EDM 24

“Moreover, if pharmacists increase and pharmacy develops, it would become a world where minor illnesses or wounds could be easily treated without necessarily meeting a healer.”

“Then the lives of commoners would improve considerably.”

“That’s right. There are still many villages in this country that don’t have pharmacists, let alone healers. Because of this, many people lose their lives to trivial illnesses like colds or very small wounds.”

“…”

“Since they can’t receive treatment early on, what could have been prevented with a hoe ends up requiring a plow.”

Kafka’s expression grew even darker as he listened to the story. The thought that people who could have lived if they had received timely treatment were losing their lives due to missed opportunities made him endlessly uncomfortable.

He suddenly regretted keeping silent about the millenka herb in the past. While it was to avoid damaging the original story, he couldn’t deny that he had turned away from patients who were suffering because of this. A sense of guilt weighed heavily on his heart.

“If you learn pharmacy, you can help such people.”

Perhaps because of his heavy heart, Professor Pomodona’s words felt even more appealing. The temptation didn’t stop there.

“Even if you’re not interested in service, you could become an imperial pharmacist and live on a salary. You’re thinking of becoming a bureaucrat at the Magic Tower after graduation, aren’t you?”

Professor Pomodona said. This too seemed to have been told by Professor Daconeer.

That damned fellow, just how far had he gone spreading my story around? For the first time, Kafka wanted to punch Daconeer in the mouth.

“You are smart, Sonder, so you’ll surely pass, but you never know what might happen with people’s affairs. There’s nothing wrong with increasing your options.”

“That’s… true.”

“Besides, in the case of pharmacists, even if you can’t get employed by the imperial family, you have the option of opening your own clinic.”

Having finished speaking, Professor Pomodona smiled brightly. Her kind gray eyes asked, “How about it? Isn’t it good?”

Kafka remained silent for a moment, looking down. If Professor Pomodona took charge and taught him pharmacy during the remaining period, and if Kafka himself studied diligently, he might be able to graduate with a fairly decent level of knowledge.

The situation was such that staying in the Magic Department had no merit anyway. If he chose to transfer and learn pharmacy, at least there would be no loss.

As his contemplation deepened, Kafka unconsciously gripped the hem of his school uniform pants slightly. His mouth went dry from what was perhaps the greatest conflict of his 18 year life.

“I…”

After hesitating for quite a while, Kafka slowly raised his head again. Professor Pomodona gestured slightly with her hand, telling him to speak comfortably.

“…I can’t make a decision right away.”

However, compared to the long silence, the conclusion was rather anticlimactic. “I’m sorry.” Kafka bowed his head and apologized to Professor Pomodona. Of course, the kind Professor Pomodona didn’t scold Kafka and comforted him, saying it was natural to be conflicted.

“Could I think about it a bit more before giving you an answer?”

Kafka asked cautiously. Since transferring would only be possible next year anyway, today wasn’t the only day. Seeming to think the same way, Professor Pomodona readily nodded.

“Of course. But would it be alright if I ask the headmaster in advance whether he would allow the transfer?”

“Yes, it would be troublesome in many ways if he didn’t permit it after I’ve made up my mind. Please, I’d appreciate it.”

“Alright. Then think it over well, and come find me anytime once you’ve made up your mind.”

Having finished speaking, Professor Pomodona poured a bit more cold tea into Kafka’s cup. Since his mouth was parched, Kafka forgot his manners and downed the entire cup in one go. In the cold tea that tasted sweet and refreshing like dissolved lemon candy, there was a slightly bitter aftertaste unlike before. It was probably just his mood.

Even after tossing and turning in worry until sleep, no conclusion came. If it had been something he could decide in one night, he wouldn’t have been flustered from the beginning.

When he went down to the dining hall with a haggard face, appetizing food was laid out buffet-style. Kafka put a chunk of white bread with butter and jam, scrambled eggs loaded with cream, and two pieces of softly grilled bacon on his plate, then also got a glass of apple juice.

After getting his meal, Kafka stopped for a moment to look for an empty seat. At that moment, someone raised their hand high to catch his attention.

“Kaf!”

It was none other than Aisha.

Soren was sitting across from her. They seemed to be having a meal together after finishing their morning training. Upon spotting Kafka, Soren bowed his head with an oddly sullen expression. How unusual that he wasn’t putting on airs.

“Come here! Let’s eat together.”

Aisha called out. Kafka hesitated for a moment. Considering Soren’s mood, he should avoid the seat… but there were no empty tables, nor any other tables suitable for joining.

Having no choice, he headed toward Aisha and Soren’s table. At the four-person table where the two sat facing each other, there was one empty seat each next to Aisha and Soren.

“…”

After pondering briefly, Kafka pulled out the chair next to Soren. Aisha’s eyes widened at the unexpected choice. Soren also made a “what?” expression, but Kafka paid no mind and sat down next to Soren.

Of course, it would have been much more comfortable for Kafka to sit next to Aisha. That would have been more natural too. Nevertheless, the reason he chose the seat next to Soren was out of consideration.

‘This guy finds it uncomfortable to look at my face.’

Positionally, if he sat next to Aisha, he would naturally have to face Soren. But sitting side by side like this, there would be no need to face each other unless he deliberately turned his head to the side.

Whether he appreciated the consideration or was just being mindful because it was in front of Aisha, Soren didn’t say anything particular. Aisha also seemed quite puzzled but didn’t specifically ask for reasons.

“By the way, Kaf, what’s wrong with your face? Are you sick somewhere?”

“I have some worries, so I couldn’t sleep well.”

“Worries? What kind of worries?”

Kafka paused for a moment before honestly telling them about what had happened with Professor Pomodona. Aisha, who had been quietly listening to the story, made an “eh?” sound and frowned. Even if his name had been put on the millenka report, talking about transferring departments at this point was too out of the blue and absurd.

“That’s ridiculous. There’s a limit to unreasonable moves.”

“Is it really that bad?”

“Of course! Do you think that gap can be filled by studying your blood out for just one year?”

It wasn’t wrong. Kafka wasn’t bad at learning, but that was only when it came to magical theory. Whether he could learn pharmacy that well was uncertain.

If he studied hard but didn’t see results, he would just be wasting a year for nothing. His worries deepened. As he stirred his scrambled eggs absentmindedly while lost in thought, Aisha shook her head, saying she was against it.

“Just stay in the Magic Department until the end. Transferring at this point is too much of a gamble.”

“Hmm…”

Kafka made a contemplative sound. Aisha opened her mouth to say something more. However, she had to close it due to an unexpectedly interjecting voice.

“I think transferring would be better.”

Soren, who had been quietly listening, voiced his opinion. At this unexpected participation, both siblings’ gazes turned to Soren simultaneously. Soren spread jam on his bread with an indifferent expression and bluntly said:

“Your magic level is obvious anyway.”

“…”

“Even if you stay in the Magic Department and learn, you won’t be able to use… Ah.”

A faint movement was felt near his feet. It seemed Soren had been stepped on. With a warning “tsk” sound, Aisha glared with fierce eyes. However, Soren Ibelnoia was not one to yield to such minor threats.

“And since the pharmacy is in the basement, it’s perfect for you who likes to hide away somewhere… Ahhh!”

This time there was a loud “bang” from under the table. Soren lifted his right leg onto his chair and clutched his shin. Aisha’s expression became as fierce as a demon. She lowered her voice and growled at Soren.

“This bastard, I’ve been watching and watching, but really.”

“What did I do?”

“Talking nonsense and being rude from morning. Are you crazy?”

At Aisha’s words, Soren frowned slightly. He seemed to think what he had said wasn’t quite an insult. Since it was actually accurate, Kafka didn’t mind it. No, rather…

Far from feeling insulted, he felt like a light bulb had turned on in his head.

‘That’s not bad?’

If he used studying as an excuse to hole up in the pharmacy or Professor Pomodona’s research lab like this, he could safely finish his 9th year without clashing with the main quartet. After spending a year like that, graduating from the academy and going their separate ways as proper adults would be the end of it.

How could there be such a productive and healthy way to part? To think they could solve the problem without anyone getting hurt, he was so moved his nose almost tingled.

Having found a map, how could he not depart? He moved his fork to quickly sweep up the remaining food on his plate.

“I’ll be going now. You two take your time eating.”

Kafka spoke with unclear pronunciation while chewing the food remaining in his mouth. As he hurried toward the dish return area to return his plate, he heard a “smack” sound from behind along with the scolding voice saying “My brother got angry because of you.”

It seemed Soren had gotten hit, but well… it wasn’t his concern.