"Oh! I didn't expect you to be in the Navy, huh? That puts my mind at ease. Um... Doctor, please save this young girl. She's so young, probably not even twenty. Can you really just watch her die?"
The old man finally learned Vic's true identity and that Vic was a genuinely good person, and he began to speak well of Vic again.
"Yes! Why not! What does her life have to do with me? I don't necessarily have to save her."
Hey buddy! Since you're in the navy, I won't make things difficult for you. I just want you to spend a year with me. I've already compromised, and I hope you'll agree.
The little girl on your back probably won't last another day. Trading a year for her life is definitely worth it. Think about it!
Kureha conceded out of respect for Vic's navy, but her condition remained unchanged: Vic had to stay with her.
"Hey... Doctor, do you know what this navy guy just did?"
He wiped out a pirate crew that had robbed over forty top doctors, and your kingdom's guard captain was almost driven to suicide by pirates. This guy has helped this country before, hasn't he? Can't you help him?"
The old man was a kind-hearted man; he really couldn't bear to see such a good young man, his savior, die at the hands of such a centenarian woman.
"Who are you? You've been chattering away since the beginning. Are you his grandfather? Why are you so nosy? You're not a citizen of this country, are you? I've never seen you before."
Kureha was somewhat annoyed that the little old man kept chiming in and making a scene.
"Me? I'm a scientist from the West Blue, my name is Tsukimi. I'm researching an intelligent robot project. I came to the Drum Kingdom to further understand the mechanisms of human movement and to consult a good doctor about this professional knowledge!"
Dr. Tsukimi stood with his hands behind his back, looking utterly enigmatic.
"So you're that famous scientist from the West Blue. I've heard of you; you are indeed quite capable. However, this matter is none of your concern. Whether or not to save someone is my choice, and you can't make that decision for me!"
Kureha had also heard of Dr. Tsukimi's name, and Vic was also somewhat surprised that Dr. Tsukimi was quite famous. He originally thought that Dr. Tsukimi's only representative invention was the intelligent robot, but he did not expect that the robot was already very famous before it was even invented.
Vic recognized the tragic scientist who choked to death on a glutinous rice ball as early as when he was untying Dr. Tsukimi. Tsukimi's ropes. At that time, he was very curious about Dr. Tsukimi had come to this island.
"Since you just helped this country, I can relax the terms a bit. I don't need you to stay with me anymore; instead, she can stay with me for three years. That's much better than death!"
Kureha didn't really want Vic to accompany her; she mainly wanted to see how determined Vic was to save people. However, she hadn't expected Vic's identity and what he had done, so she could only back down again and again.
"I can't make decisions about her freedom for her. You should cure her first and then ask for her wishes. As for other material needs, I can agree to them immediately."
Vic naturally didn't budge. Zephyr would be coming to pick them up soon. As long as they healed the people, they wouldn't have to worry. They could just leave some gold and sneak away.
"Heh! You little rascal! What if you sneak away after I heal you? Since you were able to take down an entire pirate crew, you must be quite strong, right? I won't be able to stop you then, you cunning brat!"
Kureha hasn't lived these past hundred years for nothing; she's truly become wise and shrewd with age, and she can't hide Vic's thoughts from her.
" Dr. Kureha, let me be frank, my friend is also a marine, and it's impossible for us to live on this island with you."
Whether you want money, goods, or something from me, as long as it doesn't violate my principles of justice, you can come to me now or in the future for assistance!
Vic produced a bottle of fruit wine and handed it to Kureha; it was plum-flavored.
"Looks like you came prepared. You even know I like plum wine. This little bit of wine isn't enough for me!"
"That's settled then. You owe me something, and I'll come looking for you in the future, even if you become Fleet Admiral! Bring the person in."
Since Vic had already said all that, Kureha didn't press the matter any further. She could tell that Vic was very strong, and the debts owed by someone like him were extremely valuable, becoming more and more valuable as time went on.
Vic followed Kureha into the treehouse, Dr. Tsukimi followed suit. He was now ready to stay with Vic for safety and comfort!
After entering, Vic settled Wendy on the bed that Kureha had prepared and unwrapped Wendy, who was wrapped up like a caterpillar.
"Alright, I'll take care of the girl. I guarantee you'll see a healthy person with a fever gone by tomorrow. You two men, go upstairs and don't come down without my permission!"
Kureha had already moved her medicine jars and pots to Wendy's bedside; treatment was about to begin.
Vic didn't say much. Since Kureha had agreed to the treatment, there wouldn't be any problems. Vic still trusted her character.
Before going upstairs, Vic took out a case of plum wine from his spatial storage and placed it on the table in the middle of the cabin. Dr. Tsukimi was amazed and searched all over Vic's body as he went up the stairs, which made Vic quicken his pace.
The treehouse was warm, with charcoal burning in the fireplace on the first floor and the second floor being even warmer than outside. Upon reaching the second floor, Vic discovered that it was more like a small library, with bookshelves carved out of the entire wall, mostly filled with medical books, along with a few travelogues and stories.
"Doctor, you should find what you need here. Why don't you stay with Dr. Kureha and continue your research? I don't think she'll kick you out. If you have any questions, just ask her. She's a tough-talking but soft-hearted person, she'll definitely tell you, but remember to tell the truth!"
Vic Dr. Tsukimi, then found a bookshelf, drew the three swords from his waist, and sat down on the ground.
"Hmm! This is indeed a good place. I'll read some books first to learn more, and then ask if I don't understand anything. Young man, I still don't know your name?"
Dr. Tsukimi was also quite excited to see so many books; scientists like him value books highly.
" Orens Vic, Doctor, just call me Vic," Vic replied, sitting on the floor.
" Vic! Thank you so much for saving me, otherwise I would have really become a slave. If you ever need my help, please let me know!"
You wouldn't happen to be Vic, the Navy rookie who's in the newspaper, would you? Dr. Kureha really hit the jackpot this time! Your favor is definitely worth a lot!
When Dr. Tsukimi thanked Vic, he found the name somewhat familiar. Upon seeing the face and identity, he recalled the news from a few months ago. He truly felt that this old witch had struck it rich.