“Well then, I’m off. I’ll leave the rest to you.”
“Yes, Doctor… Please, take care.”
“Haha, no need to get sentimental. I’ll likely come back to Retvik again, and when I do, I’ll be sure to visit.”
The physician Selvase, who has long operated a clinic in Viscount Keinitz’s domain in Retvik—or rather, used to operate it—spoke these words to his apprentice, who would be taking over the clinic from today. Then, he stepped out of the building.
Leaving his clinic to his apprentice as they set out on their own, Selvase prepared to leave Retvik, where he had spent many years, and headed toward the Arkvist Barony, which lay just west of the Keinitz domain.
His baggage included a bag packed with medical tools and a large bundle filled with various medicines. Thus, he had arranged for a carriage to take him to Noeina, the capital of the Arkvist domain.
“If we depart now, should we arrive by early afternoon?” he mused aloud.
“Yes, the weather is nice, so if all goes smoothly, that should be the case,” replied the driver he’d hired along with the carriage.
Exchanging these words, Selvase set out for the place he’d chosen to spend the remainder of his days.
…
One peaceful afternoon, with sunlight streaming comfortably through the windows, Noein was working in his office when Pence arrived to deliver a message.
“Noein-sama, could I ask you to meet with a prospective immigrant?”
“Of course! Another newcomer, huh? Is it another farmer?”
“Actually… it’s Doctor Selvase,” Pence replied with an unexpected name.
“What? Doctor Selvase? He’s looking to move here? To our domain?”
“Yes. I double-checked, and he is indeed requesting to relocate here.”
Still astonished, Noein exchanged glances with Mathilda, who was helping him with his paperwork in the office. Her expression mirrored his surprise.
Noein had often relied on Doctor Selvase, the elderly physician who ran the clinic in Retvik. Last year, when Noein contracted Eld Fever, and during the fight against a band of thieves when there were many injuries, Selvase had hurried over from Retvik to handle the cases.
“Got it; I’ll go see him immediately.”
He couldn’t keep a benefactor of the Arkvist domain waiting. Setting down the documents in his hand, Noein rose quickly.
Accompanied by Mathilda and Pence, he made his way to the guard post near the entrance of Noeina, where, sure enough, Selvase was waiting.
“Hello, Doctor Selvase.”
“Ah, Lord Arkvist. I apologize for visiting unannounced.”
“You’re always welcome here, Doctor Selvase… I heard you’re interested in moving to our domain?”
“Yes, that’s correct. I must have surprised you,” Selvase replied with a gentle smile.
“As lord of this domain, I’m delighted to have someone as accomplished as yourself joining us, but… I must admit I’m a bit surprised. May I ask what prompted this?”
Noein knew that Selvase had run his clinic in Retvik for decades. Though small, it played a crucial role in aiding the local people.
Why would he now want to leave Retvik, a place he must be deeply familiar with, to move to Arkvist, a remote, rural area? Noein couldn’t guess the reason.
“Of course, I’ll be glad to explain… Lord Arkvist, are you aware of my age?”
“No, I’m afraid I don’t know…”
“Haha, no problem. I’ll be turning ninety this year.”
Noein’s eyes widened at Selvase’s words.
While he indeed looked elderly, Selvase’s firm stance, upright posture, and clear speech gave the impression of someone in their sixties at most.
“I… I’m amazed. Does this mean you’re a half-elf or a quarter-elf?”
“Yes, I’m a quarter-elf, with a quarter of elf blood in me.”
Hearing this, Noein understood.
While beastfolk and humans couldn’t have children together, it was possible, albeit rare, for humans and certain races like elves or dwarves to have offspring.
Elves were known to live twice as long as humans. With even a quarter of elf blood, Selvase could likely live a hundred years if he stayed healthy.
To think he could maintain such vitality even at ninety.
“Those with elven blood often possess an aptitude for magic, and I was lucky enough to inherit healing magic. However, my abilities only slightly enhance natural healing in others, so I studied pharmacology to make up for this lack and became a physician.”
Selvase continued his story.
“Seventy years as a physician, treating the sick and wounded in cities and on battlefields alike. About thirty years ago, I settled in Retvik in Viscount Keinitz’s domain and have run my clinic there ever since. But my apprentice has now grown enough that I felt comfortable leaving it in their care.”
“I see. And now you’re here in Arkvist?”
“Indeed. Though quarter-elves live longer than humans, my lifespan likely only has a few years left. I thought about where to spend the end of my life and decided I wanted to live in a place governed by a compassionate lord and to witness the development of that place.”
“So, from your perspective, I’ve appeared that way to you,” Noein said, slightly embarrassed.
“Yes. When you contracted Eld Fever, your retainer rushed to my clinic in such worry that it was clear how well-loved you are by those under you. And when you hired me without hesitation to treat those injured in the fight with the bandits, I saw your kindness firsthand. If I’m to spend my twilight years anywhere, I’d like it to be in a place governed by someone like you. I may be just a humble physician, but I hope I can make a modest contribution to this land.”
Before the warmly smiling Selvase, Noein felt slightly flustered.
For someone like Noein, who had carefully cultivated a “good lord” image through a mix of calculated actions, such unguarded, saintly praise felt a little undeserved.
However, as the lord of this land, Selvase’s offer was incredibly welcome. Noein and his people had received much aid from Selvase, and there was no way he could turn down such a benefactor.
“…Of course, both I and my retainers and subjects will be thrilled to welcome you, Doctor Selvase. I will ensure you have a place to live and a clinic to practice medicine here.”
“That’s wonderful. Thank you, Lord Arkvist.”
“As lord of the land you’ll call home in your final years, I will do my best to be worthy of such an honor.”
Without calculation or artifice, as a young man showing respect for a senior in life, Noein expressed his heartfelt gratitude.
