Previously: Becker from the Royal Healing Institute discovered Zenos’s illegal practice.
“Me? At the Royal Healing Institute…?”
Zenos repeated the question in disbelief at the sudden proposal, and Becker nodded with a smile.
“Yes, actually, we have a bit of a problem. If possible, I’d like you to lend us a hand.”
“Why ask a stranger like me?”
“Well, there are various complications within the Royal Healing Institute, and it’s certainly easier for an outsider to maneuver. Besides, it’s a task that requires someone who can use healing magic.”
“So, you need someone who can use healing magic and isn’t affiliated with the Royal Healing Institute?”
“That’s correct. All individuals with a healer’s license are registered and managed by the Royal Healing Institute, making someone like you extremely rare.”
“Hmm…”
Zenos grunted softly and crossed his arms.
Just as he was about to speak, the door opened, and a voice cut in.
“Master, you don’t have to listen to them!”
“Ringa thinks so too.”
“Zenos, are you alright?!”
“Everyone!”
Lili exclaimed, seeing the three female leaders of the different races.
Becker scratched his cheek sheepishly.
“Oh, are these your customers? I’m Becker from the Royal Healing Institute.”
“Hmph, we don’t need the Royal Healing Institute here.”
“Now, now, don’t say that. I presented Zenos-kun with a proposal to suspend his prosecution for illegal practice. I don’t think it’s a bad deal.”
“Ringa wants to know, what guarantee is there that you will keep your promise?”
“I agree. Can we trust a person from a national institution?”
“Hmm… I see, that’s a valid point.”
“Becker-sensei!”
Umin tugged at Becker’s sleeve.
When he glanced at the window, he saw a crowd of demi-humans gathered outside the clinic.
“You guys, why?”
“Because there was a red flag on the second floor. We gathered as fast as we could.”
Zenos asked, and Zofia pointed upwards with her thumb.
“A flag…? Ah, I see.”
The yellow flag meant “Caution, don’t approach.”
And the red flag meant “Emergency.”
Camilla on the second floor must have thought quickly and done it.
“Come on, try to take the master away if you can.”
“Because Zenos-dono ordered it, Ringa and the others won’t lay a hand inside the clinic.”
“But once you step outside, our subordinates might take matters into their own hands.”
The influential figures of the slums stood in front of the two from the Royal Healing Institute.
“B-Becker-sensei…”
Umin, on the verge of tears, tugged at his superior’s sleeve.
“This is quite troublesome, isn’t it? Fufufu…”
“Wait, Becker-sensei. Why are you so happy?”
“Oh, no, I was just genuinely impressed. I knew he had gained the trust of the slums, but to actually see different races uniting to protect him… I wonder if there has ever been a healer in the past who could achieve this.”
Becker placed a hand on his chest and nodded several times.
Then, he turned back to Zenos and bowed deeply.
“I must also adjust my attitude. I apologize for my forceful approach. So, how about we formally make this a deal — no, a request? I’m open to negotiation, and I’ll pay you. I’ll even write up a formal request if necessary.”
“…”
Zenos remained silent for a while, then slowly nodded.
“Alright.”
“Zenos!”
“Master, are you sure?”
Zenos said to the surprised Lily and Zofia.
“I was hesitant because it seemed troublesome, but as a healer myself, I’m interested in the Royal Healing Institute. And since they have evidence of my illegal practice, I feel like it’s a good opportunity to have them owe me a favor. Besides, this man was brought in with serious injuries, but they could have just as easily poisoned the food at the soup kitchen and made someone else seriously injured. The fact that they didn’t do that means he’s probably not a bad person at heart.”
“Ahaha, I just can’t help but try things out myself. It’s a bad habit of mine.”
Becker, scratching his bedhead, continued to ask Zenos.
“And, most importantly, do you know anything about my master?”
“…”
Becker’s brown eyes narrowed.
“…I’ll tell you more about that when you come to the Royal Healing Institute.”
“So it’s a deal after all. You’re a sly one.”
“Ahaha, I get that a lot. And I’m sure you are too.”
“I just want to live quietly and do what I like.”
“Once this matter is resolved, I’ll help you with that way of life.”
Becker smiled brightly and extended his right hand once more.
“So, once again. Welcome to the Royal Healing Institute, Zenos-kun.”
A/N: The stage for the Dark Healer moves to the Royal Healing Institute.
Due to real-life circumstances being quite unsettled, updates will be irregular for a while… m(_ _)m