Hilde's Story

Let's take a look. Oh dear... it's quite decayed.

Yes. Hmm... if left alone... the neighboring molar will likely decay soon as well.

There's no helping it. In situations like this, according to werebeast tradition...

Hehe, what are you thinking about?

Oh my, it seems you've become familiar with Werebeast customs, Master.

That is correct.

Chief! Are you there? Huh? Master?

Corn? Oh, you mean your teeth? Are your teeth hurting, Master?

Oh... really? The next time your teeth hurt, why don't you visit Monatium? It's less painful than the Chief's treatment, and it's free...

Master, I promise I can pull it out painlessly for you!

Huh...? Uhhh. We sometimes go to... Master? Wait, where'd he go?

Oh my... he's quick. If I'd pulled it cleanly, a new tooth would have grown back beautifully.

Are you here for treatment?

I'm Hilde, a doctor at this hospital. The reception desk is over there. Please check in and wait for your turn, okay?

Yes, yes. We treat cavities, colds... We also do psychological counseling and even athlete's foot treatments.

So, check in, and I'll see you later.

Well... we just sort of handle whatever comes up. Kinda, sorta.

Please write your name and condition here. You have your Monatium registration number, right?

Come now, hurry up. Humans are so slow!

Just write something like 1234!

Yes? Some people who forget their numbers do that.

If you're done, next patient.

*Sniff* My arm hurts so badly...

Oh. Master... it's my arm.

Oh dear. It's an emergency. I'll move you up in line.

It's a scratch. If you leave it, bacteria could get in.

People always ignore small wounds, but that's dangerous. If you get infected with scary bacteria, you could develop sepsis.

Even small wounds should be disinfected, treated, and followed with proper rest.

Of course. We're always dedicated to treatment.

Alright, I've applied a bandage. You'll stay in the ward for a day to rest.

Alright... Master, see you next time.

It's better to overtreat than to ignore a wound. Now, shall we see the next patient?

Nnnnnghaahhh! Owwwww!!!!

Oh my. If you scream while I'm treating your throat, I might poke your uvula. Still, judging by how you're screaming like you're singing, you must be okay, right?

Uwaaah...! Huuurts!!!

There, treatment is done.

You've caught a cold, and overusing your voice has caused inflammation... You also have canker sores. What have you been doing lately?

Hnnngh... I've been performing...

It's best to take a break from performing for a while.

Avoid using your voice, and instead of warm tea, cold ice cream will actually help more.

Isn't warm tea supposed to be good for colds...?

Your throat is swollen and inflamed right now. What do you think would happen if you poured hot water on it? It'd hurt, wouldn't it?

Waaah... yes...

Next patient, please? Come and sit here.

Oh my? This is...

It's not a cavity. It's just food stuck between your tight molars causing pain.

I've removed it, so it shouldn't hurt anymore. Treating cavities is very painful, so isn't it lucky it wasn't one, Master?

What? Is something wrong?

Oh, well. You're the only human in Elias, Master. Nurse, please put this away for now.

And you don't have to be so formal with me, hehe.

Hehe, really, it's okay. How about coming in for a regular check-up next time?

Ahem! *cough*

AHEM!!!

In Monatium, the title of "Doctor" belongs only to the Mayor.

A-HEMMM!!! *Cough, cough* Ahh... my throat... this clueless human...

Master, you really need to work on your awareness. Or could it be a psychological issue? Perhaps you should visit for counseling next time.

Hehe, it's fine. Well... "doctor" is just a title for one person here, so I've let it go. Not being a "doctor" doesn't really matter anyway...

It's not like this planet desperately needs a "doctor."

What?

Ah, so that's what you were curious about. Nurse, you may leave now.

Hmm... I'm actually quite fond of humans. Ah, but saying it like that might not make sense to you.

We elves are a race that roams the universe and conquers worlds.

I think humans, who managed to overcome us, are amazing.

What? Not at all.

Elves are one of the most advanced civilizations in the universe. I admire humans for surpassing us... resentment?

It would be a shame to miss out on progress over something so petty.

Besides... if we harbored resentment over every little thing, we elves would be carrying grudges for eternity.

That seems to clear up your curiosity... If you don't have more questions, I'll see you at your next appointment. How about visiting in three days?

We can also do some psychological counseling then.

Please make sure you have some extra time when you come.

Master? Here's your bill.

Ah, that surprised me. What's wrong?

Oh, that. Since you're not an elf, you're not eligible for free medical support.

So naturally, the medical fees are expensive. Please pay before you leave. If you can't, you won't be allowed to leave. In that case, you'll have to work it off.

Eeeek! A... a... a...!

It... It's a humaaaaan!!!

We're busy treating patients right now, so go write your name at the reception desk!

Next, please!

Ahhh! Ma'aaam! My wrist hurts so much!

Oh dear. I told you to take it easy with the guitar. You keep playing too hard, and that's why your wrist keeps hurting.

But...! My heart! My soul calls me to play!

Yes, yes. But still, you need to get proper rest.

Think of your joints, whether it's your wrist or your knees, as consumables. Unlike muscles, the more you use them, the more they wear out, and it can get very painful.

Hmm... you'll need to immobilize your wrist and take a day to rest with a cold compress... though I doubt you'll listen. How about being admitted? The hospital food is good.

I mean... it hurts, but being admitted for this... Wait, admission is free, right?

Of course. All treatment is free. Let's proceed with your admission, then. Nurse, please handle this patient's admission paperwork.

Wow! I don't like Monatium, but I do like this kind of thing. I'm looking forward to the hospital food.

Oh? Master, you're here.

Today? That makes it sound like it's not busy on other days.

All our visitors are patients, you know. Don't be so harsh.

You're not here because you're unwell, are you? Please wait a moment.

Phew... things have calmed down a bit now.

Ah... well...

I needed to run additional tests for each visitor to the hospital.

Hmm... no.

It's more about prevention... because certain things can be dangerous, you know...?

Oh, it's nothing.

Hehe. You probably think there's no chance of dangerous pathogens here since this place only has feigned illnesses and no serious cases, right?

Hehe. It's fine.

This place may be free of death, but that's precisely why infections are extremely dangerous.

If you get infected by a severe pathogen, it could cause unimaginable pain, leaving you unable to die but suffering endlessly.

Hehe. That's why I occasionally close the hospital to conduct research.

Elias is nothing like Earth, so there's a lot to research.

Hmm... what would be a good example? Oh, this herb here. It looks like mint but behaves entirely differently.

It doesn't have the refreshing taste of mint at all. Instead, it's incredibly sweet and can worsen wounds.

Hehe, isn't it? That's why I can't just make medicine carelessly.

I have to analyze each component individually, which is a hassle. But fortunately, since there's no death here, medicine isn't consumed quickly.

Until now, I've been using medicine brought from Earth and herbs whose components have already been researched.

But supplies are running low... so I need to speed up my research and restock, which keeps me quite busy.

Hehe, it's fine. Even this kind of research helps keep me from getting too bored.

Oh my... someone as important as you offering to help is truly kind.

But my research is a bit dangerous, so just being someone I can talk to would be enough.

Move faster, Beni! Why are you so sluggish?

Ugh, you're just too fast, Rufo. Wait for me...

There's no time! Hurry up and follow me!

...if we do it... like this... then...

Wow, this is great!

Shh! Beni! Keep your voice down!

Ugh, Rufo, your voice is louder than mine...

Hyaaah!

Uwah!

Oh my, Master, you're here.

Now, now, calm down, Master.

Ahh! It's the Master! A wild Master appeared!

This is bad! Captain said it'd be a disaster if we got caught!

At this point... we'll have to knock the Master unconscious...!

Oh dear...

Ugh... my body... won't move either...

...Zzz...

Have we all calmed down now?

Master and Rufo were hit with anesthetic darts. Since anesthesia doesn't seem to work well on Beni, I used a tranquilizer dart instead.

Oh, I keep it hidden in my wristwatch. It comes in handy for situations like this.

The culprit... is... inside... ugh.

Oh dear, was the anesthetic too strong for Rufo?

But Master, what are you doing here all of a sudden?

Hmm... actually, you seem to be the one injured, Master.

There's a wound on your head.

Not at all. Luckily, the anesthetic only numbs the body while keeping the mouth functional, so you can still talk.

But... you'll have to answer why you suddenly showed up here.

Ah... I see.

Oh my, were you worried about me? That's so kind of you... Hehe.

What? Hehe, not at all.

These adorable Werebeasts actually came to me for help.

Yes, of course. Oh dear, they've gotten scratches from falling. I'll need to treat those.

Hmm... I got caught by Lady Amelia for altering records to provide free treatment to non-elves.

As you know, Master... medical treatment for anyone other than elves is extremely expensive.

So they've been sneaking in through the back door for treatment, or I've been slipping supplies into first aid chests to help them out.

Hmm... yes. It likely won't end with just a written warning.

Oh my. Talking to unconscious patients won't make them hear you, Master. Hehe.

I'm fine, really. It's actually nice to meet such adorable Werebeasts.

Oh my... did I just get scolded?

Hehe, it's been a while since I felt this way.

Thank you for worrying, but I'm not just blindly helping them.

By assisting these adorable Werebeasts, I gain something from it as well.

Hehe. It's fine. Last time was just a coincidence...

The busy Mayor and her equally busy secretary don't really pay much attention to the hospital.

Well, the hospital isn't exactly a priority around here. The Mayor and her secretary are preoccupied with their experiments.

If I'm just careful for a few more days, I'll be able to resume altering records without issue.

Oh my. Master, you're surprisingly sensitive to pain.

Ugh... this is exhausting!

To think someone dares to treat me like a slave...!

Oh? Rufo, that box needs to go over there, not here.

Argh! I'm not doing it!

Ouch! The Master hit me! Mark my words, I'll get my revenge!

Eeek! You hit me again!

Oh my, Master. Violence is bad, you know.

You hear that?! Violence is bad!

And Rufo, you shouldn't throw herbs around like that.

If the herbs are damaged, the effectiveness of the ointment for your bruises will decrease.

Ugh... f-fine. Sorry about that.

Kyah! This is exhausting!

Captain went to gather herbs in a dangerous area!

I'm a bit worried, but it's Tig, so she should be fine.

Yep, exactly. Captain would drive away any spirit with sheer determination.

Miss Hilde, where should I put this?

That one goes in the room over there. Thank you, Beni.

Hehe... it's nothing. I got praised!

Great work, Master, and you two Werebeasts.

Hmph. So all we get is a simple thank you?

Oh my, of course not.

Here, this red ointment is for scratches, and the one in the container with Tig's face on it is great for bruises.

Ooh... ohhh! It's a balm with Captain's face on it!

Using this will make me feel like I've got Captain's energy!

Hehe, not only is it good for bruises, but if you apply it to swelling or under your eyes when you're feeling sleepy, it'll wake you up instantly.

Ooh... ohhh! Could this possibly be... a miracle cure?

Hehe, no such thing exists, but you could say it has similar properties. Anyway, thank you for all your hard work.

Let's hurry and show off the Captain's balm, Beni!

Huh? Oh... wait, Rufo! Well then, Master, Miss Hilde, goodbye!

Hehe. The Werebeasts are always so cheerful and lively. It's refreshing to see them.

Oh? Ah, no. These are for research.

I mentioned it before, didn't I?

To study various pathogens, I need a variety of reagents.

That's why I've stocked up on all these different types for my research.

Oh? Ah, that one. Hehe. Master, you probably already know.

Yes. It's used for muscle pain, bruises, bug bites...

and it works wonders when applied to the forehead for headaches.

Hehe. It's thanks to extensive research. That's why I need so many herbs.

Hmm. True, but for studying all sorts of pathogens, the more variety, the better.

Elias is such a fascinating place.

It's similar to Earth in some ways, but entirely different in others, making the research enjoyable.

The pathogens here are the same. Hmm... let me give you an example.

There was a time when a serious epidemic broke out. That epidemic showed symptoms similar to those on Earth.

But this is Elias, after all. Through various studies, I was eventually able to treat the epidemic.

The pain was excruciating, to the point of being unbearable, but... since there's no death in Elias, no one died. They just suffered a pain equivalent to death.

Hehe. It's just a memory now.

That's why I do as much research as possible and gather all the information I can. Where there are herbs, there are pathogens to combat them.

Plus, who knows when the Mayor might change her mind and cut off exchanges again. I have to secure as much as I can while I still can.

If there are cavity-causing bacteria, why wouldn't there be new contagious pathogens?

There were even cases where people begged to be killed, you know.

Of course. That's the whole reason I'm gathering these herbs. Don't worry, Master.

Hmm... we're a bit short on the red ointment. Master, could you grab some from the warehouse?

Oh, thank you. Patient, could you please extend your arm? I'll apply this for you...

Kyaaah! This stings so much!!!

Huh? That can't be... oh my, this isn't the red ointment. It's a concentrated solution. Oh no...

Hmm... They do look alike, so it's understandable. Master, could you fetch some ethanol for disinfection from over there?

Ah, this is research ethanol. Hold on, I'll get it myself. Why don't you have a seat and rest for a moment?

It's alright. You're not familiar with medical work... so it's fine.

Alright, next patient, please come in.

The Mayor is currently out of the office.

Why so startled? That's suspicious.

What brings you here, Master?

The Mayor is doing well as always.

Though, she's been sleeping 1 hour, 1 minute, and 32 seconds less than usual due to her recent research not going well, which has caused her dark circles to deepen by 0.01 mm.

It seems like you have something you wish to say... What is it?

As you know, I'm very busy assisting the Mayor. If you have something to say, I'd appreciate it if you got straight to the point.

Me?

Oh, I'm... well. The usual.

Assisting the Mayor, processing Monatium reports, the same as always.

Indeed, but...?

Hmm...

Indeed! The Mayor is truly incredible!

Her latest invention is absolutely brilliant!

After the disaster last time, she spent so much time agonizing over solutions...

But thanks to her invention, we'll be prepared for the next disaster!

Of course, as long as the elf handling the Mayor's invention does their job properly... though their unnecessary sentimentality does worry me a bit.

Hmm...? I'm surprised you know about the Disaster, Master.

Master, it seems you have something hospital-related to share, correct?

And?

Ah. That elf with the kind-looking face. Is she still coveting the Mayor's title as the sole "doctor"?

That foolish elf. Still scheming with such impure intentions? This time, I'll make sure she learns her place...!

What's this? Is Hilde still aiming for the doctor title?

Oh please. I gave up on that ages ago, Mayor.

How dare she cling to the Mayor like a leech... I won't forgive her! The Mayor's side is my rightful place!

Amelia, calm down. Hilde's here to collect a medical bag.

Hmm... Master? What's this all about?

Ahh, I see.

Hmm... to clarify, I'm quite content with my current title.

Hah. Don't make me laugh!

Truly, I am. Perhaps that's why the Mayor entrusted her inventions to me?

See? Hilde gave up a long time ago, so calm down, Amelia.

If the Mayor insists... I'll let it slide this time. Now, step aside. That spot is mine.

Well, Master, Hilde, I'll see you around. Don't forget the medical bag!

Oh, Master, what could you possibly be sorry for?

Hehe. It's fine.

I'll admit, there was a time when I was obsessed with the Doctor title...

But that's all in the past. I'm over it now.

It's just... in Elias, hospitals aren't really essential, and there's not much for me to do either...

Hehe. You're kind, Master. But really, I'm okay.

Besides...

If another epidemic were to occur... maybe my value would be reconsidered...

Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself, hehe.

Today must be the day cute Werebeast patients come by.

Shall we head to the hospital, Master?

Hmm? Master?

Oh dear... what a shame. Please do visit next time.