic captain began her speech.

“I am Katie, the captain of the medic department. Glass-san came from the Magic Academy right?… As what I’ve heard, you’re still young.”

“Nice to meet you, my name is Glass. I want to be of help as a military doctor as soon as possible.”

“Thank you. I would like to discuss with you about the treatment of the injured who are currently in the sanitation building. But since you just arrived, is it okay to ask you to conduct the medical examination tomorrow?”

“Do you have any medical records so far? Maybe there is something I can deal with immediately after seeing it…”

“No, I heard that Glass-sensei was present during the prisoner’s interrogation. In addition to that, your complexion is a little lighter… Excuse my impoliteness.”

Katie-san stands up, leans at the table and reaches for my forehead –I thought it was something, but it seems that she only want to measure if I have fever.

“This heat… it’s a slight fever. However, please do not overdo things as it may cause fatigue. My subordinates will guide you to the dormitory today, so why not rest until dinner time?”

“No, I’m not so tired…”

“Katie-sama, Can I bring out the medical records?”

“Yes you may, since you are a medical doctor’s assistant. Though there are some medical records which are confidential and requires the consent of the patient for you to see…”

Katie puts her hand together, as if something flashed, she looked at Raquel-san who was listening quietly all the time.

“Captain Raquel, since a military doctor is here, why don’t you let him do some check-up on you?”

“…I had some pain before, but now it’s fine. I’m done guiding Glass and his attendant here, I’ll go back to my regular duties. Glass-dono, please report to me after tomorrow’s morning meeting was over. Is that ok with you?”

“Yes. Thank you Raquel-san for guiding me here.”

“…I would like to convey one more thing. Glass-dono, don’t be disheartened that you are not directly reporting to Astina-denka. I ask you not to publicize that she disobeys the instructions of the royal family.”

Raquel-san bowed down right after. Such warrior… bowed to me who has only been appointed and doesn’t even know right or left –she really shouldn’t do that.

I was added to the court magician’s seat to serve Astina-denka. Though I came under Raquel-san, which is different from the original set-up I thought of, I’m not really dissatisfied. Partly, that maybe because I knew some part of Astina-denka’s situation in the royal family.

If it was the Second Queen who ordered the smuggling of weapons, then she’s also familiar with the Zirconia army that had been in frequent battles with this fortress – this will surely be a great blow.

The second queen wants Astina-denka to die in a Zirconian attack!

The throne drives people to deep-rooted delusion so much. I wouldn’t be able to understand that feeling for the rest of my life… Even though I don’t know the thoughts of Her Highness yet, I shouldn’t let her, who’s fighting for the country, fall into a trap.

When I asked myself, the answer was clearer than I expected. I believe in Astina-denka, who’s fighting to save people more than any Royal member I have never seen.

“I will never betray. I was qualified as a court magician only to serve Astina-denka.”

“…sorry.”

I’m not sure what she was apologizing for…

Supposing she had seen the predicament of Astina-denka–Is she apologizing for not being able to reveal things as she knows who the enemy is?

We should be wary of the Second Queen and block her attempts. But if it can be done easily, we will not arrive to this difficult situation. Like the weapon smuggling, it was already too late when it was discovered as the weapons already flowed out.

After Raquel-san left, Katie-san stood up and placed her hand on my shoulder. This person’s way of touching is very natural, even when she touched my forehead before, I did not feel alert.

“With Glass-sensei’s words, I’m sure Captain Raquel is happy. I thought her emotions towards magicians couldn’t be changed easily… but if it’s you Glass-sensei…”

“…I will do my best. I can only do that now. First of all, I will show my ability as a military doctor so that Katie-san can also trust me.”

“I understand. You can now bring the medical record. Shall I send my subordinates to guide you to your room?”

“Please, I’ll be counting on you. I’m sorry to have Lendl-san take care of Arlaune. Should I take over?”

“No, it’s okay. Katie-sama, about the room…”

“If Glass-dono came alone, he would have to sleep with a female soldier. But since there are two men, we will have the two of you use one room. There are vacant rooms that are normally used by outside visitors. Um, Lendl-san is it? Is there anything else I may help you with?”

“N-No. I’m only a secretary and you already give me such considerations, I’m sorry to trouble you…”

Lendl-san seems to be okay with me. We followed the person who came to guide us while I began to imagine what the new room would look like.

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The fifth floor of the fortress is on the rooftop, where you can find Astina-Denka, the Guards, and the dormitories of the other executives. Raquel-san seems to be waking up there too.

The medicinal station is in a separate building and you have to get down to the first floor to get there. The structure is isolated from the main building to prevent infection when a contagious disease has spread.

Currently, there is no infectious disease and the sanitary condition inside the fortress is good as it seems to be frequently cleaned. However, there are places where molds are likely to grow especially on the first floor due to the waterway in the basement – this may cause illness in some cases, so it is necessary to consider countermeasures later.

In my case, I can tell if the mold that grows on foods made from plants is poisonous or not. Some produce medically useful ingredients, but no one believes that medicines can be made from mold.

Invisible microbial power holds the key to medical development. That’s what I think, but even if I tried to write a thesis for that, Professor Hendrick didn’t even receive it. All I needed was to hold my breath and not disturb the excellent students. In the Academy, there was no value for flops, even if one devoted himself to the development of medical care as a Spirit Doctor.

I do not think that it is evil to exercise spiritual magic and exert its power in war. However, when I heard Presha-san’s story, it was unacceptable for them if an ally died under magic. It is the same in the enemy country, and my idea is nothing more than an ego.

If we can end the war, we can finally avoid using magic for war’s sake, when I was studying at the Magic Academy, I never thought about this. However, in order for that to happen, we must not to lose, we should win and suppress the enemy country. Though I can’t feel that stuff yet.

“As the Knight’s Captain, I apologize that you witnessed torture as soon as you arrived. I also do not have a way to extract information from the prisoners. I know it’s outrageous to force Presha and the other interrogators of that.”

Arriving to the annex, Raquel said before opening the door.

Should I talk about Arlaune? –I’m wondering if I can tell her who hates magic.

However, I thought that the explanation would be unnatural even if I kept my silence, so I decided to talk even though I felt so nervous.

“You can use magic to make them speak without inflicting pain and suffering. That’s what Presha-san tried say.”

Raquel-san looks over my shoulder. If I didn’t avert my eyes, I wouldn’t have missed her line of sight.

“Do you think I’m a nasty woman because I pressured Presha and the others of that task?”

“N-No, I don’t think so. What I mean is, when I just got here, I felt Presha-san had a great respect for you, Raquel-san. I’ve been thinking that way too since you helped me.”

“Do you respect a woman who screams like that? You’re sure a man with strange taste.”

“It was not screaming… It was a dignified voice that echoed out.”

“Yes, it was a very encouraging voice. At the same time, I strongly felt that this country was protected by a warlord like Raquel-sama.”

Lendl-san also agreed with me. Raquel-san didn’t say anything for a while, she skipped over and said.

“I don’t need flattery. I only lead the knights as Her Highness’ spear and also to protect the people. Those people…No, Glass-dono, Lendl-dono that includes you two. That’s all of it.”

“Thank you, Raquel-san.”

When I thanked her again, the emotions in Raquel’s eyes changed slightly – It is no longer the case of seeing a stranger.

By the way, since the hypnosis could not be suddenly ended, my summon, Arlaune who has the appearance of a little girl, was left in the underground prison until the pollen gradually faded.

I wonder if she returned to the spirit world while I was away?

While I was thinking of that, Raquel-san rang the bell on the door and called into the annex.

“It’s Knight-Captain Raquel. Are you in there Medic Captain?  I’d like to introduce Glass-dono, the new military doctor.”

“W-Wait a minute…Is it really just water?”

“Yes, I love water ♪ I can live with water and light!”

Oh…There is also a child in the Knights… Eeeehh that voice… no way!

The door opens from the inside, and we are greeted by a person who seems to be the chief of the medic department. She wears her hair with a hat cap, perhaps for hygiene reasons, and is dressed in a medical uniform –the armband on her shoulder seems to indicate her as the captain.

“Knight-Captain Raquel, Sorry I saw a child walking on the first floor, so I guided her here. She’s said to be Arlaune-chan.”

“Ah–, Summoner! I worked hard! Compliment me!”

“Ah? Aaa… No… praise you say… W-wait, don’t run suddenly!”

Arlaune, who was previously sitting in a chair while swinging her legs, jumped down and ran towards me. However, she stumbled on the cobbles that were laid out on the floor– she will probably bump right in front of Raquel-san.

“Foooooooooooooo… Thank you~ mafu…”

“W-What is this? What summoner? Why is this child hugging me?”

“Oh my, I wonder if she thought you were her mother, Captain Raquel. Even though she didn’t follow me so much… Isn’t it a little bit unfair?”

“Nah… Wa-what mother? Don’t joke around like that. I dedicate myself to the military. It’s impossible for a partner or something like that…”

“Summoner-sama ~ I was a good girl! Please praise me!”

After leaving Raquel-san, Arlaune runs up to me. However, she was caught and hugged by Lendl-san.

“Huh~, I’ve been caught…”

“Don’t move too much, Arlaune-san.”

“Yes, I’ll be careful from now on. Oni… Onii-san?”

“Yes, I’m Onii-san. Even if I look like this, I’m pretty strong.”

“Fufu~, Arlaune-chan is so innocent… What do you think Raquel-sama?”

Because Arlaune has just left, Raquel-san is still holding her hands open– I wonder if she likes children.

“Glass-dono… Although there seems to be some circumstance going on, if you will bring a child, you have to say that in advance.”

“Ye-Yes, I mean … I didn’t think I would bring her out, nor did I imagine…”

“You have no excuse. Katie, if there is an empty room in the medic section, please guide Glass-dono there. But before that, let’s talk about this girl.”

Previously she hasn’t clearly materialized enough to be so active – I didn’t think she would be so energetic when she changed to an anthropomorphic or human-like form.

However, even though I explained the true identity of Arlaune to Raquel-san who hates magic, she was not rejected to that extent.

“I hate magic but I can’t hate Arlaune whose in the form of a child” – I think I had to change the strict impression I had of Raquel.

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The Round Table was a place where executives who governs the Isle Rose Fortress holds a meeting. Sitting and waiting there was Astina-Denka and to her right is Raquel-san, while Dite-san is on the left side.

There are about two other female knights, but they are not executives. It seems that they are escorting Her Highness as they remained standing behind her seat. Although inferior to the executives, they also reveal the power of the other knights seen in the fortress.

It is only natural that the guardians guard the princess. The reason why she is called “Sword Princess” may be due to her strength as a warrior herself, but the Third Princess is still in a position that needs to be protected no matter what.

“Astina-Denka, I have brought Doctor Glass Weed.”

“Thank you Presha. Please sit down. Doctor Glass and your attendant too.”

“Then we will accept your kind offer.”

Both me and Lendl-san bowed down politely, I sat at the round table across Astina-Denka.

“Glass, I heard you’re coming…but I haven’t been told about another one. Can you please explain about that?”

“He… He’s my secretary, Lendl. The headmaster of the Magic Academy requested the Butlers Association to dispatch him to assist my work as a military doctor. So if you find it difficult for us to live inside the fortress, we would be grateful if you could let us stay in the nearest town.”

It seems her highness has really not thought about it until we came here. Since there is a ban for men, I might not have been in the direction of staying in the fortress from the very beginning, if I could get the job, I would be grateful if it was a bed with a roof.

“Did you hear from Presha about the situation of my Knights’ former military doctor?”

“About that, I heard that the former military doctor is now in medical care.”

“Yes. There is no full-time doctor in the army right now. Medics can treat injuries, but they can’t handle serious injuries or illnesses… I’ve requested the dispatch of a doctor several times.”

“I heard from the headmaster that I was selected because of that request. I think I may not be familiar with the profession of  ‘Spirit Doctor’, but I have been educated enough as a doctor.”

Just because I witnessed torture doesn’t mean that I will immediately be trusted as a doctor. But if I talked too much about myself, it could also discredit me too, and I couldn’t keep talking any more. Partly because, Astina-Denka and Raquel-san who thinks silently have a graceful countenance. Dite-san and Presha-san are also beautiful, but there was nothing special about the two women’s clothing style.

“…Your spirit isn’t for combat but they’re good for medical care. Am I right to think so? I’m also not familiar with what a Spirit Doctor is…”

“Yes, Astina-Denka. Glass-sensei made the prisoner who refused to talk, open her mouth and confess with the power of his spirit…”

“Presha–… Speak only when you’re asked for an opinion.”

“I-I’m so sorry… Knight Captain Raquel.”

Raquel-san squeezes Presha-san with pressure. Before I knew it, Dite-san who was watching–changed into casual clothes like a young woman, she laughed with her fan closed.

“With such gentle face…he remained calm even when he witnessed such torture… If he really made such contribution, Captain Raquel… can’t we not say that he showed some ability? Weren’t you too harsh on him?”

“I’m not harsh. By the way, Dite, do you really need to bring a fan to the military meeting? I’ve been wanting to ask you that for a while now.”

“Fufu…Captain says something like an older sister. I think your only one year older than I do.”

Raquel-san is the captain of the knights who governs all the knights that serves Astina-Denka. In other words, Raquels-san should have a higher position than Dite-san, but Dite-san treats them in an almost equal manner –maybe because she is also a daughter from a Duke household.

“What happened to the result of Presha’s interrogation?”

Presha-san trembled in shock by the question directed by Astina-Denka.

Her highness looks down and her long eyelashes cast a shadow on her white cheeks. It was only a glimpse, but her eyes seemed deeply worried.

―She probably had a prediction. Who are the people who betrayed the country and who were those familiar with Zirconia Empire…

“…Please come to my office later. Presha, you may come alone.”

“Your Highness…”

“Raquel, There are a lot of things for you worry about. First of all, I will scrutinize the report from Presha and tell you later… Rest assured, I will not hide it.”

“Hah… Sorry, I would never doubt such a thing…”

The power of the Order is now visible –Captain Raquel has a worshipful respect to Astina-Denka. With the current exchange, it was possible to fully understand that the orders coming from Astina-Denka would always be absolute.

―Since she thinks a lot on other people’s affairs, she will surely be surprised by the next statement coming from her Highness.

“Raquel, Glass is the only military doctor in our army at the moment. The royal family has advised me to make him my direct magician, but I judged that the Knights themselves require him to function more than I do. This is my decision.”

“Your Highness…”

“Glass Weed. You will report directly to Raquel. Follow her instructions in the future.”

“Oh-oh… yes. I follow your command Your Highness.”

It is understandable that such an order will be given –I also know that I will be assigned in the organization chart somewhere as long as I joined the organization of the Knights, but who would have thought that I would come directly under a magic hater– Knight’s Captain Raquel?

“Dite, you instruct the archers on the west side of the city wall. Due to the upcoming movement of the Zirconia army, there is a possibility that we will have a fight today.”

“Haa… I Understand. I was here for that.”

I feel a little strange when I see the interaction. Is it possible for Astina-Denka to foresee the movements of the enemy? It was like a confirmed future…

“Sword Princess”, I can imagine that she’s a superior swordsman because of her alias –but that is not all. Astina-Denka is also a warlord who simply gathered the full trust of her executives. Immediately after seeing the back of Dite-san who went out of the round table, I could clearly see it.

Astina-Denka, Presha-san, and the Guards also leave the room. Raquel-san, who was left behind, spoke to herself before leaving her seat.

“That’s why I told you not to change into casual clothes… You never listen.”

Raquel-san also has a hard time. It seems that she is always worried about Dite-san who acts freely.

I have to somehow get her trust so she doesn’t get to work harder and I could be of help as I’m now her subordinate.

Raquel-san who stood up, walks over to us. Now that she’s not wearing the armor, her upper body under that armor –was not what it looked like, it was beyond my imagination! When she was wearing the armor, I thought that the chest armor was terribly thick, but it wasn’t so, as there were two big masses inside…

No, wait… Raquel-san’s movement is a little strange. She seems to be in pain…

By wearing such heavy armor while swinging a joust, no matter how great she is as a magic warrior, Raquel-san’s body should have been extremely burdened. She only showed a slight discomfort to the way she walked, which would seem like its nothing. But she never speak of it, it seemed like she is hiding her pain.

“Glass Weed… As the new military doctor, I ask you to look at your predecessor’s journal in a while and see for yourself what should be done in the future. Wait until you receive further instructions from the medical office.”

“Y-Yes, I… a-accept.”

“What are you so frightened about… reply more confidently! When you came here with Presha, you didn’t have such a pitiful face.”

She suddenly got angry –certainly, it’s not because she suddenly needed to speak to me that she’s upset right?

“First of all, we have to decide on a dormitory. Follow me.”

Raquel-san goes out while saying that. Lendl-san, who stood with me, muttered in small voice in front of the closed door.

“…I wonder if Raquel-san is in a bad mood because she couldn’t stay with her Highness.”

“Well… maybe. Anyway, don’t say that.”

I had the same opinion as Lendl-san, but I cannot say it as a newcomer.

How will her Highness accept the facts relayed by Presha-san? Especially, how could she tell Raquel-san? And can they safely prevent the attack of Zirconia army as predicted by her Highness?

With the new appointment, various things needed to be done immediately. But as a medical doctor, I only need to do one thing at a time until I can be recognized by others.

“What are you doing, Glass Weed. I’ll leave you behind!”

Raquel-san calls me by knocking on the door from the outside. Even if she hates magic, she doesn’t always show it. I was grateful and honestly thankful for that matter.

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Hypnosis by Arlaune may change your ego if you take it too long. Judging that it was dangerous when the concentration of pollen was raised, I asked to stop the interrogation today.

You can force one’s attention with the power of Arlaune, but her pollen can be a powerful drug for those who are intolerant. She looks like an adorable girl, but she is also a spirit who sucks human life.

Interrogation of the other bandits would also change to the next day. Presha-san then followed my advice though not whole heartedly.

However, just because the interrogation was successful with newcomers, it doesn’t mean that our positions where reversed. If the other knight executives would see her now, it would seem like I had done something to her in the dungeon –she looks so perturbed.

Although it is possible to completely eliminate the whip wounds received by the prisoners, I knew that there was no standing torturer, so I left it to some extent. They are guilty and deserved suffering pain as punishment, yet that’s something that doctors should not do.

“Presha-san, try chewing on this grass. It will make you feel well.”

“……Thank you……”

She seemed like she had lost her soul –I think she was unwilling to accept the confession that the knights of the Northern Knights betrayed them, and that members of Royal family were the ones behind their backs.

 “…It has a bitter taste, but I now feel calm.”

“The grass has a soothing effect. It can be taken as a medicine by extracting it with cold water. However, it is best to have it chewed raw because it has poor shelf life.”

“That’s right, You can even make medicine. The doctor in the village where I grew up uses a folk remedy that we doesn’t even know if it will work, so it was like only taking our money. When I studied at a school in the capital, the doctor there is completely different…”

The health care in this country is less developed than the world’s standard. In the capital, you can buy pills and plasters with guaranteed quality, yet as Presha-san says, in the rural areas, it seems that the only thing that can be done is to rely on traditional folk remedies.

The doctor at the clinic that I met in the Portolo town wasn’t able to understand the patient’s condition right away and couldn’t understand what I needed.

Is it possible that there is no other doctor in this fortress, which protects the borders and fights with bandits and monsters on a daily basis? It was said that there was a shortage of military doctors here yet…

◆ ◇ ◆

We asked the others to take care of the rest in the prison and went up to the first floor of the fortress. Presha-san said she would guide me to the executive room. She then walked in front of us without saying anything for a while –In the middle of the corridor going up to the third floor she abruptly stopped to the next staircase. She was now lined up next to me. We then walk as it is, she also begin to talk.

“I-I’m sorry about before… When I got blood on my head, I couldn’t stop… I was always overdoing things and even Raquel-nee was angry at me for that. My subordinates are scared and I can’t really do the job properly.”

Presha-san’s strength has been fully conveyed even if she has never waved her spear. It was so intense that I could even feel the illusion that I would be killed just by looking at her. Still, they didn’t confess — they were more afraid of retaliation from the man who asked them to smuggle the weapons than to be killed by having their heart’s pierced by the spear.

“I know it’s annoying to say that I understand Precha-sans feelings. But I do think it was unavoidable in that situation.”

“…You… Yeah. Well, I think it’s uncomfortable if I say it this way, but… I didn’t need to kill someone I no longer need because of -Se-Sensei… It’s funny to say something like this even though I’ve already handled hundreds of people … “

I can also see that Lendl-san felt nervous –I can understand that feeling. Presha-san was the reason he was felt this way. Even though she is still young, she has survived many battles and slaughtered her opponent.

“…The original army doctor couldn’t stand the tragedy of the battlefield and broke her heart… The Zirconia Empire’s troops have been working across borders… the fortress did not fall and many enemy soldiers died but the enemy’s new weapons also caused casualties to our soldiers, and there was also those magician’s attack… they always destroy and attack us from places we can’t see.”

The role that magicians are required to play in war. Elements that are considered excellent even in the academy –destruction from a long distance and mass slaughter.

If the fortress had suffered such damage, I could imagine the horrifying sight that the military doctor who was there would have been seen.

“The kid is still in the fortress, but we can’t force her. I thought a man wouldn’t easily get sick if he witnessed torture… yet I was the one who got fired up. To kill or not to kill … it’s really the worst …”

“…No, I’m glad I was there. I can say it myself, but when I see blood or see a serious injury, I’m not upset. It’s a patient to be cured for me. There is no change.”

At the exam, my supervisor told me not to over empathize with my patients when studying for a psychiatrist qualification.

The former military doctor lose it because she was too kind. I don’t think it’s something bad, it’s a great thing as a person and also a natural thing for one to do.

But I know that emotional fluctuations affect the procedure. That’s why I tried to cultivate a spirit that wouldn’t be moved no matter what patient I saw – I learned it from the plant spirits who always watch the living things quietly.

“…Glass-sensei looks strong, but your kind of… Big aren’t you?… It look like you won’t collapse even if I press you?”

“Don’t make fun of Glass-sama. I know as secretary, I’m being insolent, I’m sorry to say that.”

“Ah… sorry. Glass-sensei’s secretary huh? Two people… I think it’s better not to share a room with the others. I need to make sure that you two people share a room together.”

“W-Well…that’s… if it’s ok with Glass-sama… but if it’s possible, you can make it into small ones so I can have a separate room…”

Certainly, with a suddenly shared room, it may or may not be okay between two men. Sven also said at first that “I can’t sleep comfortably when there are people in the same room.” Well, he was so bold in saying that yet he fell asleep immediately.

“We don’t have a dedicated room for a military doctor, but there is a complex for medics, so I think you may use that room. I’ll tell it to the captain later, because for now, we will be going to the “Round Table”.

“Round Table… Will Astina-Denka be there?”

“Raquel-nee… the Knight’s Captain, the commander of the archers, Dite-san, will also be there so if they wait too long, you might get shot.”

Presha-san, who seemed to be thinking so hard previously now showed a smile. The situation is still serious, but it would be nice if I could feel a little better during the discussion. With that in mind, I went up to the fourth floor of the fortress where the Round Table is.

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When attached to the nasal mucosa of a living creatures, the pollen of Arlaune is transformed into a substance having a hypnotic effect on the spot and is transferred to the brain. Unlike pollen itself, this substance has no effect on the immune system in the body. Most of this substance is made of magic, and the particles are considered to be very small compared to pigments in blood.

The type of truth serums used in the military is too heavy for the body so if it is used for prisoners who have lost their physical strength due to torture, it is life-threatening. However, in the case of Arlaune, it was a naturally performed hypnosis that even nourishes the living creature, it activates the body to some extent rather than burdening the body.

It’s a terrible story, but this beautiful flower survival strategy is horrifying. In the spirit world, only the nutrients obtained from the soil are sufficient, but once summoned to this world, it becomes very greedy to secure nutrients from other creatures.

However, if you sign a contract immediately after summoning it, such properties of Arlaune will not be a threat. I’ve never been in danger in studying the ecology of this spirit.

“This is … what is shining…?”

“It’s Arlaune’s pollen. As you can see, it works well in a small space. In such places, you can surely let the other party inhale the pollen. Otherwise, it is not effective. “

“Pollen… Isn’t it the one who make you sneeze when you inhale it? The season when it’s full is tough…”

By inhaling pollen, substances produced by the immune system in the body responses, causing symptoms such as sneezing or eyes and nose itching. Arlaune’s pollen does not cause an immune response, so even if we inhale it, nothing happens.

―However, it’s different for the targeted prisoners.

The expression of the woman wearing a rag clothes changed. She was now in a hollow state and she was weakened –this is a success. When it comes to hypnosis, you can only obey what Arlaune and the summoner say. I silently watch Presha-san –she nodded, shocked.

“I’m going to ask you some questions from now on, and answer them without hesitation.”

“……Yes……”

The woman who was previously stubborn and refused to speak, nodded obediently. The expression is soft and has a slight smile –for a moment I think I’m doing something seriously dangerous as a doctor.

She’s a prisoner–I’m doing hypnosis.

I asked Lendl-san to take notes in order to write down the patient’s information. I was thinking of using it since I started working at this fortress – the leather cover is stamped with “Medical record”.

The pedestal on which the prisoner’s hands are placed during torture –probably the one used to tear off her nails –is no longer needed. I used the table as a desk and spoke carefully while observing the patient carefully.

“Why did you go across the border and went to the other side?”

“… In the Zirconia Empire… we have an insider … weapon deal…”

“Don’t tell me that you sent weapons to the enemy?!! The weapons in our country were far superior to those from Zirconia!”

That would be an unforgivable fact for Presha-san but now she has to swallow her anger and listen to all of it.

“Who is your ringleader?”

“We just caught that guy and put him in another prison.”

“…The mastermind… is that man…”

“Uh…!?”

One of the prisoners of war who was already been caught was the real mastermind. In other words, the knights did not grasp the actual condition of their organization, and could not grasp the inner situation.

Presha-san confronts one of the two men but was in hypnosis and weak. At first glance, I could guess that the man about to be in his thirties was dressed in a similar fashion to the other one to prevent himself from being identified as the mastermind.

“…So what was left in that hideout was someone of lower position?”

“They are bandits … he is the leader of the bandits… I… was hired to trade weapon…”

Most of what they were doing is now clear. Perhaps the Zirconia Empire had promised them a big amount –the bandits dazzled by the amount of profit they could earn even risked crossing the border and dared to sell.

“Where did the bandits procure weapons to sell to Zirconia Empire?”

“……that is……”

“Summoner, I’m afraid there is a lot of resistance to this question. This person’s spirit is being overwhelmed. Would you like to continue asking?”

A certain resistance is maintained even during Arlaune’s hypnosis. This woman is more afraid to talk than to die. Still I have to continue.

“… Glass-sama, if you feel distressed…”

“It’s Okay… I still have to ask anyway.”

No matter how distracting the content is, we must face it.

Presha-san just looked at me without saying anything. She doesn’t ask what to do, but she knows she has no choice.

“I can’t avoid this question. Where did you get the weapon?”

Arlaune’s pollen thickened. After showing a little resistance, the light faded from her eyes and her lips moved.

“… Northern Knights… Through a member of the royal family… they give us weapons…”

―Presha-san looked up at a heaven that she could not see from the prison.

Northern Knights. For Presha-san, a knight, even if they belongs to a different group, should still be their comrade yet they sold weapons to the enemy… This fact would be unacceptable to Astina-denka and to Raquel-san once it’s relayed –the enemy is among those who they thought were their comrades.

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“Glass-sama…”

“Lendl-san, it’s okay.”

Lendl-san tries to stand before me –he’s trying to protect me. Holding him back, I spoke to Presha-san carefully.

“If you’re ok with any method, I can make them talk.”

“…Do you have a medicine that can be used for that purpose? You’re not a Dark Doctor are you?”

“It doesn’t matter if you say so. I found this method on my own … I can’t really say much, after all, it’s indeed a “Darkness Technique”.

I tried to talk calmly but my heart is pounding so hard that I think it will burst! Presha-san with such murderous spear… if I made a mistake, I would surely be killed in an instant.

But after she stared at me and thought of my objective, she then lifted the spear. Lendl-san, who was trying to stand before me, exhaled tremblingly. A little further, he would have made his move.

“I can kill her any time. All I need is information… Glass, if you can really do it, I’ll only watch here. But if you make a suspicious move, I’ll kill you first!”

Killing me is not that easy. Is what I think, but if I say that now, it’s pure suicide. Presha-san’s emotions are so high that she is losing her calm judgment.

She clearly didn’t trust me. Presha-san is only trying me out. Once she judged that my words are false, neither the prisoners of war nor I have any guarantee to live.

I now understand why Raquel-san told Presha-san that she should bring me back safely. Raquel-san has already anticipated this possibility…

If I looked closely, Presha-san’s age doesn’t look that much different from mine. I couldn’t feel the aloof initial impression, but her spirit still left an immature part.

“A magician who contracts with the spirit uses its power to exercise magic. The spirit influences this world by using the magic mark of the magician as its catalyst. You can even summon it.”

“…What is that? I heard you were a flop… There’s no way you can call a useful spirit…”

“No, I’m useful in this situation though I can only contribute in limited circumstances.”

I took the small leather bag out of the bag that Lendl-san had. What was in it was a bulb.

A medium is used when summoning plant spirits. There is only one kind of spirit I can call, but it can be definitely useful –because this bulb is a genus of spirits.

I put the bulb on the floor. Then I stood up and held my hands up –Presha-san looks at my actions with a suspicious look.

“What is that? Root of something… so what can it do …?”

“Please look at this. [Lustrous flower that blooms in the enchanted garden… reveal yourself in this world and show your power!]”

Two years ago, when I first tried summoning magic, I didn’t know what would appear. The summoning was a success and what was summoned was a lower spirit, but that power should definitely be of help here.

“Hmm… W-what…? This is… grass…?”

According to the chant, blue grass would start to grow around the bulb that was inside the drawn magic circle. The moment the shape made of grass is completed, the bulb will germinate, and the root will grow rapidly.

Uh… it’s different. It’s bigger than usual … Maybe because it’s in the fort ?…

In the fort, there is a human with a great magical power – Astina-Denka, but with that alone, the plant that manifested was larger than what I had summoned at the Magic Academy that should be rich in magical power…

The stems then intertwined, the leaves spread, large buds are attached, they start to swell, and they then bloomed.

“This is… a demon…?”

“No, you’re wrong. That’s the enchanted flower –Arlaune… It’s a plant spirit that has the power to influence people’s hearts.”

The flower has bloomed –the only thing I can call from the spirit world.

At the center of the open flower is a doll-sized girl. She’s the incarnation of a spirit. It was smaller when I called it earlier, and not even in a human figure, but now it’s totally different…

The little girl with a little flower on her head looked up at me, bowed, and said.

“It’s been a while, Summoner-sama. I, Arlaune, am here from the enchanted garden of Pandera.”

When making a contract with a spirit, the chant points from the spirit realm to this world. It was from the other side to this side’s sequence.

As requested by Arlaune, I placed her on my shoulder. I then felt the sensation of my magic being absorbed when I touched her –Arlaune is trying to use my own power to response to my will.

“Can you let this three people change their minds? Let them work with us and confess everything.”

“Understood. Come, let’s go… my children…!”

Along with the Arlaune’s words, the flower that she has born shines lightly and the rising pollen of the enchanted flowers wraps the prisoners in the air.

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