Hero Stories: A Healing Breeze

...I'm sure you know what I'm about to say.

Well, judging by your face, it won't be something caring like "Have you eaten?"

How many times do I need to remind you how important it is you attend the dinner tonight?! The elites of Aakhen will all be there!

You are not taking your responsibility as the heir of this family seriously!

I didn't ask to be heir.

I was forced into it by you and your greed.

Then you will be of no use to me.

Obey your father, or leave.

...

As I expected. You're afraid of losing your comfortable life and the prestige of our family name, aren't you?

I'm warning you. Let me down one more time...and I will disown you.

Young Master, where are you going? If your father finds out, he'll...

I'm just going for a short walk. I will be back for the dinner.

...Promise me you will. He really is upset.

I promise, I'll be home before it's dark.

I'm here, everyone. You can come out now.

Ka-ka!

*barking*

I'm sorry to leave you waiting so long. How are you healing?

Ka-kaka!

Hmm, it's looking good. I think we can remove the bandage soon.

Further treatment shouldn't be necessary, either. You'll be able to go back to the forest.

*whining*...

Haha, puppy eyes won't work this time.

...This is the life I've always wanted to live. Treating the injured, animal or person, without any ulterior motive.

But Father is more interested in reputation and developing different kinds of poisons.

I don't know what to do...

Ka-Ka...

...Are you trying to make me feel better? It's okay, I'm just frustrated.

...Help! ...Please!

Huh? What was that noise?

Somebody needs help. I should hurry.

*barking*

You want to come with me? We can't risk you getting hurt even more...

Ka-Kaaaa!

...Oh, I get it. You think it doesn't matter if you're hurt because I'll help you get better anyway. *chuckling*

Alright, let's go.

Nnng...

Are you okay? Let me help you!

Be careful... The monsters...!

*growling*...

Oh no, there's even more of them... They must have been hiding behind the bushes.

Phew... That's the last of them.

Thank you so much.

Just doing my job. Are you hurt?

No, I'm fine. I can walk, Ah!

Careful!

You must have sprained your ankle. May I have a look?

Alright, that should help you feel better for now.

Are you a Soul Weaver?

I know some spells, but I'm more of a traditional doctor. I prefer to use actual medicine.

Take this with you too, its smell should keep monsters away.

I don't know how to thank you...

Oh, there's no need. Anyway, if you think you can get back on your own, I'll...

Wait!

Hmm?

Can I pay you back with dinner?

Oh, you're too kind. Well, if you insist...

*giggling* I know a good restaurant not far from here, so...

Oh, I don't think these guys would be allowed in a restaurant, it would be enough just to lend me your kitchen.

*barking*

Oh... Okay.

Then would you like some tea after?

Hmm... I'm sorry, I can't stay for too long.

Oh...

But if you wouldn't mind, I'd be happy to visit some other time!

I'll look forward to it!

Ah! Welcome, Doctor!

Haha, thank you. How are your knees treating you?

After that medicine you gave me, they're good as new! I can work from sunrise to sunset!

That's good to hear. But still, you should get some rest.

Ray! Can we finally have that cup of tea n...

Oh, sorry. I'm here to see the blacksmith's daughter. She has a fever.

Maybe next time.

...It's already been two months!

Hmph, whatever, I'm tired of waiting! There are limits!

I don't know why, but she seems quite upset with me.

Kaa...

I'm sure it's not because of you guys. Let's give her some flowers later to make her feel better.

Young Master, where have you been?!

I went for a short walk.

Several hours is "a short walk" to you?

And until this late? Are you seeing someone?

...I've been completing all the work and research that has been given to me.

I'm not obligated to report how I spend every second of the day to you.

You've given me little reason to trust you.

Anyhow, here.

These are...

It's a collection of portraits of the noble ladies of Aakhen.

Maybe once you start a family and officially inherit the family's name, you will give up on all of this childish rebellion.

Father!

You will be getting married, whether you like it or not. You should be thankful I'm letting you choose the bride.

What more does he need from me other than being a talented doctor?

I can't marry someone I barely know.

It won't be fair for her either, she'll be little more than an accessory for my family.

I need to leave...

Excuse me, Young Master.

Someone's here looking for you. He sounded like a farmer from the village under the mountain...

For me?

Doctor Ray!

What brings you here...?

We were fixing the barn, and the roof collapsed!

We need your help!

...! This sounds like an emergency. Give me a second, I just need to get ready...

Is Rowell Damus here?

I'm a servant of the Krocus family. My lady is suffering a fever.

Krocus? That's one of the great houses my father is close with...

Master Damus is absent at the moment. I'm sure the Young Master here would be willing to go in his stead.

...I have more urgent patients.

I'll send my father's apprentice with you.

But they aren't a member of the Damus family, are they?

They're still a very capable doctor. We'll make sure to visit in person when further treatment is needed.

Your father won't like this...

No matter what I do, or how hard I try, I won't be able to satisfy his and grandmother's expectations.

I'd rather be living freely, doing what I want to do.

Let's go, we've wasted enough time already.

Y-Yes! Please, follow me.

Oh no... There are bandits blocking the road.

What should we do? There's so many of them. This is the fastest path back...

Ka!

How long have you guys been here...?

Have you been sticking around here waiting for me? I thought you went back to the forest!

*barking*

Well, looks like we have some help.

Let's fight them and keep pushing on!

Where are the patients?

This way!

Ugh...

Honey, can you hear me? Wake up!

The wound is covered in dirt. I'll need to clean and disinfect it first.

I'll need some help from anyone who's able. Pour this over the wound, and wash away the dirt.

And you, please go get me some more cloth to use for bandages while I relieve her pain with magic.

Okay!

...

...

Stop staring at each other like that. Ray, take a seat.

So, I heard you helped the injured villagers?

...Yes.

As a noble family, reaching out to those in need of help is an admirable thing.

However, if you ask me if it's worth giving up everything else for, I would confidently tell you no, it is not.

The Krocus family has so many people willing to help them, and the villagers have none.

Yes, my darling, I understand. You thought they needed you more.

You've always seen the world from a charitable perspective, haven't you?

Since you're a firstborn son of the Damus family, I'm sure you've never had to ask for anyone's help.

But listen to me. The reason why you didn't need any help wasn't that you are a special person.

But because of the wealth and power that our family holds.

...I'm not denying that.

But I don't want to give up my freedom and beliefs all for the sake of honor.

All the privileges you have been granted did not come free. Many ancestors have worked hard and sacrificed to get to where we are, including myself and your grandmother.

You have taken advantage of these privileges as a member of the Damus family, it's only right you must make your own sacrifices in return.

I never asked for those privileges!

You're still!

Sit down!

How dare you raise your voice in front of me!

...I'm sorry, Mother.

Ray, I understand what you are trying to say. You are an adult now, so I will respect your decision.

Pack your things, and leave this house before morning.

...!

Mother! Are you really going to kick him out?!

I see no point in keeping him around when he doesn't want to be here.

No matter the position, it helps nobody to give it to somebody who doesn't want it. Let's see what kind of choice you'll make after weathering the storms of life alone.

What should we do? We're already out of money for this month.

It can't be helped now we have one more person to feed.

Hmm... What if we sell some of this old junk we have?

But then what about next month?

Ah...

...

There you go. Eat up.

Ka-ka?

I'm sorry, but this is all I've got.

*rumbling*...

*sighing*...

*barking*

Oh, you're here too! Hmm? What's this...

*barking*

You brought it for me? Haha, thank you, but I can't eat wild rats.

*whining*...

Don't worry, I'm fine...

THUNK

Ka?! Ka! Kaaaa!

*barking* *barking*

What's all this commotion about?

...Huh?

*rumbling*...

...Did he collapse from starvation?

Ugh... I can't just leave him there... *sighing* I don't have the time for this...

Nng...

Hey, are you okay?

Where...am I? Who're...

I'm a forest ranger, and this is my house.

How did you end up out there?

I think I collapsed from malnutrition. I haven't eaten properly for days.

I thought as much. You practically inhaled the soup I gave you even when you were barely conscious.

I've been told I eat well ever since I was a child, haha.

You're in high spirits for a man who almost died.

Why didn't you at least try the village? I'm sure they would have had something for you to eat...

Well, actually...

...I see.

Hmph, I knew those villagers were bad people, but how can they kick out a man who saved their lives?!

They didn't kick me out, I left on my ow...

Quiet! I'm sure you couldn't bear being around them anyway.

I'm sorry. Although I'm not sure why I'm being yelled at...

I guess there's no other choice. Doctor, you can stay with me from now on!

No, it's fine. It seems like you're already having a hard time living alone, I don't want to make it even harder for you.

Huh?! Is my place not good enough for you?!

Oops. I shouldn't have said that out loud...

You're going to die if you keep wandering around outside like that.

And since it would be troublesome for me if you die in my forest, I'll let you stay at my place for a while!

Of course, you'll need to help with fixing fences and managing the pastures...

In other words, I'm getting used for my labor.

Yes, it's a great opportunity to have a helping hand for free...

I mean, don't twist my good intentions!

Haha, I know you didn't mean it like that. I was just kidding.

I'd be happy to help, though I'm not much good at anything other than treating people and making medicine.

I learned many new skills while staying with him.

From basic carpentry and farming, to cleaning and laundry.

Although he was a rather foul-mouthed old man, he was also warm-hearted, and treated me like his grandson.

I'll be back soon!

Don't get distracted looking at herbs, and always be careful of monsters.

Don't worry, my Carbuncle and Gryphon friends are coming with me.

Hmph, why do you bring them everywhere you go? I don't understand what's so likable about them.

They need exercise after all the snacks you give them.

...Shut up and leave already!

Alright, alright. I'm leaving.

This part of the fence is broken as well. Hmm, whenever I fix them, monsters come straight back and break them again.

What if I reduced their numbers by spraying some poison around their habitats...

Doctor Ray?

You're...the owner of the house I stayed in...

I'm so glad to see you're safe! You have no idea how worried I was when you just disappeared!

My apologies, I didn't want to burden you.

Burden? What are you talking about? You saved my wife's life!

I only did what I had to do.

And I'm doing great here. I help the forest ranger with his work and he gives me a place to stay. There's no need to worry about me.

The forest ranger...?

Yes, is there a problem?

Umm, actually...

...I'm back.

Were there any problems?

Monsters broke the eastern fence again. We might need to do something about their numbers soon.

And...I came across a villager.

He told me to ask them whenever we need help.

Hmph, and you believed him? I told you, they're not trustworthy people!

I'd rather die than ask for their help.

...

I heard that about forty years ago he fell in love with a noble lady, and they wanted to run away together.

But the other villagers were worried they would get punished for it after, so they told her family and it was all ruined.

So he left the village and started living in the forest alone, and has held a grudge against us ever since.

I can understand why he'd be angry...but I understand why the villagers did what they did as well.

It's only natural to prioritize your own family and home.

If you can't protect everything, won't you protect what's most important to you first?

Hello? You still there?

...Sorry, I'm just a little tired.

You were just standing there like a big, lanky scarecrow. Anyway, how are you going to reduce the number of monsters?

If it involves asking the villagers for help, don't bother.

I was going to spray some poison near their habitats. I'm quite good at making them.

Hmm...won't that be dangerous for your little pets? We might have to keep them in the house for a while.

Haha, that's right. Please take good care of them.

Alright, I think you're all better now.

*barking*

The bandages are off, you should be able to walk just fine. I can't keep carrying you around all the time.

*barking*

...?! *barking*

*barking* *barking*

What's wrong? Stop fighting, you two!

*whining*

Wow, it's running pretty fast. Great, seems like the wound really is fully healed.

Hey! There's no time to play!

You should cut some wood to fix the fence...

...! Get back!

Kyeee!

Arghhh! W-What the!

Kyeeee...

What are these monsters doing here? We're surrounded...

...I think they want revenge for the poison.

It's my fault. I should have just gotten rid of all of them instead of only cutting their numbers a little.

Run back home, I'll stop them!

I can't leave you alone! I'll fight too!

You're too old! You'll only get in the way!

But...

Watch out!

...!

Ack...

Ray!

I told you... Please...

...Go, before more monsters get here!

...Okay.

Okay, you two. We're going to buy him time to get away, alright?

I wish I could help you get out of here too, but...

Ka! Kaaaa!

Thank you... Let's go!

There he is! Bring the others!

How's the doctor? Is he alive?

...Huh?

Did you really think I'd just run home scared after being told I'd only get in the way?

You're in for an ass-kicking once we're done dealing with these monsters!

But I thought you would rather die than ask...

Shut up!

For so long, I was too preoccupied with my pride.

That's why I gave up everything else and came to live alone in the forest.

...But now I have something far more important to protect.

I would gladly throw away my pride for your sake.

...You're a precious person to me as well.

So I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.

Hmph, try focusing on keeping yourself safe first. Seems like we'll need a doctor after this.

We've driven them all back...

But so many people got injured.

...I'll take care of them, it was my fault after all.

While I'm doing that, please go ask the Damus family for help.

Are you sure? You said you decided to sever all ties with them...

My father may be a foul-mouthed and dishonest snob, but even he won't just stand by and let people die.

He's not making him sound very good...

Alright, I'll be back as fast as I can.

Hmph, I thought you didn't need us, yet here you are begging on your knees.

How does it feel to be the person asking for help? Every day will be like this if you have no power.

An unstable, anxious life, having to rely on the kindness of others. Is that the life you've chosen to live?

I do not regret a single decision I've made.

Ha, you just don't want to admit defeat.

Father... After going through all this, I've realized something.

What's important to me is not being recognized by others...

But making the most of my knowledge and skills to save people, not hurt them.

I want to spend my life working for the sake of the sick and injured, and those who love them.

After almost losing someone precious to me, I want to bring happiness to more people.

And for that, I'm willing to give up anything.

Like how I gave up my pride to call you out here for the sake of the forest ranger and villagers.

What are you trying to say?

Now that I know what's most important in my life, I'll do whatever it takes to protect it.

If it would help me achieve the goal, I would even be willing to bear the demands you have of me, no matter how much I hate them.

Does that mean you'll come back and fulfil your role as heir to the family name?

You've finally grown up!

No, I'm just saying I could if I had to.

Excuse me...?

But I'm sure that won't be necessary for achieving my goal.

I want to save as many people as I can, and so I must go where people need my help the most.

The Aakhen Exile Colony.

What?! It's such a filthy, dangerous place...

I told you, I'll do anything.

There's no need for you to worry about me, I've already learned all the skills I need to survive.

You still haven't come to your senses?!

I'll excuse myself, Father. There's a lot I need to do before I leave.

Don't you dare call me your father ever again! I have no son!

If you say so.

You... You!

Ka...

Not this time.

You can't survive alone where I'm going. And I won't have the time to take care of you as much.

Kaaaa...

Don't be so upset, I promise I'll come visit often.

And please take care of the forest ranger while I'm gone, he'll be less lonely with you two there for him.

*barking*

I hope Father doesn't take his anger out on him.

Maybe they'll even become friends. They have a lot of things in common.

What are we going to do now, Mother!? You said he'd listen to us after experiencing the real world!

I assumed he was naive and reckless, but it turns out he's not.

I'm sure all this experience will allow him to become a far greater man.

As his father, you should be proud. Stop complaining so much.

...So you've taken his side.

I have no right to judge him. I, too, have turned my back on my family in the past.

Whether he leaves us forever and lives freely for himself, or comes back and fulfils his role as heir, I don't really mind.

As long as it's his choice.

...Well, I suppose the two of us are still healthy. We can afford to allow him to wander and experience the world for now...

But he will inherit my position one day, I will make sure of it. He will marry, and he will start a family.

Hmm... He may be my grandson, but I'm not sure if there's anyone who would accept him as he is. He too laid back and mischievous.

Who knows, perhaps he might be able to find someone while out wandering the world?