Chapter 98

“──Um, I have an appointment with Swan Vister, the direct military physician of the Kiwi Alaya Magic Kingdom’s leadership.”

That day, Inasa, a middle-aged Tengu species and a novelist, visited the Demon King’s castle. Dressed in neat attire, he peered into the reception window for foreign visitors, where the Demon King’s strong guards stood watch.

“Yes. You have business with the military. I will take care of that for you.”

Following the woman’s instructions, Inasa entered the waiting room. Within five minutes, he was greeted by:

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Inasa-san.”

The person who appeared was a military doctor dressed in a white coat. A beautiful Harpy woman, with large wings emerging from two holes in her back. Her demeanor was soft, giving no indication that she had seen battle, but the slightly worn military insignia on her left arm served as proof of her military affiliation.

Inasa stood up and bowed.

“Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule. Also, we are truly grateful for all your efforts for the welfare of the Magic Kingdom we live in.”

“No, I’m just a rookie. If I can be of any help, please feel free to ask me anytime,” Swan replied with a modest smile, and she led Inasa to a conference room.

The corridor they proceeded down led to a large building to the west, a separate annex from the main Demon King’s castle where the throne room is located.

Arriving at a small conference room that could accommodate about six people, Inasa noticed that drinks for both him and Swan had already been prepared.

“So, Inasa-san, about today’s business…” Swan began.

“Ah, yes. As I mentioned earlier, I would like to conduct an interview regarding the Magic Kingdom’s leader, Kiwi Alaya,” Inasa explained.

He had come today because Kiwi, who had saved both Inasa and his son Koji, had once again requested Inasa’s services.

“Really? You’re the one who wrote the Black Healing Book…” Swan said, her face slightly flushing at the mention of the interview.

“Actually, we used the Black Healing Book while serving under Dr. Alaya,” Swan continued.

“Ah, I remember Kiwi mentioned something like that… that the book is used for some work.”

“Yes. I still carry it with me,” Swan said, taking the book with a black cover from the inner pocket of her white coat.

Despite having been written only three or four months ago, it already looked well-worn, as if it had been used for years.

“This book has helped us so much. We can’t thank you enough, Inasa-san.”

“Oh, no, no. I was just asked to write the story. The witches from the Magic Research Association turned it into a magical book…”

“Still, it was your fascinating story about Dr. Alaya’s exploits during the Elden Recapture War that allowed us to learn every single detail by heart,” Swan said with a smile.

“I see…? If you say so, then I’m glad I put in the effort to write it.”

Inasa smiled, feeling pleased. It was always rewarding when his work was appreciated this directly. And if it helped repay his benefactor, that was even better.

“However, this is non-fiction. Most of the content is based on Dr. Alaya’s real actions, with little imagination involved on my part,” Inasa clarified.

“Eh…?” Swan’s eyes widened.

“So, the part in the Black Healing Book where ‘the savior drove the car and ran over the soldiers’… was that real? Not an exaggeration or fictionalized for the story?” she asked.

“Yes. I was actually in the back seat of that car.”

“Wow… as expected from Dr. Alaya. No wonder he could maintain his smile even during that intense battle with the Elf,” Swan said, impressed.

“Oh! The battle with the Elf!” Inasa’s eyes lit up as he leaned forward.

That was exactly why he was there.

“Swan-san, you also went with Kiwi-sama to that battle with the Elf, didn’t you? Please, tell me everything! I need to write the ‘new chapter’ for the Black Healing Book!“

Kiwi had recently visited Inasa’s house and asked him to write more chapters for the book, saying:

“I want to include more techniques, so I’d like you to add a few more chapters to the story.”

The price offered was more than generous, so there was no reason for Inasa to refuse. Plus, he had been wanting to continue the story of Kiwi for a long time.

“Of course, if I’m able to help,” Swan nodded.

“However, details of the operation are classified military information, so I’m not sure how much I can share…”

“I understand. I won’t ask about such matters. Instead, could you tell me how Kiwi-sama appeared to you personally? Based on that, I can reconstruct the story.”

“Yes, I can do that. Where should I start?”

“Anything that comes to mind is fine. What was the most striking action Kiwi-sama took, from your perspective?”

Swan looked up as she reminisced.

“The most memorable thing… would be when he saved my life.”

“Saved your life?”

“During the Elf night raid, when most of the Magic Kingdom’s soldiers were either dead or unable to move, Dr. Alaya dispersed the beam targeting me and said, ‘I won’t let you harm them.’”

“Wow, that’s certainly memorable! He sounds like a hero!” Inasa exclaimed.

“Yes! Dr. Alaya is a true hero to us, his subordinates. He is the greatest mentor we could ever ask for!” Swan beamed, her face full of admiration.

“Ah!” she suddenly remembered, “There was another striking event! During an important mission, something truly shocking happened… Dr. Alaya drew the enemy Elf’s attention by flying!”

“Flying? Where?” Inasa asked, surprised.

“Into the sky!”

“The sky!?”

Once she started, Swan couldn’t stop herself from recounting more and more stories about Kiwi. Inasa, too, was eager to listen to every detail, and before long, his notes for the interview were filled.

Four hours later…

“…This is going to be a great work!” Inasa thought to himself, smiling as he headed home, reviewing his notes.

Later…

“Ah…” Swan Vister sighed contentedly after Inasa left, walking back to her desk in the military headquarters.

“…Did I talk too much?”

Although she hadn’t revealed any military secrets, she had shared quite a bit about Kiwi’s actions on the battlefield. She hoped Kiwi wouldn’t think too much of it when he heard the new chapters of the Black Healing Book.

“──Ah, Swan-san!”

Someone ran toward her: it was Milphobia, Kiwi’s secretary, accompanied by a Zombie Soldier.

“I’m so glad I found you so quickly!”

“Milphobia-san, what’s wrong? Why the hurry?”

“I need to urgently tell you something about Dr. Alaya!”

“But Dr. Alaya is off-duty today, right?”

“Yes, but…!”

Milphobia handed Swan a folded letter with a troubled expression.

“This was given to me by a Zombie Soldier.”

It was a letter, and it appeared to be from Kiwi.

Swan opened it and read:

*Milphobia,

I’ve been kidnapped. Don’t respond to any ransom requests. I’ll be back by tomorrow’s dinner.

Say hello to the staff for me.

Kiwi Alaya*

“…What?” Swan’s face went pale.

“Kidnapped?!”

“Eh?!?”

Swan’s shocked voice echoed throughout the military headquarters.