Chapter 78 - Chapter 77: New Settlers ②
"Well then, I shall be going. I leave the rest to you."
"Yes, sensei... please take care of yourself."
"Hahaha, stop being so sentimental. I may return to Retovik from time to time, so I shall show my face again then."
Selfers, a doctor who had established... no, who had operated a clinic in Retovik of the Viscount Koenitz territory, spoke those words to the disciple who would inherit the clinic starting today, and left the building.
Having handed over the clinic to the disciple who was now striking out on their own, Selfers left Retovik, where he had spent many years, and headed toward the Baronet Arqvist territory, located to the west of the Koenitz territory.
With a bag packed with medical instruments and a large bundle containing various medicines, his luggage was quite substantial. For that reason, he had hired a carriage for the journey to Noeina, the capital of the Arqvist territory.
"...If we depart now, I suppose we shall arrive after noon."
"Yes, the weather is fine, so if all goes well, that should be the case."
After exchanging such words with the coachman hired along with the carriage, Selfers departed for the land where he had decided to spend the remainder of his days.
.....
A peaceful afternoon, no different from any other. While basking in the pleasant sunlight pouring through the window and diligently working in his office, Noein was approached by Pence, who brought news.
"Noein-sama, may I ask for a meeting with a prospective settler?"
"Sure—another new person has come, huh. A farmer this time as well?"
"No, actually... the one who came is Selfers-sensei, the doctor."
What came from Pence's mouth was an unexpected name.
"Eh, Selfers-sensei? He wants to migrate? Here?"
"Yes. I confirmed it repeatedly, and it seems there is no mistake that he wishes to migrate."
Still surprised, Noein looked at Matilda, who had been helping with the work inside the office. An expression of surprise also floated on her face.
Noein had been indebted many times to Selfers, the elderly doctor who operated a clinic in Retovik. When Noein contracted Eld Fever last year, and when many injured people resulted from the battle with the bandit group, it was he who rushed from Retovik to handle the situation.
"I understand, I'll go meet him immediately."
He could not keep a benefactor of the Arqvist territory waiting. Noein set down the documents in his hand and stood up hurriedly.
Accompanied by Matilda and Pence, he headed to the guardhouse built near the entrance of the capital Noeina, and there, it was indeed Selfers.
"Hello, Selfers-sensei."
"Your Excellency Arqvist. My apologies for visiting so suddenly."
"A visit from Selfers-sensei is always welcome... by the way, I hear you wish to migrate to this territory."
"Yes, that is actually the case. I must have surprised you."
Selfers said with a gentle smile.
"As the lord, I am very happy that Selfers-sensei, who possesses a proven track record as a doctor, would migrate to this territory... but it was indeed a bit surprising. May I ask the reason?"
Noein had heard that Selfers had run a clinic in Retovik for decades. Though it was a small clinic, it played the role of helping the commoners in the vicinity.
Why did such a man now wish to leave Retovik, where he should be accustomed to living, to migrate to the Arqvist territory, which was nothing more than a frontier countryside?
No reason came to Noein's mind.
"Of course, I shall tell you... Your Excellency Arqvist, do you know my age?"
"No, I am sorry, but..."
"I see, my apologies. I turn exactly 90 years old this year."
At Selfers' words, Noein's eyes widened.
Certainly, Selfers had an appearance that could be called that of an old man, but seeing his sturdy legs and hips, his straight back, and his clear manner of speaking, Noein had thought he was in his 60s at most.
"That is... surprising. Does that mean, sensei, that you are a half-elf or a quarter-elf?"
"Exactly. I am a quarter-elf with one-fourth elf blood flowing through me."
Hearing that, Noein was convinced.
While children are not born between beastmen and ordinary humans, children can be born between demi-humans such as elves or dwarves and ordinary humans, though the probability is low.
Elves are a long-lived race said to live more than twice as long as humans. If he inherited one-fourth of that blood, Selfers likely had a body that could live for 100 years as long as he didn't fall ill.
That was why, at the age of 90, he could maintain such youthfulness.
"Those who inherit elf blood have a higher probability of being granted magical talent than ordinary people, and because of that, I was granted a talent for healing magic. However, my talent was only enough to slightly increase the natural healing power of the person I cast magic on, so I supplemented the lack of talent by learning pharmaceutical knowledge and became a doctor."
Selfers continued his story.
"Over 70 years since becoming a doctor. I have treated sick and injured people in various places, from cities to battlefields. About 30 years ago, I established a residence in Retovik of the Viscount Koenitz territory and operated a clinic... but the one I raised as a disciple has grown sufficiently, so I handed over the clinic."
"I see. And so, to this Arqvist territory?"
"Yes. Although quarter-elves are reasonably long-lived, my lifespan likely has about ten-some years remaining. Thinking about what kind of land I should welcome the final stage of a long life... I thought I wanted to live in a land ruled by a lord full of benevolence, while witnessing the development of that land."
"...From Selfers-sensei's eyes, did I appear that way?"
Noein smiled bashfully, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Yes. When Your Excellency contracted Eld Fever and your retainer rushed to my clinic, I learned that you are very loved and worried about by your subordinates. When you requested treatment from me without sparing reward for the residents injured in the battle with bandits, I caught a glimpse of your mercy. If I am to spend my final years, a land ruled by someone like you is best. I, too, as a humble doctor, wish to contribute to this land, however modestly."
Facing Selfers, who spoke with a gentle smile, Noein recoiled slightly.
For Noein, who had maneuvered to become a "good lord" based on various calculations, being praised head-on like a saint made him feel a bit guilty.
However, Selfers' offer was something a lord of this land could not wish for more. Considering how Noein and the residents had been helped by him until now, there was no way he would refuse the migration of his benefactor.
"...Of course, I as the lord, as well as the retainers and residents, will all gladly welcome Selfers-sensei. I shall provide everything, including your residence and the place to be used for medical practice."
"That is wonderful. I am grateful, Your Excellency Arqvist."
"I will do my best to be a person worthy of being the lord of the land where Selfers-sensei spends his final years."
Rarely leaving out the calculations, Noein said so honestly as a youth showing respect to a great senior in life.