A Doctor’s Pride

“Hm… hm…”

In a small, old clinic located in a residential district of Vian, capital of the Estraia Empire—

Günter, the physician, had his ear pressed to Jonah’s chest—who seemed a little ticklish—and listened to his heartbeat.

“Jonah, you can put your clothes back on now.”

“Y-yes.”

With the examination finally finished, Jonah hurried to get dressed.

As promised, Jonah had returned for his checkup just under two months after leaving the capital—one day earlier, in fact.

Or rather—without Günter’s medicine, the pain would be unbearable, so he had no choice but to come.

“So… how was it…?”

“Hm? Ah… no real change from two months ago.”

Hearing that, Jonah exhaled in relief… but then—

“Don’t misunderstand. I mean the rate of progression hasn’t changed. To put it bluntly… it’s worsening steadily.”

“Ah… I see…”

He had been told two months earlier he had a year left to live—of course it would worsen. Jonah knew that.

But hearing it confirmed still weighed painfully on him.

“Well now… I’ll prepare your medicine shortly.”

Günter exhaled softly, then his expression softened slightly as he looked at Jonah.

“Did you enjoy your time in Benedia?”

“Eh!?”

Asked with a knowing smile, Jonah involuntarily yelped.

He hadn’t told Günter anything about the past two months.

So how did Günter know he had been in Benedia?

“Hahaha—actually, a doctor I know sent me a letter worrying about you. Even went through the trouble of using a carrier bird.”

“A doctor you know… don’t tell me—”

“That’s right. Rosario, the royal physician of Benedia, studied medicine alongside me. He’s an old friend.”

“W-wow! I had no idea!”

Günter smiled faintly at Jonah’s reaction.

Jonah hadn’t imagined his own doctor had connections with physicians in another nation—it made him oddly happy.

But Jonah didn’t know—

That this “coincidence” was actually a natural result of the path he chose to walk.

“So then—I’d very much like to hear your tales of adventure. Preferably over a cup of honey tea.”

“Ah… hehe.”

Günter clearly knew that the honey tea he made on Jonah’s departure day had become one of Jonah’s favorites.

Jonah couldn’t help but smile shyly.

“Now then—tell me. All about your first adventures.”

“Yes!”

Guided by Günter, Jonah happily moved to the sitting room.

“Jonah, I’m sorry, but could we move your next checkup to one month from now?”

“Eh!? Wh-why…?”

Right after Jonah finished recounting his two-month journey, Günter suddenly said this.

Worried it meant his condition was even worse than he thought, Jonah asked anxiously.

“I do prescribe your medicine based on your condition, but I must also adjust its strength depending on your symptoms. You collapsed in Benedia, after all. It’s too dangerous to leave your condition unchecked. I know it’s troublesome, but I need to monitor you regularly to administer appropriate treatment.”

Günter looked into Jonah’s eyes, explaining gently—yet firmly.

“Th-then… couldn’t I just take a stronger medicine from the start?”

“I’ve told you before—a medicine must match the patient’s condition. Otherwise it becomes poison. Your body is already fragile. Giving you a strong drug could damage you further. It could even shorten your lifespan.”

“…Okay…”

With such a firm explanation, Jonah couldn’t argue back.

He lowered his head and nodded quietly.

“Still… to think you were the one who wiped out those locusts that were troubling the Empire. Prices for grain spiked everywhere. Honestly, we owe you quite a lot.”

Trying to lift the mood after the harsh news, Günter praised him—but it wasn’t exaggerated.

Indeed, without Jonah’s intervention, the Empire would have suffered catastrophic famine.

In the original fate, the Empire would have begun invading other nations out of desperation for food.

“On top of that, the Hagenberg territory you saved sent aid to all the affected regions. Thanks to that, even here in the capital, food is expensive but still available. I can say I remain in good health today thanks to you.”

“Ah…”

“Jonah—your journey brings happiness to many people. That is why… Please work with me on your checkups. I want to delay your final moment… no, I want the chance to ensure you never reach that final moment.”

Günter placed a hand on Jonah’s small shoulder and pleaded earnestly.

Even knowing the prognosis, he had not given up on saving Jonah.

Since meeting Jonah, Günter had been searching daily for any medical records on Mana Overabundance, creating and testing formulas, failing and refining again and again.

The new medicine he prescribed was stronger and safer than the one from two months ago—thanks to his relentless research.

Yes—Günter, too, was resisting a fate that was supposed to be immutable.

“Um… why does Dr. Günter… go this far for me…?”

Jonah asked, onyx eyes shimmering.

The pain worsening day by day told him his end was coming.

And Günter had been dismissed by Duke Langheim. He had no obligation to care for the duke’s son. If anything, he should have refused.

So why did he stay? Why fight alongside him?

To Jonah, who had been raised to believe he was worthless—a failure—the reason mattered deeply.

Then—

“Isn’t it obvious? Because I am a doctor. And I became a doctor to save those who suffer.”

As he said this, Günter’s face radiated warmth, strength, and unshakable pride.