Ch. 1: A Shocking Reunion
Remedium, Land of Medical Care, Month of Fragrance…-.
I arrived in Remedium after having received an invitation from Ruber as he had returned to his home country after a long absence.
(What a beautiful town… it isn’t called the Land of Medical Care for nothing; there are a lot of hospitals.)
I felt exhilarated as I looked around, then I heard a commotion and the sounds of people arguing.
(…I wonder what that is?)
From within my place in the crowd, I was cautiously going to ask what was going on when…-.
Ruber: “…”
(Ruber!?)
Standing in the midst of the disturbance was Ruber, wearing his strange mask.
Around him were several men, clearly thugs, collapsed on the ground.
OO: “Um… what happened here?”
I asked nervously as I slipped through the crowd, and Ruber slowly turned towards me.
Ruber: “Oh, OO. I was just working.”
OO: “Working…”
(But isn’t Ruber a doctor?)
I tilted my head in confusion and Ruber pointed at the men on the ground.
Ruber: “This man is one of my patients, but he finds medical treatment bothersome and refuses to go to a hospital for regular treatment. I reluctantly came to visit him, and he got the wrong idea that I was here for a fight. He got a little violent… but I was able to treat all of them with no problem, and without a single injury.”
OO: “Oh, so that’s what happened…”
Ruber explained the whole situation matter-of-factly and I could only nod my head.
Ch. 2: A Person Like a Storm
In the aftermath of the fight, the beautiful town was bustling…-.
Ruber had called his retainers, and they came to carry away the collapsed men on stretchers.
Ruber: “I know this is bad form as the one who invited you here, but I unfortunately still have work to attend to. I’ll make some time tomorrow. Will that work for you?”
OO: “Alright, that’s fine…”
I was overpowered by how blunt he was, so I nodded at his proposal.
Ruber: “…come here at this same time tomorrow. Don’t be late.”
At those few words, the hem of his white gown fluttered as he turned to leave.
(For some reason, he makes me think of a storm…)
I was filled with that impression as I watched him get further away with that same air of composure about him.
…
……
Then on the following day…-.
I arrived at the promised meeting place and saw Ruber was already there.
His tall figure was clad in a sharp aura, and just him standing there was enough to pull in people’s gazes.
OO: “Sorry. Did I make you wait long?”
Ruber: “No, you’re right on time. You seem prudent when it comes to timing. That’s a good attitude to have.”
OO: “You’re not wearing the mask today I see.”
Ruber: “… that’s the first thing you’re going to say? It’s something I use when I want to hide my identity. I don’t need it if I’m just meeting you.”
Ruber shut the book he was reading and walked off with decisive action.
OO: “Ruber, where are we going?”
I frantically ran after him, and Ruber turned to look at me, puzzled…-.
Ruber: “I had planned to show you around the town… but is there something else you want to do?”
OO: “No, it’s not that…-.”
I vehemently shook my head, and Ruber slightly motioned with his chin.
Ruber: “Then come on. There aren’t really any famous places, but since it’s your first time here, there are things we can do to kill time.”
OO: “Well, thank you for that.”
I spoke my thanks as I walked beside him, and Ruber’s eyes flickered slightly.
Ruber: “I haven’t done anything yet for you to be thankful for but… you’re a sincere woman.”
As if suddenly realizing something, Ruber held his hand out to me.
Ruber: “After offering to guide you, it is appropriate for me to be your escort. I’ve been traveling alone for so long that I forgot about that.”
OO: “Oh, um… thank you.”
Ruber: “You already said that.”
He seemed to be teasing me, but I got the impression it was also to dispel the tension I was feeling…
OO: “Haha, you’re right.”
(He’s a little blunt but… I think he’s a kind person.)
I was encouraged, feeling like I’d finally touched on his true nature.
Ch. 3: An Unexpected Side
People relaxed in the public square, and the clear sound of the water fountain could be heard throughout.
Alongside Ruber, I went on a tour of Remedium.
Ruber: “There’s a royal garden in the museum… since it’s considered a place of note here, I thought it would be worth a visit.”
OO: “Sure. Every place we’ve been to has been very interesting.”
Perhaps because he was the prince, Ruber seemed to have a great deal of knowledge on the country’s history and culture.
OO: “This really is a beautiful town.”
Ruber: “As it is a matter of disposition for this country, we pay very close attention to hygiene. Remedium flourishes because of its medical care. We’re praised for our superior levels of medical technology and research, which are second to none.”
OO: “That’s amazing. I think I would feel at ease living in a country like this.”
I smiled as I kept up with the conversation, but for some reason Ruber’s gaze filled of shame and he looked away.
Ruber: “…I wonder about that.”
(Ruber…?)
OO: “Did I end up saying something rude?”
Ruber: “It’s nothing like that. Don’t worry about it.”
He let out a sigh and pushed back the bangs that fell in front of his face.
(I wonder what’s wrong?)
Wanting to get a read on his emotions, I stared fixedly at his expression.
Ruber: “…what? Just say it if you’ve got something you want to ask.”
OO: “No, I…-.”
An awkward silence fell between us, then…
Elderly Man: “Lord Ruber! You’ve returned!”
An elderly man approached Ruber with a sense of familiarity.
Ruber: “Yeah. Though I plan on heading out on another journey shortly.”
Elderly Man: “That is unfortunate, considering there are a great many patients who want to be treated by you Lord Ruber.”
At Ruber’s words, the elderly man seemed truly disappointed as his shoulders slumped.
(Ruber is clearly beloved by his patients.)
I took a step back and observed their conversation…
Elderly Man: “Oh, were you out with this lovely young lady? Excuse me for interrupting.”
The man noticed me and looked surprised as he bowed his head in apology.
OO: “Ah, I’m…-.”
Ruber: “She’s a visitor from another country. Don’t get any strange ideas.”
As I was about to introduce myself, Ruber easily lifted his arm in front of me and emphasized the words he spoke so bluntly.
Ruber: “And… tell the patients wanting me to examine them that I’ll stop by.”
Elderly Man: “Thank you very much! Everyone will be so glad!”
The man’s tone changed to one of delight and he left down the main road in the opposite direction.
OO: “What was that…?”
Ruber: “Someone unaffiliated with the royal family, he’s called a private practicing physician. I’ve gotten along well with him since I was young.”
OO: “A private physician?”
As I repeated the words back at him, Ruber held up two fingers in front of me.
Ruber: “There are two kinds of doctors in this country. There’s the group of physicians associated with the royal family, and then there are private practitioners. It’s a ridiculous story… to say the ones associated with the royal family are superior in their treatment and the equipment they utilize.”
Ruber practically spat out the words, and on that note he scowled and said no more.
(It seems like there are some complicated circumstances around this but…)
Despite my curiosity, the general atmosphere told me not to ask him about it any further.
My gaze wandered as I tried to find a change of topic, and my eyes settled on an ice cream shop set up on a street corner.
(Ah, that looks good.)
Ruber: “Are you interested in that shop?”
OO: “Yes…”
OO: “It’s kind of embarrassing… but I’m getting a little hungry.”
Ruber: “That’s probably because we’ve been walking so much. It’d be a good idea to replenish our sugar supply.”
Though I grinned in embarrassment and nodded, Ruber seemed to agree and placed his hand under his chin.
OO: “I was thinking their ice cream looks really good…”
Ruber: “You have a discerning eye, choosing that ice cream shop from among all the other shops.”
At my answer, for some reason Ruber seemed quite satisfied as he nodded emphatically.
Ruber: “That particular ice cream shop is managed by a proprietor who received training in the Land of Iced Treats. It’s famous even around here.”
OO: “I-is that so?”
(He seemed kind of passionate about that explanation…)
Ruber: “What’s with that expression?”
OO: “…I was just wondering if you liked sweet things Ruber.”
I immediately said what was on my mind, and Ruber looked uncomfortable as he turned his face away.
Ruber: “…is that weird?”
OO: “No. I’d like to try that shop’s ice cream as well.”
I could tell he seemed embarrassed from his attitude, and I felt a faint feeling of closeness with him at that.
Ch. 4: State of Emergency
We stood side by side in front of the shop and selected our ice cream…
Retainer: “Lord Ruber!”
One of Ruber’s retainers ran up to us in a great panic.
Ruber: “It’s just one thing after another… I get no peace.”
Ruber let a listless sigh escape his lips as he turned to look at the retainer.
Ruber: “What’s wrong?”
Retainer: “There was an incident on the edge of town. There was an accident and a mine collapsed…!”
(An accident…!?)
Ruber: “What’s the situation?”
Retainer: “There are many injured. The nearby private practitioners are providing relief aid, but they can’t handle everything…-.”
Ruber: “Got it. I’ll go immediately. OO, this is the end of the tour.”
OO: “Alright. But…”
OO: “Please be careful.”
Ruber: “Of course. I’ll take plenty of precautions. So don’t look at me with those puppy-dog eyes.”
OO: “…will we see each other again?”
Ruber: “I’ll call for you once things have calmed down. …since we missed our chance to eat ice cream.”
Ruber’s behavior didn’t let on to how agitated he was, and in the face of that I felt slightly calmer after being hit with the information about the accident.
After Ruber and his retainer exchanged a brief conversation, they dashed away.
(This is really terrible.)
I watched his retreating back as it grew smaller and smaller…
Woman with Child: “Excuse me, miss. Did something happen at the mine?”
A woman accompanied by a small child spoke to me.
OO: “Yes, it seems there was an accident…”
Woman with Child: “! Oh goodness… that’s where my husband works!”
OO: “Eh…!”
It wasn’t just the woman who suddenly grew pale as a disturbance spread through the townspeople.
(I’m sure if they just knew the current situation, they would be able to calm down.)
Wanting wholeheartedly to help the people, I ran after Ruber…-.
…
……
At the site of the accident, many doctors were franticly running around.
(There are so many injured people…)
My heart ached as I saw how many people had been caught in the accident.
Ruber stood at the heart of the scene, and he seemed to have taken command of the recovery efforts…-.
Ruber: “We don’t have enough hands. What are the Royal Physicians doing!?”
Retainer: “They haven’t said much… it seems they won’t be dispatching anyone here.”
Ruber: “…tch.”
(What’s going on?)
Drawn in by the conversation the two were having, I approached Ruber.
Ruber: “OO? What are you doing here?”
Ruber turned his steely gaze to me faster than I could open my mouth to speak.
I shrank back, unable to say anything, and Ruber’s expression relaxed just a fraction.
Ruber: “As you can see, we’re pretty busy. If you need something, tell me later. Just go back into town.”
OO: “Honestly, the people in town seemed to be shaken by the news of the accident so…-.”
I explained the situation about why I had come, and Ruber’s expression became even more serious.
Ruber: “I’ll send my retainer, they can tell everyone the most accurate information. You need to head back to town too.”
Saying as much, Ruber pointed me in the direction of the road back to town, but…
I remembered the conversation between Ruber and his retainer that I’d overheard.
OO: “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Ruber: “Don’t be ridiculous. This doesn’t concern a princess like you.”
OO: “I know that. But you don’t have enough people to help, right? I don’t care if it’s just odd jobs. Isn’t there anything I can help with?”
Ruber: “…”
Ruber’s gaze seemed to indicate that he understood I wasn’t going to back down.
Ch. 5: Amidst the Chaos
There was a tension in the air between Ruber and myself…-.
Ruber said nothing, his head down after my proposal to be of help, but…
Ruber: “…run those bandages over to the group of doctors over there.”
At last, his gaze calmly drifted to the side and he pointed at a basket beside me.
OO: “Got it!”
With the understanding that I had approval to help, I reached out my arm to pick up the basket holding the bandages.
Ruber: “Wait, OO.”
OO: “Yes…?”
At the same time as I looked up in response to his call, a white gown was gently placed over my shoulders.
Ruber: “Put that on.”
His hand still on my shoulder, Ruber’s face abruptly came closer…
(…)
As his handsome face approached before my eyes, I unintentionally held my breath.
Ruber: “While you’re wearing that, I won’t treat you like a guest anymore. To save lives, I will gladly work you like a horse. Understood?”
A cleverness shone in his eyes as they pierced straight through me.
OO: “I’ll do my best…!”
Ruber: “Good answer. Keep up that motivation right till the end.”
OO: “I won’t get in your way.”
Ruber: “I appreciate it. If you’re unsure of something, ask any of the other doctors around me.”
I reflexively stood up straighter, and Ruber’s large hand clapped me on the back.
As if he was pushing me on, this time I picked up the basket and headed to where he’d pointed me to…-.
…
……
The color of the sky overhead was gradually growing deeper…-.
The sun was even closer to the horizon now, and injured people kept being brought one after another into the medical treatment area.
OO: “It’s alright. Ruber will be here to examine you soon…”
I spoke with the intent of being encouraging, but the injured people’s expressions turned suspicious.
Injured Person 1: “Ruber? Isn’t that the name of our prince?”
Injured Person 2: “He won’t come. That group of royals don’t care about people with social standings like us.”
OO: “Eh…?”
(What does that mean? But Ruber really is…-.)
Ruber: “All of you, don’t speak unnecessarily. You’ll aggravate your injuries.”
Ruber appeared from behind me as I panicked.
OO: “Ah, Ru…-.”
Ruber: “…be quiet.”
As I was about to speak his name, he placed a long index finger against my lips.
Paying no mind to me after that as I opened my eyes wide in shock, Ruber turned his attention towards the injured people.
Ruber: “Everyone, be silent and rest. Since you’ve all become my patients, I swear I will fix your injuries.”
At Ruber’s grand declaration, the noisy, chaotic healing station immediately went silent…
(It looks like Ruber’s words have the ability to ease the minds of the patients.)
As he began to work on treatment, I stared at Ruber’s face in profile, and thought of how reliable he was.
Ruber: “Hey, OO. What are you doing standing around? We don’t have enough medicine. Go get some more from one of the other treatment groups.”
OO: “Right, I’m going…!”
Even as I experienced being so busy it felt like everything was spinning, I started to feel proud of the fact that I was able to be useful to Ruber.
Ch. 6: The Reality of the Country
The pale light of the moon shown faintly in the guest room…-.
After all of the injured people had been treated, I had accompanied Ruber back to the castle of Remedium.
Ruber: “I thought you’d give up right away, but I didn’t expect you to work straight through till the end without stopping.”
Ruber’s expression was gentler than it had been before as he expressed words that seemed to indicate he was impressed.
OO: “You were really great today too Ruber.”
Ruber: “It wasn’t anything special. There are any number of other scenarios far more severe than what happened today.”
Despite the fact that he’d been running around at the medical treatment area more than anyone else, Ruber’s expression was refreshed.
OO: “I’m happy that I was able to be of help.”
Ruber: “Your work wasn’t bad. To the point where I wouldn’t mind having you as an assistant.”
(Even if he’s just flattering me, I’m happy.)
(But still…-.)
As I felt the white gown that Ruber had let me borrow, the things I had observed at the accident site came back to me…
Suddenly, Ruber’s hand was placed on my head.
Ruber: “Don’t you have something you want to ask me?”
I was seized by his eyes as they seemed to see straight into my heart, which started pounding.
————————
Ruber: “We don’t have enough hands. What are the Royal Physicians doing!?”
Retainer: “They haven’t said much… it seems they won’t be dispatching anyone here.”
————————
Injured Person 2: “He won’t come. That group of royals don’t care about people with social standings like us.”
————————
OO: “It may be rude of me to ask but… do the Royal Physicians not examine the commoners?”
Ruber: “I see. If you’ve already guessed that much, this will be quick to explain.”
Ruber was relaxed as he walked over to the window, his eyes turned to the scenery outside.
Ruber: “Like I explained in the afternoon, this country has a flourishing medical practice. But the royal family boasts that they give the most advanced medical treatment, and so they recognize only one part of the country as patients. That’s how things stand.”
OO: “That kind of decision…-.”
Ruber: “It’s a policy of the country. And because I couldn’t accept it, I left and traveled around the world for a while. …I just wanted to help the patients that were there in front of me. I was fed up with being tied down by those ridiculous obligations.”
His tone was indifferent, but his profile stood out against the moonlight, and he looked lonely…
(I wonder if he’s been fighting this whole time all on his own.)
OO: “You’re a kind person Ruber.”
Those words fell from my lips before I’d realized it.
Ruber: “You… what about me gives you that optimistic impression?”
He asked the question as if he were confused, and I smiled at him.
OO: “If you don’t know, then it just means you haven’t recognized your own kindness.”
(No matter the patient, Ruber treats them all as equals and he saves so many people.)
OO: “I think that the people you care for so deeply think the same as you.”
Ruber: “… Haha… you really are a strange one. No matter how many times you could have been frightened off… it’s the first time I can say I’ve seen someone take everything head-on.”
(…)
With an innocent smile, Ruber’s shoulders shook as if he found something amusing.
(Ruber… he can smile like that.)
It was the first time I’d seen that expression on him, and I engraved it in the depths of my heart.