A Certain Doctor’s Wish

Günter Schultz met Jonatan Gerhard Langheim for the first time nine years ago.

At that time, he was one of the foremost doctors in the Imperial Capital, recruited by the Langheim Ducal House—one of the five great ducal houses—with generous terms. It all began when he examined the two-year-old Jonatan, who was bedridden.

Yet when Günter finished his examination, he was stunned.

The boy’s tissues had been ravaged by an unknown illness; complete recovery seemed impossible.

The Duke of Langheim had issued a strict order: cure him at all costs.

To help Jonah recover even a little, Günter began treatment that very day.

But.

“Damn it…! No matter how many medicines I prescribe to promote recovery, they have no effect at all!”

For ordinary patients, Günter’s medicines produced considerable results, even if not dramatic—he had proven that time and again.

Yet in Jonah’s case, there wasn’t even a hint of recovery. …No, more accurately, the damage was progressing faster than any recovery.

Günter learned this by tirelessly verifying the effects himself each time Jonah took the medicine.

To uncover the cause, Günter threw himself even deeper into researching Jonah’s body.

The result:

“…So there is no prospect of Jonah’s body recovering?”

“Yes…”

Even hearing Günter’s report, the Duke of Langheim did not let his expression waver.

Normally, learning that one’s own son would suffer forever would bring grief and lamentation.

“What is the cause?”

“After examining Lord Jonatan’s body, I discovered he possesses an overwhelmingly greater amount of mana than ordinary people.”

Yes… the cause of Jonah’s condition was “Mana Overabundance.”

An enormous volume of mana far exceeding human norms had surpassed the vessel’s capacity and was damaging his flesh.

Discovering this was nothing short of sheer coincidence.

While exhaustively searching literature for any past cases resembling Jonah’s, Günter happened to find a book compiling records of rare diseases among the Langheim family’s collection.

And it was sitting right on top of a careless pile of books.

“Then does that mean Jonah possesses greater magical talent than anyone else? And if he uses magic, his mana will decrease, so recovery should be possible, no?”

“With all due respect, Your Grace, constantly releasing such an enormous amount of mana is impossible. It would be like continuously firing tactical-class spells in every direction, all day long.”

“Hm…”

Günter attempted to measure the exact amount of mana Jonah possessed, but unfortunately the result was “unmeasurable.”

In other words, no method currently existed in this world to accurately measure Jonah’s mana.

That alone proved just how extraordinarily off-the-charts Jonah’s mana was.

“Then what are we to do? Will Jonah remain bedridden forever?”

“Regrettably… the most I can do is ease Lord Jonatan’s pain and slow the progression as much as possible.”

If left untreated, Jonah’s body would deteriorate beyond recovery; in the worst case, he might not live to adulthood.

Then, as a doctor, he would fight to the very end. The moment Jonah’s illness was identified, Günter made that resolution.

“…Very well. I leave the rest to you.”

“Understood.”

From this day forward, Günter’s battle against Jonah’s illness began.

And yet.

Five years later, that battle came to an unexpected end.

Jonah, who absolutely should not have been able to move, stood up perfectly.

Günter rejoiced, yet he could not accept it.

No matter how many times he examined him, Jonah’s body showed not the slightest improvement.

“…According to your own diagnosis, Jonah’s body was never supposed to recover, was it not?”

“Y-yes, that is correct. However, his condition has not changed.”

“Then what is the meaning of this?”

“That is…”

At the end of the Duke of Langheim’s pointing finger stood Jonah.

Faced with this impossible reality, Günter fell into utter confusion.

“Haa… I hired you because I heard you were excellent. Very well—our contract ends here.”

“…!? W-wait, please! At least allow me to continue examining Lord Jonatan!”

“Paul. Escort Doctor Günter back to the imperial capital.”

“Understood.”

“Wait! Please wait…!”

Thus Günter was dismissed from the Langheim house. Though he reopened a small clinic in the imperial capital, the guilt and helplessness of failing to save Jonah robbed him of the passion for medicine he once had.

One year after returning to the imperial capital.

An unexpected patient visited the clinic.

“Y-you are…”

“Doctor Günter, it has been a long time.”

The boy bowed politely.

There could be no mistake—it was Jonah.

“Wh-why are you here…?”

“You probably already know, Doctor, but my body is not cured. I am merely controlling myself with magic.”

Jonah revealed to Günter the secret of how he could move.

That he was manipulating his own body using ancient magic he had accidentally discovered and mastered.

That without Günter’s treatment, his symptoms worsened day by day, tormenting him with unbearable pain.

“…It may not be enough, but this is all the money I have. So please, will you continue treating me from now on?”

The amount Jonah offered was extraordinary.

Truly comparable to the compensation he had received from the Langheim house.

“Of course, that is something I myself could only wish for…”

“Please!”

Günter had never dreamed that Jonah would come looking for him, yet the boy before him was undoubtedly Jonah.

Moreover, Jonah’s visit rekindled the passion for medicine that had grown cold within Günter.

“…Very well. I, Günter Schultz, will do everything in my power.”

“…! Thank you so much!”

From this day onward, Günter’s treatment of Jonah resumed.

“He’s gone…”

Picturing the small back that had vanished from sight, Günter looked up at the morning sky aglow with dawn.

These past nine years with Jonah—to say so might be unfair to him—had been immensely fulfilling.

Of course, he still felt bitter shame at his own incompetence, forced to pronounce a limited lifespan upon Jonah.

Even so, Günter had done everything he possibly could. That would never change, even in the future.

“Jonah… may whatever life remains to you be filled with happiness.”

Knowing full well the tragedy of Jonah’s birth, Günter whispered irresponsible words.

Yet… even so, Günter could not help but wish it.