Chapter 14: Naaza's Resolve
"Come to think of it, that Airmid from the Dian Cecht Familia seems to be quite famous."
As the conflict between Naaza and Airmid flared up, Hestia seemed to finally recall something useful and couldn't help but speak. "It's said that she's the most famous and also the most skilled healer in the entire labyrinth city Orario. Her healing magic is powerful enough to bring someone back from the brink of death on the spot. Because of that, even top-level Familias choose to form deep partnerships with the Dian Cecht Familia."
"So powerful?"
Shirou looked toward the silver-haired girl not far away in surprise, finding it hard to believe such a young girl possessed such incredible talent.
Hestia nodded silently. "The Dian Cecht Familia was able to rise to the level of a top-tier potion business mainly because of Airmid's efforts. She single-handedly elevated the entire Familia to where it is today."
"I see."
Receiving this information from Hestia, Shirou gained a bit more appreciation for Airmid.
But seeing their attitudes, Naaza's face involuntarily showed a bitter expression. She realized she likely wouldn't be able to secure this business deal.
With a sigh, she quietly said, "Looks like you trust Airmid more. In that case, I'll take my leave."
As Naaza turned to go, neither Airmid nor Hestia reacted. But suddenly, Shirou called out to her: "Miss Naaza, please wait a moment."
"??"
Naaza was slightly stunned by Shirou unexpectedly calling out to her.
Shirou then spoke up, "If it's possible, would you be willing to treat me?"
"What?"
Hearing Shirou's words, both Hestia and Airmid, and even Naaza herself, were visibly surprised. None of them expected him to say that.
Hestia spoke first, "Why, Shirou? Didn't you hear what Airmid said just now? This girl might be trying to scam us."
"That may be true." Shirou nodded silently. "But our Familia doesn't have much money right now, does it? We probably can't afford the medical fees of a major Familia like Dian Cecht, right?"
"Uh…"
Hearing this, Hestia was taken aback.
She then showed a bitter expression and silently nodded.
Hestia had heard of Airmid and knew well how expensive the Dian Cecht Familia's medical services were.
It was said that even a basic treatment from Airmid started at over 500,000 valis, not to mention the additional costs for complicated conditions.
Such fees could instantly bankrupt a poor Familia.
Hestia couldn't help but acknowledge the reality of Shirou's point.
"You're sure you want to accept treatment from such an unprofessional pharmacist?" Airmid looked at Shirou silently. "It's true my fees are high, but I believe that rather than worry about money, receiving the safest and most reliable treatment is the right choice."
"Miss Airmid, your point is very reasonable. But if we don't have the money, what's the point of talking about treatment in the first place?" Shirou replied calmly. "And I don't think Miss Naaza is a bad person. She doesn't give me the feeling of a fraud."
"Hmph, your 'feeling', huh?" Airmid seemed to scoff at Shirou's response and shook her head. "Well, since you insist, follow your own path. You're not my patient anyway. Do whatever you want."
Airmid only seemed to care about those who became her patients.
Though she had clearly noticed that Shirou had a condition, since he didn't intend to accept her treatment, she showed no interest in him and turned to leave without another word.
"..."
As Airmid left, the atmosphere at the scene turned strangely quiet.
Naaza had stood silently the whole time, seemingly surprised by the outcome. After a long pause, she finally muttered: "You're really choosing me as your doctor? Are you sure that's okay? If it's about healing abilities, Airmid is definitely ten thousand times better than me."
"I know that," Shirou replied calmly. "But as I said earlier, receiving good treatment is of course ideal. However, if it comes at too heavy a financial cost, it becomes a burden for the entire Familia. That's not something I want to see happen."
"Shirou…"
Hearing Shirou's words, Hestia finally understood—he had been thinking of her and Bell the whole time. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she almost cried on the spot.
Naaza, too, was visibly shaken by Shirou's words. Her usually hidden right hand instinctively clenched.
Long ago, Naaza had suffered serious damage on her body, just like Shirou.
During an adventure in the dungeon, a monster had severed her right arm, and she was on the verge of death.
At that time, her Familia's god, Miach, did everything in his power to find treatment for her.
He even begged Airmid of the Dian Cecht Familia to provide top-tier healing, and with artificial limbs, her arm was saved. But in return, the Dian Cecht Familia charged Miach's Familia an extremely high price.
After paying nearly all of the Familia's funds, the Miach Familia was left nearly in debt.
Most members lost confidence and chose to leave, leading to the Familia's complete decline.
As the direct cause of her Familia's downfall, Naaza had always carried a deep sense of guilt.
Unable to fight anymore due to her trauma from the dungeon, she changed careers to become a pharmacist.
Using any means—trickery, manipulation, deception—she tried to earn money, all to repay her god's kindness.
At the same time, Naaza also held a lingering hope. If she hadn't accepted that costly treatment from the Dian Cecht Familia and instead received only the bare minimum of care, maybe the Familia wouldn't have ended up in such a state.
So after becoming a pharmacist, Naaza dedicated herself to researching how to use the cheapest materials to make the most effective potions. Her goal was to create a way for those without wealth to still be healed.
That became today's Azure Apothecary.
In a way, it was the polar opposite of the Dian Cecht Familia's model of high price, high service—a business that offered low price, low service.
Naaza had always questioned whether her path was the right one.
Whether this self-satisfying method could truly be recognized by the world.
Thus, when she heard Shirou's words—knowing he was willing to reject Dian Cecht's treatment and choose her cheaper option for the sake of his Familia—an intense wave surged through her heart. She felt a sense of resonance with the man before her.
At last, Naaza looked at Shirou and spoke slowly, as though making a firm resolution: "Your name is Emiya Shirou, right? Since you've become my patient, I will definitely cure you!"
"Thank you."
In response to her words, Shirou smiled and nodded, then followed her to the Azure Apothecary.