For a while, life returned to peace… though I was surrounded by patients and living busy days.

I treated over 50 patients every day.

Thanks to this, my proficiency of the life magic [Create] has also increased.

Blessing: Goddess of Creation, Amalia’s Blessing
Skill: Life Magic [Create]
Talent: [Magic Warrior SSS+]
Weapons: [Sword A+/SSS+], [Club C+/S], [Spear D/S-], [Bow D/A]
Magic: [Life Magic S+/SSS+]

Unfortunately, my skill with the sword hasn’t improved at all.

It seems that unless I fight against monsters, there won’t be any further progress.

Today, like always, I finished treating my patients just as the sun set.

“This one will be the last for today.”

Pal showed in a young boy around my age, dressed in tattered clothes that were barely held together.

A large scar ran across his face from his forehead to his cheek, causing his left eye to be completely shut.

“Black hair and black eyes… Is he one of Pal’s relatives?”

“Please, as if I’d have such a filthy relative.”

Ouch, a bit harsh. But yes, with such a different skin tone, it’s clear they’re of different races.

For now, I use Analyze.

“What… what is this!?”

“It’s part of the treatment, so don’t panic.”

What a loud child.

“Tell me, how did you lose your eye? What about your parents?”

“…That has nothing to do with you.”

“If you don’t tell me, I won’t treat you.”

“I paid, didn’t I?!”

Eyes that show he trusts no one.

“I’ll return your money.”

“Damn it…”

“Tell me how you lost your eye. And what are your parents doing?”

The scar wasn’t caused by a monster, but rather by a sharp blade. Judging by its condition, the injury is likely from 5 or 6 years ago.

“Tch, give me my money back!”

“Pal, please return his money.”

The boy snatched the money from Pal and stormed out of the door.

“That brat, so full of himself,” Pal grumbled.

“Let it be.”

I have a feeling he’ll come back.

I’ll hear his story then.

A few more days passed, and it was still as busy as ever.

The usual noise from outside suddenly went silent. At first, I thought the guild staff were causing a ruckus, but it quieted down quickly.

Would the guild staff really make that much noise? Poor Darnan would be in tears, if so.

Ah well, with Pal handling things well, the commotion was soon settled.

“Sir, there was a disturbance from a royal messenger, so I punched him out and handed him over to Solderik.”

“Oh, good job. …Wait, did you say a royal messenger?!”

“Yes, he quieted down when I offered to crush his… um, assets.”

To Pal, a royal messenger seems no different from any other troublemaker.

I’ll have to figure out how to fix this later.

But for now, my patients come first.

Anyone shouting without regard to my schedule isn’t a client, just a nuisance. And that goes for nobles and royal messengers alike.

As evening fell and the day ended, I returned to the estate. In the living room, six men I assumed were attendants were sitting on the sofa in a state of deep regret.

“What… what happened here?”

“I ordered Solderik to teach them manners. These men will now serve you, sir.”

Ah, I see. She re-educated them.

“Wait, don’t brainwash a royal messenger!”

“I simply corrected their behavior since they were so disruptive.”

“…So you didn’t brainwash them?”

“Nope. Just correction.”

“Well, that’s fine, then.”

Correction just means addressing bad behavior, so no harm done, right? Yes, let’s go with that.

I took a seat across from the messenger.

There was a blankness in his eyes. Best not to think about it.

“I’m Sai. What brings you here?”

“I have come on behalf of His Majesty the King, to convey a message to Lord Sai.”

His voice was flat, without emotion. Not the most pleasant to listen to.

So this is what it sounds like after behavioral correction.

“I’m listening.”

Since he’s a royal messenger, I should speak politely.

“His Majesty the King wishes to invite the illustrious Lord Sai to the castle and bestow upon you a medal.”

“A medal?”

“Yes, the Rose Medal, as an expression of His Majesty’s esteem.”

The Rose Medal, huh? That’s right in the middle among the five royal honors. The third rank, frequently awarded for achievements in monster hunting.

“I’m very grateful for His Majesty’s sentiment. However, I did not defeat the Red Dragon for a medal, so I must respectfully decline.”

“That is unfortunate. I will relay your response to His Majesty.”

“Thank you.”

The messenger left.

The third-rank medal just doesn’t add much prestige.

I want them to offer the second-rank Flame Jewel Medal at least. That’s why I declined.

Receiving a medal would be a nice way to irritate the Duke’s family.

Since I plan to use this opportunity, I’d prefer the highest honor possible.

Once I receive the medal, I should visit Grandmother and show it to her.