Chapter 200

Does that sound more dangerous?

Either A was hacked to death by a hail of swords, or Lappland was used for research.

Furthermore, it seems that the other side doesn't have much interest in providing long-term treatment to others, so this option can only be passed.

"What's wrong? Do you feel sorry for me?"

Seeing Shirou deep in thought, Lappland assumed he was pitying her.

I pity her for not seeking treatment.

I pity her for getting Oripathy.

I pity her because she is infected.

She doesn't like being pitied by others, even if the other person knows Texas or has helped her before.

"No, I was just wondering whether to introduce you to a doctor I know, but I think the chances of you two fighting are higher, so I'll pass."

Sensing the faint hostility emanating from Lappland, Shirou offered a brief explanation.

That was his mistake; some people are quite perceptive.

Those infected, in particular, tend to have a lower social status, making them more sensitive to these kinds of emotions.

So when he sensed the other party's hostility, Shirou wasn't angry. Instead, he realized that he seemed to have stepped on the other party's sore spot.

"Hmph! Forget it! I don't trust doctors at all."

Upon hearing Shirou's reply, Lappland, taking this opportunity, suppressed her temper.

After all, they were trying to help me, so it would be very rude to lose my temper like that.

The hostility she showed just now was because she acted impulsively without thinking.

"That won't do. Let me ask them again, but before that..."

Seeing that the other person was completely unwilling to seek medical treatment, just like a child, Shirou thought for a moment and took out a spare blocking agent from the cabinet next to him and opened it.

As before, Shirou wanted to try to force the other party to give the injection in this way.

What he didn't expect was...

"Ha! You said you weren't familiar with the store manager here! You know exactly where everything is, don't you?"

Lappland looked at him with a "I've got you" expression, pointing at Shirou as she spoke.

"???"

With the inhibitor in his hand, Shirou was filled with questions as the topic of Lappland shifted.

190 Simple Goodwill

Ignoring Lappland's sudden veiled ramblings, Shirou grabbed the hand that was pointing at him and immediately injected her with a needle.

The blocking agent inside the syringe was quickly injected into Lappland's body.

"Hey! It's not good to inject anything into a woman's body without permission!"

Seeing that the other party not only did not react at all, but even gave her an injection, Lappland did not react for a moment until all the drugs in the blocker were injected before she realized what had just happened.

"It's just a shot, don't make it sound so weird, okay?"

Upon hearing Lappland's blunt statement, Shirou said with a helpless expression.

He was clearly doing something legitimate, so why does it sound like he's bullying someone in the other person's eyes?

He was practically rolling his eyes at the other person.

"I'm just stating the facts. And is it really okay for you to waste such an expensive item on someone you've barely known?"

After Shirou released her hand, Lappland pulled her hand back and rubbed the injection site.

Including this time, Shirou has used two inhibitors on her in total.

As she just said, the price of this thing is really beyond the reach of ordinary people, and those who know how to use it are mostly using it in emergencies.

If used immediately after exposure to a large amount of Originium dust, it can reduce the likelihood of becoming infected.

Using it solely for treatment would be a waste; it would be more worthwhile to keep it in case of an emergency to reduce the chance of becoming infected.

Moreover, the two of them were not familiar with each other at all, and their only common ground was Texas.

Even if that's just her opinion.

"Since they're just sitting there anyway, why not treat it as helping to use up the inventory?"

After thinking for a moment, Shirou said.

He originally wanted to use a different explanation, but considering that the other party seemed quite concerned about him being the one receiving help, Shirou just made up a random excuse.

As for whether he knew her or not, Shirou didn't care at all.

Compared to the other strangers he had helped, Lappland was at least someone he knew.

Although Texas herself seemed to dislike the other person.

"... Even a child wouldn't believe that reason. Couldn't you have come up with something more plausible? I would have believed you even if you said it was about to expire, okay?"

Upon hearing Shirou's reply, Lappland rolled her eyes at him.

The other person even used a question when they said that!

However, Lappland could probably understand why the other party reacted that way. Her reaction was a little too intense, which probably made the other party hesitate.

"You probably understand what I mean. Also, blocking agents are not a proper treatment. If you'd like, I can find a clinic I know to help you diagnose and treat you. It won't cost too much."

Without dwelling on the matter, Shirou immediately shifted the topic to finding a reliable treatment for the other party.

Shirou thought about it a lot and finally decided to introduce it to Rhodes Island, but he had to do some preparatory work.

For example, make a three-point agreement with Lapland and communicate with Minmin.

Although it was a bit tiring, Shirou didn't mind.

Rather than letting the other person remain in this state of not accepting treatment and allowing Oripathy to worsen, Shirou hopes that the other person can receive proper treatment.

We're practically acquaintances, after all.

"Oh? You're not planning to sell me out, are you? If I remember correctly, quite a few gangs seem to have bounties on my head right now?"

Lappland remained somewhat wary of this inexplicable act of kindness.

Even those who have already provided a lot of help are no exception.

After all, showing some kindness appropriately can make it easier to gain someone's trust and deceive them, right?

She's seen this kind of thing many times.

However, Lappland is now more interested in teasing Shirou than being on guard.

At least in her opinion, if Shirou were to do something like that, he would likely end up getting himself into trouble.

The other person just doesn't seem like someone who would lie.

"I'm not very familiar with that kind of thing, but you seem to deal with them quite often?"

Regarding the gangs in the Slums, Shirou stated that he was genuinely unfamiliar with them.

So far, every time I've encountered gang members, I've either been fighting or on my way to being fighting.

It's not to say that all gang members will cause trouble, but the highest probability of trouble is that it's gang members.

Considering that Lappland had just been fighting with gang members, and given what the other party had said, Shirou wondered if Lappland had a lot of contact with gangs.

If so, then this is something we also need to consider, lest Rhodes Island treat Lappland and end up being targeted.

"It's work! Otherwise, who would want to associate with those idiots? And it's such a shame that I can't make mille-feuille."

At this point, Lappland sighed.

"Hmm... I understand. So, what do you mean?"

After confirming the relationship between the other party and the gang, Shirou thought it was still within his control.

At most, I'll just have a friendly chat with Isv, Chen, Hoshiguma, Swire, and then have a few minor Imaginary Break.

They should settle down after being bombed a few times, right?

Of course, Shirou was just thinking about it. If he actually did it, the people in the Slums would not stand idly by.

At most, we can just repel those who come looking for trouble.

"Hmm... what would you like me to choose?"

When faced with Shirou's question, Lappland thought for a moment but did not answer. Instead, she threw the question back at Shirou.

However, it's pointless to ask, since the other party has already gone to such lengths, they must be hoping that she can receive proper treatment.

But she just wanted to be absolutely sure what this person in front of her would do.

Should we give up because of her difficult behavior, or should we force her to undergo treatment?

Lappland watched Shirou intently as he pondered, awaiting his answer.

"I don't expect you to follow the doctor's orders completely, but at least stabilize your condition first?"

After thinking for a moment about his understanding of Lappland so far, Shirou replied.

The reason why the other person does not accept treatment is very likely that they have never thought about it or have no interest in treatment.

If that's the case, then Shirou is out of options.

He can provide treatment to people who lack resources but want to receive it, but he can't force someone who has never even considered receiving treatment to go there.

Even if the matter is beneficial but harmless, he will at most spend more time trying to persuade the other party.

As for physical persuasion, that's impossible.

"... Okay, then I'll do as you say!"

The other party's answer was somewhat different from what she expected.

However, this is quite good. Compared to those who always claim to be doing it for your own good, Shirou makes her feel more comfortable.

"That's great, I'll contact them first."

Seeing that Lappland had agreed, Shirou breathed a slight sigh of relief.

This is just the beginning; the real challenges lie ahead.

After all, he was the one who brought the person there, so he had to keep an eye on them to prevent them from doing anything reckless.

After quickly telling Minmin about the situation, Shirou decided to take Lappland there today.

Treatment is something that can only be done immediately, at the moment of illness; there's no point in waiting until tomorrow or the day after.

This is especially true for diseases like Oripathy, which can completely consume a person.

After Ansuo, Shirou took Lappland and prepared to head to Rhodes Island's office in Lungmen.

Although it was somewhat different from the original schedule, Shirou didn't really have anything to do at the shop, so it didn't really affect him.

"Hmph~"

Following behind Shirou, Lappland held her head in her hands and hummed a little tune.

"Let me tell you first, after you get there you'll probably have a full physical exam. Just cooperate a little, it's nothing difficult. The doctors will tell you what to do. Try not to touch anything unnecessarily, those machines are very expensive..."

As they walked, Shirou explained to Lappland the situation they would encounter.

He used the same line when he spoke to the children at the Fuyuki Store.

It's very detailed, but also a bit annoying.

"Alright, alright, are you some kind of old woman? I'm not a child, I know what to do."

Annoyed by Shirou's nagging, Lappland stopped humming the tune and covered her ears with her hands, saying directly.

"Mom..."

Upon hearing Lappland's words, Shirou's lips twitched slightly.

While he may have said a bit too much, isn't calling her a "mother figure" a bit excessive?

Penguin Logistics, and the Knights of the Round Table —why do they all like to give them titles in this way?