It was almost 10 a.m.
Normally, no matter how tired I was, I made it a point to get up and start moving by 8 a.m. at the latest.
Especially when I was visiting an island for an "adventure" rather than my usual base. I never wanted to waste time or miss out on "experiences" that could only be done in the morning.
But now, I couldn't even bring myself to get out of bed.
"...Ugh... huff... huff..."
I felt terrible.
My head was foggy.
I was breaking out in a cold, clammy sweat.
My throat was killing me.
My body felt burning hot, yet I was shivering with chills.
This was it... there was no doubt...
(I've caught a cold...)
I checked the thermometer the innkeeper had kindly lent me.
My normal temperature was 36.5 degrees Celsius. Now it was 38.8... pretty bad, huh?
Maybe it was from that crazy adventure with all the sudden temperature changes? I never thought it would end up like this.
Well, what a mess.
"Ugh... Of all the times to get sick, it had to be when I'm visiting this country... Talk about terrible timing."
I was muttering to myself like an idiot when the door to my inn room opened, and the innkeeper came in.
"How are you feeling, Missy?"
"Ah, you shouldn't come in... You might catch it..."
"Ha ha ha, don't worry about me. I've been running this place on Winter Island for fifty years. I'm not exactly fragile."
Ignoring my protests, she strode right up to me, took the thermometer I was holding, and glanced at the reading. Her face twisted into a "whoa" expression.
"Oh my, that's quite a fever. You'd better stay in bed and rest for a while."
"But," she added reassuringly, "don't worry. I'll call a doctor to check you out. You'll be fine in no time. After all, this country..."
"After all, they call it the 'Medical Superpower' for a reason!"
That's right.
The country I'm currently in, the one I've come to for adventure, is the Drum Kingdom.
Also known as 'Medical Superpower Drum', it boasts some of the most advanced medical technology in the Grand Line.
Getting sick while sightseeing in such a place... talk about ironic timing.
***
After returning from the Sickear Kingdom, I'd been busy with writing, bounty hunting, and various other things. Just when I was starting to think about my next adventure...
I was casually strolling through town when I noticed a familiar general store with a banner that read: "Bargain Goods Just Arrived! First Come, First Served!" I wandered inside without thinking much of it, and that's when I saw several Eternal Poses for sale.
One of the Eternal Poses pointed to the Drum Kingdom, a location from the Original Work and a Winter Island I'd never visited before. It was just far enough away that I wasn't sure my clumsy sailing skills could get me there, so I'd been holding back despite wanting to go. But with a reliable navigational guide, the difficulty of the voyage would plummet. I saw this as a golden opportunity and bought it without hesitation.
After thorough preparations, including stocking up on plenty of winter gear, I set sail. The sea winds turned out to be colder than expected, making the journey more unpleasant than anticipated, but I eventually managed to reach the kingdom safely.
I spent my days exploring every corner, indulging my inner child with snowball fights (earning warm, slightly judgmental stares from the locals), and savoring the unique winter delicacies.
The cheese fondue was especially amazing. I dipped bite-sized pieces of bread, meat, and vegetables into the hot, molten cheese, careful not to burn my tongue. The savory meat, sweet vegetables, and rich, creamy cheese created an explosion of flavor in my mouth, warming me from the inside out until I was practically sweating.
I decided to skip the winter mountain climbing. Avalanches and getting lost in the snow sounded too scary.
I just admired the towering mountain in the center of the island—Drum Rock—from a distance.
I really threw myself into having fun, but now I wonder if that's why I caught this cold. Maybe I didn't dry off properly after sweating so much.
The innkeeper, who'd seen how much I'd been running around these past few days, gave a wry smile as she looked down at me sleeping.
"Could I extend my stay until I'm better?" I mumbled.
"Of course, take your time and rest. I'll call the doctor right away," she replied.
"I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble..."
"It's fine, really. To be honest, it happens all the time, so I'm used to it. People from outside the island often catch colds because they're not used to the cold here."
'Ah, I see...' No wonder she didn't seem surprised or worried at all.
This island is incredibly cold, after all. It's not surprising that someone from a warmer climate might get sick from the sudden temperature change.
"Since she's a girl, I should call a female doctor. Oh, just to make sure... you don't seem to be struggling, but you can afford it, right?"
"Yes, that's no problem..."
Just then...
"Don't worry! Leave it to me!"
*THUD!!*
"...?!"
Suddenly, a tremendous crash erupted from outside the room—from the lobby area, it sounded like something heavy had fallen with tremendous force.
Screams and angry shouts erupted from the lobby. "Huh? What's going on?"
"He came down the chimney?!"
"You criminal! What do you want?!"
"Run! Call the Defense Force!"
*Bang!*
A gunshot?!
"Stay out of this!"
"Nooo! You!"
"This quack is insane!"
"...! No way..."
The Innkeeper's expression suddenly turned grave, as if she'd realized something. Just then, the door burst open with a violent *slam!*
Standing in the doorway was... a middle-aged man covered head-to-toe in soot, wearing a tall, silk top hat.
Wait... what?!
He looked a little younger than I remembered, but could it really be...?
"Hiriluk?! So it is you!"
"I heard there was a patient, so I rushed right over! Now, let's take a look!"
It's Dr. Hiriluk! Wow, a character from the original manga! A key figure from the Chopper Arc is right here! I'm actually kind of thrilled to see him in person!
But honestly, right now, I really didn't want to meet him!
If I remember correctly, when he finds a patient...
"Ah, so you're the patient, Missy! Good, good, don't worry, I'll fix you right up! I just developed a miracle drug yesterday that can break any fever instantly. You're in luck!"
Stop it!
Don't you dare use some shady medicine on me like some human experiment, you unlicensed quack! It's probably made from lizards and frogs anyway!
When I was just reading about this in the manga, it was funny, but being about to become his victim? Not funny at all! A doctor with good intentions and enthusiasm but no real skill? That's terrifying!
"Don't be ridiculous! If I let you examine her, she'd get worse, not better!"
"What are you talking about? My patients always come first. Look how she's suffering! Hurry and let me see her... Don't worry, I don't charge my patients."
That wasn't the point.
Honestly, I was more afraid he'd take my life instead of money. Seriously, from the bottom of my heart.
"Get out of here now! This girl's a guest at my inn, and I won't let her become another victim of a worthless scoundrel like you!"
I almost cried at the Innkeeper's unwavering protectiveness as she stood firmly between me and the bed.
But seeing her refuse to budge, Dr. Hiriluk grew increasingly agitated. He pulled a gun from his coat.
I wanted to grill him for an hour about what kind of doctor he thought he was.
"Enough! Let me treat her! Get out of my way!"
"Who the hell do you think you're talking to? Shoot me if you dare!"
'Damn it, it's probably just a tranquilizer gun, but I can't let him hurt the Innkeeper.'
I had to find a way to drive Dr. Hiriluk away, even if it meant pushing myself to the limit. I'd use my Devil Fruit powers or whatever it took.
Just as I was thinking this, the lobby beyond the door erupted in commotion again.
"What's going on?! I just heard a gunshot!"
"Tch, the Defense Force..."
Noticing them, Dr. Hiriluk smashed through the window with a crash and fled outside.
Thank goodness... I avoided becoming a guinea pig for his weird drug experiments, and the Innkeeper didn't get hurt.
But... there was a massive hole in the window, and a torrent of icy wind and snow was pouring in.
"Cold..."
"That quack! He just made a mess and then bolted..."
'Ugh, you're right...' I was freezing, exhausted, and my head was pounding.
Anyway, after switching rooms, I had the female doctor come as planned. She examined me and prescribed some medicine—just a normal pill to take three times a day after meals.
Exactly! That's exactly what I needed. Something normal.
To be continued...