Chapter 30 - Medical checkup

The group followed the servant through the grand corridors of the mansion, finally arriving at a large, well-appointed room. The space was filled with various medical instruments and equipment, their polished surfaces gleaming under the soft light. Several officers of the Imperial Navy stood at attention, their uniforms crisp and immaculate, adorned with intricate gold embroidery that signified their rank and allegiance to the Empire.

One officer, a tall and imposing figure with a chiseled jaw and piercing blue eyes, stepped forward. His uniform was a deep navy blue, accented with silver epaulets and a high collar that gave him an air of authority. "Greetings, nobles of the Britannia Kingdom," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "I am Commander Zu, and I will be conducting your medical checkup today."

The group nodded, exchanging glances. Aqua raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "I see," she said. "And what exactly will this checkup entail?"

Commander Zu smiled, though it was a stern smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "It will be a routine examination, milady. We will take your temperature, check your pulse, and perform a few other tests to ensure that you are in good health."

Count Sam, nodded. "I see no problem with that," he said, his voice gruff. "Let's get this over with."

Marquis Nile, however, scowled, his face reddening with indignation. "I refuse to submit to such an indignity. I'm a noble of the Britannia Kingdom, not some commoner to be poked and prodded like a farm animal."

Aqua placed a calming hand on his arm, her grip firm yet reassuring. "Marquis, please. It's just a precautionary measure. We must show cooperation and goodwill towards our hosts."

Lyra, said. "Besides, it's a small price to pay for the opportunity to forge a strong alliance with the Empire."

As the group began to undergo the medical checkup, Commander Zu and his officers moved with precision and professionalism. Lieutenant Olivia, a tall woman with a kind smile, approached Lyra. "I've heard that you're a Marine Mage, ma'am. That's fascinating. We have very little magic in the Empire, so I'm eager to learn more about it."

Lyra's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "I'd be happy to share my knowledge with you, Lieutenant. Perhaps we can even exchange techniques and ideas during our visit."

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Jam, a tall man with a confident stance, engaged Aqua in conversation. "I've heard that you're one of the finest swordswomen in the kingdom, Lady Aqua," he said, his eyes gleaming with respect. "I'd love to see a demonstration of your skills sometime."

Aqua smiled, her silver armor glinting in the light. "I'd be happy to oblige. Perhaps we can even engage in a friendly sparring match during our visit."

"Really? But I don't think I have a chance against you," Jam replied, a playful grin on his face.

Aqua chuckled softly, her demeanor lightening. "You might surprise yourself."

Lieutenant Ryder, a burly man with a thick beard, approached Marquis Nile. "Sir, if you would please step over here, I'll take your temperature and blood pressure."

Marquis Nile scowled, but eventually relented, grumbling under his breath. "Fine, but make it quick."

Lieutenant Ryder smiled good-naturedly. "Of course, sir. I'll try to make it as painless as possible."

As Ryder began the examination, Marquis Nile winced, his face reddening further. "What are you doing, man?!"

Ryder chuckled. "Sorry, sir. Just trying to get an accurate reading. You're a bit of a tough nut to crack, aren't you?"

Marquis Nile glared at him, but Ryder just winked. "Don't worry, sir. I've dealt with worse patients than you."

"TCH!"

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Ane, a slender woman with a mischievous grin, approached Count Sam. "Sir, if you would please roll up your sleeve, I'll take a blood sample."

Count Sam raised an eyebrow. "A blood sample? What's the point of that?"

Ane smiled. "Just a precautionary measure, sir. We want to make sure you're not carrying any... unpleasantness into the Empire."

Count Sam snorted. "Unpleasantness? You mean like a disease?"

Ane nodded. "Exactly, sir. We can't be too careful when it comes to the health and safety of our citizens."

As the medical Processed, Commander Zu noticed that Milana seemed to be reacting strangely to the tests. Her pulse was racing, and her temperature was slightly elevated. He approached her with concern. "Milady, are you feeling unwell?"

Milana shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, I'm fine. I just... I don't like being poked and prodded, I suppose."

Commander Zu nodded, his expression softening. "I understand. But I must insist that you undergo the full checkup. It's for your own safety, as well as the safety of the Empire."

Milana nodded reluctantly, and the checkup continued.

As the final tests were completed, the Imperial officers bid the Britannia representatives farewell, thanking them for their cooperation.

"Well, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Count Sam said, his rugged features creasing into a smile.

Marquis Nile grumbled, his beard quivering with discontent. "I still don't see the point of all this fuss and bother. We're nobles, for goodness' sake! We shouldn't be subjected to such indignities."

Aqua shot him a stern glance, her voice firm. "Marquis, we're ambassadors of the Britannia Kingdom. We must show respect and adaptability in the face of unfamiliar customs and procedures. Now, let's focus on preparing for our journey to the Empire. We have a long and exciting road ahead of us."

"Hmm," Nile muttered, crossing his arms but relenting slightly.