EPISODE 4

<Veterinarian Druid Episode 4>

[Starting the Druid System]

[You can gain experience points through animal treatment]

[Use experience points to enhance abilities or acquire various skills]

"What is this?"

[You have gained 1 experience point by treating the horse]

[Horse's physical attributes are unlocked: Vision, smell, hearing, speed.]

Endurance: 1/50

Endurance? What exactly is happening right now?

If I fill up those 50 points, can I run like a racehorse or something?

I stood there dumbfounded, staring at the golden text.

But not for long. Terry's neigh snapped me back to reality.

Neighhh!

"Oh, this guy seems really happy."

"Of course. He almost died, after all."

"By the way, Master. How do you know all about this? How did you manage to heal this guy quickly?"

"Well, it's just something I know."

It was something I already knew. You punk.

"Just a moment, master!"

Suddenly, Seigan approached and scrutinized me from head to toe.

"Now, why is he like this?"

"I was wondering if this person is really our Master. I've been by your side for over 10 years, but I didn't know you have such knowledge. If you had read a book or something, I wouldn't be surprised. But you're the type of person who puts aside books and knowledge into a corner... It's really strange, are you really our young master?" (Note: Puts aside books and knowledge into a corner means neglecting or disregarding his studies. Actually, Idk how to translate this part. Basically, it's just Seigan being suspicious and surprised as to why his master knows such things when he doesn't even read books.)

Sharp kid.

"Well, shall we call it a late-discovered talent?"

"Don't joke around."

"Then you try falling off a horse once. See if you'll suddenly become smart after coming back from the brink of death."

"Heuk! I, I'm not falling. Please don't say such things. If Madame founds out, I will be beaten to death, you know."

"Hahaha. Just kidding, just kidding. Well, I learned through various experiences."

"Well, Master did spend a lot of time with suspicious people. Sometimes, you even got caught up in the trouble caused by those habitual gamblers... Oh no. It's nothing. Nothing like that at all.

What do you mean, you already said everything.

Who is he referring to as suspicious people? And who are these habitual gamblers?

What could this 17-year-old kid have been up to...

"Anyway, since the young master kept his promise, I won't be kicked out right away. Phew, from now on, I can relax and sleep well."

"Why? What's the concern?"

"Of course. If the young master is taken away, I would be taken with him along as well."

I chuckled at Seigan's words.

The rumor that the troublesome master would soon be taken to the border must have spread among the estate's employees.

"Exactly. There's no way I'll be dragged away."

If I have to go anyway, I will choose to go instead of being dragged. To the Healing Tower!

Well, I must admit. I am curious about Jayden's mention of the wildlife in the Border Defense Unit. It would be nice to see animals freely roaming around the vast land. Ah, just the thought of it lifts my spirit.

For now, I have achieved the first goal here.

"Let's head to the main building."

"Yes."

I walked towards the main building with Healer Dan, Seigan, and the stable manager.

Now, I've come accustomed to people walking slightly behind me instead of walking right beside me.

Spica, walking beside me and wagging her tail, seemed to be in a good mood, as she opened her mouth and laughed.

[Hehehe.]

At that moment, I heard a surprise exclamation of 'Oh my goodness.' from behind.

-Spica, people really seem to like you when you smile? Aren't you secretly popular?

[Hehe, I guess so. But my favorite person is still Master.]

-You little rascal, you even know how to flatter.

Then, Healer Dan spoke up from behind.

"Well, Master Marcus."

"Yes?"

"I have something to discuss."

"Please go ahead."

"That's a little... Could you spare me a moment?"

"A moment?"

"Yes, I have a favor to ask before reporting to the Count."

Seems like he's quite strict about following protocol. He probably wants to ensure everything is aligned during the report.

"Please go ahead."

We walked away from the rest of the group and Healer Dan handed me a piece of paper. It was a business card.

The card read 'Animal Therapy Association, President Dan.'

"Young master Ulysses, would it be possible for you to register the treatment method that you have performed with our association?"

"Registration?"

"When our healers perform treatments, they follow the guidelines set by the registered treatment methods in our association."

So, they have protocols in place.

"The best and fastest way to promote this incredible treatment method to the world is through registration. Healers always check for newly introduced treatment methods."

"Is it to prevent the misuse of treatment methods?"

"Ultimately, yes. If it becomes known that the previously untreatable hoof disease has been cured, the reaction from the Healers would be quite intense."

"Ah, I see."

What kind of treatment method is it? It seems like everyone who knows about it already knows.

Perhaps seeing my expression, Healer Dan continued with a flustered voice.

"Oh, I didn't mean to imply that we would use it for free."

Healer Dan went on to explain, and the gist of it was that money would pile up in front of me.

I thought being the youngest son of the Count was a great position.

However, the Count title would only go to the eldest son, or more precisely, to the next heir. The rest would have no title.

Either you earn it through merits or buy it with money.

Since I've been living as a commoner, I decided to pass on that.

However, there was something more important to consider.

If I can't inherit the title, does that mean I can't inherit any property either?

That's unacceptable.

I can't let cobwebs form in my pockets.

With the goal of earning a lot of money in mind, I spoke to Healer Dan.

"Shall we hear it?"

"In exchange for providing the cause, treatment, and prevention method of hoof disease to the Equine Healing Department under the Animal Therapy Association, I will give you 10% of the income."

"Let's report to my father first."

If this turns out to be valuable information, I will determine the price.

As we arrived at the main building, Spica went ahead and sat in front of the entrance.

[Master, please go ahead. I'll stand guard here.]

-You're standing guard? There are several knights here. Let's go inside.

At my words, Spica looked around and snorted, stood tall, and stared straight ahead.

"Damn brat, you're an excellent watchdog."

Entering the main building, I asked Seigan.

"Seigan."

"Yes, young master."

"Has Spica received any training?"

"Training?

"Yeah, because standing guard isn't easy."

"Who would train that terrifying creature? Except for you, young master."

"Me?"

"You know, I guess you don't. Spica never listens to anyone other than you."

"She naturally only follows her owner."

These people don't seem to understand the cuteness of this friend.

Thinking of Cane Corso's personality, I chuckled. Does Spica consider me her owner?

As I entered the study, the Countess, or rather, my mother, was also present.

"Marcus!"

The Countess's voice was filled with worry. The reason was obvious. She was concerned that I would be dragged away to serve in the Border Defense Unit.

After giving my mother a sly smile, I spoke up.

"It's been fixed."

"What are you talking about?"

The Count retorted my words.

"Third Master Ulysses has successfully treated the collapsed horse."

Healer Dan stepped forward to answer.

"Oh my, Marcus!"

The Countess grabbed my hand looking especially delighted.

"Is it true?"

The Count glared at me with sharp eyes. It was a gaze that tried to uncover the truth.

"The young master truly brought the horse back to health, my lord."

Healer Dan showed a crystal orb containing the process of the treatment and explained the treatment process. The Count's eyes grew wider and wider.

"Marcus, are you sure I'm not just seeing things?"

"Well, that's right."

The Count turned the crystal over several times.

"Well, what should I say, Healer Dan? How did this happen? No, before that, is hoof disease really a disease that can be easily cured like this?"

"How can that be? Why did so many horses die if that were the case?"

"Could it be a different disease?

The Count, finding it hard to believe asked Healer Dan some various questions.

"To put it simply, from now on, the history of horse treatment will be divided into before and after the treatment of Third Master Ulysses."

"That's..."

"You have an extraordinary son."

The corners of the Count's mouth twitched.

"Ahem, Healer Dan, consider applying this treatment method to the horses in the training grounds starting tomorrow."

"Of course."

Confidence radiated from Healer Dan's response.

Feeling that it was the right time, I spoke up.

"I have something to say."

"What is it?"

"Since I'm already obligated to serve, please send me to the Healing Tower instead of the Border Defense Unit."

"Nonsense!"

The Count flatly rejected and glare at me.

"No one in our family has ever served anywhere else."

"There's always an exception."

"This punk!"

"Well, um... Wouldn't it be less embarrassing for you to send me to the Healing Tower instead of the Border Defense Unit? What would people say when they see me, who is terrible at swordsmanship, in the defense unit?"

The Ulysses is a knight's family. They would undoubtedly want to hide someone like me.

"..."

The Count's face hardened. He must be contemplating his options.

Would it be better to break away from the established tradition and accommodate me, or should he stick to his original plan and assign me to the Border Defense unit?

The answer is obvious.

Is this what they call a tilted playing field?

If the noble values the honor of their family, then naturally...

"It seems you're running your mouth without thinking. Do you think the Healing Tower accepts just anyone?"

Oh! Finally, we're getting somewhere.

"Then, if pass the entrance exam for the Healing Tower, will you send me?"

"Hmm...!"

"Since going to the Border Defense Unit will only bring shame to the family, please allow me."

"You!"

"But it makes sense."

"This brat! If only he could speak properly."

"I will definitely pass. Please send me."

These words are sincere. I have to find a way to regenerate my power on my own anyway.

And I'm curious about the medical practices here as well.

The Count, who still looked at me with suspicion, clicked his tongue and spoke.

"Tsk, if your treatment method shows results in the training grounds, I will allow you to go to the Healing Tower."

"Then I'll consider that as your permission."

"But you must pass in one go. If you fail, you will be sent to the front lines."

That's when it happened.

[ A Quest has been Activated]

Quest: Pass the Entrance Exam for the Healing Tower

Quest Reward: Experience Points +20

Bonus Reward: There are 10 Healing Towers in the Empire. If you are admitted to the prestigious Alberburg Healing Tower, experience points will be doubled. 

Hidden Reward:?

Oh! I gained 1 experienced point for treating a single horse, but 20? That's great. And if I get into Alberburg? It's doubled? This seems worth doing?

"That won't happen. I will confidently pass the exam and go to the Healing Tower. And not just any Healing Tower, but the top-ranked Alberburg Healing Tower in the Empire!"

I answered with confidence.

---///

NOTE: I change Robust Stamina for Endurance.