Before I showed up, the real Tony had always scraped by on half-truths and deception.
Of course, Gallon couldn't say that out loud. He sighed.
"Truthfully, before I started working for Lord Sein, I never had a proper employer. My medical skills were going to waste, and I wasn't getting the compensation I deserved."
The Minotaur devoured his pork chop in large bites and then ordered another from the proprietress.
"Your human status certainly makes it difficult to serve these important figures. I think you should take advantage of the money you have and open your own clinic. That way, more people will know about you."
He wiped the soup from the corners of his mouth with a piece of white bread, then stuffed the whole thing into his mouth.
"There are several shops for rent on the street just ahead. For the right price, you'll definitely find someone willing to rent to a human."
Gallon smiled. "Thanks for the tip. I'll go look for a shop as soon as I get home."
Having my own clinic would attract more patients and earn me more money.
Helping people is secondary. This is the only way I can secure a better life for myself.
He wasn't far from home. Using the excuse that he wanted to look at shops, Gallon saw the Minotaur off. He then wrapped his coat tightly around himself and walked toward the main street ahead.
This coat was too thin, too shabby. He needed to get a new set of clothes before he went to look at any properties.
Otherwise, he'd likely be thrown out just for his shabby appearance.
Although the living conditions for humans were harsh, placing them at the very bottom of this world's hierarchy, they were still under its protection. As long as humans didn't actively study dark magic or break the law, no non-human species would eat them.
Of course, this only applied to the law-abiding non-human species.
In reality, people often vanished without a trace from human residential areas.
After buying and changing into new clothes, Gallon walked along the street. He did indeed see several shops, but they were either too big or too small, none of them quite right.
That is, until he saw a small, red, Western-style building.
The building was only two stories high. Its exterior was draped in crawling vines, through which glimpses of a gray roof and red-painted walls could be seen.
The sign outside read: Katelov Clinic.
A "For Rent" sign hung from the doorknob. At that moment, a man in a brown coat, not wearing a top hat, was locking the door and preparing to leave.
"Hey, sir!" Gallon took off his hat and greeted the man.
The man turned, revealing a pair of golden eyes. His face was densely covered with feathers; it was the face of an owl.
"Human, what do you want?" He stood on the steps, looking down at Gallon.
"Sir, are you planning to rent this building?" Gallon asked.
"Yes. I'm moving to Violet Town and plan to move my clinic out."
A smile touched Gallon's face. "I happen to be looking to rent a clinic. May I ask what the rent is?"
Mr. Owl reached up and scratched his face. "Thirty green Magic Crystals a year. Believe me, you won't find a better price on this street."
"This red house also comes with a basement. In addition, you'll get the right to live in the house next door."
His attitude toward Gallon was quite mild. Although it was tinged with a bit of arrogance, that was a common affliction among most non-human species when dealing with humans.
The reason he was like this was probably because Birdfolk and common Beastmen also belonged to the lower rungs of society.
Or perhaps it stemmed from the professional courtesy of a fellow doctor.
"May I have a look inside?"
Mr. Owl's eyes glanced around. "For most people, walking into a house with a Birdfolk isn't a wise choice."
After all, while they faced some punishment for killing someone, it wit wasn't a capital offense.
Gallon smiled. "I trust your character."
And I have even more trust in the anesthetic needle I'm holding in my hand.
He went inside and gave the clinic a quick look. The medical equipment inside was pitifully scarce, and it looked like only the most commonly used tools were present.
There was no basic sterilization equipment—which was normal, given the era.
"You can have all the equipment here. For thirty a year, I won't take anything with me. But the lease is for a minimum of one year."
Mr. Owl stood in front of Gallon, his hands in his pockets.
He took off his hat, revealing a large patch of skin on the back of his head.
The feathers there had fallen out severely. Not only that, but the skin was covered in a dense, red rash.
He scratched at the rash vigorously, muttering complaints.
"Dammit, the damp weather here is making my skin condition worse."
Gallon's gaze fell on Mr. Owl's afflicted area. After a moment of thought, he said:
"If you don't mind, I have some ointment that might be able to help you."
Mr. Owl, Katelov, turned around and stared at him in astonishment.
"Really?"
The Beginner Store had an ointment called One-Swipe Cure, which could heal all sorts of skin diseases.
Gallon wasn't about to pass up any opportunity to gain Affinity. He spent five System Points to take out a tube of One-Swipe Cure.
"Apply a thin layer to the eczema. You should see results in about two days."
Katelov accepted the ointment, the smile on his face growing wider.
[Ding! Katelov's Affinity +5]
Gallon glanced at the System Panel. The Side Quest was already complete. He could check the reward when he got home.
"This house is very nice. Thirty green Magic Crystals is definitely worth it. I'd like to pay a deposit now and come back tomorrow to sign the contract."
Katelov hadn't expected Gallon to be so decisive. "That's wonderful! I wasn't holding out much hope. You know, it's a decent clinic, but there are far too few doctors here. Even I don't consider myself a qualified doctor."
Gallon smiled, took out five green Magic Crystals, and handed them to Katelov.
[Ding! Gained Katelov's Affinity +10]
"See you tomorrow, then."
"See you tomorrow."
When he got home, the pile of trash at the entrance had been cleaned up. Talia was standing at the doorway, holding a bucket of dirty water and about to dump it out.
When she saw Gallon, she reverted to her usual timid demeanor.
"Brother, you're back."
Gallon suppressed the urge to pat her head, put on a cold expression, grunted in acknowledgment, and walked inside.
"You've cleaned up well!" Seeing the food laid out on the dining table, he thought with a sense of resignation.
Good thing I earned some extra money. Otherwise, unless we ate out every day, Talia and I would be stuck with cold meals.
"You haven't picked up the bedding yet?"
Talia shrank back. "I was planning to get it after I finished cleaning."
Gallon snorted. "You always procrastinate!"
Talia didn't reply, just followed him into the house.
"Pack your things. If all goes well, we'll be moving the day after tomorrow."