Published: August 15, 2025
Today, four chapters are released simultaneously.
This is the third chapter.
One week later, in the morning.
"Finally, the day has come..."
From the top floor of the headquarters of the security company, which resembles the National Diet Building, I looked outside and saw eager workers already gathered in front of the gate.
To accomplish something big, thorough preparation is necessary. For this past week, I spent intense days filled with groundwork and meetings... but today is not the end. From today, it finally begins. It can begin!
As I was psyching myself up,
"Lord Ryoma, excuse me."
"What's the matter?"
Ms. Luluneze, the maid, came in a bit flustered.
"Doctors from the Duke's household have arrived. They wish to greet you, Lord Ryoma, and seek your instructions going forward."
The arrival of the medical team.
They were supposed to arrive tonight or tomorrow, but for some reason, they came earlier.
"Understood. Thank you. Let's meet them right away."
"This way, please."
I was guided to a newly prepared reception room.
We had requested Mr. Serge to arrange proper furnishings.
Waiting there were three young men and two women.
When I entered, they all stood up from the sofas at once.
"Thank you for waiting. I am Ryoma Takebayashi. Long journey, I imagine."
"Thank you very much. I am Mafral, the son and disciple of Dr. Alafral. And these are my junior disciples—"
"Tinto Cantelli! Nice to meet you!"
"...Hector Moncada."
"Isabel Rosada."
"I am Clarissa Loniarty."
They all looked to be in their early twenties, but Mafral is an Elf. He probably looks younger than he is and is likely older. Also, he's a handsome guy.
The other four are likely young humans. Tinto Cantelli is a fresh, athletic type of male, while Hector Moncada is a more reserved researcher type? I find myself relating more to Hector.
As for the women, Isabel Rosada looks like a capable female doctor, and Clarissa Loniarty gives off a gentle nurse-like impression.
"Thank you for providing us with such a practical place to learn."
At Mafral's words, all five bowed their heads in unison.
"And thank you as well! I look forward to learning from all of you. Let's work well together from now on."
I replied, but when I looked up, the conversation fell silent.
Only then did I notice that everyone seemed quite nervous around me.
I wondered why. Sensing this, Mafral spoke up.
"Lord Takebayashi, we heard from sir that you are the famous sage, Lady Melia's disciple."
"Oh, I see... yes, I am indeed Lady Melia's disciple."
I took out my status board from my Item Box for the first time in a while, displaying the title "sage's disciple" to them. Their demeanor seemed to shift from nervousness to respect.
They are trustworthy personnel, and Mr. Reinhardt probably shared this information with them to make things easier for me, who is probably too young... but this does make me slightly uncomfortable.
"Um, everyone, please feel free to be more casual."
"Is that alright!?"
"Actually, that would be better. The important ones are my grandparents, not me. Personally, I feel more like a guardian than a teacher. And though I’ve learned a lot, I’m still a young, inexperienced person. As I said earlier, I think I’ll have a lot to learn from all of you. So please feel free, and just call me Ryoma."
"Understood! Then please call me Tinto!"
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Tinto."
But this guy’s voice is so loud... It feels like we just passed by a sports club doing vocal warm-ups.
"Is everyone okay with this?"
When I asked, the other four nodded.
"...If I don't have to deal with troublesome formalities, that’d be a relief..."
Hector muttered somewhat quietly. Among important people, there must be power struggles and issues like who is whose disciple, causing complications...
"Right. Everyone, if you don't mind, could you please check out the place where you’ll be working? If there are any problems, adjustments will be necessary."
"Understood."
I led the five, who looked highly motivated, toward the right side of the building when viewed from the front — the House of Councillors side. This is where the medical team will be working at the "hospital inside the security company."