“Where is the child?”
“In the bathroom... I found it while cleaning during the young lady’s face washing...”
Ryan immediately jumped up from his seat and left the restaurant.
His vision went completely white several times while he was hurrying to Vania's room.
Her condition began to noticeably worsen about a year ago, when Stage 3 of <Restoration of Light> was completed.
This is a side effect of training this ability.
So... a disease he knows.
However, he couldn't just leave Vania alone when she had weakened to the point where even the servants could notice, so he called a doctor just for show.
There is no way an ordinary doctor could recognize the state of a person with supernatural abilities.
Naturally, Vania was diagnosed with an 'incurable disease of unknown cause'.
"Shall I call a doctor?"
"No, never mind."
When the butler following behind asked, Ryan spoke briefly and hurried his steps.
On the day she woke up after suffering from a fever for three consecutive days following the completion of the third stage of <Restoration of Light>, Vania said.
“Don’t worry. I fully understand my physical condition and am training accordingly.”
Vania had long ago declared that she would hone her healing bless to the very end, and her resolve was so firm that Ryan could not stop her.
To be honest, he got really angry, but then how can he stop a kid who just wants to run away from home and secretly train in Bless?
He did consider things like confinement, but if the disruptor of the superpower ecosystem decides to escape, it would all be pointless.
Still, there was one silver lining amidst the misfortune.
It was said that when one refrained from using this ability after suffering a serious illness, the body would have a natural recovery period to some extent.
“Are you crazy, really?!”
“I, I really have to do this quickly...”
He doesn't know if she's lost her mind, but as soon as she felt a little better, she started Level 4 training right away.
Ryan was scared.
What if you die like this?
The reason Vania is pushing her body like this without even a moment to recuperate is...
"Damn it, sis! Stop it!"
Yes, it is the fault of his third sister, Diana, whose face is now hazy in his memory after 16 years since the last time he saw her.
Diana plans to use her supernatural abilities to form a massive medical cartel two years from now.
Vania was worried that Diana might move a little faster than she did in the first round, as she was not the same as before the additional regression of power.
That is exactly why Vania is trying to complete the <Restoration of Light> quickly by overworking herself without giving her body a chance to recover.
'Diana, just try doing anything shitty. I won't wait; I'll send you to hell right now.'
Ryan gritted his teeth inwardly and grabbed the doorknob of Vania's room.
Click.
Bam-.
'Ah.'
As Nike was untying his black tie, he felt a stinging sensation in his hand. A chrysanthemum-shaped mourning pin attached to the tie had fallen off, scratching his thumb and leaving a wound.
“Oh my!”
Reiner, who was watching, clicked his tongue.
This is the capital, the city center of Valen.
Nike Valencier lives in the capital, but he is not familiar with it.
His range of activity is limited to his room inside the imperial palace, the training grounds, and the cursed lands of the east, west, north, and south of the continent, which are his regular expedition sites.
So, even though he was of royal lineage, no one recognized him while he was walking around the center of the capital.
Even more so if he came out in ordinary clothes like today.
“Since it’s been a while since you’ve been out...”
"Let's go back."
“...I naturally expected you to say that.”
Rainer shook his head and said
"Why don't you go to the nearby doctor's office and get some treatment before you go?"
"It's not that bad."
"What if the wound gets infected?"
“...”
Nike lifted his thumb, which was wrapped in a handkerchief.
What's the big deal about a minor scratch?
Nike, who was about to rewind time to before he made a mistake while untying his tie—since treating him was a hassle and Reiner would likely keep grumbling—
“Um, I’m fine... *chuckles*.”
He stopped, recalling the face of a friend who forced a smile at the end of his life, already four years ago.
He finds himself ridiculous all over again for easily obtaining a new body by rewinding time, unlike others, even when he is injured, torn, or faces the line of death.
Ordinary humans who are not people with special abilities must be treated if they are injured, and they die if they suffer a fatal injury.
It is a very natural thing.
“Oh my, I guess he’s dead? He couldn’t even wait that long.”
“In the bathroom... I found it while cleaning during the young lady’s face washing...”
Ryan immediately jumped up from his seat and left the restaurant.
His vision went completely white several times while he was hurrying to Vania's room.
Her condition began to noticeably worsen about a year ago, when Stage 3 of <Restoration of Light> was completed.
This is a side effect of training this ability.
So... a disease he knows.
However, he couldn't just leave Vania alone when she had weakened to the point where even the servants could notice, so he called a doctor just for show.
There is no way an ordinary doctor could recognize the state of a person with supernatural abilities.
Naturally, Vania was diagnosed with an 'incurable disease of unknown cause'.
"Shall I call a doctor?"
"No, never mind."
When the butler following behind asked, Ryan spoke briefly and hurried his steps.
On the day she woke up after suffering from a fever for three consecutive days following the completion of the third stage of <Restoration of Light>, Vania said.
“Don’t worry. I fully understand my physical condition and am training accordingly.”
Vania had long ago declared that she would hone her healing bless to the very end, and her resolve was so firm that Ryan could not stop her.
To be honest, he got really angry, but then how can he stop a kid who just wants to run away from home and secretly train in Bless?
He did consider things like confinement, but if the disruptor of the superpower ecosystem decides to escape, it would all be pointless.
Still, there was one silver lining amidst the misfortune.
It was said that when one refrained from using this ability after suffering a serious illness, the body would have a natural recovery period to some extent.
“Are you crazy, really?!”
“I, I really have to do this quickly...”
He doesn't know if she's lost her mind, but as soon as she felt a little better, she started Level 4 training right away.
Ryan was scared.
What if you die like this?
The reason Vania is pushing her body like this without even a moment to recuperate is...
"Damn it, sis! Stop it!"
Yes, it is the fault of his third sister, Diana, whose face is now hazy in his memory after 16 years since the last time he saw her.
Diana plans to use her supernatural abilities to form a massive medical cartel two years from now.
Vania was worried that Diana might move a little faster than she did in the first round, as she was not the same as before the additional regression of power.
That is exactly why Vania is trying to complete the <Restoration of Light> quickly by overworking herself without giving her body a chance to recover.
'Diana, just try doing anything shitty. I won't wait; I'll send you to hell right now.'
Ryan gritted his teeth inwardly and grabbed the doorknob of Vania's room.
Click.
***
Bam-.
'Ah.'
As Nike was untying his black tie, he felt a stinging sensation in his hand. A chrysanthemum-shaped mourning pin attached to the tie had fallen off, scratching his thumb and leaving a wound.
“Oh my!”
Reiner, who was watching, clicked his tongue.
This is the capital, the city center of Valen.
Nike Valencier lives in the capital, but he is not familiar with it.
His range of activity is limited to his room inside the imperial palace, the training grounds, and the cursed lands of the east, west, north, and south of the continent, which are his regular expedition sites.
So, even though he was of royal lineage, no one recognized him while he was walking around the center of the capital.
Even more so if he came out in ordinary clothes like today.
“Since it’s been a while since you’ve been out...”
"Let's go back."
“...I naturally expected you to say that.”
Rainer shook his head and said
"Why don't you go to the nearby doctor's office and get some treatment before you go?"
"It's not that bad."
"What if the wound gets infected?"
“...”
Nike lifted his thumb, which was wrapped in a handkerchief.
What's the big deal about a minor scratch?
Nike, who was about to rewind time to before he made a mistake while untying his tie—since treating him was a hassle and Reiner would likely keep grumbling—
“Um, I’m fine... *chuckles*.”
He stopped, recalling the face of a friend who forced a smile at the end of his life, already four years ago.
He finds himself ridiculous all over again for easily obtaining a new body by rewinding time, unlike others, even when he is injured, torn, or faces the line of death.
Ordinary humans who are not people with special abilities must be treated if they are injured, and they die if they suffer a fatal injury.
It is a very natural thing.
“Oh my, I guess he’s dead? He couldn’t even wait that long.”
Like a friend who breathed their last helplessly.
“That friend will probably leave resenting the Prince.”
“...Yes. Let’s get treated before we go.”
Nike walked without stopping.
The reason a small scratch has escalated into such anguish is likely because he happened to come out today just to see his deceased friend Anton.
Today was Anton's birthday, and his parents, Count and Countess Wurttem, prepared a modest birthday meal and invited Nike and Rainer, just as they had done for four years.
Because the Count and Countess, who still cannot let go of their only son Anton, still commemorate his 'birthday' instead of his 'death anniversary'.
“Welcome.”
When he had just entered the doctor's office, the building was visible right nearby.
[Haa... Your Highness...]
Nike stopped dead in his tracks in surprise.
The supernatural ability of telepathy can be heard like a whisper in the ear, even when not physically present.
It is the first time he has heard Vania's voice in nearly a year.
[Now, haa...]
However.
But why is this...
[W-will you... will you... come to my house...?]
"Hey?"
Reiner suddenly appeared in his sight.
“Are you in pain? Why did your face turn into a burning sweet potato?”
“...”
...It had to be that way.
A woman's voice, mixed with moans, tickles his ear like a whisper, and he can't bear the embarrassment.
Even what?
You want me to come to your house right now?
He doesn't know why Vania is suddenly saying this.
Because Nike hadn't seen her face for a whole year already.
Of course, he has been to Belzer countless times.
Sacht expeditions twice a year, visits every three months for the management of Ratan, irregular exchanges, etc.
And whenever he went, Vania welcomed him more warmly than anyone else.
And yet he couldn't even treat her kindly.
Because of the strange discrepancy between the memories of when he was a lover, partially returned to him, and the image of Vania, still young.
Anyway, despite that, Vania would always blush shyly and greet him brightly, saying, "Your Highness, you've come?"
However, for reasons unknown, at some point she stopped showing even a single strand of her hair.
"Today?"
“Ah, yes.”
"Are you sick?"
“...No. That’s not it. He just says he’s not in the mood to go out of the room.”
Ryan seemed to know something.
It would be one thing if it happened once or twice, but since it had already been a year since she hid and refused to come out as if avoiding him every time he went, Nike was starting to get frustrated.
He thought she must be tired.
Isn't Vania's mind that of an adult woman? Yet a lover who keeps pushing her away...
I mean, yeah. I might seem heartless and a sight she can't stand... I suppose.
“Please tell me the reason.”
"Oh, she says she has a bit of a cold today. She said she will definitely come out next time."
“...”
Last month, Nike was rejected again on Vania's birthday, the day she turned 18.
He returned home dejected after handing Ryan the birthday gift he had spent a whole month agonizing over.
But why suddenly...
"I’d like to ask for some treatment."
When I came to my senses, Reiner was already holding Nike's hand and showing him to the doctor.
The middle-aged doctor who looked strict glanced at the wound and then.
"It is 300 gold."
The treatment costs were determined in advance.
“Yeah, 300 gold... Eeeeek?!”
Reiner was shocked as he took his wallet out of his pocket. Nike was also surprised.
"Did you say 3 gold instead of 300? Well, I do think that's a bit of an overcharge, though."
"It is 300 gold."
"...”
Reiner, who had been blinking his eyes, smiled brightly.
"I'll just buy the ointment and disinfectant separately, so please give them to me. I'll treat it myself."
The doctor nodded and picked up a bottle of ointment and disinfectant from the display shelf inside the doctor's office.
"It is 450 gold."
"Hey."
Just then, sensing something was wrong, Nike hurriedly headed to the medicine display case.
There is a price tag attached.
A price tag that has risen 50 times, or even up to 100 times, the usual market price.
'That's ridiculous.'
Nike actually knew in advance that this would happen.
A situation will come where medical departments within the capital collude, drug prices skyrocket, and those without money cannot receive even simple treatment.
Because Vania told him about the big futures that he 'needs to prepare for'.
But... this fast?
However, the timing was off.
A situation where you have to face it with your eyes wide open, even though you were prepared.
Nike approached the doctor.
And, earnestly hoping it wasn't true, he asked.
“Is it possible to purchase a ‘salvation medicine’ by any chance?”
The doctor's expression immediately brightened.
“Ah! So you heard the rumors. That’s a relief. They all sold out in half a day, and there’s just one left.”
“...”
The doctor took out a flat box that had been hidden deep inside and opened it.
A glass vial the size of an index finger, placed on a silk stand. It is filled with a sky-blue potion.
It was exactly as Vania had told him.
"It is 300,000 gold."
An exorbitant price. However, those with money have no choice but to scramble to buy this medicine.
This 'salvation medicine' heals any trauma in one second and instantly restores even severed limbs.
Medical departments that are sitting on a pile of money will not even find the fines they have to pay for violating the Empire's anti-collusion laws laughable.
"Are you buying?'
The doctor asked.
Nike glared silently at him, who had sold even his most basic sense of ethics for money.
This 'salvation medicine' that anyone with a medical license can receive for 'free'.
The condition for the Third Princess of Wassenberg to receive this was simple.
Join us in building a massive medical cartel through price fixing so that 'those without money are left with no choice but to die without treatment.'
***
Click.
Click, click.
Vania's room door was locked.
All sorts of ominous thoughts crossed Ryan's mind.
“Hey, hey, hey. The key... Ugh, damn it.”
Let's just smash it.
The moment he lifted his right foot, a voice was heard.
"Only Dad, come in."
And, click.
The door opens.
Ryan waved his hand dismissively at the butler and maid who had followed him, quickly went inside, and closed the door.
Before he knew it, he saw the back of Vania, who had gone to the side table.
"You..."
As Vania turned around, Ryan paused for a moment.
Maybe it's because she's been cooped up in her room lately, so it's been a while since he's seen her face.
Ryan suddenly feels a lump in his throat.
Vania, who turned 18 this year.
His half-sister, whom he raised for four years pretending to be his daughter, grew up to be really pretty.
Lovely pink hair and skin so white it borders on pale. A gentle, angelic smile.
“Ta-da!”
Vania showed a small medicine bottle she was holding in her hand.
"Completion!"
“...”
As expected.
If she coughed up blood, there must have been a reason for it.
Restoration of Light
- The power to temporarily heal external injuries of living beings and restore lost parts.
Grade: Top Grade
...
Completion Stage 4: By injecting this ability into any substance that can be ingested or administered, it is possible to manufacture a restorative drug that produces the same effect even without the direct manifestation of the possessor.
"Did you finally finish it?"
“I did a good job, didn’t I!”
“Yeah... you did a good job.”
"Good job."
Ryan approached Vania.
She grew up really well.
Some people are just thinking about making another profit by holding innocent lives hostage.
This kid is grinding her body to the bone to stop that...
"Ah."
“Ah!”
The moment he approached, Ryan barely managed to snatch Vania's swaying arm.
"Ha."
Seeing that she didn't even have the strength to walk, Ryan lifted Vania up in his arms.
“Dad, you know. Please... never tell anyone that I’m sick...”
As he moved her to the bed, Vania whispered quietly.
A year ago, when her complexion noticeably worsened, Vania never showed her face to Nike out of fear that Nike would worry.
“How long are you going to keep hiding it?”
“I’ll get better soon... I’ll be back quickly...”
He wonders if this is actually better.
Ryan sighed and looked down at Vania in his arms.
She grew up really well.
Pretty and kind.
Also...
“Cough.”
A single cough. Gurgling blood.
Ryan was shocked and couldn't even breathe as he saw the blood that instantly stained Vania's bodice.
Soon, he bit his lip tightly.
“Hehe.”
“What are you laughing at!”
That's really upsetting.
Well, anyway, despite causing a lot of trouble, Vania grew up really well.
Pretty and kind.
Also,
As a somewhat... sickly beauty.
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