Clara Mileshann had been a healer of exceptional skill.
She was a master of supreme-level healing magic, specifically the spells Genesung and Völlig Genesen. It was said that under her care, even the dead could be brought back to life.
Of course, that was an exaggeration. The dead stayed dead, and there were always illnesses and injuries that remained beyond the reach of any magic.
Nevertheless, she remained the most preeminent healer of her time. Because she treated nobles and commoners without distinction, she was particularly beloved by the people.
Among those she saved was a premature infant born at just eight months.
Though the child had no physical deformities, she was small and struggled to nurse, leaving her mother in a state of constant anxiety. To make matters worse, an outbreak of measles was sweeping the area at the time, and the infant was not spared.
However, thanks to Clara, the child’s life was saved, and she grew to be healthy and strong.
“…That child, apparently, was my mother,” Berche said.
She said "apparently" because, of course, the entire story was based on what she had been told.
“Is that so? This is the first I’ve heard of it,” Reinhard remarked.
“Hehe, it isn’t exactly a story one boasts about.”
“No, thank you for sharing it, Bell.”
The atmosphere between the two began to turn sweet, but Jin’s voice cut through the mood.
“…Sorry to interrupt, but what happened after that? What exactly happened to this Clara?”
“Oh, my apologies.”
While Clara was undoubtedly talented and treated everyone equally, that very equality was the problem. Popularity among the commoners meant little to the high society of the era.
To the nobility, the fact that their medical care was identical to that of a commoner was a grievance in itself.
“Do not touch me with hands that have handled commoners,” some would demand.
There were even those who made no secret of their disdain, declaring, “I find it intolerable to be given the same treatment as a peasant.”
Such attitudes were most prevalent among the old-fashioned aristocracy, who often held the highest ranks in the land.
And so, the inevitable tragedy occurred.
“…It seems she was unable to cure the illness of a certain duke’s second wife, and the woman died.”
The condemnation that followed was swift and severe. It wasn't merely criticism; the ducal house acted with deliberate malice, rallying the old-fashioned nobility to denounce Clara.
Unable to remain in the Shouro Empire any longer, she took her daughter and vanished.
“I thought that perhaps that daughter might be Sally,” Berche concluded.
“…I see.”
“To add to that, I heard the reason Clara became a healer in the first place was that she lost her husband to illness.”
“Hmm…”
Jin considered the hardships Sally must have endured—two generations of women dedicating their lives to fighting sickness and injury.
If she was that kind of person, he felt he truly wanted her as a member of the Family, helping to conduct research for the sake of the world.
Then, Jin realized exactly what kind of people he should be seeking out.
Unyielding will, inexhaustible curiosity, endless dreams, and convictions that could not be compromised.
An undying passion, a boundless spirit, and the drive to aim for the supreme.
Comrades who possessed these qualities—that was what the Jin Family was meant to be.
When he shared this thought with his current comrades, Reinhard and Berche, they both nodded.
“I see. That sounds like us, certainly.”
“Jin-sama, that’s a wonderful sentiment!”
With their support, Jin felt the heavy weight that had settled in his heart ever since Marquis Theoderic had dismissed his Fusou Island Project finally begin to lift.
Earlier that same day, around noon on June 29th, the scene in Kaina Village was quite different.
“Dr. Sally really is incredible. We were so fortunate that you came here.”
Sally, Mine, and Elsa were talking at Village Chief Giebeck’s house. Sally had just finished a round of checkups for every household in the village.
“Doctor, thank you again for everything you did for my mother. I am truly in your debt,” Elsa said, offering a formal bow.
“No, no. A healer’s job is to treat patients. I appreciate the sentiment, but please don’t feel as though you owe me anything.”
Sally brushed it off with a casual smile.
“Still, I was so surprised when Jin-sama brought you back with him,” Mine added.
“As was I. But you seem to have made a full recovery.”
“Yes, thanks to Jin-sama and the life I have here.”
Sally took a sip of her tea and spoke in a lighthearted tone.
“Hehe, this is a fine village. And that Jin-kun… he’s a fascinating man.”
“Yes, he truly is.”
Sally and Mine seemed to have hit it off remarkably well, chatting with the ease of close sisters.
“But Elsa, was it? To be using supreme-level healing magic at your age… it’s a bit terrifying. With enough experience, you’ll likely become a far better healer than I could ever be.”
“That is only because of Jin-nii.”
“Hehe, everything comes back to Jin-kun with you, doesn't it? By the way, where has he gone?” Sally asked, noting that he had been absent since the morning.
“I believe Jin-nii has gone out somewhere,” Elsa replied.
“I see. He has those artifacts, doesn't he? I suppose he can just leave his leased territory whenever he pleases. He certainly stays busy.”
Despite her words, Sally was smiling.
Just then, a voice drifted in from the other room.
“Village Chief, it appears Mr. Erik of the Raglann Company has arrived.”
It was Butler A delivering his report.
“Oh, is that so? Right on schedule. Once he’s settled, please guide him to the combined shop and residence Jin prepared for him.”
“Understood.”
As Butler A withdrew, Sally looked toward the others with interest.
“Did someone new arrive?”
“They mentioned an Erik,” Mine said.
“That is likely Barbara’s lover,” Elsa explained.
“Ah, I’ve heard of him,” Mine said. “So he’s finally opening a shop here to be with Barbara.”
“I see,” Sally noted. “Barbara… ah, that young lady. She’s the Village Chief’s niece, isn't she? Well, more residents are always a good thing.”
A few moments later, Barbara came bursting through the door, out of breath.
“Uncle! Erik is here! Why didn't you tell me?”
“I’m fairly certain I did. You were likely just distracted.”
“Ugh… th-that’s not true!”
“Hehe, things are certainly lively now,” Mine said with a smile.
“…Barbara sounds so happy,” Elsa observed.
“Ah, to be young,” Sally remarked wistfully.
A few minutes’ walk from the Village Chief’s house stood the newly completed building that would serve as the Kaina Village branch of the Raglann Company.
“Wait, you mean I can use this whole place?” Erik asked, his eyes wide.
“That’s right! Jin-san built it just for us!”
“I… I see. First that castle, and now this… just who exactly is Jin-san?”
“Jin-san is Jin-san,” Barbara said, laughing. “If you stop to be surprised by every little thing he does, you’ll never survive in this village!”
“Haha, I suppose you’re right.”
The laughter of Barbara and Erik drifted upward, disappearing into the vast, clear blue of the summer sky.