lava

Tick—tick—tick—tick—

Tick—tick—tick—tick—

Tick—tick—tick—tick—

Bang.

Augh... shut up...

Hibiscus, time to get up.

You're not even gonna answer?

No way you're thinking of lying in.

You sent me a message yesterday saying you were making rounds or something. That I should wake you up in the morning.

And here I am awake, and you're still sleeping. Haaah...

Eh, sleep in all you want. I'm gonna go rinse up.

Hm?

Hibiscus, you're still sleeping?

Wanna get up?

I just got back from field work myself. The mission wasn't easy. A huge hassle, actually. Not many people other than me could deal with it.

And Amiya gave me a hell of a lot of off days for it, so now I can sleep in for the whole day.

If I wasn't getting you up, I could've gotten a lot more sleep. Haaah...

Still asleep?

Then I've got to do something or other.

You said yourself last night, you were one of the Medical Department's elite at this point. You can't be late. I'll drag you out if I have to.

Though saying that isn't a first for me...

But having the chance to actually drag you out from your covers would be.

Hm-hmmm. What in the world would you do without me?

Still not getting up? I'm seriously gonna pull 'em. If you catch a cold, don't blame me.

Hibi—

Hibiscus, what—what's up with you?!

Why are your hands so hot?!

Hibiscus? Sis? Don't kid me like this. Haven't you always been pretty healthy?

Why would you just...

Sis! Sis! Say something!

I'm awake... Lava...

Stop shaking me...

Oh, s—sorry.

Are you okay?

A little chilly... and weak...

Probably caught a fever...

Fever? Your body can do that?

Oh, right!

Just wait for me a moment, I'll go and find a doctor for you right now!

It's no big deal... Lava, you don't need to...

Oh... honestly, you...

Ten minutes later...

Hibiscus, I found a doctor for you!

Ansel, you need to take a look quick! Is she alright?!

Wait, calm down—ack, stop pulling me like that—

Good grief... I thought you had something urgent you needed to drag me out for. I see it was your sister.

It's n... nothing...

The sick aren't qualified to say it's 'nothing.'

Hmm...

Do you have a thermometer in your dormitory?

We—We do!

In our household medicine box...

I'll go and get it!

Don't rush.

It's just... a fever...

Hrmm.

Temperature's a little high.

And you're unable to exert strength?

Mm-hm...

Medicine box! Come on! I remember it was here!

Have your diet and work-rest balance been fine these past few days?

Health...

Healthy meals.

Okay, forget I ever asked.

You and Folinic are both the type that don't call for worrying.

You've likely been too exhausted as of recent.

Found it!

Do the necessary... tests too... in a bit, please...

That way she can... feel a little calmer...

I understand.

Here, the thermometer!

Please bring the whole chest over. I can administer Hibiscus all the fundamental tests that way.

A medical kit of hers should contain the necessary equipment.

Got it!

With sufficient supporting data, I'll be able to discern whether her high temperature is a protective bodily response, or whether some other symptom has had knock-on complications.

We'll start with temperature. Here, open wide.

Aaah—

H—How is she?

No great cause for worry. Her body is just self-regulating somewhat aggressively.

Overexhaustion should be the main cause.

As long as she rests up for the next few days, she'll be back again in no time.

She'll want a bit of a lighter diet, reduced salt and sugar intake, and to pay mind to balanced nutrition.

So you're saying I've gotta make healthy meals for her...

The cafeteria can provide similar meals. You might not necessarily have to make them yourself.

As for other major points, Hibiscus knows more than well enough, so I won't go listing.

I'll file Hibiscus' sick leave for her at the Medical Department. Fang will tell the others.

The both of you shouldn't have any field work or missions lined up for the next couple of days, correct.

I don't, no.

None...

Then there shouldn't be any problem.

If you don't have any particular questions, then I'll be on my way. I'll leave you to watch over her, Lava.

Hey—

So I gotta look after you for a day or two, then.

Ah...

I never took any sort of nursing class.

Lava... if you want to train... go train...

Your sister's... a doctor... she's not that weak...

She can look after... herself...

*Cough*, *cough* *cough*...

That's enough out of you! Does your throat hurt? Do you need some water?