The Good Healer (1)
The day after my sincere conversation with Freya.
"Freya, are you feeling better now?"
"Yes. Thanks to you and my sister."
"I hear you've been training with Eri every dawn lately. Aren't you exhausted?"
"I am tired, but my sister is waiting for me, so I can't exactly sleep in."
"If you say so. Just try not to overdo it."
"Thank you, Brother."
Fortunately, Freya's condition improved rapidly.
As expected, since it was the early stages, a little bit of attention was enough to make this much progress.
That was why, back when I was a trauma surgeon, I considered rounds to be the most important part of the job.
Caring for the patient so that no emotional scars remained once they regained consciousness. That was the role of a trauma surgeon as our department saw it.
'I should check on the other students, not just Freya.'
Come to think of it, I needed to have consistent consultations with the other students as well. I also had to check on Karl’s condition at the clinic.
There was still a mountain of work to do.
But today, there was a schedule I had to handle first.
"Master. It’s been a while."
"I heard there was a major incident. Are you alright?"
It was visiting my Master’s laboratory. Above all, there were a few things I needed to settle.
As soon as my Master saw me, he asked after my well-being first.
"I am fine. I wasn't the one in danger during this incident."
"I see. Then, are your scholarship students and your younger sisters alright?"
"One of them was in a bit of danger, but I think I’ve managed to handle it well enough."
"Good. That’s all I needed to hear. I know you’ll find a way through it. But if it ever gets too difficult, tell me."
My Master let out a sigh of relief and poured me some tea.
I accepted the tea and got straight to the point.
"Actually, I wanted to have a serious talk with you about that today."
"What is it?"
"It’s about concealing my identity."
My Master nodded calmly and sipped his tea. It was a gesture for me to continue.
"Until now, thanks to the Inspection Office’s protective surveillance, I’ve been able to keep the identities of Director Shun and Julian separate. But I don't think that will be enough anymore."
The fact that there had been no link between Director Shun and Julian Nihilit until now was largely due to the Inspection Office’s machinations.
Added to that was the power of the 'misunderstanding' trope, which kept Director Shun’s identity well-hidden even without any special effort on my part.
However, through this incident, I felt that it was no longer sufficient.
With the scholarship students being kidnapped, and furthermore, Freya getting caught up in it by chance, I couldn't rely solely on the Inspection Office and the power of misunderstandings.
So, I intended to refer to my Master’s methods.
"I need to hide it more thoroughly. I want to learn from how you hide your own identity, Master."
My Master stared at me quietly.
"I understand the question, but before I answer, let’s confirm one thing. Why do you think your identity has been hidden until now?"
"Isn't it because the Inspection Office controls the information well... and because I’ve been lucky?"
A deep sigh escaped my Master’s lips.
"To think you’ve spent all your time inside the lab and the clinic, not knowing how the world works..."
My Master muttered as he set down his teacup.
"I’m worried about whether I can even let you strike out on your own like this."
"...Master?"
Why is he saying the exact same thing I heard from my professor back in my past life?
Of course, it’s true that I have no interest in worldly affairs.
But I’ve always prided myself on knowing at least a little bit about what’s going on in the world.
— "Brother. Just try naming three families that are close to ours."
"...."
It’s purely a coincidence that Freya’s words just popped into my head.
"Julian. I will correct your misunderstandings one by one, starting now."
My Master said, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Julian. If it were truly just luck, have you never wondered why the high-ranking nobles, who are above the Inspection Office, don't know your identity?"
"Isn't it because I seem insignificant to them?"
"Even though you’re a noble to whom a Prince offered a personal healer?"
"...."
Now that I think about it, he’s right.
Even if others didn't know, it was strange that Prince Edmund, the real power in the military, didn't know my secret.
Even if the Inspection Office is an organization independent of the military.
As if answering that question, my Master took a sip of tea and continued.
"To give you the answer first, it is because of the authority that information itself implies."
"Authority, you say?"
"Yes. Have you ever wondered why the secrets of the Imperial family are managed so strictly? Because the Inspection Office’s information control is perfect? No. Perfect information control does not exist in the first place."
My Master tapped the table with his finger.
"The real reason the Imperial family’s secrets are kept is because the very act of trying to dig them up is an act of disrespect. If you are caught inquiring about Imperial information, that alone constitutes a crime of disrespect. Whether you obtained the information or not is irrelevant. The fact that you tried to dig it up becomes the crime."
I know that much.
That’s why if I smell anything related to the Imperial family while digging for information, I quickly stop the investigation.
Whether intended or not. Because there are cases where entire families evaporate if you cross the line without knowing.
It’s a similar reason to why Wangcho stopped investigating Director Shun in the past.
Because life gets complicated if you get tangled up with nobles after investigating for no reason.
"Even among the Imperial family, digging into each other’s information can be seen as a declaration of war if you’re not careful. In the not-so-distant past, there was a bloodbath over the throne. They are all very sensitive to each other."
"By 'not-so-distant past'... when are you referring to?"
"Approximately 200 years ago."
"...."
Setting aside whether the term 'not-so-distant past' is appropriate for an event from 200 years ago.
"The same applies to you. Your identity is being strictly managed so that even the Imperial family cannot easily dig it up."
"Is it because I am your disciple, Master?"
The connection I formed with Prince Edmund is recent, so it doesn't fit chronologically.
And there are no royals among my family or acquaintances.
By process of elimination, my connection to my Master must be the cause.
"Aren't you also receiving treatment equivalent to the Imperial family, Master?"
The status of a Great Sage is on par with the Emperor.
This is because he is the very person who raised a boy who was nothing into the first Emperor.
It means he’s in the Merlin position in the King Arthur chronicles.
"Well... that’s not entirely untrue."
But my answer must not have been the correct one.
My Master’s reaction was quite lukewarm.
"Hmm... for now, it’s enough for you to know that you have some sort of connection to the Imperial family."
Anyway, I understood. This explained why even Prince Edmund didn't know my identity.
Only then did I realize that what was protecting my secret wasn't luck or the power of misunderstandings.
However, there was one thing I still couldn't accept with just this.
"But, Master. My scholarship students were kidnapped this time. If the wall protecting me is that thick, why aren't the scholarship students included within it?"
"Are they as precious to you as your family?"
I shook my head.
Of course, the scholarship students are precious to me as children I’ve raised.
But if asked if they were as precious as my family, the answer was no.
"Then, if they demanded to exchange you or your family by taking them hostage, would you willingly do so?"
I shook my head again.
Honestly, it wasn't even to that extent.
"Then why should the Inspection Office protect them?"
"...."
"Of course, if something happens to them, you will be hurt. If they are offered as sacrifices, they could cast a troublesome curse. But that’s all. It cannot threaten your life or your safety."
"...."
Come to think of it, that’s true.
The strength of a curse is determined by how close the sacrifice is to the target.
Even if the students were to become sacrifices, it wouldn't create a curse that leads directly to my death.
Therefore, the Inspection Office judged that there was no value in keeping the secret about the scholarship students.
"It can't be helped. If they protected every single connection you have, the Inspection Office would have to protect all of humanity. They have no choice but to draw a line."
It was a quite realistic reason. And I was the one who found myself convinced after hearing it.
"And one more thing."
My Master raised a finger.
"The Inspection Office is a place that keeps your secrets, not a place that protects you directly."
"...."
"Controlling information and managing it so your identity doesn't leak is their limit. They are not your bodyguards."
"...."
My Master looked at me.
"Do you now understand why I told you to protect your surroundings yourself in the past?"
"I understand perfectly, Master."
"It’s good that you know now. Then, let’s go back to your question. You asked how to hide your identity, are you still curious about that?"
I shook my head.
"I am curious about how I can protect my people."
"Yes. That’s a good question."
My Master nodded with a satisfied look.
***
The Great Sage Louis nodded as he looked at the boy in front of him.
He had been that kind of child since long ago.
A child who looked at the world with nothing but optimism. A child who thought everything would work out.
Of course, that wasn't a bad thing.
Thanks to that perspective, he didn't get discouraged by failure and could continue to achieve brilliant feats.
But at the same time, it made his heart feel heavy.
'Poor thing. You want to remain pure, but the world won't leave you alone.'
Louis also hated this reality.
A reality where he couldn't meet his family whenever he wanted, and where his disciples had to hide themselves away.
But this was reality.
As a Master, he couldn't just keep talking about idealism forever.
Therefore, he had to be careful to tell him the reality without breaking Julian’s optimism.
"Well, about the scholarship students, there is only one way for that."
Louis pointed to his own chest.
"Do you know why my disciples are only Tower Masters?"
Julian shook his head.
"Because I don't take in mediocre kids who can't reach that level."
Louis thought of a pair of Imperial siblings.
Royals who had an exceptional sense for time, and for whom even the Great Sage had volunteered to be their guardian.
But he didn't take them as disciples.
Because their talent and creativity wouldn't be able to handle that connection.
And the reason he took Julian as a disciple was because he had the talent to handle that connection and more.
The Great Sage wanted to say this part.
"The best way is to raise all your connections to a level where they can protect themselves."
The Great Sage had a firm rule.
If they didn't have at least the talent of a Tower Master, don't take them in from the start.
In other words, if he did take them in, it meant he was responsible for them until they were on par with a Tower Master.
"Your scholarship students are the same. Even if the state doesn't protect them, if they are that precious to you, you must raise them until they can at least protect themselves."
"...."
"Does it seem impossible?"
Julian shook his head.
"No, if it’s those children, it will be possible."
"Yes. Then, take responsibility for those children until the end."
It might be quite a heavy burden for Julian.
But this child would make it possible.
In fact, the children Julian had taken in were all children with unique talents.
Especially the two daughters of a certain priestess, whom Louis had recommended.
'Those children had quite interesting talents.'
Had Julian noticed those talents, too?
Looking at him, it seemed so.
The Great Sage continued his words while thinking that.
"Now that we’re on the subject, you need to hide your identity more properly. May I examine the mask and fedora you’re wearing now?"
"I brought them."
Julian handed over the hat and mask.
The Great Sage turned the mask over and over, then nodded.
"A quite good recognition-impairing spell has been applied. With this, unless someone sees you taking off your hat, they won't recognize you even if they hear your voice. It doesn't seem like this part needs any special adjustments."
"That’s a relief."
"It would be better if the number of people who know your secret is as small as possible. Besides your family, that stout merchant guild leader, and that hyena friend in Limbus Pit, are there others who know your secret?"
"I have my assistant and my private soldiers."
"Anyone else? Do your scholarship students know?"
"Those children shouldn't know."
"If that’s the case, then it’s fine."
The Great Sage returned the mask and fedora.
"Then, do you intend to start operating under the name of Julian in earnest as well?"
"Yes. I will use the name Julian Schnabel as an expert in dark magic and forensic medicine, and Director Shun for medicine and alchemy. I intend to completely separate the two people’s fields of expertise."
"That’s a good idea. If their fields of expertise don't overlap, there will be no reason to suspect the two are the same person."
I don't know how effective it will be, but it would be a hundred times better than doing nothing.
The Great Sage nodded with satisfaction.
"Protecting your people and hiding your identity—in the end, it all depends on how strong you become."
"I suppose I must work harder."
"Good."
The Great Sage took a sip of tea and changed the subject.
"Then, let’s talk about something else."
His tone became much lighter.
"I hear you’re taking the podium for a lecture on dark magic defense under your own name?"
"Has the rumor spread already?"
"The Prince came to me first to ask for permission."
"Ah."
"You’ll need a thesis to take the podium, won't you?"
"Yes. At the very least, I’ll have to be recognized at the Arcane Olympiad."
The Arcane Olympiad. It’s a place commonly called the Autumn Academic Conference.
It’s also an annual event where the Great Sage Louis serves as the chief judge.
To become a professor at the Imperial Academy, one had to present at least one thesis there.
This was a part that even the Prince’s recommendation couldn't bypass.
Of course, for Julian, passing the evaluation there wouldn't be difficult.
"In that case, I shouldn't get involved for the sake of fairness."
"Yes. I intend to proceed with this research alone as well."
"I see."
Louis rubbed his chin for a moment.
"...By any chance, could you give me a hint about the research topic?"
Giving feedback on the research would certainly be against the rules of fairness.
But just hearing the topic wouldn't be unfair.
The Great Sage asked with that thought in mind.
Julian nodded.
"I already have something in mind."
"Oho..."
What kind of research will surprise me this time?
The Great Sage waited for the research topic with an excited heart.
"Since I plan to teach the dark magic defense course, it would be best to submit a thesis related to that, wouldn't it?"
"Just in case, I’ll tell you now—announcing a cure for the Devil’s Disease is forbidden."
"I haven't even finished organizing it yet, and I haven't discovered a way to mass-produce the catalyst."
That was certainly true.
Since there isn't just one disease called the Devil’s Disease, it’s not a volume that can be organized in a few years.
Besides, I heard the catalyst was also a problem.
That day, I heard the catalyst used to treat the Devil’s Disease—steroids—was made by grinding up thousands of pig adrenal glands.
Due to that terrible yield, research progress was even slower.
Announcing anything about the Devil’s Disease was still a story for the distant future.
"Then what will you announce regarding dark magic? Are you thinking of announcing a vaccine?"
"Isn't that too cliché?"
The more Julian said that, the more the Great Sage’s heart began to flutter.
Then, does he have an even greater discovery than that?
A discovery that makes his heart race like it did when he made the vaccine?
Before long, Julian, who had been keeping him in suspense, opened his mouth.
"After all, to teach students in the Hero Course, wouldn't it be best to submit a thesis related to scenarios that dark mages could abuse?"
"That... would be true, wouldn't it?"
After all, it is a lecture related to the defense of dark magic.
It was certainly a reasonable point.
"In that case, I intend to write a scenario about lead."
"...?"
"I can't tell you the details, but I intend to write a thesis on scenarios where dark mages could abuse the lead used by mages."
"...."
At that moment, a scene flashed through the Great Sage’s mind.
The distant past. The face of Julian from another world, whom he had glimpsed through his dreams.
"If it’s that, I think it could cause a huge sensation in the magic academic world."
Julian smiled brightly.
At the same time, the Great Sage’s back became damp with cold sweat.
Indeed. Along with the thought of whether it was really okay to let him do this research.