"Sorry, sorry. I have made you wait a while"
Having eaten her fill, Minmin felt especially energized. After washing and drying the lunchbox and thermos, she returned them to Shirou.
"Not at all. We are not in a hurry."
Rope took the lunchbox and thermos first, then put them into Shirou's backpack.
She was not in a hurry about the Oripathy test results anyway. The outcome would be more or less the same.
She had long gotten used to it.
"Do not say that. With proper treatment the Oripathy can still be kept under control."
Minmin comforted her. While treatment could not cure Oripathy it could stabilize it.
She then took out Rope's medical report and began explaining.
Overall, it was not much different from the results from Aak's place but the data here was more detailed. There were even additional items that had not appeared in the previous examination.
There was also a full-body imaging result attached.
Just one look made Shirou frown.
Most of Rope's Oripathy was internal so it was not obvious from the outside. But on the imaging scan many blurry shadows could clearly be seen.
Those shadows were the Originium deposits inside her body.
Shirou felt a headache just looking at it while Rope on the other hand, reacted much more casually. Holding the scan, she asked if it was some kind of abstract art.
That question left Shirou speechless.
But Minmin, being experienced, replied, "I have seen worse. Some cases look like crystal chandeliers."
"Seriously?"
Rope looked shocked.
"Wait, is that not getting off-topic? Rope, stop messing around!"
Hearing the topic shift from medical imaging to crystal chandeliers, Shirou paused in confusion before tapping Rope on the head.
He was already used to these sudden tangents.
Penguin Logistics… no, Lungmen as a whole was full of these unexpected turns.
He once saw a gang fight and instead of running away, a crowd had gathered to watch. At first, he thought it was a film shoot and kept his distance.
Only after getting closer did he realize it was real.
After all, who uses real blades in a performance? And the red liquid was definitely not tomato sauce.
Looking at the fighting gang members, then at the crowd watching, Shirou could not help but admire how strong the people of Lungmen were mentally.
"Hehe."
After being tapped on the head Rope was not upset at all. She just giggled.
Because she had deliberately changed the topic to lighten the mood.
She did not like heavy, gloomy atmospheres. What they had earlier was not something she enjoyed.
"It is not a big problem. Relax a little."
Minmin did not mind patients like this. Being exposed to too many negative emotions could wear a person down.
A cheerful and playful patient like Rope made examinations feel unexpectedly pleasant.
Of course, Shirou also played a role in that. Without him, Rope probably would not be this at ease.
Still, business was business. Minmin continued explaining the necessary precautions and arranged the next stage of treatment.
"As for inhibitors, you can stop buying them for now. I will prescribe something more suitable for Rope later. Inhibitors are more for emergency use and taking too much can be harmful."
After finishing everything, Minmin let out a small breath.
Even though the atmosphere this time was not as heavy, delivering this kind of news which was like slowly pressing a blade against someone's throat was something she could never fully get used to.
"I understand."
Hearing that, Shirou nodded.
From now on, they would just keep a few inhibitors in reserve for emergencies.
Although one of the most expensive items was no longer needed, thinking about future treatment costs made him feel the pressure of life from all directions.
"Alright. I will draft the treatment plan first and then discuss it with you later."
After thinking for a moment, Minmin confirmed she had not missed anything.
Everything that needed to be said had been said.
Since it was done, it was time to see them off.
After all, treating patients privately without official approval from Lungmen was not exactly proper.
Minmin was clearly sending them off yet Shirou and Rope remained seated staring at her.
"…Um, should we settle the fee?"
After a long moment of silence, Shirou finally asked.
He wondered if Minmin had forgotten.
"Oh, the fee? It was already received."
Hearing that, Minmin paused and then pointed at Shirou's bag.
"You already paid?"
Rope turned her head to look at Shirou.
"I did not."
Shirou shook his head.
Besides, his money was not even in his bag, it was in his pocket.
He took the money out of his pocket and glanced at it. The amount of Lungmen currency had not changed.
So who exactly paid the treatment fee?
"Haha, I meant the lunchbox just now. That counts as payment. Rhodes Island's treatment does not necessarily require money."
Seeing the two of them questioning reality, Minmin burst out laughing. She had seen this many times, most people did not believe it at first.
So she briefly explained Rhodes Island's payment system:
"Treatment at Rhodes Island can be free. Even helping with cleaning, organizing, laundry or cooking counts. As long as you contribute something useful, no matter how small, it can be exchanged for treatment of Oripathy."
"…Seriously? There are actually people as foolish as you?"
Hearing that, Rope pinched her thigh hard. The pain instantly confirmed that this was real.
There were actually people who thought like Shirou and on such a large scale?
"Who are you calling foolish?"
Shirou immediately gave her a chop on the head.
It was fine to say that kind of thing in private but saying it out loud with the person right there?
"Ow! Do not hit my head! I will not grow taller!"
This time Shirou did not hold back, and Rope clearly felt the pain.
"Hm? What do you mean by that?"
Now it was Minmin's turn to be confused.
What did she mean, "as foolish as you"?
Even if Rhodes Island's approach was a bit idealistic, everyone there was kind-hearted.
How could she call it foolish? It should be called compassion and goodwill.
"Well… about that, I actually wanted to talk to you about something."
Facing Minmin's puzzled gaze, Shirou awkwardly explained everything.
He did not hold anything back. After all, he was not doing anything wrong, and since he was asking for help, hiding things would only make it worse.
He briefly explained the existence of the Fuyuki shop, as well as the situation of most of the children there.
"…I think I understand. Give me a moment."
After hearing everything, Minmin said she needed time to think.
If more than a dozen children came all at once, there was no way she could handle it alone. The other operators stationed here could not provide much help in this regard either.
If she gave up, it would be a shame…the place had not fully started operating yet so arrangements could still be made.
But if she accepted, she would definitely be overwhelmed.
After thinking seriously for five seconds, Minmin made her decision.
"We will take this case. But do not bring everyone at once. Bring two or three at a time and rotate them."
Tired or not, she would handle it.
The medical operators on the main ship worked far harder than this. Compared to them, this was just over a dozen children.
She was not afraid.
This was what it meant to be a Rhodes Island medic.
"Then what about the treatment fees…?"
Hearing that Minmin accepted, Rope asked.
It was one thing to treat a single person for free but if there were many patients, could they really afford not to charge?
Or did Rhodes Island have some special way of generating money?
"With this many people, I will need to report it to the Headquarters and let them arrange it. But it should not be too different. You can rest assured about that."
Having just taken on a group of patients, Minmin could not feel happy at all.
She could already see the overtime hell awaiting her.
Treatment was not as simple as drawing blood and running it through a machine. It had to be tailored based on each patient's condition and the distribution of Originium on or inside their body.
External Originium could be removed but what about internal deposits?
Internal ones could sometimes be surgically removed but what if they were growing on vital organs?
And she would be the one performing those procedures.
She could already imagine what her upcoming days would look like.
"…How many people are there at this branch?"
Shirou thought for a moment. He could arrange meals for them here.
Cooking was one of the few things he was truly skilled at.
The other thing was combat but as a medical company, Rhodes Island probably did not encounter battles often.
Then again… Shirou suddenly thought of Blaze and Rosmontis.
They were combat operators of Rhodes Island and they were responsible for assault and annihilation missions.
That was what the "little cat" had mentioned.
"There are not many people here and including me there are fewer than ten. Occasionally more operators are assigned here but that will only happen after this branch officially starts operating."
"Then for the time being, let some of the children come over. Let them first become aware of this place and at the same time get used to the environment here in advance."
After glancing around, although the tables and chairs nearby looked neat, there was actually a faint layer of dust on them. It was likely that this place was only tidied up lightly every few days.
Coincidentally, there was an excess of staff at the Fuyuki Shop and people often had nothing to do. Having them come over to help here would also be a good thing.
"That works, but you have to tell them in advance not to run around or touch things randomly."
Having extra hands was naturally the best. If conditions allowed, who would want to work or eat in a dirty and messy environment?
Minmin was not worried that making such arrangements on her own would cause any problems. On one hand, Shirou was acquainted with two elite operators. On the other hand, the identity of Penguin Logistics employees was not just for show.
In addition, he had brought back the lost Rosmontis and taken in so many children so he definitely was not a bad person.
Probably not, right?
"That is only natural."
Shirou understood Minmin's concerns.
Children were full of energy and stamina. If they ran around recklessly, they could easily bump into things and break them.
Not to mention the equipment behind the glass windows, even some of the medical supplies outside could cause serious harm if knocked over.
So even if Minmin had not said anything, Shirou would still carefully remind everyone.
"…Shirou, you really surprised me."
After arranging the children from the Fuyuki Shop together with Shirou, Minmin had completely changed her impression of him.
His values and outlook aligned very well with Rhodes Island. It was just a pity that he did not know much about medical knowledge otherwise he would definitely qualify as a medical operator.
As for being a combat operator, she did not even consider it. Compared to the entirety of Rhodes Island, combat operators only made up a small portion.
Most people, unless truly faced with hardship, would not choose to pick up a weapon.
She herself was the same which was why she was just an ordinary medical operator, the kind who had never even participated in combat.
"What is so surprising?"
Hearing Minmin's words, Shirou stopped what he was doing. He had just been holding a piece of paper and was writing down some precautions he had learned.
"Well… how should I put it? In many ways, I suppose?"
Looking at the Rhodes Island emblem in her hand, Minmin spoke.
"Can we not just speak plainly?"
Shirou said with dead fish eyes.
Riddles, riddles, and more riddles.
This land was truly filled with riddles.
"Unfortunately, we cannot."
Seeing Shirou's expression, Minmin replied with a light laugh.
She had spoken without thinking just now and when she considered continuing, it felt somewhat… awkward.
So she chose to keep a bit of mystery. It was a tradition of the Rhodes Island medical department.
However, Shirou seemed a bit unwilling to accept it. It looked like she would need to adjust her evaluation. Shirou might not be very suitable for the Rhodes Island medical department.
"Honestly… it looks like everything is about done. Then Rope and I will head off first. I will contact you again in the next few days."
Shirou gave up pressing further. After finishing and tidying up his work, he prepared to leave.
If you insist on speaking in riddles, then I will simply leave.
After exiting the Rhodes Island office through the back door, Shirou and Rope finally relaxed.
After all, their original purpose had been to probe this place. Now not only had they successfully done so but they had also secured future treatment.
"Are you sure there is no problem here?"
Rope was still somewhat worried, being the more suspicious type.
"I do not think there is any issue. At least she genuinely wants to help treat you."
At least from their current interactions, Shirou felt that Rhodes Island was trustworthy.
As for the reason he trusted them… part of it was the good first impression and what he had heard about Rhodes Island from Rosmontis.
The other part was intuition.
Although he himself did not entirely trust his intuition, since based on past experience, it rarely led to anything good.
"I could feel that too."
Even as a bystander, Shirou could tell. As the person involved, Rope naturally sensed the goodwill that had been continuously directed at her.
Although there was already someone beside them who radiated overwhelming kindness, being treated with such goodwill still made her feel a bit uncomfortable.
However, this feeling… did not seem so bad.