Looking at the two security golems summoned by Question the steward, Madam Kuzuma—Anna—seemed displeased. Jin, however, wasn't the least bit concerned.
Between the barrier functions of his Protect Ring and Fellowship Bracelet and Reiko’s inhuman reaction speed, he could repel nearly any attack. He had also already deployed a Magic Barrier to counter magical interference. Because this barrier had no physical substance, it didn't hinder him while walking through narrow corridors or passing others.
Furthermore, Reiko’s current reaction speed was more than twenty times that of a standard golem or automata. She could neutralize any threat before a hostile actor could even finish a thought.
The group proceeded through the mansion in a strict formation: Question led the way, followed by Shin, with Reko to his right and Madam Anna to his left. Lise and Merine followed behind them, with the two security golems bringing up the rear.
They climbed a staircase covered in plush scarlet carpet and headed toward a room tucked away in the back of the second floor.
(Ah, if I remember correctly, this was Louis’s office,) Jin thought nostalgically as he followed behind the steward.
They came to a halt before a set of heavy double doors. A maid golem stood guard on either side. Since they didn't require sleep, maid golems were the perfect choice for twenty-four-hour security and care.
"Please wait here for a moment," Question told them before disappearing inside. He returned barely a minute later.
"The Master has granted permission. Please, enter."
The look in his eyes was sharp, a wordless warning not to engage in any suspicious behavior. Brushing the look aside, Jin and his companions stepped into the room.
It was indeed Louis’s former office, though it had been converted into a sickroom for the current head of the house, Marquis Kuzuma. The room was lined with various magi-devices, including sterilization equipment.
(At least the people of this house seem to care for the Marquis,) Jin noted privately. Within the range of his perception, there were no malicious magi-devices or hidden traps.
The current head of House Kuzuma lay in a magnificent canopy bed. His skin was dull, his complexion sallow. His hair had likely been blonde once, but illness had caused most of it to fall out, leaving him bald. Even his blue eyes were cloudy and devoid of life.
"Welcome to Blue Land. You are Shin-dono, yes?"
Even his voice lacked strength.
"Yes, my name is Shin. This is my younger sister Reko, and my friend Lise. Lise is a highly skilled arzt."
"I was shown the letter of introduction from Sion-sama of the All-Creation clan earlier. Please... begin the examination."
"Very well. Lise, if you would. Steward Question, if you are concerned, feel free to come closer."
"I—yes."
Question seemed a bit flustered by the invitation, but he beckoned the security golems forward and took his place on the opposite side of the bed. Seeing this, the Madam looked like she wanted to protest, but she clearly restrained herself for the sake of the patient.
Lise treated her hands with the sterilization magi-device provided in the room before speaking.
"Your Excellency, please excuse me."
She began by checking his pulse, then placed her hand directly on his forehead for a more thorough examination. Question flinched for a split second when her palm touched the Marquis, but since the Marquis remained calm, the steward did not intervene.
The examination took approximately ten minutes. In truth, Lise could have finished the diagnosis in two, but Jin had instructed her to take her time. If the process were too brief, it might be seen as a superficial or careless check.
"It is undoubtedly Mana Overload Syndrome," Lise stated dispassionately. "Furthermore, he has developed complications with gastric ulcers."
"Mana Overload Syndrome, you say?" Question nodded, looking satisfied. He had likely suspected as much.
The illness occurred in roughly one in ten thousand people. However, many cases were mild; in commoners who possessed little to no mana, the condition often remained dormant or asymptomatic for their entire lives. Visible symptoms only manifested in about one in fifty thousand to one hundred thousand cases.
Even in symptomatic cases, the condition was manageable if a 'safety valve'—someone with a very similar mana waveform—was nearby to help dissipate the excess mana. For Elsa Randol, her biological mother, Mine, had served as that valve until her recovery.
"I see. So the diagnosis was correct," Question remarked.
"Ques!" the Madam barked, rebuking him.
While Mana Overload Syndrome was rare, it wasn't unheard of. Anyone with the right knowledge could identify it, and the family had likely already had their suspicions. Jin realized that the steward was simply trying to maintain a position of superiority by "confirming" Lise's findings.
But that was as far as the games would go.
"In that case, this medicine should be effective," Jin said, taking a bottle from the basket Reiko was carrying.
"I'm sorry... what?" Even the stoic Question couldn't hide his shock, standing there with his mouth agape.
"This is a treatment for Mana Overload Syndrome. You should see results within a day. However..."
Jin paused while Lise stepped forward. Explaining that the ulcers might interfere with the medicine's absorption, she used the mid-level surgical magic, Healing. Though Jin couldn't see the internal effect, the gastric bleeding would have stopped instantly.
"That should do it. Here, please take this."
Marquis Kuzuma hesitated as he took the bottle. It was a natural reaction; common knowledge held that there was no cure for Mana Overload Syndrome.
However, the hesitation lasted only a moment. Before Question could demand a taster, the Marquis drained the bottle in a single gulp.
"Master!"
"Phew..."
Question panicked, but it was too late.
"Ques, I appreciate your concern, but you must not be so rude to our guests," the Marquis said, gently chiding him. He then turned to Jin. "Shin-dono, how many doses must I take?"
"None. This single dose should be enough to improve your symptoms by tomorrow."
"Impossible!"
"What did you say!?"
"What!?"
The Marquis, the Madam, and Question all cried out in unison. They clearly hadn't expected the remedy to be so fast-acting.
"It is a very rare, secret medicine passed down by the Northern People," Jin added. It wasn't a lie. Four centuries ago, he had been taught how to cure the disease by the Elder, No. 700672, and had even received the necessary mental catalyst from him.
"I see... from Sion-sama's people."
"Something like that," Jin said, keeping the details vague.
Jin and his companions were eventually led to a guest room deep within the manor. Since the room lacked windows, it was likely a precaution to prevent their escape. Furthermore, two security golems were posted right outside the door.
"Shin-sama, I realize this is rude, but it must be done," Question said with a deep bow. "I trust you ninety-nine percent, but in the unlikely event that something happens to the Master tomorrow..."
"I understand," Jin replied.
Having observed Question today, Jin saw that he was profoundly devoted to the current Marquis. He wasn't serving the House of Marquis Kuzuma; he was serving the man himself. That was likely why he lacked respect for the second wife.
"By tomorrow, His Excellency’s condition will be vastly improved."
"I pray that is the case. Please do not leave this room tonight. Now, I will take my leave. Please, rest comfortably."