Guardian of the Baron Territory
Another week has passed since I met Master Shan.
I had come to the outskirts of the capital.
In the outskirts of the capital, there is more land per area than in the center of the city.
For that reason, I was able to see some places where each family cultivated their own vegetables.
One of them was an old house, and I could see it growing medicinal herbs instead of vegetables.
"Here we are, Light-boy. Here lives an old apothecary woman I know."
Today's attendant is Grandma Fel, not Sebas.
Grandma Fel was in charge of the negotiations with the Apothecary Guild this time, and she also decided who would be my teacher.
Apparently, Grandma Fel will introduce me to the person she trusts the most.
Grandma Fell knocked on the front door of the house and received an answer.
"It's open. Come in."
When I entered the house, I found it was decorated in a typical manner.
The walls are lined with books, and flasks, beakers, test tubes, and other instruments are placed on the table.
There are dried medicinal herbs hanging from the ceiling, filled with a unique scent.
At my feet, there were containers for medicine, dried organs that were probably the materials of monsters, and raw organs in bottles packed in boxes.
"It's been a while, Felticia. I'm glad to see you're doing so well."
There, an old woman who was smaller than Grandma Fel and had a bent waist sat down on a chair and welcomed us.
"What are you talking about? We just met a month ago, right? I won't die so soon."
The old woman answered that question while laughing loudly.
"We don't know when we're going to pass away when we reach this age. Even a month is a long time. Besides, you seem to be busy with various things, so I'm even more worried."
"We're both busy, aren't we?"
"I'm already retired from active duty, so it's not that bad."
While having such a conversation, Grandma Fel and the old woman continued small talk for a while.
And finally, it was time to introduce me.
"By the way, Felticia. Is that boy from the noble family who wants to become my apprentice?"
"Yes, that's right. He is Light-sama, the son of the lord of this baron territory. I'm very fond of this boy. I am spoiling him a lot, so I decided to introduce you to him."
Grandma Fel rarely showed me a gesture of affection and said something like that jokingly.
"I don't like it. I can't believe you're trying to get the attention of a young boy by spoiling him. I'm jealous."
They joked back and laughed at each other. Honestly, this might be the first time I've seen Grandma Fel look so happy.
I was a little confused because she was not saying her name.
Seeing me like that, the old woman called out to me.
"It's not the first time I've met you. I've seen you before at the Adventurer's Guild. I remember that time well because I was surprised by your skill with [Recovery Magic] and the accuracy of your [Appraisal]."
I remember as I was told that.
This old woman is, if I remember correctly, the apothecary from that time who Mohawk bought after Dagor-san and the others were brought in and treated!
Or rather, that Mohawk! Did he run from here to the Adventurers' Guild carrying this old woman on his back? It's a long way, but that Mohawk is amazing.
"Ah, I'm sorry for being so cocky back then. Thank you for taking care of Dagor-san. My name is Light. I look forward to working with you."
I bowed my head.
"No. It's not like that. I'm Suzuka. Just talk to Grandma. It's easier and better that way."
Grandma Suzuka said to me with a gentle smile.
Then she and Grandma Fel talked a little about the time we met. She praised me highly, and Granda Fel was a little surprised to hear that.
Apparently, Grandma Fel was surprised to hear that my level of [Recovery Magic] had improved.
At that time, Grandma Suzuka asked me.
"Why is Light-boy interested in working as an apothecary? With that much [Recovery Magic], isn’t it unnecessary?"
"I can heal injuries, but I can't heal illnesses. Besides, I can't restore the blood one had lost, and I can't heal the illnesses that the injuries caused...... I feel like that's a bit...... half-hearted, but I'd still like to heal someone properly if possible."
Grandma Suzuka looked a little serious before answering.
"Do you understand that there are illnesses that cannot be cured, whether there is [Recovery Magic] or [Medicine], right? We are not gods. Of course, there are things we can't do."
"I understand. We are not gods. But I don't want to give up. I want to help people who are suffering."
Grandma Suzuka smiled at my answer and patted my head.
"You're a very strong boy. That's why Felticia likes you. But, Light-boy, don't push yourself too hard. Accepting the things you can't do sometimes and giving up is part of your strength. Don't forget this."
I nodded in response.
"I have to thank God for finally meeting such an excellent disciple."
"Come on. It's not a good omen."
"That’s right, Grandma Suzuka. You are going to be a master from now on."
The three of us talked and laughed together.
After that, Grandma Fel and I left Grandma Suzuka's house and returned to the mansion in a carriage.
On the way, Grandma Fel told me about Grandma Suzuka.
Grandma Suzuka has been working as an apothecary in this Baron territory for a long time.
Because of her accomplishments, she sometimes traveled to each village in the territory to examine and prescribe medicine, and to treat the wounds of adventurers, and because of her accomplishments, adventurers and some people even called her the [Guardian of the Baron Territory].
She was also the head of the Apothecary Guild.
However, as she grew older, it seemed that she left the guild duties to her successor and returned to being an apothecary.
Grandma Fel also told me about her anguish.
She was blamed by the bereaved family for not being able to cure them, not being able to save them, and being subjected to unjustified disadvantages because of her achievements and nickname...
It was as if she was telling me about the harshness of the job of an apothecary.
From the bottom of my heart, I was grateful for Grandma Fel's thoughtfulness.
Thanks for the chapter
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