"It is nothing. Has your friend been receiving stable treatment?"
Knowing that the person in front of her might be trying to hide something, Blaze did not press further. Instead, she asked another question, deliberately emphasizing the word "friend."
"Uh, no. But she saw a doctor recently and they said her condition is relatively stable."
Shirou did not catch the hidden meaning in Blaze's words and answered directly.
After all, this was a pharmaceutical company. Explaining the situation might lead to some useful advice. At the moment, Shirou could only ensure that everyone had enough to eat. If there was a way to further treat the condition, that would be even better.
"That is not very good… You said it is quite serious, right? Do you know the percentage of cellular assimilation with Originium?"
Hearing his answer, Blaze frowned slightly.
If it were only in the early stages, it would not matter much even without stable treatment. But since he said it was serious, that likely meant the condition was in the mid or even late stages.
At that level, not seeing a doctor likely meant they could not afford to.
She understood this all too well.
Most infected people faced the same problem.
Poverty.
"I think it was around fifteen percent, but the number might not be very accurate. The equipment they used seemed quite outdated."
Shirou recalled Rope's examination results.
However, the data might not have been precise.
The doctor Jaye had found was named was named Aak and and he eemed to be using older equipment. If Shirou remembered correctly, Aak was also something of an underground doctor.
Shirou naturally understood what that meant. In the slums, most doctors were unlicensed and Aak was already considered relatively reputable among them.
Although he often did strange things, under Jaye's watchful eye he had not tampered with the examination. However, he did not continue with follow-up treatment. Conducting the examination had already been his limit, as he was not exactly a proper doctor.
"That is indeed troublesome…"
Blaze's frown deepened. If treatment was not sought soon, they might as well start preparing for the worst.
For a moment, she could not think of a way to help. If it were a matter of someone being bullied, it would be simple. ., she could just beat them up.
"Her condition is stable for now. It is not a problem."
Seeing that Rosmontis and Blaze seemed troubled by their inability to help, Shirou quickly reassured them.
Although a full recovery was impossible, as long as the condition remained stable, avoiding the use of Originium Arts and staying away from Originium-related materials would prevent major issues.
Moreover, as long as one had enough to eat, proper rest, and an improved quality of life, the progression of Oripathy would naturally slow down.
Beyond that, there was little he could do.
"Hm? What are you all talking about? and Miss Blaze please restrain your Originium Arts."
The Feline woman who had been busy nearby came over and spoke.
She had been organizing documents, but midway through, she felt a heavy pressure coming from this direction.
Most of it was coming from Blaze, along with a noticeable rise in the room's temperature. There was no need to guess, —it was clearly Blaze's Originium Arts acting up.
"Oh, Minmin? This gentleman's friend is infected, and it seems quite serious. I was thinking about whether we could help."
Coming back to her senses, Blaze reined in her Originium Arts a little and explained.
Her ability allowed her to heat the air around her. Because of this, she was like a walking heater. In winter, she could use it as an excuse to cuddle the "little kitty" and "little bunny" more but in hot weather it only made people avoid her.
Just now, she had been thinking too much and unconsciously started raising the temperature.
Even Rosmontis had moved to the opposite side. However, Blaze did not have the mood to worry about that now.
"…You were discussing that?"
Minmin, who wore a Rhodes Island badge looked confused after hearing Blaze.
"Yes. Do you have any good ideas?"
Thinking about such problems made Blaze feel like her brain was overheating.
"Miss Blaze… did you forget that this office has medical facilities?"
A helpless expression appeared on Minmin's face.
They already had equipment and medical personnel here, so what was there to worry about? And she had even raised the room temperature so much.
On top of that, she herself was a medical operator. Being overlooked like this felt quite unpleasant.
"…Oh, right."
Her words snapped Blaze out of it. After Minmin's reminder, she finally remembered that every office had some medical resources.
It was not entirely her fault for forgetting. She usually received treatment on Rhodes Island's main ship, so she had been thinking about whether to recommend that Emiya's friend go there instead.
Of course, whether they would agree was another matter. It would mean leaving their home.
"Sigh… honestly. However, we have not yet finalized arrangements with Lungmen's authorities. If treatment is needed, it can only be done privately for now."
Seeing Blaze's sudden realization, Minmin sighed.
She had heard about this elite operator before, but after meeting her in person, she could confirm that the rumors were true.
A fiery and impulsive personality and somewhat careless as well.
As for the story about jumping from a hundred-meter height, Minmin felt that it was probably true.
Blaze definitely seemed like the kind of person who would do that.
"I understand, I understand. Um… would it be convenient for you to leave your contact information?"
After indicating to Minmin that she understood, Blaze turned to Shirou and asked.
"Would that not be too troublesome?"
Shirou felt that this good fortune had come rather suddenly, but after thinking about it, he was a bit worried that it might cause trouble for them.
"Do not worry. This is exactly what Rhodes Island does, treating the infected and improving their situation."
Having resolved the issue, Blaze relaxed completely, she leaned back in her chair and waved her hand as she spoke.
"As Miss Blaze said, you just need to inform us in advance. Since this office is not fully operational yet, we may not be here every day. I am a medical operator from Rhodes Island. You can call me Minmin, may I ask your name?"
Compared to Blaze, Minmin added a bit more explanation and introduced herself.
"My name is Emiya. It is Emiya! Do not get it wrong!"
Shirou introduced himself, but because Rosmontis had kept getting his name wrong earlier, he emphasized it in particular.
"Oh… I see."
Blaze was still processing why Shirou stressed that point, but after repeating his name a few times in her mind, she understood.
"Alright then, Mr. Emiya. When the time comes, please contact us in advance."
After handing over their contact information to Shirou, Minmin returned to her work.
After all, her main purpose had been to get Blaze to restrain her Originium Arts. Helping arrange treatment for others was simply part of her duties.
Most medical operators at Rhodes Island had chosen their profession because they wanted to help other infected individuals.
"…Does this count as a way of repaying you?"
Rosmontis, who had moved to sit beside Shirou, looked at the contact information in his hand and asked.
Although it was different from what she had expected, the result seemed even better.
"Of course it does. You have helped me a great deal."
Putting the contact information away, Shirou smiled and gently patted Rosmontis on the head.
"That is good."
Rosmontis narrowed her eyes slightly and she looked quite pleased.
"Sigh… our little kitty has grown up."
Sitting across from them, Blaze watched Rosmontis and felt that she really had grown up, reaching that kind of age.
Girls at this age always had a few small thoughts of their own.
The person in front of her Ami… no, Emiya….seemed like a decent person. Although his hairstyle and appearance reminded her of someone difficult to get along with.
"If there is nothing else, I will take my leave. It is getting late and I still need to go back and prepare dinner."
Shirou glanced at the clock on the wall as he spoke.
If he hurried back to retrieve his bicycle and prepare the ingredients, he should still make it in time.
"Mm…"
Rosmontis looked somewhat reluctant, but she knew that people were waiting for Shirou, so she could not act selfishly.
"I will come again tomorrow."
Seeing her expression, Shirou was reminded of when he had to leave the Fuyuki shop before. Most of the children had worn similar expressions back then.
"We will be leaving Lungmen today."
Rosmontis shook her head. There would likely be no chance to meet Shirou again.
After all, she was an operator of Rhodes Island. She had many responsibilities to fulfill and also needed to receive treatment there.
This trip to Lungmen had only happened because Blaze found an excuse to deliver something and brought her along.
She had said that going out alone would not be fun.
"I see… then it cannot be helped. I will probably stay in Lungmen so you can come find me in the future."
After hearing her words, Shirou thought for a moment, he then borrowed a piece of paper to write down his contact information and handed it to Rosmontis.
"Mm."
Rosmontis nodded and accepted the paper.
However, she knew very well that the chances of returning to Lungmen were not high.
"Do not worry. I will bring you here again when there is a chance. The alcohol in Lungmen is quite good."
Seeing Rosmontis' expression, Blaze could guess what she was thinking, so she made a promise to bring her along next time she came to Lungmen.
The alcohol here was cheap and tasty. Blaze wished she could restock here every time instead of buying from that profiteering merchant.
"Really?"
Hearing Blaze's words, Rosmontis' face filled with anticipation.
"Really. But do not tell anyone. If Doctor Kal'tsit finds out, it will be over."
"Alright, I will not tell anyone."
The big cat and the little cat successfully reached an agreement.
It could be called a deal, because as long as the promise remained, the big cat would have more chances to cuddle the little cat.
"Then we will stay in touch. If you cannot reach me by phone, you can go to Penguin Logistics and ask around."
Watching as Rosmontis let go of the hand that had been holding onto him, Shirou said his goodbyes to Rosmontis, Blaze, and Minmin before leaving.
After watching Shirou depart, Blaze immediately grabbed Rosmontis and pressed her down onto a chair.
"There were outsiders just now so it was not appropriate for me to deal with you. Now that he is gone, you should explain why you ran off on your own."
The expression on Blaze's face was no longer playful like before, but rather quite serious.
After all, Rosmontis's behavior had been dangerous. However, considering that this was not a mission, Blaze did not scold her too harshly.
Still, the necessary questions had to be asked. After all, Rosmontis had never disappeared without saying a word like this before.
"I sensed the presence of Nameless."
Rosmontis blinked as she answered.
"Sigh… although he looks very similar, he is not the same person. Besides, that guy already…"
Hearing Rosmontis's explanation, Blaze sighed.
It was not strange that Rosmontis made that mistake. After all, Blaze herself had thought the same at first, though only in terms of appearance.
Moreover, Rosmontis had some connection with that person and they both shared certain issues with memory. It could be said that on Rhodes Island, aside from Amiya, Rosmontis was the one most familiar with him.
However, more than four months ago, Nameless had already… passed away.
Blaze learned this from Amiya, who personally witnessed his departure.
Blaze understood that Amiya must have been deeply affected. After all, he had been their companion for over a year, nearly two.
Rosmontis was also shaken by this and had been down for quite some time, before throwing herself even more into training.
Although Blaze was usually carefree, she did not want to hurt Rosmontis, so she did not finish what she was about to say.
"I know."
Rosmontis understood what Blaze meant, both what was said and what was left unsaid.
Just as Doctor Kal'tsit had told them, they should try not to treat Rhodes Island operators as family, because anyone could leave at any time, just like flowers in a vase that could wither if not carefully tended.
But they were all she had.
So at that time, she had only followed that familiar feeling.
When she saw the person that aura belonged to, she already knew it was only similar.
She did not treat Emiya as a substitute for Nameless. Emiya was Emiya, and Nameless was Nameless. Even if their presence felt alike, she could tell the difference.
"But if Emiya knew you were associating him with that gloomy, pitch-black guy, he would probably dislike you, right?"
Seeing the atmosphere growing heavy, Blaze quickly changed the topic.
"Hm?"
Rosmontis tilted her head in confusion.
"Little kitty, you do not want to be disliked, right?"
A mischievous smile slowly spread across Blaze's face as she reached out with her hand.
"Blaze, bad person."
Understanding Blaze's intent, Rosmontis pouted and ran toward Minmin, who was busy nearby, trying to rely on the only adult present to stop the big cat's scheme.
However, it did not help.
A combat-type elite operator going up against a regular medical operator had no suspense at all.