“Help us, Teacher!”

Ash took a bold step forward.

Ren immediately blocked the way, but Ash couldn’t step back.

“If an explanation is not enough, can’t you visit our village again like last time? Please, Teacher, we need your help. It’s fine if you just come to the village with us. Even if you only conduct examinations, we’ll be grateful!”

He was about to kneel down right away.

Sharti quickly reached out to stop Ash.

Ren’s eyes narrowed as he tried to sneak a peek at the note Sharti was writing.

“Please give me some time.”

“Yes?”

“I need time to prepare for an on-site treatment. I’ll do my best to get ready and leave as soon as possible.”

Ren turned his head in the opposite direction and rubbed his forehead.

Sharti had intended to visit Ash’s village from the beginning.

Ren gritted his teeth at Sharti’s decision, which deviated completely from his expectations.

On the other hand, Ash, who had grasped onto hope, clenched his fist tightly.

“Yes, yes! We’ll wait as long as needed.”

“…Wait?”

Ash’s words sounded perplexing to Ren, who naturally thought Ash would return to his village.

“The distance is far, and you’ll need someone to carry your belongings. Since you’re coming at my request, I’ll take care of the guidance.”

Ren’s expression was one of disbelief at Ash’s decision to wait here rather than go back.

Soon, Ren’s face lost its expression. This time, Sharti couldn’t be sure if she would accept or reject. So, preparing for the worst, even if she opposed, he needed to act as rationally as possible.

There was a need for Sharti to be cautious not to show any arrogance in Ash’s eyes.

“No. Please go back first.”

“…Yes, okay?”

“…”

Sharti firmly opposed.

Seeing the bewildered Ash, Ren felt a strange sense of relief. And it seemed like an inexplicable pressure was lifted from his shoulders.

Ren scratched his cheek as if trying to cover the corner of his mouth.

‘An unknown disease has spread, and he came to find me. It means the internal situation of the village is not good.’

Sharti calmly and coolly assessed the situation.

Ash’s village was hidden in a secluded valley to the northeast.

‘And as northeast is where the academy is located, the medical field is well-established.’

Even in the nearby village at the foot of the mountain, several doctors could be found.

However, Ash, despite the possibility that the entire village might be affected by the disease, chose not to go to the nearby village but instead sought out Sharti from a different region.

In other words, Ash’s village didn’t want external help, and unable to endure it any longer, Ash unilaterally requested assistance from Sharti.

“…”

When Sharti bluntly asked, Ash noticeably stiffened.

Sharti remembered the threatening atmosphere of the village, where even weapons were raised.
Ash also swallowed her hesitation, looking skeptical. Sharti approached the hesitant Ash first this time. This time, Ren didn’t stop her.

“No, that’s not it! I just…”

“…”

Although Ash tried to dispel misunderstandings, Sharti was firm. Eventually, Ash reluctantly accepted it, and with a face devoid of lingering attachment, he returned to his village while Ren watched him for a while, feeling a small sense of satisfaction.

However, the momentary joy quickly faded.

“I’m against it.”

“…?”

Sharti, who was removing her gloves while walking home, turned to look at Ren.

Ren, who had covered his nose and mouth, revealed his face directly.

Sharti was surprised and looked around.

“If the disease is spreading in the village, it means it’s a serious situation. Running all the way to find you, Sharti, suggests urgency.”

Ren walked briskly and faced Sharti.

“Going to such a village, even if you’re a skilled doctor, is dangerous. Sometimes people cornered in a dead-end place are more dangerous than the disease.”

“I understand.”

For some reason, there had been many instances where, if symptoms weren’t apparent, patients or their caregivers had turned violent.

Since Sharti became a doctor without a license, most days were unwelcoming.

“But I’ll still go. I have to go.”

She may not have a license, but she was a doctor. Sharti became a doctor to help people, to treat wounds.

“If a disease is spreading in a rural village, it might spread to the village where Grandma Biretta lives. Books are records of the past, and I have to find out and study the current situation for myself.”

“…”

“Truly dangerous is the negligence of seeking safety by weighing others’ lives and one’s own. It’s the most inappropriate attitude for a doctor.”

Her voice was assertive. Ren wanted to see Sharti’s face, the one with the deep crimson eyes that burned passionately. Well, exactly, Ren stopped himself from imagining and clenched his fist to hide the trembling fingers.

“…Okay. I expected you to go anyway, even if I tried to stop you.”

Sharti, with a tone as if she hadn’t expected it, awkwardly avoided eye contact.

“Instead, I want to go with you.”

“Where?”

“Where you’re going, Sharti. To that village.”

“No way!”

Sharti unconsciously raised her voice.

Ren tilted his head with a clenched fist.

“Think about it, Sharti.”

Ren began to explain the reason in a calm voice.

“If you leave me alone here, will you feel more at ease?”

“…”

“Instead, wouldn’t you feel more at ease if I went with you?”
Without a logically coherent persuasion, Sharti began to ponder as the uneasy imagination set in. Since before Ash arrived, it seemed like there had been a strange misunderstanding, so it seemed unnecessary to add words. Of course, Ren had no intention of staying alone in the old log house for a long time without knowing when Sharti would return.

“Well, still, taking Ren to that village…”

It didn’t work perfectly, as expected. It was when Ren clicked his tongue inwardly.

“Teacher!”

Ren turned abruptly at the distant, cheerful voice.

“Uh, Ren, you didn’t put on the bandage! You should cover your face!”

Ren raised the corner of his mouth when his eyes met with Tane.

It was the arrival of a supporter who would strengthen his opinion.

Tane, who was running towards them, slowed down upon seeing Ren’s intense gaze.

“…That look is similar to a bear targeting its prey.”