"Didn't Mr. Montfort informed you about what occurred here?" Captain Ole asked softly, his concern evident for the ailing man.
"He mentioned something," Jasper replied cautiously.
"That's a relief. The events here are still unclear – the open sea incident, the nocturnal octopus encounter, the bizarre occurrences, and the malevolent spirits. Lutetia City hasn't known peace lately...
Let's steer away from that for now. Can you see if anything can be done about this wound?" Captain Ole gently lifted the hospital bed curtain nearest to the door, revealing the occupant.
A young man lay there, eyes closed and face pallid. Besides some fruits on the bedside table, a metallic badge with the holy symbol of [Mastermind] stood on a wooden stand, emitting a gold and green glow in Jasper's eyes.
"Sacred items with healing properties?" Jasper speculated, then furrowed his brow, inspecting the source of the stench – his right arm wrapped in white gauze.
The doctor in the room, dressed in white with a large mask, removed the gauze, unveiling the finger-wide wound to Jasper and Captain Ole. The exposed flesh was pale green, and strangely, no blood seeped out. The green flesh showed signs of spreading outward from the wound.
"The wounds resist natural or unnatural healing methods. All we can do is periodically remove the affected flesh," the doctor's monotone voice emanated from behind the mask, and Jasper couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth. While his abilities were futile against curses and poisons, they proved effective against lacerated wounds.
He nodded to Ole, tapping his fingers on the healthy skin near the wound. Soon, cold air flowed, and the wound visibly healed. However, it lasted only a second. The green flesh writhed, and the wound reopened.
Jasper intensified the output of "Spirit," but the healing pace couldn't match the wound's reopening.
"That's enough," Captain Ole intervened as the wound persisted in its cycle of opening and healing.
Just as Jasper was about to concede, his finger grazed the edge of the green flesh. The spiritually soaked candle trembled, and Jasper stared in astonishment as his finger emitted a dim yellow flame.
Before anyone could react, the flames engulfed the patient's entire right arm. Jasper staggered back, and as the flames subsided, there was no damage to the bed or sleeves, but the wound, though still present, had reverted to its normal color.
The peculiar noise drew the janitor's attention, prompting him to investigate. His discovery brought excellent news.
No one attributed this to Jasper possibly having a [Gift]; instead, they believed it to be a hidden function of his ability.
"You've been quite occupied lately," Captain Ole remarked, touching the wounded man's arm. He turned to Jasper with a smile and continued, "I just wanted to give it a try, but I didn't expect it to actually work." Overjoyed, Ole promptly reported the matter to the church. Jasper ended up taking two days off from Mr. Montfort's place to treat patients with similar mysterious wounds in the hospital.
Given the still low upper limit of his spirit, Jasper found himself resting most of the time. His treatments extended beyond members of his church to include patients from the five Orthodox churches affiliated with the hospital. Jasper followed Captain Ole's and an old gentleman's instructions. Despite the presumed goodwill between the Orthodox Church and the others, Jasper understood that his services were not rendered free.
He reflected on Mr. Quentin, who had saved his life. As a scribe, Jasper had been engrossed in work and neglected to express his gratitude. Seeking information about the wounded at the Church of Shadowed Night and Covert, he regretfully discovered that Quentin was not involved in the hospital's affairs.
As daily life resumed, Jasper not only received a 20-Flints bonus but also gained permission to learn dozens of rituals. However, practicing them required purchasing materials independently.
Entering August - [The Divine Engineer], the summer monsoon waned, allowing the dim sky and nostalgic scent to reclaim Lutetia City. Factory owners and nobles deemed this phenomenon a "sign of development," signifying the city's improvement. However, Jasper harbored concerns about its impact on his lifespan.
This foggy state was the norm for the city. While lacking the official title of "Smog City," the surrounding smog matched the description.
In the fog, Jasper encountered an enigmatic occurrence.
"Pen pal?"
Examining the letter in his hand within the carriage, Jasper frowned in confusion.
Old Rhys had found it in the mailbox while picking up the newspaper. It lacked a recipient, only bearing the receiving address. Initially assuming the sender had omitted a name, the family discovered upon opening it that it was sent to the wrong address. None of the family members had a pen pal. On his way to work, Jasper passed by the post office, and Old Rhys asked him to return the letter. Bored during the journey, Jasper hesitated and decided to read its contents.
Dear Peter:
I'm delighted to receive your letter once again. The little poem you composed is truly beautiful. I wish the weather in Seon could be perpetual spring as described in the poem.
Regarding the last incident, I apologize for not yet finding the book you need. I've enlisted a friend to search for it in the tower's library, and I'm optimistic about the results.
Mrs.Stephanie's recent etiquette class has grown even more tedious, and she struggles with math. Only the equestrian class provides her respite, and my "little red date" eagerly awaits our runs. Petter, are you adept at math? I've attached some homework assignments from Mr. Warren to this letter. I hope you can assist me.
Note: May the [Spirit of Nature] bless you. If you truly comprehend, please ensure a prompt reply; otherwise, Teacher Warren is bound to condemn me for my folly.
Your loyal friend,
Sherry.
The letter, crafted from delicate snow paper, featured gold-lined edges framing a slightly rolled parchment-like writing space. According to Jasper's knowledge, this type of paper was sold by the sheet in Lutetia City, and his weekly salary might not cover the cost of the paper in his possession.
The handwriting exuded elegance and grace. The letter's author, "Sherry," likely belonged to the upper class with a refined education. Riding in an open-roof carriage this time, Jasper refrained from any ungentlemanly actions like "sniffing."
Using the same paper on the reverse side, two pages of math problems were meticulously inscribed.
"It's a rather straightforward classical probability problem, not even requiring integrals," Jasper analyzed the questions with genuine interest. Unfamiliar with the academic standards of this world, he speculated that if tutors could teach such complex probability problems, top universities might delve into integral concepts.
Although in his past life, this would have been considered a high school problem.
For reasons he couldn't fathom, Jasper bypassed the post office and proceeded directly to Mr. Montfort's place. During the lunch break, he borrowed paper and pen from Mr. Montfort. Apologizing upfront, he opened the envelope to identify the sender. Then, he addressed each question systematically, sealed it with the original letter, and prepared to mail it in the evening.
"My math skills are impeccable, but my handwriting leaves much to be desired," Jasper admitted. While Mr. Montfort refrained from commenting on Jasper's actions, he critiqued the handwriting mercilessly.
"Perhaps Miss Sherry thinks I'm a math savant, some sort of peculiar Frankenstein... and here I am, just trying to do a good deed. Isn't Sheon the capital of the Kingdom of Hestiriya? If I don't assist her, the lady might not find time to send another letter."
Jasper shrugged, explaining the mathematical symbols of his previous life in straightforward language in the letter. Mr. Montfort wore an expression of helplessness, as if saying, "young people are always like this."
After dispatching the letter, Jasper secretly anticipated a response. However, given that the capital of the Kingdom of Hestiriya lay in the far north of the continent, ordinary postal mail was used to economize. Even if the letter arrived safely, a reply from the lady using the pen name "Sherry" would likely take until next month, assuming she responded immediately.
The "mathematical genius" Jasper set on a peculiar incident aside after a few days. He glanced down at the jet-black flintlock pistol before him.
"Mr. Montfort, what's the meaning of this?"
"Get ready and come with me. I got word that a shipment of quality goods arrived at the dock warehouse. Perhaps you'll find something worthwhile."
Montfort spoke hastily and tossed Jasper the coat he had been wearing.
"But why carry a pistol? Is this some kind of underworld trade?"
Jasper remained perplexed, especially considering his father could easily retrieve a loaded gun from the counter.
"Don't overthink it; it's just for self-defense."
As he spoke, Mr. Montfort stowed away a similar pistol and simultaneously loaded several brass bullets into the inner pocket of his coat.
"Young man, ease up; it's just self-defense. By the way, I suggested you go to Mr. Quills Club to practice shooting. Are you still keen on going?"
Montfort wore a smile.
An apprehensive Jasper followed Mr. Montfort along the road toward the dock area, and as expected, they veered into an alley. Ten minutes later, the duo reached a dilapidated bungalow.