The small building being used as a gathering place was where all the patients were to be gathered.
It was kept clean, and there was a magic stove. The stove could ignite fire using magical power.
First, I lit incense at the four corners and checked the herbs I had with me. I have some antidotes, but they likely wouldn’t be useful this time.
One by one, patients were carried in, still in their futons and placed on wooden boards. They all looked pale and held their stomachs, grimacing in pain.
“U-um… My daughter is in so much pain, is she going to be alright…?”
“Please remain hopeful. I will do everything I can.”
The man who had been confronting the doctor earlier appeared at the entrance, his face full of distress. It seemed his daughter was the first to drink the poison, and because she was so young and had no resistance, her condition had worsened. The other family members hadn’t drunk the water yet, so it appeared they had been spared—had they realized it any later, they might all have been infected by the basilisk poison. The idea of contaminated water was truly terrifying.
“I see… Do you have any vervain or rose petals?”
When I asked, the sheepman doctor opened his bag. Inside were several small bottles filled with various herbs.
“I have dried ones.”
“Then please give me those. Also, some milk.”
The doctor took out two small bottles and immediately went off to get some milk.
I carefully washed the freshly gathered herbs and drained them, then observed each patient. Some had purple lips, others had pale faces, and some even showed poor blood circulation in their fingertips. Both adults and children complained of stomach pain. Without great resistance and proper treatment, their condition seemed to worsen with each passing moment.
The doctor returned with the milk, and after asking him to crush the herbs, I decided to perform a purification. In my view, this poison seemed to have a curse-like nature. I had read in texts that purification was effective against basilisk poison.
Though the cause being a basilisk was unexpected, the doctor agreed that purification was necessary. Since the doctor could only purify water, he had wanted me to call someone who could perform purifications.
The doctor was an expert in herbal magic, specializing in medicines that didn’t require much magical power, like healing potions—similar to what would have been called a “witch” in ancient times. Potions were referred to as “alchemy” in the past. Over time, they were collectively called magical medicines.
The difference between potions and herbal medicines lies in the ease with which one can add auxiliary effects, which allows for the creation of medicines tailored to various illnesses. It is a job requiring a great deal of experience and knowledge.
When the auxiliary effects are maximized, it becomes what is called a “universal medicine,” which is said to cure anything, including all kinds of status ailments. Mandrake is necessary for this.
Once all nine patients were gathered, I began the incantation.
“Evil, depart. Within the abundant grace, all mists shall clear, and all prayers shall be heard. Fill the peaceful air with purity.”
I strongly visualized a pentagram in my mind and drew lines with my thoughts.
Light formed a circle on the floor, and the diagram I had imagined was projected in my mind.
“A bed for rest, a perch for starlight, water that captures the full moon…”
I added more verses than usual, purifying carefully.
“Purification!”
Golden light softly reached the heavens before disappearing in an instant. The purification was a great success. The fact that Belial appeared was the clearest proof. When purification is done thoroughly, demons find the environment uncomfortable.
“…I’ve never seen a purification like this before. The entire room was glowing with gold…”
The doctor was also astonished.
“I usually don’t go this far. There were some patients in very poor condition. Now, let’s have them drink the potion.”
“A stopgap until the antidote.”
“Yes, their strength has greatly diminished. I have the potions; could you please give them to everyone, doctor?”
I entrusted the potions to the doctor and began preparing the antidote. I crushed the herbs, soaked them in milk, and put water in a cauldron over the fire. It would need to simmer for a while.
While stirring it with a wooden spatula, I hoped it would finish soon. If this didn’t work… the thought made my anxiety grow. The patients’ groans had quieted, and at least their condition seemed to have stopped worsening. The doctor was monitoring them, so I focused on making the antidote.
I added magic to the standard antidote to increase its potency.
“Poison, devourer, mischievous thorns causing pain. By the power of heaven and earth, may you be eradicated!”
“It’s done! It’s ready! Now, please drink!”
“Ah…! Then quickly, with this cup.”
I poured the completed antidote into nine cups and we handed them out one by one. Seeing the children choke on it, I regretted not adding honey to make it easier to drink.
The result was a resounding success. Those with lighter symptoms were able to sit up, and the child who had been the first victim, barely conscious at first, woke up and spoke clearly.
The village of the cat people was filled with joy. Families who had been tending to those bedridden were hugging each other, crying. When they had heard that the cause was the basilisk poison, they had feared their loved ones would not survive.
The contaminated water was thrown out, and the doctor instructed that the buckets should be washed carefully.
I was so grateful to the patients’ families for their appreciation, though I felt both happy and embarrassed.
Before I knew it, it was night, and the lemon-colored moon peeked through the trees.
“I’m hungry…”
“Heh, you’ve been working without rest. Let’s have some tea first.”
Despite being tired, the doctor made me some tea. How kind. My throat was dry, and the warm tea soothed my body as it traveled down my esophagus.
“Thank you so much, doctor! You’ve worked so hard!”
A cat person wearing a hat appeared. It was the village chief. He bowed and shook my hand. His paw pads were soft and squishy.
The chief invited us to stay the night, saying they would host a feast. I was so happy, as I was starving!
“I would be honored to accept.”
“A feast, you say! Excellent, do you have alcohol? I’ll gather all the village’s wine if you wish!”
“Of course! I’ll have the whole village’s stock brought together!”
Belial was very pleased. I, too, was happy to be able to enjoy delicious food and a warm bed.
The feast continued well past midnight, but I was too tired and excused myself partway through.
The next morning, I gave everyone another dose of the antidote and told the more seriously affected patients to take another dose in the evening. Then, we left the village. The villagers were very grateful and gave us several types of herbs, souvenirs, and packed lunches in exchange for the supplies we had used.
