"What did you say?" Gion's puzzled voice suddenly sounded beside him.
"My medical skills aren't particularly advanced, but I can just about diagnose some common diseases found at sea." (Thanks to Common Disease Treatment from Physician.)
Adrian turned to look at her and explained.
"Judging by his breathing symptoms, I'd say Mr. Zephyr has some form of asthma."
Gion, who knew nothing about medicine, frowned.
Still, she trusted Adrian's character.
At the very least, he wouldn't joke about something like this.
"I suggest Mr. Zephyr return to Marine Headquarters as soon as possible for a thorough examination."
Adrian offered the advice in good faith.
"Or he could change course for the Drum Kingdom. Doctors there are renowned throughout the seas."
Gion nodded silently, apparently taking his suggestion to heart.
By then, Zephyr had recovered from his labored breathing.
"Phew..."
Zephyr thumped his chest with his fist, then spread his fingers and dragged them across his broad pectorals, leaving five red marks. He used the sharp pain to ease the tightness in his chest and lungs.
"I really am getting old..."
"...Don't you think there's something wrong with saying that, Mr. Zephyr?"
Adrian walked over, and the adjutants made way for him.
"Besides, this is an illness. Aging may be a factor, but an illness is still an illness. It needs treatment!"
"Hmph, hmph..."
Zephyr gave a couple of amused snorts and said dismissively,
"White Ghost, when I first set out to sea, you weren't even around yet! I'm not sick!"
Adrian was speechless. "Don't be so stubborn, Mr. Zephyr. Even if you don't believe me, you could go to the Drum Kingdom, where they specialize in medicine, for a quick, thorough examination."
Unexpectedly,
when it came to his health, Zephyr was as stubborn as any old man.
"I'm not sick!