Jin was trying to decide how to respond to the question "Who are you?" when Lordtoss spoke up for him.
"We've come to examine Mr. Graham at his request."
Since it wasn't technically a lie, Jin simply nodded.
The young female healer looked conflicted for a moment. "I see..."
Finally, she chose to take them at their word. "Very well. Please, follow me."
She paused, looking at Lise in her white coat. "Um... what about this automaton accompanying you?"
Lise’s appearance was a striking reminder of a younger Sally Mileshann—the healer who had once practiced in Kaina Village before marrying the Village Chief, Giebeck.
"She is a medical automaton," Jin replied.
The woman’s expression turned to one of pure shock. "I... I see. This way, then."
She led them to a private room at the far end of the second floor. This was Graham Derby’s room.
"So this is Graham Derby..."
He was gaunt, clearly having been bedridden for a significant amount of time.
They don't even have IV drips here, Jin thought. If they've been forced to rely on liquid food or juices just to keep him alive, it's no wonder he's in this state.
"Lise, I’m counting on you."
"Understood."
Lise responded briefly and began her examination immediately.
"Mental Scan."
This was the spell used to detect the influence of Brainwashing Magic.
"...It appears a portion of the frontal lobe is hyperactive," Lise reported.
"The frontal lobe, huh..."
Jin knew the frontal lobe contained the majority of the brain's dopamine-sensitive neurons. This fit their hypothesis: that certain types of Brainwashing Magic triggered a release of euphoria whenever the victim acted according to the master's intent.
"That isn't all. There are also sections that have become completely inactive."
Since the frontal lobe also governs emotion and thought, inactivity there meant the patient likely wasn't acting of his own free will.
"Can you treat it?" Jin asked.
"Yes. At this level of damage, I can manage it."
"Then please, proceed."
"I will begin now."
The female healer behind them watched with eyes wide in shock, but Jin’s group paid her no mind.
"Detox... Völlig Genesen... Genesung... Mental Scan."
Lise moved through the procedure with clinical precision. She decomposed the excessive brain chemicals to return them to normal levels, repaired the damaged cells, and restored the malfunctioning neurons to their proper state.
Performing a final scan, she announced, "The treatment is complete."
She had verified that everything was back in working order.
"Next, I must address his physical deterioration."
Once he was conscious, they could likely handle that by administering recovery medicine or Persica juice from Hourai Island.
"He has developed some bedsores, so I will treat those as well. Heilung."
Lise’s healing magic was rooted in Elsa’s extensive research. This meant her spells weren't just general waves of energy; they were targeted precisely at the necessary areas.
For instance, she could apply the supreme-level surgical healing magic 'Völlig Genesen' specifically to the brain, and then use the mid-level 'Heilung' on the patient's back.
"Diagnose... That should do it."
"Good work, Lise."
Even to Jin, the change in Graham Derby was obvious. His complexion had improved, and his ragged, shallow breathing had smoothed into a deep, steady rhythm. Lise also confirmed his heartbeat had strengthened.
"It’s finished....Wait, what happened to her?"
Jin noticed the female healer who had guided them was standing perfectly still, frozen in place.
"Hello? Is anyone home?"
When there was no answer, Jin signaled Reiko to tap the woman's shoulder.
"Excuse me?" Reiko asked.
"Ah! Wh-What was that healing magic just now?! I’ve never seen or heard of most of those spells!"
Coming back to her senses, the young woman peppered Jin with questions, correctly identifying him as Lise’s master.
"Calm down. Those spells were developed by the world’s greatest healer."
The explanation seemed to ground her, if only slightly.
"A-Ah, forgive me. I’m Sonya Banaka, an apprentice healer here."
"I am Lordtoss."
"...Jin."
Since Lordtoss had been so open with his name, Jin followed suit.
"U-Um, about the magic your automaton used..."
Jin suddenly realized something. Sonya Banaka had recognized Lise as an automaton the very moment she saw her.
"Sonya-san, how did you know Lise was an automaton?"
Jin decided to ask the question directly. The answer was even more startling.
"Eh? It's obvious just by looking at her, isn't it?"
"No, it's really not."
The retort escaped Jin before he could think. Is it possible this girl has a greater talent for magi-craft than she does for healing? he wondered.
"U-Uugh..."
A groan from the bed interrupted his thoughts. Graham Derby was moving.
"Mr. Derby!"
Sonya rushed to his side.
"Wh... Where... I... where am I...?"
As Graham looked around in a daze, Sonya spoke to him in a soft, soothing tone.
"Please, stay calm. You are in a clinic. You've been unconscious and bedridden for a very long time."
The explanation seemed to settle him.
"Ah, I see... It feels as if I have finally woken from a long dream..."
Graham Derby let out a long, weary sigh of relief.