The Healer in a Japanese-Style Game World: Mastering Healing to Save My Favorite Character in a Brutal World, Only to Find Everyone Around Me Becoming Obsessed - Chapter 32: Town Doctor Rindou

Chapter 32: Town Doctor Rindou

“Alright, no problem, Yomi. They don’t have a fever, and they’re conscious again.”

We arrived at the clinic of Sakuma Rindou, the town doctor in Shinano. He examined the two children who had collapsed due to the curse, and his words gave me great relief. Rushing here in a panic, I could finally breathe a sigh of relief at his reassurance.

“I’m really grateful. Can I pay the consultation fee tomorrow?”

“No need, don’t worry about it. I’m just doing this on my own. Besides, it’s just two kids; it won’t cost much.”

I’ve heard that he used to be a doctor in another province but fled to this country due to various complications. Tall and with a rough demeanor, he might come off as harsh, but he’s a very caring person and has helped promote my work as a healer. 

He’s a benefactor of mine.

“No, Sakuma-san, I insist on paying. You’ve been helping me a lot. You’ve been sending more injured people my way recently, haven’t you?”

As I just mentioned, since autumn, he’s been sending all the injured people to my place. While performing rituals isn’t an issue, I worry about him and feel a bit troubled.

“It’s faster if I leave it to you. Let an old man relax, you womanizer.”

“You said it! You said the one thing you shouldn’t have!”

“Ha, serves you right. If you ever get stabbed, I’ll be sure to treat you.”

“Um, do you two not get along?” 

Sanae-san asked worriedly, observing our exchange. 

This was our usual banter, but to someone new, it might seem like we were on bad terms. I was about to explain, but Sakuma-san interrupted.

“No problem here. This is just how we are.”

“…I see. That’s useful to learn.”

What exactly did she mean by that?

I wondered, but there was nothing more I could do here, so I decided to just watch their conversation.

“Shouldn’t you get checked as well?”

“No, thanks to Yomi-san, and I have some resistance due to the blessings.”

“Hmm… well, alright. But I’ll give you some medicine for the curse fever just in case.”

“Thank you. And thank you, Yomi-san, for bringing us here.”

“Yeah, I’m really grateful too. Those kids are close to me, and you really saved them.”

The children who were affected by the Nozuchi often visited my shop to play. I was worried sick while carrying them here, and without Sanae-san, they might have lost their lives. I couldn’t thank her enough.

“So, Sanae-san, what will you do? It’s late, and I can walk you home if you’d like.”

“…I’m fine. I’ve already caused enough trouble, and I don’t want to be a burden.”

She said that, but it was now the Hour of the Dog, around 8 PM.

In my previous life, it would have been a peaceful time, but the castle town at night was dangerous, and I couldn’t just leave her to go alone.

“Sanae-jou, let him escort you. Yomi’s harmless.”

“Well… alright, if you insist, Yomi-san, please.”

“Leave it to me… but, what about the children?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take them home. You really didn’t think this through, did you? Their parents were searching all over town. Luckily, the other kids explained the situation.”

“Ah, I feel terrible about that. I’ll visit them tomorrow.”

“Do that. For now, just focus on protecting Sanae-jou.”

“Alright, alright… I’m counting on you, Sakuma-san.”

With that, I left the children in Sakuma-san’s care and met up with Makami, who was waiting outside due to the heat.

Together, we walked with Sanae-san along the cool autumn night streets. 

The three of us walked in silence, with no particular topic to talk about, when I suddenly realized I hadn’t asked her destination.

“Um, where do you live…?”

“Oh, it’s Hinomikotei, the place we met this morning.”

“Got it. Let’s head there.”

“Yes…”

It was about a twenty-minute walk from here. Trying to cheer up her slightly gloomy expression, I searched for something to talk about, but since we had only just met, I couldn’t find a good topic.

“Um, Yomi-san, why are you so strong?”

“Strong, you say… Most of that wasn’t really my own strength.”

“But isn’t that the power of some blessing? Such strength requires a considerable contract… it’s impressive.”

“It’s not really me who’s impressive; it’s Kagura’s power.”

“But—I’m sorry. You saved us, and here I am prying.”

“Don’t worry about it… By the way, what kind of place is Hinomikotei?”

To change the slightly awkward atmosphere, I decided to ask about the restaurant she invited me to today. I knew it was a dining place, but I was curious about the menu and other details. Plus, it would lighten the mood a bit…

“…There are quite a few things. The mountain vegetable tempura is delicious… and then there’s ochazuke. Oh, and the miso dishes are the best in all of Shinano!”

“Sounds great. Maybe I can come by sometime?”

“Of course! Hinomikotei welcomes all guests. It’s fun in the evenings too, with people drinking and enjoying themselves.”

“Alright, I’ll definitely visit.”

Her expression brightened noticeably even in the dim light, and our conversation started to flow more easily. We talked about recent meals and favorite foods, and by the time we reached Hinomikotei, we seemed to have warmed up to each other a bit.

“Thank you so much for today, Yomi-san. Next time you come, I’ll prepare something delicious as a thank you. Bring your friend too!”

With that, I watched her disappear into the restaurant and then headed home with Makami.