Chapter 195: Ergotism (7)

The night I returned home after finishing the Cesarean Section surgery.

As soon as I finished my meal, I threw my body onto the bed.

'Any other research is out of the question for today.'

Normally, I would have sat at my desk and written a Research Proposal or an Academic Paper.

But today, it was impossible.

Because the Emergency Surgery I performed for the first time in a while had drained me.

'It was too exhausting preparing for this and that...'

The things I had prepared for this single surgery were not just one or two.

First of all, I had to browse through all the Obstetrics and Gynecology skills.

How to palpate the location of the placenta when there is no ultrasound equipment,

the modified technique that can be used during a Cesarean Section, and so on.

On top of this, I had to make Oxytocin and Methylergonovine, and also make a balloon out of a Demonic Beast's bladder.

I also had to cram the Hysterectomy into my head, which I would have to use in the worst-case scenario.

'Since I had to consider all roughly 13 surgical routes.'

Naturally, even I wouldn't have any stamina left after doing something like this.

Still, I felt proud.

Because today, I had essentially reached the peak of my career once again.

The moment I left the operating room, those gazes full of respect that the people of the Lafavre Sect sent me!

'This Thrill is exactly why I can't quit doing this.'

The Sense of Superiority in the moment of pulling off a surgery anyone could tell was difficult and proving that I held the advantage over them.

Such a Sense of Superiority is something that cannot be obtained even with money or power.

Perhaps that was why.

My body was so tired that even lifting a single finger felt like a chore, but my head, which had started pumping Adrenaline, was still spinning fiercely.

'Let's see... during Tomorrow Morning's Conference, I should first teach the modified technique for the Cesarean Section...'

While lying in bed, I recalled the contents I would teach the healers tomorrow.

First, I will teach them the modified technique for the Cesarean Section.

The next day, I will teach them about Oxytocin and Methylergonovine.

The day after that, I will teach them about the Emergency Hysterectomy...

After barely opening my Eyelids that kept trying to close a few times.

My Consciousness gradually sank into the darkness.

When I opened my eyes again.

I was in a familiar room.

*

It had been about a year since I started frequenting the Library of Memory.

Now, the archive had become a part of my Daily life.

To the point where I would naturally end up here when I fell asleep, even without being conscious of it.

When I mentioned this to Count Barlot, the original owner of this magic, he said,

— "It seems your Aptitude for Memory-type Magic is far higher than that of the people in our family."

Originally, this Library of Memory was a magic developed as an auxiliary means for Precognition Magic.

Recalling the small memories that had been passed over to the other side of the unconscious was all it did.

However, according to the Count, at some point this magic seemed to have transformed into my own unique magic.

— "It happens occasionally. Because ultimately, magic can change depending on how the user perceives the world. Your magic is rooted in our family's magic, but it has become difficult to call it our magic anymore."

Just as the Count analyzed, the Library of Memory had changed slightly from the beginning at some point.

Entering it when I fell asleep without particularly being conscious of it was merely a minor change.

The real change was...

"I should study more about the Cesarean Section before Tomorrow's Lecture."

That something similar to a search function had appeared.

It's hard to express in words.

It was simply a system where related knowledge would be filtered when I thought of a certain keyword.

Originally, the Barlot Family's memory magic was not like this.

An Ant crawling on the floor, the flow of the wind, the sounds I had passed by without thinking.

It was about recalling these things again to use as a foundation for precognition.

However, my Library of Memory had become more of a sort of archive instead.

For me, it was a quite satisfactory change.

'I was also able to figure out Methysergide thanks to this.'

The day Lohengrin introduced their Migraine Medicine.

I searched a few keywords in the archive.

Ergot, Migraine, Fibrosis.

When I searched with these keywords, the medication they made was immediately filtered out.

Along with it, I could also browse the medication that would result from slightly tweaking this drug.

Thanks to that, I was able to catch something I might have missed in the past.

"Then today..."

Besides this, I was actively utilizing this search function.

If I saw a familiar Medication somewhere, search.

Even if it was something very trivial, search first.

In this way, I was able to quickly find the Information I needed.

"I won't have to worry about the Expiration Date coming just yet."

I was worried before getting this magic.

What if my True abilities were exposed before my Lifespan ran out?

Even though I am a Possessor (or a Reincarnator), Memory is bound to have its limits.

The only things I remembered were the 'profitable and easy to make' medications and surgeries that I had memorized as a hobby.

I didn't know much about difficult and complex medications.

But not anymore.

'With this much, I wouldn't fall behind a Researcher at any decent Pharmaceutical Company. ...Come to think of it, I'm a Doctor.'

Looking up Medication Recipes whenever I was bored in my Previous life was helpful.

I didn't memorize them on purpose.

To think that skimming over them back then would help me in this way.

However, there was still something left to be desired.

'That Medication is still...'

In the corner of the archive.

I could see Bookshelves covered in dust.

It was the Bookshelf where the Recipes for all sorts of high-difficulty Medications, including Erika's Cure, were recorded.

They were also Books that were entirely impossible to browse.

'It must mean that my background knowledge is still lacking.'

I had also figured out the Condition to be able to browse the dusty Bookshelves to some extent.

It was a sort of Skill Tree.

It seemed that if I didn't learn the Lower-level Knowledge, I couldn't browse the Higher-level Knowledge.

This is my guess from here on out.

It seemed to be a sort of Self-protection Mechanism created by my unconscious.

Since I collapsed from an Overload while forcefully trying to open it last time, those dusty Bookshelves appeared.

This might also be Evidence that the Library of Memory had drifted away from the original.

'Well, it's good that I have a goal now.'

It wasn't entirely a bad thing.

Since I had essentially gained a goal in my previously vague Life.

Perhaps that was why, recently, I was living for the fun of unlocking those Bookshelves.

"That's enough for the Cesarean Section. What should I study today..."

I didn't have a personality that liked studying this much in my Previous life, you know?

But it's different when studying becomes easy.

If I wake up At the Click of a Button in the Library of Memory, I receive applause in Reality.

Even studying turns entirely into my Fame and income.

How could studying not be fun in an environment like this?

Probably anyone sitting here would find studying fun, right?

I was humming like that and selecting the Medications to make next.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Breaking the silence of the quiet archive, the sound of slow clapping echoed out.

"It was an excellent surgery. It's been a while since I saw such a surgery, it felt like my Brain tingled a bit."

It was the Cosmic Head Demonkin, Babel.

As always, he was sitting in front of the Dining table with his legs crossed.

On the Dining table, two glasses filled with transparent golden Wine were placed.

My gaze headed toward that Wine.

Babel nodded.

"It is a Wine you may drink."

"I will gratefully accept."

I first swirled the Wine under my nose.

Maybe it was because Cooking was my hobby.

I wasn't quite a Sommelier, but I was at least capable of distinguishing Wine by its aroma.

'Ripe apples, followed by Citrus, and what remains at the end... is a butter aroma? Fascinating.'

I took a sip.

It didn't take much Effort to recall a familiar variety from this taste.

"It's the Coltrebe Variety."

"Have you developed quite a deep knowledge of Wine as well?"

"It's just a minor Feat."

Since there weren't that many white grape varieties, it wasn't that difficult.

Because there is a Formula.

Northern white grapes are refreshing, eastern ones are sweet, western ones are tangy, and southern ones are smooth.

Knowing just this, it wasn't difficult to guess that this guy was a southern variety.

"Correct Answer."

Babel swirled his glass as if he were enjoying himself.

"There aren't many people around me with whom I can have this kind of conversation. Having a companion who understands my hobby is quite a pleasant thing."

"But how did you obtain this Wine?"

"It was a Wine I quite liked when I visited that Territory in the past, so I tried manifesting it like this. I was curious if it was a taste your tongue would remember."

"...Are you sure you just 'visited'?"

Babel didn't answer and merely held out his Wine Glass as if to toast.

Maybe it was because he didn't have a Facial expression.

I was confused whether that was an affirmation or a Denial.

"Then would you like to guess the name of the Winery that produced this Wine?"

"Isn't it La Cineri?"

I just guessed.

With the name of the most famous Winery for Coltrebe in the Empire.

However, Babel shook his head.

"What a pity. Well, since the Artisans of La Cineri moved here, it's not unreasonable to be confused."

He raised his glass and held it up to the Lamp.

The golden light flickered inside the glass.

"Baer Dor. It's a Wine that hasn't been made long in the Southern Territory."

"It's a name I'm hearing for the first time."

"That would be so. Because this is alcohol made from grapes grown Outside the Southern Fortress."

"Outside the... fortress?"

A grape farm outside the fortress?

Babel spoke as if letting it slip, but the meaning behind it was by no means light for Humanity.

"Are you saying the grapes used in this Wine were truly grown Outside the Southern Fortress?"

"Yes. It is Coltrebe cultivated by Elves in the Reclaimed Land Outside the Southern Fortress. Under the true sun without any Smog."

Good heavens.

I had heard the south was stabilizing, but to think it was to this extent.

Originally, inside the fortress, it was difficult to see the Sunlight due to the Smog that couldn't escape the walls and Barrier.

However, outside the fortress is different.

The further you get from the fortress, the more you can see the clear Sunlight without Smog.

These grapes were grown in such a place.

'I heard the south had become like Gangnam.'

Does this mean they've started changing the genre to Romance Fantasy all by themselves in the Empire now?

While everyone else is shooting a Dark Fantasy?

'Should I head to the Southern Territory once I retire?'

While I was having such useless thoughts, Babel continued his explanation.

"They say it is the 10th Anniversary of Maintaining the Southern Front. It is a Celebratory Wine made to commemorate that. From now on, it will become a monumental Wine marking the beginning of Humanity's Era."

"Then is it alright for you, a Demonkin, to drink such a Wine?"

"Well."

Babel shrugged his Shoulders.

"It seems Humanity still does not understand Demonkin. I do not particularly hate Humanity. There are different kinds of Demonkin, you see."

"Are you saying there are Demonkin with a Friendly Stance towards Humanity as well?"

"Since Humanity also has humans or Doomsday Believers who defend Demonic Beasts mixed in, is there any reason for Demonkin to be different?"

Then Babel, as if suddenly remembering something, snapped his fingers and said.

"Right. Even so, it would be best not to dream of coexistence. You don't think a Demonkin's Goodwill would be Normal, do you?"

"There's no way that could be the case."

"Yes, I suppose so."

Babel placed his glass down again and politely clasped his two hands together.

And leaning his Upper Body slightly forward, he threw a Question out of nowhere.

"In that sense, I shall ask. Let's suppose. Suppose a Tyrant who will kill millions of people in the future is born as a Child. What would you do with that Child?"

...What is he talking about, this Cosmic Head.

Holding a Tasting Event in someone else's head and throwing out a Trolley Problem without warning.

'I think this every time, but he's truly an unpredictable person.'

Barely holding back a Sigh,

I answered the question that wasn't even worth thinking about.

"Such a thing won't happen."

"Even if you end up trading a single life for millions of Lives based on your Options?"

"Even if that Child grows up to become a slaughterer who has killed millions, and gets brought to my Infirmary covered in blood, I have no choice but to treat them."

This kind of Trolley Dilemma doesn't work on me.

Since when have I ever been picky about who I save.

If he had asked who I would save first instead, I might have considered it a little.

...Though I would save them both anyway.

"Will you not regret that choice even after such a Future arrives?"

"Such a Future will not arrive."

"How can you be so certain?"

That's... because I am the Protagonist?

Naturally, I couldn't give him that answer, so I gave him another instead.

"Because I feel like I would regret the Result of that Child returning as a Demonkin due to being neglected more than the Result of me treating that Child."

"..."

Babel stared at me intently.

Then slowly, he nodded as if he understood.

"I see."

A hint of laughter tinged his Voice.

"That is why you are free."

"What do you mean I'm free?"

"Once you learn of the inherent Limits of the Demonkin, you will someday understand the meaning of these Words."

As if refusing any further explanation, Babel brought his Index finger to his mouth.

I didn't know where the lips were on that Cosmic Head, but it gave off that kind of vibe.

With those Words, my Consciousness faded away.

It was a familiar sensation.

It was the feeling that came whenever this guy booted me out.

It wasn't a very pleasant experience.

Amidst the gradually receding scenery.

Babel slightly raised his Wine Glass towards me.

"I look forward to your Great Performance in the future, Yulian."

*

Several days after the Cesarean Section surgery.

As always, I visited the Imperial Princess Consort's Hospital Room.

The sunlight shone down calmly... or not.

Instead, beside the window where the Smog-colored Sunlight shone down faintly.

In the pale Imperial Princess Consort's arms, a white Swaddle was held.

From inside the Swaddle, a tiny fist was stirring the empty air.

"How is your energy?"

"Lord Yulian."

The Imperial Princess Consort raised her head.

Over the past Several days, her Complexion had returned significantly.

My gaze also headed towards the small life inside the Swaddle.

Seeing it whining, it was healthy.

"You just need to continue sharing your Body temperature. Because that is better for the Child."

A world without an Incubator.

Because in this Era, a mother's Body temperature was exactly an Incubator.

The Imperial Princess Consort looked at the small Baby with eyes that seemed ready to drip Honey.

"When I was holding Aster like this, Lord Yulian said the exact same Words. It feels like that was just yesterday..."

"Ubu... Uu..."

At that moment, the Imperial grandchild suddenly started whining.

The Imperial Princess Consort, who had already raised her firstborn, quickly caught the meaning of this signal.

"Ah, excuse me, Lord Yulian. It seems Stelle is hungry right now."

The Imperial Princess Consort fumbled to open the front of her clothes for Breastfeeding.

The Imperial Prince, who had been sitting quietly on the Sofa, gave his Bodyguards a look.

At that, the Male Bodyguards who had been waiting inside the Hospital Room slipped outside.

I also tried to leave the Hospital Room with them.

"I will step outside and give you some privacy."

"No. I cannot have Lord Saint's busy Schedule changed because of me. You can just speak your Words as it is."

"..."

With those Words, the Imperial Princess Consort let the Child latch onto her breast.

Even though an unrelated Male like me was right in front of her.

A situation where it wouldn't be strange to have your eyes gouged out for the Crime of Insulting the Imperial Family if it were anyone else.

However, the Bodyguards and Maids remaining in the Hospital Room, the Imperial Princess Consort, and even her Husband, Imperial Prince Edmund, didn't make an issue out of it.

As if it was only natural for me to be here.

"That's right, Stelle. You're eating well. Your Older Brother wouldn't eat well even when I tried to feed him, and only started eating after his Nanny fed him."

The Eye area of the Imperial Princess Consort looking down at her Daughter was filled with satisfaction.

Perhaps it was the Fault of her past where she lost four children.

They said it was the Imperial Princess Consort's dream to directly feed her Child with her own breast milk.

Unfortunately, her Eldest Son, who was a picky eater(?), rejected her.

Fortunately, she seemed to have fulfilled her dream thanks to her Eldest Daughter.

Maybe it's because I know about such a past.

Even though she exposed her Upper Body, I didn't feel any lust.

Rather, my heart felt touched.

However, if there was one problem.

'Where do I put my gaze.'

Aside from it being a touching sight, I was Uncomfortable.

Of course, it wasn't that I was Uncomfortable seeing a woman's breasts at this point.

Because I had no small amount of Obstetrics and Gynecology experience to be embarrassed about it now.

Considering how many Mothers in Childbirth I've guided through Breastfeeding, there's no reason to be embarrassed by this.

The problem was that this Patient was a little special.

'Am I really okay being here?'

This Mother in Childbirth is the Imperial Princess Consort.

The sole Wife of the devoted Imperial Prince.

Even if I am a Saint, it's a situation that makes me wonder if this isn't dangerous.

But since The Individuals Concerned said it was fine, I couldn't just back out with a guilty conscience either.

In the end, I started my explanation while keeping my gaze in a vague Location.

"First, you may proceed with Breastfeeding as is. I have verified that the Medications you are taking are safe."

"I am receiving Morphine, is this safe as well?"

"There are no problems, so it is fine."

All the Medications she uses are not a Taboo for Breastfeeding.

I know because I checked in the archive yesterday.

"From now on, Her Highness must Breastfeed directly, or have a Nanny consistently Breastfeed. To explain again the reason why Breastfeeding is important..."

After that, I explained the functions of Breast milk.

Roughly how it's rich in Nutrients, and important for promoting a Mother's maternal love...

There were roughly various reasons, but the biggest one was single.

"Breast milk is important for the development of a pediatric's Immunity Level."

Breast milk is a sort of Immunity Level transmission system.

It means that a part of the Immunity Level possessed by the Mother is Succeeded to the Child.

In the 21st Century, the importance of such Breast milk had already settled as Common sense.

However, in this Era where media hadn't developed, there was a need to personally explain the importance of Breast milk.

"I understand well, Lord Saint."

The Imperial Princess Consort listened attentively to all of these explanations.

Even though she must have heard it once already when she gave birth to her first, there was no sign of her finding it tiresome.

"And to add some Words, regarding the issue of the Blood transfusion."

I said while handing over the Test Result Sheet, which had the test Results written on it, to the Imperial Prince.

"As I explained earlier, the Blood transfusion used during the surgery has a high possibility of providing a Stimulus to Her Highness's Demon Disease."

Patients with Lupus Disease face a problem even after a Blood transfusion.

Because the Immune system can receive a Stimulus due to the Blood coming in from the outside.

Therefore, we couldn't let our guard down even after the Blood transfusion.

"In this test Result, such Signs have not been seen yet, but there is a need to perform this test every day. Would that be alright?"

"That just means Lord Saint is caring for me that much, so there is no reason to refuse."

"Thank you for your understanding."

While I was finishing the Imperial Princess Consort's Ward Rounds and about to leave the Hospital Room like that.

The Imperial Prince stopped me.

"Lord Yulian."

"Do you have any Questions remaining?"

"I've thought it over carefully, but I truly wish for you to become Stelle's Godfather. I discussed it with my Wife, and no matter how much we think about it, no one else comes to mind but you."

"..."

I thought for a moment.

On how I should refuse this Request that was already the umpteenth time.

Soon, after picking and choosing, I brought out a reason they had no choice but to accept.

"If I became the Godfather of only the children I have delivered, my Godsons would number in the hundreds."

"Ahem. I apologize."

Feeling awkward, the Imperial Prince scratched his head.

"That Proposal just now was just something I said because I couldn't think of anything else to say, so don't take it to heart."

"..."

"Actually, I called you for another reason."

To say they were Empty words, he's been asking me to become the Godfather every Morning during Ward Rounds.

"Truly, is there really nothing I can do for you this time?"

"..."

"It is a Request. If I do not repay my Grace to you, I will lose Face."

I only did what I had to do as a healer...

Words like that won't get through, right.

Besides, the Imperial Prince's Face must be at stake too.

In the end, after agonizing over it, I told him what he could do for me.

Hearing this, the Imperial Prince's eyes widened slightly.

And his round eyes changed into the shape of a crescent moon.

"...Hah. Interesting. To think I would receive a Request like this."

"Was it perhaps an impossible Request?"

"Not at all. Rather, I just wonder if this is really enough."

"It is enough. Therefore, I Request it of you."

"I understand."

Imperial Prince Edmund nodded and said.

"Just as you Requested, I shall accompany the students on their Final Demonic Realm Practical Exam this time."