The junior healers fell into contemplative silence.
Hanson's voice grew weighty as he continued,
"Only those who are genuinely prepared should step forward."
The junior healers exchanged meaningful looks for a moment.
Then, a few resolute individuals clenched their jaws and took a step forward.
They addressed Hanson with unwavering resolve,
"Hanson, we have a question. As we commit ourselves to the path of sacrifice for the sake of our patients, is there a chance that we could ever become like Master Raymond?"
Hanson nodded in affirmation,
"Once again, what a foolish question. As I've stated before, the Master is like a beacon in the sky! Aspiring to reach his level is a feat that might seem impossible, isn't it?"
"...!"
"We are merely striving to emulate a fraction of his greatness. Yet, even with that humble effort, you can attain astonishing heights. If you earnestly make that endeavor, I, Hanson, will be here to guide you toward that goal."
Empowered by his words, more healers stepped forward in unity.
However, when the group's number reached around 20, Hanson raised his hand to halt them.
"Stop, that's enough."
"Why?"
"Are you stepping forward with a genuine dedication to the patients? Can you swear by the heavens?"
The recently joined hesitant healers nodded in agreement.
"Yes!"
"We're committed to leading lives dedicated to our patients!"
Hanson's brow furrowed.
'Blatant lies, right before my eyes.'
Having spent time with the healing corps during the war, Hanson understood their nuances better than anyone else.
The initial ten who had stepped forward were undoubtedly driven by a sincere desire to serve patients. The following group of around ten were also relatively earnest.
But what about the remaining ones?
'Likely in it for the money. They think mastering advanced medicine will bring them fame and fortune.'
For Hanson, medicine was a sacred calling, and he couldn't abide those who sought to compromise it with their greed.
'Certainly, not everyone can possess a noble heart like the Master. However, I must thwart those who aim to exploit medicine for profit.'
If medicine becomes a mere money-making venture, patients will inevitably suffer.
Individuals with such intentions will undoubtedly inflict harm on patients after haphazardly acquiring medical knowledge.
It's his duty as a disciple to prevent such occurrences.
However, he couldn't simply dismiss them outright. Hanson pondered a solution.
"Alright. I'll acknowledge your sincerity."
"And then?"
"Given your genuine commitment to the patients, we'll commence training immediately. This will be a specialized regimen designed exclusively for all of you."
"...!"
The junior healers' expressions turned ashen.
A specialized training?
"C-can't we proceed with the training at a more gradual pace..."
"If you're earnest about aiding the patients as swiftly as possible, you must dedicate yourselves. Fear not. I, Hanson, will wholeheartedly guide and support each of you."
Hanson's lips curled upward slightly.
It was a sinister grin, capable of unsettling even a devil from hell or perhaps prompting the devil to recoil.
"Just in case, prepare your wills in case of overexertion. Of course, we don't expect such an unfortunate event to happen, but the intensity of the training will be a bit high, so be prepared. Let's start right now."
"I...I need to think about it further and return!"
"I...I as well...!"
With their faces drained of color, the junior healers hastily retreated.
Raymond was taken aback by their reaction.
'...What did he do to them to make them so scared? Anyway, it worked out well.'
Approximately twenty junior healers remained after the retreat.
With Hanson, Lyndon, Christine, and the other disciples they had admitted, the total count reached about twenty-five.
'This seems like a decent number.'
Given the clinic's growth, it was a suitable addition.
Thanks to Hanson's discerning approach, they were a trustworthy group.
'Perfect! With these new additions, today is a special occasion. Let's have a beef party!'
Thus, the Penin Clinic expanded further as the day of significance neared.
The celebration of victory.
A banquet was planned to mark their success, a feast honoring their achievements.
Now, it was time to determine the rewards Raymond would receive.
***
Just before the banquet,
"Are you serious? You're planning to bestow such an award upon Raymond?"
Prime Minister Galman's eyes widened in disbelief.
It was an unexpected reaction.
However, King Odin replied nonchalantly,
"Why not?"
"Isn't it too radical of an award?"
"Isn't he deserving of such an honor?"
"Well, yes, but..."
Prime Minister Galman's words trailed off.
He, too, believed that Raymond was worthy of a significant reward.
However, the proposed award exceeded that level.
"There will undoubtedly be controversy."
"I assume so."
"May I ask why, Your Majesty?"
King Odin's expression remained composed.
His unwavering gaze made Prime Minister Galman hesitate.
"...You must be aware of the impact and shock this decision will have."
Prime Minister Galman swallowed hard.
"Excessive rewards can sometimes turn into poison. This award might not necessarily bring all favorable consequences to Raymond. I'm sure you understand that. So, why choose such a stunning reward?"
In that moment, a particular assumption surfaced in Galman's mind.
"Could it be? Your Majesty is... offering this award to Raymond as a..."
Just then, King Odin let out a faint groan.
"Your Majesty!"
"I'm fine. I've been managing it for a while, but it seems to be flaring up again."
King Odin shook his head.
"I'll have Count Helien summoned."
"No need for that, it might subside on its own soon. Don't trouble yourself."
Prime Minister Galman's concern was evident on his face.
King Odin was plagued by an inexplicable ailment, causing his overall health to deteriorate.
The illness had no apparent origin, surfacing around the onset of the war with the Kingdom of Droton, which coincided with his inability to actively participate.
Although there had been some improvement, Count Helien had been unable to identify its underlying cause, and Galman worried that the situation might take a dire turn.
"Perhaps we should consider seeking treatment from Raymond?"
"...!"
"With Raymond's medical skills, perhaps he could completely eradicate Your Majesty's ailment."
King Odin fell into silence.
"I appreciate your concern."
"Your Majesty..."
"I've seen improvement compared to earlier. I believe I'll be back to normal soon."
"But..."
"Let's refrain from discussing that matter further."
Galman sighed, aware that Odin's response was predictable.
The strained relationship with Raymond was at the core of this discomfort. A mistake on his part.
He sighed once again, but this was a realm of affairs reserved for the two men, an area in which he couldn't intervene.
"In that case, please allow us to extend an invitation to healers from the Peninsula Kingdom. If we manage to secure healers ranked S or above, they may have the potential to treat Your Majesty's ailment."
The Peninsula Kingdom was a prosperous vassal state, housing a multitude of exceptional healers.
It ranked second only to the Central Empire in terms of skill, with the most accomplished healers after the Imperial Capital.
Healers from that region could possess the prowess needed to address King Odin's affliction.
Thankfully, Odin didn't dismiss the notion.
"Very well."
And thus, the day of celebration drew nearer.
***
'Finally, the victory celebration. I wonder what reward I will receive?'
Raymond's heart was pounding with anticipation.
'I already informed Prime Minister Galman about the territory I desire, so I should receive it as agreed, right? After all, there's no one who contributed more than me.'
He practically led the entire war from beginning to end.
Naturally, he should be able to get the reward he wants.
'Well, it's not like I asked for an overly important territory or anything.'
Raymond understood his place well.
He was a noble born as an illegitimate child.
Even as a war hero, he couldn't demand an excessively significant territory.
For instance, a domain like the 'Luin Territory' encompassing the central region of Rafalde, complete with its capital. This would essentially make him a high lord, a feudal lord of empire.
Such a request from him, as an illegitimate child, would invite backlash from numerous noble families.
'Becoming the lord of the Luin Territory would practically mean ruling over the entire Rafalde region as a major lord, a high lord. It's a lofty aspiration that can't be easily entertained.'
Raymond briefly envisioned himself as a feudal lord.
The notion of someone who had once been scorned as an illegitimate child ascending to the rank of a prominent lord, commanding the respect of the masses, seemed far too surreal.
'Me as a feudal lord... It's more realistic to think of the continent being divided into five pieces.'
Raymond mused, shaking his head.
'And even if I were to become a feudal lord, it would be a problem. I would need two bodies to be able to handle both healer duties and the role of a feudal lord.'
Naturally, donning the title of a feudal lord wouldn't render him incapable of fulfilling his role as a healer.
Consider the example of the 'Holy King,' a prominent figure among the Four Dominions, reigning over the Holy Kingdom.
He adeptly juggled the duties of both a monarch and a healer, earning esteem as one of the continent's foremost healing practitioners and as one of the most formidable Grand Sword Masters.
Furthermore, the eminent healer known as the 'Crimson Saint' also held the mantle of a renowned ruler within the Free City Alliance.
This demonstrated that a feudal lord could competently shoulder the responsibilities of a healer as well.
'If I were to handle most of the practical work like the Holy King or the Crimson Saint, entrusting reliable subordinates, I could still manage healer duties.'
Yet, he promptly dismissed the notion with another shake of his head.
It was a fruitless daydream.
In this lifetime, the prospect of ascending to the position of a feudal lord or ruler eluded him entirely.
'As long as I can become a wealthy lord, I'll be more than satisfied. If I receive the territory I requested, I'll be super-rich!'
At that moment, Rao, who saw Raymond's contemplation, spoke,
"It seems you're nervous too, brother."
"Huh?"
"Because you are, indeed, the guest of honor at this banquet."
Rao lifted his one-eyed glasses.
"Let the petty envy of the narrow-minded aristocracy be of no concern. You are, in every sense, the triumphant hero of this conflict."
Raymond blinked.
Upon reflection, he realized that he was the focal point of attention at this celebratory event.
Undoubtedly, he would be subjected to a fair share of jealousy.
It was intrinsic to the nature of nobles to begrudge the success of others and endeavor to undermine those who thrived.
Christine chimed in, offering reassurance,
"Fear not, Master. In the esteemed name of the Duke of Laverne, I pledge to safeguard you, Master."
Christine unhesitatingly invoked the title of the Duke of Laverne.
Having fought alongside Raymond throughout the course of this war, she stood poised to succeed as the forthcoming Duke.
Elmud chimed in.
"I, too, will put my name to Aris, my lord- No, I will defend my master!"
'You stay put!'
Raymond shouted inwardly.
'Invoking the name of Marquis Aris... who are you trying to kill?!!'
Come to think of it, he was going to see the Marquis of Aris at this banquet.
It was a crisis.
'This is no time to be relaxed. He's already heard Elmud swear his loyalty to me. Marquis of Aris isn't going to challenge me to a duel, is he?'
Marquis Aris wasn't the only one who scared him.
Duke Leif!
'...I'm running away with one excuse or another, but I can't run away from a banquet.''
Raymond frowned.
He remembered Duke Leif's declaration in front of everyone.
'From now on, I will use my life to repay the grace I received from Baron Penin.'