Chapter 106

"Xia? That name..."

She instinctively thought of that prince, but then W immediately dismissed the idea... She knew that this was just an allergic reaction, and her previous desire to tease the child vanished instantly.

Just as W was thinking about what to say to stop the little guy from ruining his hairstyle, the sudden sound of the cabin door opening silenced the entire lobby.

As the gate opened, the first to emerge was Huang, fully armed like the other Shieldguards present, followed by the rest of the group dressed in Rhodes Island uniforms.

"Oh... everyone's so quiet, is something wrong, PRTS?"

[No anomalies. The most recent event log is... Operator Rosemary's... playful interaction with passenger W.]

"Play?"

PRTS's description made Huang smile. Just a few days ago, she had fought fiercely with the Shieldguards attempting to breach the defenses in a narrow passage. Huang herself had sawed through a chain, and one of the Shieldguards' shields was probably destroyed as well... And now you suddenly let Huang hear these tough guys playing and interacting with Little Cat... A picture immediately popped into Huang's mind.

The Shieldguards, clad in heavy, round armor, are playing and interacting with Little Cat... Is it the kind of interaction where they're treated like a ball, getting smacked and scattered everywhere by the Little Cat?

Just as Huang was letting her imagination run wild, Yato, Black Horn, and the Ranger pushed a folding stretcher out of the corridor. On it were the Yeti members who had just undergone surgery. Su Sulo, standing nearby, took off her gloves and handed the post-operative report from her pocket to the black-haired woman in front of her... (The Feline abruptly ends here.)

Swinging a tail reminiscent of Lupo, and looking utterly unremarkable except for his heterochromatic eyes, Medic stood in the front row of the Rhodes Island group.

"I'm sorry, we've known each other for so long, but this is still our first meeting. I'm the person in charge of Rhodes Island's educational tour in Ursus, and also the Minister of the Human Resources Department and Head of the Emergency Medical Department Emergency Medical Department. You can call me Medic... May I ask, are the family members of the surgical patients here?"

"... I am Yeti, FrostNova officer. Those people are my subordinates. I am their family member... they..."

Nodding to the White Rabbit who stepped forward, Nana glanced around the scene, briefly making eye contact with Ah Fu and Eileen, then smiled and petted the Little Cat that had run over to rub against her. She then turned to the side so FrostNova could see Su Sulo without her mask, handing her signed surgical report to FrostNova: [The rest of the text is incomplete and likely refers to a separate event or situation.]

"Rest assured, the surgery was a success. This is Su Sulo, our expert in Oripathy and minimally invasive treatment; she was the lead surgeon for the emergency operation... These patients requiring urgent treatment all exhibited a clear tendency to overuse Originium Arts, causing their conditions to deteriorate rapidly... More detailed medical reports are here, and this is a complimentary medical record book... Please keep it safe."

Looking at the Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals' red seal on the report, and the detailed medical record showing her daily diet and sleep schedule, FrostNova felt all the questions and words she wanted to ask choke back in her throat.

After being rescued from a mine as a child, FrostNova was taught by her adoptive father, Patriot. Although she didn't know much about the Reunion Movement, she was still better than most illiterate people in rural areas... But looking at the things on her medical record, FrostNova only felt a little dizzy.

Although the medical records in her hands were only a few dozen pages long, the words on them made FrostNova feel as heavy as a mountain.

An acute attack of Oripathy is expected; it is recommended to avoid using Originium Arts as much as possible...

Malnutrition is a concern; it is recommended to supplement your daily diet with high-protein foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products.

For inflammation caused by long-term external injuries, rest is recommended...

Such things, in every little detail... FrostNova couldn't do any of them.

The handwriting on the medical record was like dry tinder falling into a raging fire. Faced with conditions that she could not meet no matter what she did, FrostNova's first reaction was naturally to feel offended... But just as she subconsciously took a deep breath, preparing to rebuke the other person, she remembered that her suffering was actually unrelated to the other person.

Rhodes Island's high-ranking combatants are on par with her adoptive father, and the Rhodes Island Sankta who needed her help has already left... The black-haired girl in front of her looks quite ordinary, but her title is clearly that of a department-level cadre at Rhodes Island... Although FrostNova doesn't know exactly what level this title means, she knows that she shouldn't vent her anger on her.

"... Ah, yes, I received it... but..."

"But?"

She opened her mouth, like a drowning fish, but in the end, FrostNova said nothing. She simply looked down at her compatriots who had just undergone surgery and were no longer struggling with their hoarse voices every day...

Patriot reached out and touched FrostNova, who was holding a stack of medical records. W sighed and patted the Yeti Princess on the shoulder. The person who had been communicating with Rhodes Island suddenly became the leader of the Shieldguards... the legendary warrior, the last survivor of the Kazdel Cannibal Court, Chorbokashti.

The two men, one tall and one short, looked at each other for a moment, then Patriot bowed first to express his gratitude for the treatment.

"... Nice to meet you... Rhodes Island's Medic..."

"Nice to meet you, Patriot... or Chorbokashti..."

"... You are that child's..."

"... guardian."

As he spoke, he stroked the Little Cat that had floated behind his shoulder and was pawing at him. Turning back, Medic noticed that Patriot's gaze seemed somewhat unfocused... Making a mental note of this, Medic continued:

"The Little Cat had a minor disagreement with everyone back then, but now I'd like to call that conflict a case of 'no fight, no friendship'... At least the Shieldguards didn't suffer any substantial losses, and our resistance has almost reached its limit... As expected of the elite army that made Ursus what it is, even their infection situation seems much more optimistic than the Yeti '... Of course, besides yourself, I think you also need immediate treatment..."

"... My condition is not life-threatening."

Patriot's decisive rejection of Medic was not unexpected. The black-haired girl flicked her tail, still wearing the smile that Patriot didn't quite like.

"Of course, we respect the patient's choice... but please remember that you and your adopted daughter FrostNova are still on our emergency team... and her condition is not optimistic either..."

"However, I don't think this is a doubt about our treatment capabilities, so let's talk about our cooperation... Of course, the atmosphere can be a little more relaxed; being too tense isn't good for everyone's Oripathy... Also, our doctors need to continue treating other people... For example... this Ms. Sarkaz."

When Medic turned to look at W, the white-haired Sarkaz had just told the other Yeti to watch over FrostNova, but then W's gaze was drawn to the little black-haired fellow. As the other looked at him, W spoke up:

"... I've seen you... it was before the attack on Kazdel, about six months... yes, six months ago... you and that old... Kal'tsit disembarked and left together..."

Although she spoke with absolute certainty, W's gaze towards Medic was filled with confusion... because in W's memory, that girl named 'Nana' had also been with Kal'tsit, and W had always assumed that person was also Nana... But thinking about it carefully, the one with the Halo seemed to be... the one Kal'tsit carried back to Rhodes Island?

Because that Halo was very recognizable at the time, W was quite certain that it was a memory she hadn't deliberately tried to remember.

So, these are actually two people?

Just as W was filled with doubt, Medic smiled politely, confirming that it was indeed him, and then looked at Patriot again:

"First, let's confirm what we've already agreed on... Our agents should have confirmed that we've taken in some refugees... May I ask, who is the person in charge named Alfred...?"

It's me.

He rose and bowed slightly, and Medic returned the bow, then looked at Huang beside him:

"Huang, take them to the first-floor cabin for PRTS registration. I'm granting you authorization in my capacity as the Rhodes Island Human Resources Department Minister. Based on Nana's negotiations with you all, I will register you on the Rhodes Island network with Level 1 access... But please note, this is currently only a 'probationary period.' Regardless of what Nana and you all said, your future decisions will be based on my judgment as the 'Minister.'"

"Of course, Miss Minister."

Seeing Alfred's still dashing demeanor despite his age, Nana looked away. Patriot was still waiting for Rhodes Island to speak, while on the other side, W's seemingly scrutinizing gaze made Nana a little nervous.

After thinking it over, Nana decided to deal with W's situation immediately...

Unlike Ah Fu and the others who had spoken the 'secret code' beforehand and seemed to have realized it, W, although she did seem very rational and intelligent when she was quiet, looked at her current confused expression, so Nana assumed that she didn't recognize the relationship between Medic and Nana.

In other words, before this static beauty starts to feel stood up and goes crazy, Nana needs to find an opportunity to show that she accepts 'Nana's' recommendation, will continue to cooperate, and take her to see Kal'tsit.

"And then, it's Miss W... right... Nana mentioned the source of your injury... I'll treat you properly... but it might not be possible today, your hand is inflamed, we'll do some anti-inflammatory treatment first... and then we'll perform the repositioning surgery tomorrow."

After saying that, and confirming that W had been pulled back to reality and returned to static mode, Nana was finally able to turn her attention back to Patriot:

"Next comes the collaborative project that Operator Nana has arranged for everyone... Over the next few days, we will gradually complete the examinations and treatments for Oripathy and other common injuries for everyone... and in exchange for this..."

"... Nana swapped out a few 'messages'..."

"... That's certainly not enough... Or are you saying that, after those dangerous details were pointed out, you and your troops are prepared to stand Patriot by?"

Seeing that Patriot was still as tall as an ordinary person even when seated, Nana had arranged for Su Sulo and Folinic to begin medical examinations and treatment of injuries for the non-emergency members, with Franka and Blacksteel protecting them.

After assisting in the transport of the patient, the A4 Action Group retreated to the airlock leading to the elevator and stood guard nearby.

The contrast between Nana and Wendigo's enormous size, along with their adjutant, was stark... a black-haired Little Cat and a monster made of steel, a resolute and muscular Shieldguards adjutant and Jessica, who was also Feline but nervously fiddling with her fingers... Ah, it seemed that after changing back into her clothes, Jessica's timid nature had returned to her, but Nana felt that this did not prevent her 'Stand' from shining Halo and wreaking havoc at crucial moments.

Ultimately, the one that disguises itself the best is 'Medic' itself.

The two remained silent for a while, until Patriot finally spoke first:

"Even if you take the 'information,' you don't want to stop here... If you intend to use that 'Pollution' for research, then even without me, the Empire will stop you... But clearly, your target isn't the 'Pollution' itself... What exactly is Rhodes Island's purpose?"

Faced with the deer-headed monster's serious questioning, the black-haired cat twitched its ears:

"... Rhodes Island is a pharmaceutical company; we are dedicated to treating diseases..."

Raising her head to meet the other person's crimson eyes with her heterochromatic blue-green pupils, Nana shared her feelings about Rhodes Island:

"But this land is terminally ill."

P. S.:... Um, I use two sick leave slips at the beginning of each month... because that's... my period...

PS2:... Also... ah... it's fine to complain about the plot in the book review section, it's fine to call me stupid... but please don't say Nana is stupid... she's supposed to be smarter than me... at least my math isn't at a university level... QAQ

PS3: Rhodes Island's philosophy is to cure 'diseases'... but judging from the plot, the organization's ideal scope is clearly something much broader... However, the main storyline is progressing too slowly, which is a big problem.

PS4: Meow Meow Cat

The cat's fur is all puffed up... so cute!

The 4th Crimson Warm Winter: The Choice of 112 Patriot

The antler-wearing warrior made no comment on Rhodes Island's ideals, and Medic himself preferred to demonstrate his intentions through actions rather than words.

While both sides' 'leaders' fell silent, seemingly lost in thought, Su Sulo, along with Folinic, completed the examination of the existing Reunion Movement members.

The subsequent signing of the drug dispensing documents was completed in silence, and Patriot's silence finally ended when he received the drug dispensing receipt that required his signature on behalf of the Reunion Movement.

"... Medicine... free? Is Rhodes Island like this for all the Infected?"

"No, for the Infected with financial means, Rhodes Island will collect the amount they can afford to maintain company operations and pharmaceutical production... However, most the Infected do not actually have that financial means, so in exchange, Rhodes Island allows the Infected to exchange labor for drugs and related treatments..."

As he spoke, Medic pointed with his left ear and left hand at Franka, who was smiling and following beside Su Sulo and Folinic:

"We also have in-depth organizational cooperation. For example, outstanding employees like Miss Franka are handled through an order exchange... Rhodes Island and Blacksteel Worldwide exchange service orders. Rhodes Island provides treatment to the operator, and Blacksteel transfers the outstanding operator to our side to perform missions... This allows for treatment without affecting the operator's work and life... It's a typical service exchange cooperation."

Listening to the explanation from Feline, who was even younger than his adopted daughter, Patriot unconsciously tilted his head:

"... Isn't this a sign that Blacksteel has given up on Vulpo?"

"True abandonment means erasing your personnel file and benefits along with your social status, and even eliminating you from society. In Columbia, the labor law enacted three years ago clearly stipulates the obligations that companies should fulfill... This situation may be more common in Ursus."

"Of course, it wasn't that no one said things like 'If we do this, we'll go bankrupt'... Obviously, this is extremely irresponsible. It turns out that the burden on business owners wasn't as great as imagined, and the preferential treatment given to those the Infected is actually part of Columbia's rapid development in recent years."

After giving the Wendigo some time to process the information, Nana continued:

"Service exchange-based cooperation is a rare example of reciprocal cooperation within Rhodes Island's portfolio... Often, Rhodes Island's contributions are unequal, such as in our cooperation with Ursus, and now, with your Reunion Movement..."

"The former allowed commercial organizations that treat the Infected humanely to enter the country, in exchange for us sending an elite Human Resources Department team in the hope of changing the societal discrimination against the Infected... Obviously, this cannot be changed in one or two educational tours; it involves political struggles at the Ursus official level... The effects may only appear after the Rhodes Island office network is fully deployed."

"And now, the cooperation with the Reunion Movement is part of the cooperation with Ursus, and it can also be considered an experiment on our side... Patriot, I am aware of your strength. Although the Shieldguards are not numerous, they are a force capable of doing great things when they get serious."

"Out of consideration for the plight of those the Infected in Ursus, we can provide treatment free of charge... This trial can continue until our team runs out of medicine... But how should Reunion Movement proceed?"

Looking at the shimmering emerald left eye of the black-haired Feline, Patriot cautiously surveyed the surrounding magical environment, confirming that he was not under the influence of Witchcraft before continuing the conversation:

"... Rhodes Island wants to change the Reunion Movement's actions?"

"Yes, because all I've seen so far is you heading down the path of self-destruction."

"You think we can't fight Ursus...?"

"Confrontation? The Reunion Movement's predicament stems from the political situation in Ursus. The 'reunification' of the Reunion Movement arises from the maverick nature of the Old Nobility in their political decrees. You are merely bubbles stirred up by the struggle between the Emperor and the Old Nobility over political decrees and even the domestic development path. The two sides are fundamentally not on the same level, so what 'confrontation' is there to speak of?"

Seeing Patriot fall silent again, FrostNova, who had calmed down a bit earlier, returned to the discussion and frowned, saying:

"... Of course we understand the difference between being enemies of Ursus and Ursus being enemies of us, but we can't just sit here and wait to die... Or are you going to bring up what you said before, telling us to leave Ursus?"

"... That can only be described as a suggestion. Even with Rhodes Island's help, getting the Infected settlement, including the elderly, the infirm, and the disabled, from the Northwestern Ursus Snowfields to Columbia... the journey is too long, and the risks are too high... but it is indeed a way out... it's better than you running headlong into an unseen conspiracy."

At this point, the assassin gathered her thoughts and, based on the report she received from 'Nana,' then used the understanding of the situation held by Rhodes Island employees to retell the reasons for the current state of Ursus to the Reunion Movement.

Medic then steered the conversation back to the Rhodes Island mission:

"In order to complete the task given by the emperor, the only right way is to investigate the reasons why the Old Nobility are spreading such propaganda... In the end, the touring popular science is just a superficial effort, a stupid method for the masses... If we want to effectively change the status quo, the only right way is to let the New Nobility Faction represented by the emperor regain control of public opinion."

"With this explanation, you should understand that Rhodes Island and Reunion Movement, as the Infected organization, should be natural allies... Our demands, whether concerning the treatment of the Infected or the improvement of the political situation in Ursus, overlap considerably... Whether it's following ideals or pursuing interests, rather than letting Reunion Movement run rampant on its own, it's better to integrate you into Rhodes Island's operations. This will benefit both sides' plans."

"So, after all that, I think we can reach some consensus on this... Could your department take us to meet the 'Reunion Movement leader,' who is being driven by the Old Nobility decrees and surrounded by countless unstable elements?"

Honestly, Medic felt he had reasoned with them enough and appealed to their emotions... If they still decided to 'protect' that obviously problematic 'leader' after all this... then Medic would have no choice but to switch back to 'Nana's' disguise and continue his investigation deep into the Snowfield.

Fortunately, as the distribution of the medicine was gradually completed, proving that Rhodes Island's 'rescue' was not just empty talk, the Patriot did begin to consider the 'hypotheses' Medic had mentioned.

However, before Patriot could reply, FrostNova impatiently slammed her hand on the table: I

"Talulah been working with us for almost two years, and I believe her actions are far from acting... As for your so-called 'speech'..."

"It's also possible that we're wrong, after all, there's no concrete evidence." Ling

Taking the initiative to continue the conversation, Medic looked at Patriot again:

"The situation in the Northwest Snowfield is more complex than we imagined... Coupled with the description of the 'The Unnameable' in 'Nana's' report, if influenced by that thing, I wouldn't be surprised by any bizarre decrees issued by the Old Nobility... Of course, the reverse is also possible; perhaps those unspeakable things are acting to promote the 'Reunion Movement'... This is also a direction for investigation... So I ask again, Your Excellency Patriot, after knowing that that thing is roaming the Snowfield, are you still going to remain so indifferent?"

"..."

Indifference—this is how outsiders assess their own current actions. (Umbrella)

Previously, Patriot might have dismissed it as mere rhetoric, but after listening carefully to the third party's analysis of the Ursus situation, Patriot had to admit that his current actions of merely attacking the mines and rescuing the persecuted the Infected were perhaps no different from indifference.

This isn't something he's doing alone; other the Guerrillas are doing it too... It's just that the Shieldguards's training level and equipment are what made his the Guerrillas a 'Reunion Movement'.

Even excluding interference from external the Guerrillas, given the mine's population increasing almost every month, their patience will eventually reach its limit, and their counterattack against the 'Infected Enforcement Squad' managing the mine will only take about three years.

Three years... That's enough time for the number of the Infected to gather to be a thousand times greater than the mine managers.

Given such a disparity in numbers, once discontent overflows and the people no longer fear death, only a miserable end awaits those who have been tyrannical and oppressive.

What role did the Shieldguards play in all of this?