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yumemory[Location: Front of Figaro’s clinic, morning]
Figaro: We’ve arrived. Good work, everyone.
Akira: So this is your clinic, Figaro...
The first thing I saw was a large lake, apparently known by the name of Lake Russell, surrounded by clusters of residential houses.
Figaro's clinic stood facing the lake, its simple appearance giving off a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Mitile: I feel like it's been a long time since we’ve last been here.
Rutile: Yes. We haven’t been here in a while, but the clinic hasn’t changed one bit.
Warmth blossomed on Mitile’s and Rutile’s faces upon seeing such nostalgic scenery—and Lennox's expression was equally gentle.
Akira: Did you miss this place too, Lennox?
Lennox: Yes. It’s been a while since I’ve last visited as well.
Shino: It’s close to the lake. Not bad.
Heathcliff: The view’s really beautiful. It’s the perfect environment to relax your body.
Rutile: It’s nice, isn’t it? We’ve been relying on this clinic for as long as we can remember.
Rutile: Not just us, but everyone else who lives around here also depends on Doctor Figaro a lot.
Mitile: This is where he gave us medicine, looked after our injuries, and gently explained our illnesses to us...
Mitile: It’s an important place that always provides reassurance to everyone that lives here.
Figaro: Now now, that’s far too kind of you. You’re making me shy.
Mitile and Rutile smiled, their chests puffed out as Figaro watched them.
This is the same expression they would wear whenever they returned to the Town of Clouds—the hometown they take pride in and the place that makes them feel the safest.
Akira: (This clinic is probably another home for Mitile and Rutile...)
But just as I was thinking that, I was suddenly interrupted by a dizzying sensation.
(The ground shakes)
Akira: ...Urk!
Shino, Mitile and Heathcliff: !?
Nero: Wha—
Faust: ...An earthquake!?
The earthquake was stronger than I anticipated, and my body seemed to shake along with the tremor.
Everyone couldn’t help but stagger due to the unexpected turn of events. I stumbled and almost fell, but Lennox was able to catch me on time.
Lennox: Master Sage, please hold on to me.
Akira: T-Thank you so much!
The shaking stopped eventually, and I let out a deep breath.
Rutile and Mitile: ...That scared me!
Shino: Heath, are you okay?!
Heathcliff: Y-Yeah, I am!
Faust: ...It looks like the stories about the frequent earthquakes are true.
Nero: Man, I didn't expect to go through one of ‘em as soon as we got ‘ere. Damn, that was pretty strong.
Everyone's expressions grew tense. We couldn't fully understand the terror the earthquake caused until we felt it ourselves.
We had just experienced the true gravity of the situation firsthand.
Lennox: If earthquakes this intense occur several times a day, then it's not surprising a huge amount of damage would result.
Rutile: I heard that some buildings already collapsed. If this continues, then the clinic will be in danger, too...
Mitile: We can’t let that happen... We have to do something as soon as possible.
Mitile: Let's fix this before it gets worse!
Rutile: This is a place that’s important to everyone. We need to protect it at all costs.
Rutile and Mitile were more enthusiastic than usual, probably because the land was incredibly familiar to them.
Meanwhile, Figaro crouched down and placed his palm on the ground.
After a short while, he stood up and pondered for a few moments, a mysterious expression evident on his face.
Figaro: ............
Akira: Figaro?
Faust: ......Hey, about this land.
Figaro: Faust.
Figaro: Let’s go inside. I want to discuss our strategy for this mission.
Figaro: And since you've come all this way, at least let me give you a little welcome party.
[Location: Figaro’s clinic, morning]
We all went inside Figaro's clinic after receiving his invitation.
The place wasn’t very big. Within the limited space, there were worn-out desks, wooden boards, beds, and medicine cabinets.
It was well-lit and clean, certainly a place that could provide comfort to wounded bodies and souls.
Figaro: It’s pretty small, but make yourself at home.
Akira: Thank you for serving us tea, Figaro.
Heathcliff: It smells good.
Figaro: I'm glad you like it. It's made out of some medicinal herbs to relieve fatigue.
Figaro: You all need it after traveling this far, right?
Nero: Thanks a bunch.
Heathcliff: Thank you for the drink.
Akira: ...It’s b...
Shino: It’s bitter!!
Rutile: It’s been a while since I last had your bitter tea, Doctor Figaro.
Mitile: Oof... It’s just as bitter as ever.
While everyone else was struggling to swallow even a sip of their tea, Faust and Lennox remained silent as they drank theirs.
Nero: How are y’all drinking this without any problem? Ain’t it awful bitter?
Faust: I’m used to drinking bitter tea.
Heathcliff: How about you, Mister Lennox?
Lennox: I’m not. It’s bitter.
Akira: (So he does think it’s bitter...)
Mitile: The taste may be a little strange, but this tea is really good for the body. Drinking it before bed will help you feel really energized the next day.
Rutile: Yup. And once you get used to it, drinking it becomes a habit... Mitile and I used to come here just to have this.
Mitile: Yeah! I really missed it!
Figaro: Huh? So you two came here just for my tea?
Figaro: And all this time I thought you visited because you wanted to see your beloved Doctor Figaro. Sigh, now I feel sad...
Rutile and Mitile: Ahaha, just kidding.
Mitile: ...I love Doctor Figaro, and this clinic.
Mitile: When we get sick or injured, it’s only natural that we’d feel anxious. And coming here is what puts us at ease and makes us feel safe.
Mitile: That’s why, someday, I want to work here as an herbalist and help you out...
Figaro: Mitile......
Mitile: The truth is, one of my reasons for visiting the clinic so often is to study.
Mitile: Ah. But of course, wanting to see you is another reason, Doctor!
Figaro: Ahaha, thank you. Hearing that makes me really happy. Then should we put your desk over here?
Mitile: ...Huh? Y-You don’t mind me working here someday?
Figaro: Of course not. And maybe it’ll be easier for us to work together if we move the medicine cabinet and work table next to each other.
Figaro smiled warmly as he spoke about the future, and Mitile had a huge grin on his face.
Everyone watching them at the moment couldn’t help but smile at the heartwarming sight.
Akira: (This clinic must be really important for the Southern wizards...)
Man: Um, excuse me!
Woman: Is Doctor Figaro here?!
Suddenly, people with panicked voices started knocking hard against the door.
A man and a woman, presumably a young couple, arrived at the clinic’s doorstep. The man cradled a baby in his arms.
As soon as their eyes settled on Figaro, relief bloomed from their panicked expressions.
Man: Thank goodness! We saw you flying in the sky, so we assumed you came back!
Woman: Doctor, please have a look at our daughter! She's been crying since last night, and even threw up all the milk I gave her.
Figaro: She's crying a lot. Alright, come in.
Apparently, the couple lived in a village near here. There were no doctors in their area, so this was the closest clinic they could go to.
Man: I feel like we’ve been blessed by the heavens. To think that Doctor Figaro happened to be here today of all days.
Man: We thought of going to the clinic in the Town of Clouds to consult the young doctor instead, but it's a bit farther than here...
Akira: Young doctor? Is there one in the Town of Clouds?
Mitile: Yes. You're referring to Mister Clark, right?
Woman: Yes, him. He comes to this clinic sometimes to substitute for Doctor Figaro.
Woman: I was speaking to my husband to decide whether we should wait for him to come here, or just head directly to the Town of Clouds...
Woman: But we were near the lake when we saw Doctor Figaro, so we headed for here immediately.
Figaro: Then it’s good that I came here today. Sickness doesn't wait for anyone, after all.
Figaro: And Clark is a busy kid, so he won't be able to come here that often.
Lennox: It seems like the patients in the Town of Clouds depend on him a lot. I heard that he’s known for being a really skilled doctor, despite his young age.
Rutile: As expected of Doctor Figaro’s apprentice!
Faust: ......Apprentice?
Shino: If he's under your wing, then is he a wizard, too?
Figaro: Nope, he's human. He said he wanted to be a doctor, so I'm just showing him the ropes.
Figaro: More importantly...
TL: yumemory | Proofread: Alle
