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When I unwrapped the tattered rags, which had likely once been old clothes or sheets repurposed as makeshift bandages, a deep wound stretched from Colin’s left side to his right shoulder, as if slashed by a sharp blade.

“…Guh…”

The moment I lightly touched the wound, Colin’s face twisted in agony, and a pained groan escaped his lips.

But still, he showed no signs of waking up.

His breathing was rough, his forehead drenched with sweat to the point of being soaking wet.

Whether this state was due to the shock of being slashed, a blow to the head when he collapsed, or even a coma brought on by severe blood loss, I couldn’t be sure.

To confirm his condition, I began by using a technique derived from Water Magic Arts to manipulate bodily fluids and control the bleeding. Simultaneously, I circulated the magic to check for any hidden wounds or swelling and thoroughly scanned his body with mana vibrations using Search Art.

This approach is fairly standard among magic doctors in the big cities and healers. While the specifics may vary depending on their individual skills, the basics are the same. Essentially, it’s like performing an ultrasound or MRI.

If you think about it, being able to conduct examinations similar to modern medicine without bulky equipment suggests that medical technology in this world is surprisingly advanced.

However, that advancement is ultimately dependent on individual skill and experience, and to top it off, patients are expected to pay a mind-boggling amount of money for treatment. So, it’s not something you can simply praise without reservations.

The problem is that their methods are so convenient that they’ve never bothered to pursue more universal and reliable medical instruments. So, convenience can be a double-edged sword.

Still, ignoring a working method just because of its flaws would be foolish.

After carefully completing my scan, I confirmed that aside from the wound on Colin’s back, there were no signs of internal bleeding or damage to any vital organs.

As far as standard medical practices go, the next steps would be to apply a potion to the wound, bandage it, and let him rest. After that, whether he survived or not would depend entirely on his strength and luck. It’s said that in the Graviol Empire, where medical technology is more advanced, some areas even practice stitching wounds shut, which apparently raises survival rates a little. But honestly, it’s all more or less the same.

However, this is the heartland of Healing Arts, the very domain of the Saintess’ Church. From here on, it’s time to show what I can do.

“「The Great Healing Hand shall kindle your flame of life.」”

As I chanted, a radiant orb of light ignited at the tip of my beloved magic staff.

This staff was originally a master-crafted piece gifted to me by my mentor, Regina, but during the chaos surrounding Igoronak, it was further modified by Professor Victor. What was once silver is now golden.

The appearance isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Its internal structure has been heavily modified as well. Especially when it comes to healing and purification magic, Professor Victor vouched with utmost confidence that it’s on par with “legendary-grade” equipment.

“…Well, I used some mysterious artifact from some ancient ruins that I can’t quite understand myself, you see?”

That little addition certainly stirred up some worry, but it’s been more than ten months since then, and there haven’t been any problems so far, so it’s probably fine.

More importantly, it’s one of the few personal possessions I managed to bring with me to this era, so I’m rather fond of it.

“「Regenerate.」”

Whether it’s thanks to this staff or the fact that my magical power has grown even further, I’m not sure. But this spell, which I could previously only cast once or twice a day, now leaves me only mildly short of breath.

The moment the light burst forth, like magic—well, it is magic, after all—Colin’s horrendous wound healed in an instant, leaving his back as smooth and flawless as a baby’s skin.

The people surrounding us, who had been holding their breath and watching anxiously, all let out a simultaneous gasp of admiration.

“Oooooooohhhhhhh!!”

“This is incredible. If we were to request such healing from the Church through our household, just how much the cost would be…” Emil, Sir Simon’s attendant, voiced a rather practical observation.

“Well, at the very least, it’d start at five large gold coins or Eunice lira in similar value,” Cestlavie followed up with a rather grounded estimate.

What a harsh reality…

“As a shrine maiden, I cannot possibly demand compensation. This is purely an act of charity, so please rest assured.”

I made sure to declare this clearly to Colin’s girlfriend, who had been glaring at me with a sharpness that suggested I had killed her parents or something. When money is involved, people can drastically change. That’s probably why she’s so angry.

“What—For free!?”

Immediately, everyone present let out a gasp of shock.

Even the templar knights looked just as surprised. Were they seriously planning to extort five large gold coins or something? Colin clearly seems to be struggling financially—charging him that much would be a death sentence for his wallet.

“Okay?” I gave her a gentle smile, implying that I wouldn’t make any unreasonable demands.

“…Thank you.”

She bowed her head politely in gratitude. Then, perhaps worried about the time, she took out a golden pocket watch from her pocket and checked it, letting out a faint click of her tongue. It’s late at night, so her family must be worried. It might be better to ask someone to deliver a message to them.

Just as I was thinking that—

“Hmm, while it’s not deep, it’s still quite a serious injury you sustained there, Miss. You’ve been holding yourself together pretty well—I’m impressed. Lady Clara, I think it would be wise to treat this young lady sooner rather than later.”

It was hard for me to see her clearly since she was partially hidden from my view, but Kaisa, who had been assessing the girl’s injuries as if appraising merchandise, furrowed her brows slightly and urged me to heal her.