Chapter 17
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Exclusive Healer Contract
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S-Rank Healer with forecasting abilities to boot.
The Magic Management Bureau wouldn't treat Eloise as carelessly as they did other healers.
Of course, this temporary kindness and consideration would only last as long as her abilities held strong.
They might even try to exploit her more precisely because of her exceptional talents.
'She could get caught in the crossfire of power struggles.'
Like when Gerard and Morgana had clashed over Eloise during salary negotiations.
To stay free even after registering as a healer, the fundamental perception that treated healers like objects needed to change.
'But if it gets out that I'm a healer before that, it'll restrict my movements.'
Eloise, lost in these worries, finally spoke up.
"Official healer registration..."
"Don't do it."
"Pardon?"
"No need for registration. It'll just be a hassle."
Gerard's attitude was completely different from her previous life.
Eloise blinked in bewilderment.
"Instead, become my exclusive healer."
Eloise's eyebrow twitched.
Another change.
In her past life, she had been the one to beg first to become Gerard's exclusive healer.
He, who valued justice and the continent's peace, had refused, saying he couldn't monopolize a capable healer like her.
'Convincing him back then was such a chore.'
But this time around...
"If you become my exclusive healer, I'll give you more benefits than official registration as a healer would provide. I guarantee it. Tell me what you want. I'll make it all happen."
Gerard was being far more proactive than necessary, to the point where it felt overwhelming.
"Eloise, do you need time to think? Better to decide quickly on something like this."
Gerard grew anxious when Eloise didn't respond at all.
What if she went ahead and registered as a healer on impulse?
Imagining the line of mages queuing up for her made his jaw clench.
"Wait, Tower Master. Calm down first..."
"Calm? Do I look calm right now? I've finally found the perfect healer. So say it, Eloise. Agree to be my dedicated healer."
Eloise could understand his eagerness.
'My healing must have really impressed him.'
Mages who experienced healing for the first time became captivated by that intense sensation and grew obsessed with it.
The feeling of liberation from magic poisoning was like a drug, an addictive high for mages.
That was why the Magic Management Bureau rotated each healer's assigned mages once a month.
It was partly due to the absolute shortage of healers, but also to prevent issues arising from personal attachments.
By enforcing strict rules and order, they ensured the healers' safety.
In any case, Gerard's current obsession with monopolizing an efficient healer was perfectly natural.
But one thing didn't make sense.
"Magic poisoning right now? When you're this clean?"
Eloise pointed at his body.
He frowned slightly.
"You shouldn't assume what you see is all there is."
Eloise blinked.
Wasn't the one upside of magic poisoning that it was visible to the eye?
That way, anyone could spot it immediately and call for a healer.
Seeing Eloise still tilting her head in confusion, Gerard's lips curved slyly.
"Don't believe me? Want me to show you?"
His fingers hooked into the towel around his waist.
"No, I believe you!"
Eloise covered her face with both hands, recalling the moment the towel around Gerard's waist had nearly slipped off.
Her exposed ears burned bright red.
In her mind, the scene from ten minutes ago replayed on loop.
"Don't believe me? Want me to show you?"
He had been so alluring she almost said yes.
'I'm crazy. He just wanted to prove his condition! Purely innocently! But I...'
She had gone and remembered those heated moments of healing from the past.
'No matter how addictive the pleasure in the healing process is, I can't lose sight of the goal.'
As Eloise sat on the sofa, pinching her thigh to snap out of it...
Gerard appeared in the drawing room, impeccably dressed.
"You look feverish. Should we head to the infirmary first?"
Misinterpreting her flushed face, he asked.
"After awakening as a healer, mild symptoms like headaches or body aches can linger for a few days."
Gerard mentioned awakening pains.
"Oh? You know about that?"
"I'm very interested in healers. Circumstances demand it."
He hadn't been like that in the past.
But his interest leaning this way was a good thing, so Eloise nodded.
"Makes sense. Healers are essential for mages, right?"
"Exactly. Especially—you're essential for me."
His tone sounded like he wanted Eloise herself, not just her as a healer, but she brushed it off lightly.
"Let's wrap up the unfinished talk then. Become my exclusive healer."
He opened a side table drawer and pulled out a sheet of paper framed in gold, stamped prominently with the Tower Master's seal at the top.
"Isn't this mage's paper?"
Records engraved on it could never be erased or altered.
It was fireproof, and embedded with tracking magic to locate it if lost.
Used for critical inter-nation treaties or life-binding backroom deals.
And because of all the spells woven into it, it was exorbitantly expensive.
"Yes."
"You don't need something this pricey for a contract with me. Just scribble it anywhere and sign..."
"I prefer this. No risk of it vanishing or being taken."
Gerard stated firmly.
"Do as you like. Now it's my turn to answer."
Gerard straightened up.
"I'll be your exclusive healer, Tower Master."
The corner of Gerard's mouth twitched faintly.
"Conditions?"
"First, keep my healer status secret from everyone. I'll reveal it when the time comes. And I'd like regular healing sessions."
He always showed up only after he was suffering badly, even though preemptive healing would be better.
Even starting gently, it quickly spiraled out of control, ending only after Eloise passed out from exhaustion.
Not good for him or her.
'So this time, regular meetings to heal his magic poisoning...!'
Maybe she could manage it well without going all the way each time?
"Regular—twice a week should suffice."
"Twice... a week?"
Eloise responded like a broken machine.
"Too few? Make it three times a week."
Eloise thought once a week was plenty.
'Is his condition that bad?'
Worry flickered in Eloise's eyes.
But healing him three times a week would drain her stamina completely.
Even as an S-Rank Healer, healing had limits. Three times was too much.
"Once a week, with flexibility for extras as needed."
Gerard's brow furrowed deeply, but moments later, he nodded, accepting her proposal.
A magic pen swiftly recorded their agreement.
A pen moving on its own.
As Eloise stared in fascination, Gerard tapped the table to draw her attention back.
"How much pay do you want?"
Eloise pondered.
She hadn't even thought about getting paid for healing him.
'If I say free, he'll refuse? Well, I do need money.'
"As much as an A-Rank Healer."
"Understood. That as base salary, plus bonuses as situations warrant."
"Bonuses? Sounds good."
I'm S-Rank, so a bit more than A-Rank is fair.
Gerard, who paid based on contribution, was a solid partner.
Eloise beamed.
"Anything else?"
"Not really."
The more detailed the contract, the less flexibility, which could lead to awkward situations, so Eloise stopped there.
Above all, she trusted Gerard.
"You won't force healing when I'm not feeling well, right?"
Gerard raised his eyebrows sharply.
"Do I seem like that kind of scum to you?"