842 Bear, go to the city - Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear

Kumayuru and Kumakyu dashed through the forest. Instead of taking the cave route, they ran between the trees, across cliffs, and through swarms of monsters, swiftly returning to the forest's entrance. During this, Mane, Lydia, and Zect were all screaming, especially loud when we darted through the crowd of monsters. "This can't be real." "The path that took us so long…" On the way there, we progressed slowly since we weren’t sure of our destination. On the way back, once the starting point was known, all we had to do was return straight there, no markers needed. "Kumayuru, Kumakyu, are you both okay?" "Kuu~n!" They seemed fine. After a brief rest, we switched from Kumayuru to Kumakyu and set out again. You can’t have them getting sulky. We restarted our journey and returned to the main road. "We’re heading towards Lydia’s town now." With us on their backs, Kumayuru and Kumakyu sped onwards, swiftly reaching the city. "This is unbelievable. We're already at the city." "I want my own Kumayuru and Kumakyu." Lydia hugged Kumayuru. "For now, let’s get off. If we head in on Kumayuru and Kumakyu's backs, we'll cause a scene, so we’ll walk from here." While Kumayuru and Kumakyu could enter a place like Crimsonia in their larger forms, it wouldn't be the same in an unfamiliar city. To avoid commotion that might prevent our entry, we sent Kumayuru and Kumakyu back. We walked through the city entrance. The gatekeeper gave us a peculiar look but said nothing. Man, bear attire stands out wherever I go. "Alright then, let’s head to Lydia's house." Mane instructed Lydia to guide us. We headed straight to Lydia’s house, drawing glances in the process. "This is the place." What we arrived at was a slightly old, small house. Maybe it’s the orphanage influence, but it made me want to repair it with magic. Inside, a lone woman awaited. "Mom, I'm home." "Lydia, Zect." The woman approached and embraced the two. "Welcome back. I’m glad you’re alright. No injuries?" "We're fine." The relieved woman stepped back. "Um… Who are these girls?" She looked at us standing behind Lydia. "The one in the adorable bear outfit is Yuna, and the little girl here is Mane." Lydia's mother gazed at us quizzically. "Um, Yuna and… Mane?" It seems she was puzzled about how I was called "Yuna" with a familiar suffix, while the small-framed Mane received the more formal "Mane-san." "Mane is a half-elf and older than me." "I see. I’m Camila, Lydia and Zect’s mother. So, why are these girls at our house?" "Mane works with the Royal Capital's Ministry of Magic, and she's knowledgeable about medicine. She's here to make a medicine for my sister's illness." "I can't guarantee a cure, but I’ll have a look." If Mane can’t cure her, then it might be my time to step in. But if medicine works, I won't need to. "Is Est alright?" Lydia inquired. Est must be her sister’s name. "She’s stable for now. But she's had recurring fevers and fits of coughing. You should show your faces; she’s been worried." We moved to the sister’s room. "Est, I'm coming in." Lydia opened the door. Inside was a girl who appeared around sixteen, lying in bed. She must be Lydia's sister. Her name is Est. Est tried to sit up. "Sis, Brother." "Don’t push yourself." Lydia rushed over to support Est's body. "I’m alright. So, who’s this bear?" Est glanced at me standing in the doorway. Of course, a bear in the room is attention-grabbing. "I’m Yuna, an adventurer. I worked with Lydia and Zect, you see." "An adventurer!" "This here is Mane. She’s a half-elf and older than us." Lydia introduced Mane. "Older…" "I’m a pharmacist. I came to examine your illness. May I check your symptoms?" Est seemed startled both by Mane being older and a pharmacist. "Mane is an excellent pharmacist, even in the Royal Capital. She’ll surely cure Est's illness." "From the Royal Capital!? Do we have enough money for someone so skilled?" "Don’t worry about the money. We’ll work hard." "I don’t want Sis and Brother doing dangerous work for me. You’ve returned injured before. If I weren’t here…" "Don’t say foolish things." "Yeah. We don’t want Est to die." "But I always trouble Mom as well." "You’re wrong. Children are supposed to trouble their parents as they grow." Camila gently embraced Est. "…Mom." "So, don’t ever think of dying." What is this déjà vu? It feels like I've experienced this before. "Alright, that’s enough. To assess her symptoms, everyone except Lydia and Yuna, step outside." "I'm staying?" "Naturally. You’re my guard, aren’t you?" I don't think that's relevant here, though. Following Mane's direction, Zect and Camila left the room. "Lie down for now. It must be tough." "…Okay." Est lied back down, looking troubled. Mane placed her hand on Est’s forehead. "…Your fever’s quite high. You did mention a red rash, didn’t you?" She rolled up Est’s sleeve to confirm. Sure enough, there were red spots. "Now, I’m going to remove your clothes." Mane examined both the front and back of Est, noticing the spots had spread throughout. "Got it. You can get dressed now." "Mane, is it curable?" Lydia asked anxiously. "It’ll be fine. Don’t worry, it’s treatable. Just rest for now." Mane gently patted Est’s head with her small hand. We exited the room. Outside, a concerned Camila and Zect awaited us. "Uh, how is my daughter?" "Before that, I need to explain a few things. Do you have the medicine you’ve been giving your sister?" "In that case, it’s right here." Camila produced the medicine. "May I take this?" "But… what if her fever rises?" "In that case, give her this." Mane handed over a small vial. "Will taking this cure her?" "It only suppresses the fever." "So it doesn't actually cure?" "Calm down; it's going to be alright." Mane reassured both Zect and Lydia. "For now, we need to head to the Merchant Guild. Lydia, lead the way." Leaving Est with Camila and Zect, we headed towards the Merchant Guild. "What are we going to do at the Merchant Guild? Are we selling herbs?" "I need to verify something." We arrived at the Merchant Guild, where Mane made a beeline for the reception desk and demanded, "Call the Guild Master." "Well, young lady, the Guild Master is a busy person. If you have a message, I can relay it." "I’ll say it again—contact the Guild Master." Mane showed her card to the receptionist, who compared it with Mane. "Hurry up, or you might lose your job." "P-Please wait!" The receptionist hastily left her post and headed to the back. "I don't like doing this, but people tend to underestimate me because of my appearance." I could relate. I'm often treated like a child and ridiculed for my bear outfit. While we were chatting, the receptionist returned with a man in his forties. "Mane-sensei." "It's been a while." Sensei? We were escorted into a back room. "It's been a while, Mane-sensei. So, what brings you here today?" "First, hand over the information regarding the pharmacists in this city." "I’ll prepare it immediately." The Guild Master exited the room. "Mane, you know the Guild Master?" "He's an old student of mine. I occasionally teach at the Royal Capital's academy, remember? He was a student back then." "So, was he a pharmacist too?" "No, he's the youngest son of some merchant. He took my classes to learn the value of medicinal herbs. Though back then, he mocked my youthful appearance. I had to teach him a lesson." Could it be that even now, it’s become a trauma that makes him comply? "What did you do?" "That's something embarrassing for him." I'm curious. As we talked, the Guild Master returned. "Thank you for waiting. Here is the information on the pharmacists in this city." Mane took the papers and began scanning them. "Lydia, who’s been providing you with the medicine?" "Corvo." "This one." Mane flicked a finger at the paper. "Thank you. You’ve been helpful." Mane stood and thanked the Guild Master. "Mane-sensei, are you going to do something?" "Yes, a little disciplinary action. You mustn’t interfere. Tell the receptionist to keep quiet about me being here. If any information leaks, you'll be responsible." "I’ll ensure guild staff keep quiet." "Thanks." We left the Merchant Guild. "Lydia, I’d like to go to this address. Do you know where it is?" Mane pointed at the paper she had received earlier, showing it to Lydia. "…I know it." "Lead the way." Following Mane’s instructions, Lydia guided us there.