The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 22.1
Mergin and the others asked for directions to Herald Clinic and headed there.
“Um… Snow flowers don’t bloom at this time of year, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Then isn’t this request impossible?”
“I have them.”
“Huh?”
“I said I have the snow flowers.”
“Really?”
Snow flowers are used as an ingredient in fever-reducing medicine. During the days of the hero party, Mergin had collected a large quantity when it was unbearably hot in the tropical regions. However, the taste was extremely bitter, and it was undrinkable in liquid form. Even as a powder, the bitter taste lingered in the mouth. In the end, he had collected it but never used it, leaving it in the item box.
“Where did you get them?”
“Long ago. If stored here, the freshness should be preserved, so they should still be usable.”
“That’s…”
“I’ll explain when we get back. For now, stop asking unnecessary questions.”
Since there was a distance from the guild to the west gate, they were riding a shared carriage. There were no other passengers, but since they might be overheard by the driver, Mergin silenced Iris, saying that they would explain in detail when they got back.
After about an hour in the carriage, they arrived near the west gate. This area seemed more prosperous than the east gate where Mergin’s store was. It likely served as the gateway to other territories.
They asked around and found Herald Clinic.
“Ah, this is the place.”
He had imagined a larger hospital, but it was about the size of a private clinic in Japan, located two streets behind the main road, near a residential area.
“Excuse me.”
“What is it?”
A short, muscular man with a beard, looking like a muscle-bound old man, came out.
“Seems like a rough character for a hospital. Is there someone named Herald here?”
“Who are you?”
The man glared up at Mergin.
Iris hid behind Mergin with a squeak.
“This is Iris, an apprentice hunter, and I’m Mergin, her guardian.”
Guardian… Iris was shocked once again at being treated like a child.
“What does an apprentice hunter want? You don’t seem to be sick or injured.”
“I saw a request for snow flowers, and I came to hear more about it.”
“What? You took that request?”
“Whether we officially take it or not depends on the conversation.”
“Why?”
“Because the buying price is too high. Also, a doctor should know that snow flowers can’t be collected at this time of year. So we need to hear more first.”
“Come in. I’m Herald.”
Iris’s eyes widened when she heard that the burly bearded man was the doctor.
They were taken through the waiting room to the office. There were no patients in the clinic.
“So, what do you want to know?”
“Well, I thought you were looking for snow flowers because of a cold or epidemic, but it seems not.”
“Do you know what they’re used for?”
“Fever reduction, right? It’s the base for an extremely bitter medicine.”
“You have some knowledge. Epidemics usually start around the new year. It’s still early.”
“Then what are you using them for? If you’re aware of the flu season, you should be making requests and preparing in the summer.”