Originally, discovering the nature of the disease naturally revealed the transmission paths.
However, in this case, it's different.
Thyroid storms are not transmitted between people, so understanding why this mass outbreak occurred required an epidemiological investigation.
'Why did this mass outbreak happen? Could it be a new virus that stimulates the thyroid?'
On Earth, there is no virus that causes thyroid storms.
However, this is not Earth; it's a completely different world—Leifentina.
Here, various and deadly infectious diseases exist due to the presence of monsters and humanoid species.
Especially, diseases unimaginable on Earth can emerge because of the "humanoid monsters," creatures that are an intermediate stage between monsters and humans.
Diseases that affect monsters can pass through humanoid monsters and gain infectivity towards humans.
Raymond pondered deeply.
'Could it really be a new virus?'
However, no matter how much he thought about it, it seemed unlikely.
To begin with, none of the patients exhibited respiratory symptoms.
The likelihood of airborne transmission was minimal.
'Viruses transmitted by secretions don't typically spread so rapidly and extensively. So, what could it be?'
Raymond studied the map, seeking commonalities among the three territories affected by the disease.
'They are vastly different environments. Ranson primarily cultivates wheat on plains, Kran focuses on cultivating special crops in the mountains, and Boyle has a small mining area.'
No shared elements surfaced.
While Raymond contemplated, he established contact with Luin Castle through a communication crystal, hoping to gather additional information.
"Have there been reports of any new disease in other territories?"
- Not as of now.
However, Mevinson unexpectedly mentioned something.
- While there's no indication of a disease in any territory, there have been reports of widespread livestock deaths in Mefin.
"...!"
Raymond widened his eyes in surprise.
'Livestock? Why?'
Viruses that affect humans usually don't have significant impacts on animals, and vice versa.
Occasionally, there are zoonotic infections, but they are rare.
"What could it be?"
Raymond pondered, looking at the map.
'Kran, Ranson, Boyle, Mefin.'
As he scrutinized the maps of the realms where the disease had occurred, Raymond realized something.
'A line?'
Connecting the four territories formed a line, and not just any line—a line following the flow of the Hail River!
"No, not a line! The Hail River flows along these realms, and in the order the disease started!'
"Hail River. A small river originating from the Kennel Mountains, serving as the water source for the four realms."
Raymond felt like he'd been hit on the head with a hammer.
"No way? Substances causing diseases in that river?"
A substance causing thyroid storms! It defied medical common sense. No medical knowledge mentioned such a substance. However, one fact popped into Raymond's mind.
"No. There is one possible scenario: endocrine-disrupting substances—environmental hormones!"
Environmental hormones, synthetic toxic substances produced as byproducts of chemical synthesis.
When entering the body, they disrupt the hormonal system.
Examples include dioxins and DDT.
'Of course, I've never heard of such a potent disruptor causing a thyroid storm. But here, in Leifentina, who knows.'
Endocrine disruptors are also generated in Leifentina.
By magic!
'Alchemy, a high-risk magic involving various reagents, crafting magical items, mana refinement—these activities often yield toxic substances.'
Magic manipulates reality using mana, so byproducts and toxic substances are commonplace.
The range of substances is extensive, and, in some instances, extremely toxic materials could be produced, potentially leading to thyroid storms.
'I need to investigate!'
He observed that the Hail River flowed through the Ranson Realm where he currently was.
Raymond immediately made his way to the Hail River.
However, with the naked eye, he couldn't discern anything unusual.
He needed to dispatch a sample to the mage tower for precise analysis.
Despite this, Raymond shook his head.
'When will the results be available?'
It would take at least seven days to receive the results, and time was of the essence.
"I'll check it myself! Purchase skill!"
[Purchased the magic skill 'Mana Detection'!]
[Cost: 150 skill points!]
[Mana Detection]
[Category: Support Skill (Magic)
Magic Grade: Standard
Proficiency: D
- Can detect mana!
- As proficiency increases, more skilled detection becomes possible!]
'The endocrine disruptors in Leifentina are primarily magic byproducts, so they must contain mana!'
Raymond promptly applied his magical prowess.
His vision transformed as if he had donned special glasses.
The world turned colorless, with only mana-containing substances radiating in a tangible manner.
And then he was taken aback.
Flash.
Deep, dark hues flickered along the river, akin to the blood glow of a blade.
It was a mana-laden endocrine disruptor.
He had finally discovered the cause of the disease.
***
The precise composition would be discerned after thorough analysis.
'It's likely a substance that stimulates thyroid receptors, and with its mana content, even a minuscule amount could have triggered an explosive reaction, leading to the thyroid storm.'
Raymond speculated on the disruptor's makeup.
With the cause identified, the solution was straightforward.
"Cease the consumption of water from the Hail River immediately!"
People hesitated at this unusual directive, as in their common understanding, falling ill from drinking river water seemed implausible.
Their usual beliefs linked diseases to the air, impure energy, curses from the sky, or sins.
Nevertheless, they didn't resist the order; after all, it originated from Raymond, whom they regarded as the beacon of their land, Rafalde.
'He'll surely know what to do and provide the right guidance.'
'Raymond is the light of our Rafalde!'
Soon, the people of Rafalde were referring to Raymond as their light.
"Inform the lord of the Boyle estate about the news."
Among the three estates struck by the plague, there was one that sought Raymond's assistance only as a last resort.
It was Boyle.
A noble staunchly loyal to Remington, who adamantly declined Raymond's aid until the eleventh hour.
Consequently, for the Boyle Estate, Raymond transported patients to his location and provided treatment.
The Lord of the Boyle Estate did not reject accepting patients for treatment.
However, shocking news circulated.
"The Lord of the Boyle Estate passed away a few days ago."
"What?"
"He fell ill. It rapidly worsened, and he died suddenly without warning to the Count. The entire family perished together."
"..."
Upon hearing the unforeseen news, Raymond fell silent.
"Since the entire family has perished, and there is no one to inherit the estate, the authority of the Boyle Estate will now be entrusted to Your Excellency."
The Lord of the Ranson Estate addressed Raymond using the term 'Your Excellency.'
Among nobles, this title was reserved for those with the highest positions, including military commanders, ministers, emperors, and dukes.
In essence, the Lord of the Ranson Estate referred to Raymond as a duke.
'Having successfully overcome such a dreadful epidemic, it's evident that Count Penin will ascend to the position of a feudal lord. I must demonstrate my loyalty to him in the future.'
The Lord of the Ranson Estate swallowed his saliva.
Due to the burden of a 1.5 million pena leash, he found himself in a position where resisting Raymond was unfeasible.
Consequently, under these circumstances, complete obedience to Raymond appeared to be the most prudent choice.
'My future is contingent on Count Penin. I'll give it my utmost!'
Meanwhile, Raymond observed the Lord of the Ranson Estate.
'When did he start overlooking me? Seeing him act like this...'
Raymond mused.
'Not bad.'
Clearing his throat, Raymond didn't feel remorseful witnessing someone who had previously disregarded him now exhibiting deference.
After all, he wasn't a saint.
'This kind of power comes with being a feudal lord, right? Hehe.'
Having received disdainful looks until now, hearing such acknowledgment(?) made him feel like he had finally achieved success!
However, Raymond hadn't overlooked the importance of image-building.
To thrive as both a healer and a feudal lord, maintaining a positive image among the people was imperative.
'Don't become too complacent with a modest success. My aspirations extend beyond this.'
Raymond's countenance stiffened.
"Your Excellency? It seems a bit premature to make such assertions. The situation is not entirely resolved."
"C-Count."
"Currently, prioritizing the well-being of patients and the populace is more crucial than engaging in such discussions. Please bear that in mind."
Naturally, those present, including Lord Ranson, were astounded by his authoritative stance!
Yet, the situation had not been completely resolved.
Identifying the endocrine disruptor was imperative to prevent further incidents.
'I have a suspicion about a particular location.'
Raymond studied the map, tracing the Kennel Mountains back to the Hale River.
'The Kennel Mountains are deep and vast, untouched by human hands. However, there's one settlement.'
Raymond's gaze grew intense.
'That's the Borison Estate.'
The Borison Estate!
It housed the magical ore mine discovery.
'The endocrine disruptor is linked to magic byproducts. There's a possibility that a toxic substance from the magical ore mine in the Borison Estate has seeped into the river.'
Similar incidents had occurred in the past.
Although not within the Kingdom of Houston, in the 'Empire of Iron,' mishandling the magical ore resulted in a harrowing outbreak of a deadly disease in the neighboring estates.
The timing was impeccably aligned.
The widespread outbreak commenced following the extraction of magical ore in the Borison Estate.
Moreover, another dubious element surfaced.
'The magical ore in the Borison Estate, those white crystals, strangely appear to be heavily contaminated with impurities.'
In the past, Raymond had contemplated receiving the Borison Estate as a significant reward. This information came to light during that period.
'Unidentified impurities. Could the handling process have triggered the release of endocrine disruptors?'
As Raymond mulled over this, a chilling realization sent shivers down his spine.
'Hold on. If it's indeed true that this upheaval occurred due to the magical ore mine in the Borison Estate, then I narrowly escaped ruin.'