Chapter 180: Devil's Snot (4)

The Capital's Imperial Military Headquarters.

Supreme Conference Room.

From early Morning, the key figures of the Imperial Military gathered at the Round Table.

Including the Chief of Personnel Edmund, the Quartermaster General, Financial Officer, Judge Advocate General, and so on.

And I sat alone in the seat for the special outside attendee.

'These should be all familiar faces...... but there are still many people I don't know.'

I thought while looking at the faces of the High-ranking people of The Military.

It certainly wasn't my first time having a meeting with the High-ranking people of The Military.

Yet every time I saw them, unfamiliar titles and faces popped out.

The moment I once again felt that the Empire's Military was truly massive.

Perisia, who doubled as my Executive Secretary, whispered in my ear.

"I will Contact Lady Jenny and Lady Charlotte right before the meeting ends."

They are not attending this meeting.

It is because of the banquet happening this Dinner.

They are busy preparing their attire and makeup to match the Dress Code.

"They will join us at Lunch Time, right?"

"Yes. Once the two of them get fitted in the Morning, we plan to get Lord Yulian's Formal wear fitted in the Afternoon."

"The Schedule is tight."

"Normally, one is supposed to prepare for such things One month in advance."

Perisia was right.

Normally, these things had to be prepared well in advance.

The problem was that Shallot was not the type to prepare for banquets in advance.

— "You mean the Party Dress? If there is a Party that Dinner, we can just get it fitted in the Morning."

— "Shallot. What if there's a problem with the clothes?"

— "If it's an outfit that will have a problem anyway, an issue is bound to pop up on the day even if we get it fitted One month in advance. Jenny, you don't constantly check your Party Dress either, do you?"

— "Haa...... If only you weren't so good at making excuses."

I too agreed with Shallot's thought.

Naturally, Jenny Pointed out this behavior of ours.

— "Even so, couldn't you just prepare One month in advance? Is there a reason both you, Professor, and Shallot insist on stubbornly procrastinating like this?"

— "Because it's better to do an Investigation on an Incident during that Time."

— "Because I have to see patients and do Research during that Time."

— "Right. What a Match made in heaven."

The persuasion ended in Failure, but.

Anyway, for that reason, today's Schedule was somewhat tight.

As I was thinking about the Schedule like that, before I knew it, all the seats were filled.

The moderator of today's meeting was the Chief of Military Affairs.

"First, while we check attendance, please verify the condition of the materials distributed to your respective seats."

A stack of papers was placed on everyone's Desk.

The Agenda item for today was written in large Writing on the paper.

It was a place to discuss the Results of Morphine, its Supply price, stable Supply methods, Management plans, and so on.

"Since we have confirmed there are no issues, we will now begin the deliberation."

The Chief of Military Affairs announced a short opening Declaration.

"Then, first, let's verify the Result of the Frontline Trial over the past two months."

The first presenter was the Surgeon General.

He began the Briefing with a highly flushed Voice.

"Yes. To give you the Conclusion first, it has exceeded expectations. As a Result of conducting closed Trial administrations at the Field Infirmaries on each Frontline over the past two months...... that achievement can truly be said to be close to a Miracle."

The Surgeon General spoke passionately, praising the Effect of Morphine.

With the flailing and screaming of the Severely Injured Soldiers reduced, they drew less Interest from the Demonic Beasts.

Thanks to that, evacuation became much easier.

Instances of Death due to extreme Pain during Amputation Surgery noticeably decreased as well.

The most encouraging ones were severe Burns and Shrapnel Wounds.

"In the past, for severe Burns and Shrapnel Wounds, First Aid could not be fully administered due to The Injured's extreme Pain. However, during this closed Trial of Morphine, we confirmed that the Survival rate of The Injured visibly saw Improvement."

When the Surgeon General shared the statistics, I too couldn't help but be surprised.

Because my Prediction and the Result were different.

'Morphine shouldn't help with the Improvement of the Survival rate, though?'

It's true that Morphine reduces Pain.

But pain relief does not directly lead to Survival.

In fact, Morphine is disadvantageous for Bleeding.

The human body has a function that reduces Bleeding in response to Pain.

But if administered Morphine, the body might be mistaken and fail to activate that function.

That was why I had created a Guideline stating that Morphine should be used after Hemostasis......

'Why is the Survival rate going up this much?'

The Survival rate shown in the Surgeon General's materials was abnormally high.

So, I wondered if perhaps the data was fabricated.

Just as I was about to doubt it, another officer presented as if to support the Surgeon General.

"As a Field Commander, I will provide a supplementary explanation. The greatest Effect of Morphine lies in the minimization of combat power loss and the boosting of Unit morale. Because the trust that they can receive perfect Treatment without terrible Pain even if injured was formed, the agitation among the Nobles and Heroes has decreased, enabling calm responses."

Aha.

I only realized it after hearing the Field Commander's explanation.

It was a Result of non-medical reasons at play.

This world is a world where Trauma treatment is easier than any other Treatment.

Even if Limbs are amputated and internal organs are dangling,

it's a tough world where you can live as long as you return with your breath intact.

If even the barrier of Pain disappeared in such a world, what would happen?

"Because the Nobles performed fearlessly thanks to the robust support of Morphine and Heal, the losses of the Soldiers have also significantly decreased."

An RPG Raid Party is born right away.

Originally, Reality does not operate like a Raid Party.

There's no such thing as a Tank who is fine taking hits, and there are no Options to barely leave HP and tank a pattern for others.

But according to the Report, the Nobles each gave up their Limbs based on 'Strategic judgment.'

And they established Meritorious Deeds by hunting down Demonic Beasts they couldn't have caught in the past.

It even felt like they were Berserkers.

'I didn't make Morphine for them to do that......'

Even so, it wasn't a situation where I could point out the problem.

If they were Soldiers, I would have stopped them.

Asking why they were driving them into the jaws of death using Morphine as an excuse.

But those taking it upon themselves to be Berserkers were the Nobles.

I'm talking about humans who could later recover missing Limbs through Regeneration.

If they wanted to manifest the Noblesse Oblige spirit and establish Meritorious Deeds, I couldn't stop them.

......Though I wondered about it manifesting in the form of a Berserker.

"The reaction to Morphine is especially good among the Nobles of the Northern region. They said it's great because they can win in a test of strength against the Demonic Beasts with Morphine."

"......"

I looked at the Photograph of the Northern region Nobles in the Report.

Misters who looked like Russian Machos were sitting on top of slumped-over Ogres, flashing toothy smiles.

"If this keeps up, the Northern region might be able to massively revise their Strategy as well."

"It would be good to refine the Charge Tactics, within the bounds of being mindful of Addiction."

Did I perhaps end up creating Berserkers in the North?

Such Worries crossed my mind, but I decided to spare my Words regarding this matter.

I was a Medicine Expert, not a military Expert.

Since they said they would be mindful of Addiction, what more could I add here?

Anyway, the time for the Report on Morphine's Results ended like that.

To summarize the Result in one word, it was an overwhelming Success.

The generals at the Round Table also nodded with satisfied Facial expressions.

Next, the Quartermaster General's Supply plan followed.

"Accordingly, for the stable Supply of Morphine, we plan to designate some Territories in the Eastern Region as Special Military Supply Management Zones and initiate Mass Production of Poppies."

"How is the reaction of the Nobles in the Eastern Region?"

"As it happens, since the Poppy is a crop relatively resistant to droughts and grows well even in non-flat areas, the Lords of the drought-vulnerable Eastern Mountain Region have also actively responded to the Negotiation."

I felt Admiration at the Quartermaster General's Report.

Because that was a part I too hadn't even considered.

Because I was a person who made Medication, not a plant Expert.

"Currently, we have identified suitable mountainous terrain in four Territories, and we plan to conduct Cultivation of Poppies in those areas."

The Quartermaster General's Report was thoroughly prepared.

They had picked out arid or sloped terrain that was unsuitable for growing food like wheat or rice, and on top of that,

taking the Trustworthiness of the corresponding Lord into consideration, it seemed they had already finished the selection.

"The Military intends to support the establishment of the Merkur Trading Company's Factory in that area. The Trading Company has also agreed to this."

Saying so, the Quartermaster General subtly studied my Facial expression.

That look seemed to ask, 'You have no Complaints, right?'

"We have also concluded an agreement to simultaneously Supply the Antidote for overdose, Naloxone, to the military in a few months."

"Good. We will now conclude the Report and proceed with the vote on adopting Morphine as an official Military supply."

Following the moderator's Declaration, a Show of Hands Vote immediately proceeded.

"Are there any who oppose?"

"......"

There were no opposing views.

Thus, the generals signed a Unanimous decision to adopt Morphine as an official Military supply for the Imperial Army.

Scribble, scribble.

Once the generals' Signatures were done, the moderator opened his mouth.

"Good. Then we will have a Time to discuss additional Agenda items."

"Ahem. I will make a Proposal first. I wish to discuss the Guideline for the Disposal of damaged or leftover quantities."

"I accept. Then please put forward your respective opinions."

The Judge Advocate General rose from his seat and made the Proposal with a Dry Cough.

The Discussion on this part was completed quickly.

It was decided that Morphine would undergo a very complex procedure for Disposal.

The church's Heresy Inquisitor, the Imperial Board of Inspection, and the Imperial Military Police.

They decided to draft at least two people from each of these three Organizations, disposing of it under Cross-monitoring with a minimum of six people present.

It was a severely Inefficient and cumbersome procedure.

But none of the officers raised any Dissent.

The 'Imperial Collapse Scenario' and the tragedy of the Criminal Clinical trial.

It was because everyone present clearly remembered them.

The distribution of Morphine by Frontline.

The necessary production quantity.

The Security of the production Process, and so on.

Afterwards, numerous Discussions went back and forth.

Every single one was outside my realm of Interest.

The Agenda item that was the very reason I attended this meeting hadn't even come up yet.

I was staying sharp to keep from dozing off amidst that boring Discussion.

Finally, the Agenda item I had been waiting for came up.

"Now, we would like to discuss post-war responsibilities and social issues."

My eyes immediately shot wide open.

Because the topic for which I participated in this meeting had appeared.

"Accidents we Worried about concerning Morphine are already occurring."

The Judge Advocate General explained the background of the Discussion with a serious face.

"During the closed Trial period, two instances where an active-duty Soldier secretly possessed Unauthorized Morphine were caught. Furthermore, due to the unique nature of the battlefield, the Rules were not always followed. There were those who pocketed Morphine from the pockets of dead Medics, and there were Soldiers who ignored the dosage and administered an excessive dose because their injured Comrade-in-arms was in too much Pain. As a Result...... we are in a situation where suspected addicts are slowly appearing on the Frontline."

Right.

This was the problem.

No matter how much you pay attention to Dosage Instructions.

No matter how thorough your Management is.

No matter how many regulations you put forward.

Ultimately, Accidents were bound to occur.

Therefore, I wanted to discuss the subsequent countermeasures.

"Now, if anyone wishes to make a Proposal regarding these countermeasures first, please raise your hand."

I was about to raise my hand from the Outsider seat.

But there was someone who raised their hand before me.

It was the Military Judge.

"Maintaining military discipline must be our top priority. We must strengthen the Punishment against Unauthorized Morphine suppliers and those who pocketed Medication."

The Chief of Personnel Edmund also nodded with Crossed arms.

"That is right. I propose that those who steal or secretly distribute it be given a Dishonorable Discharge immediately upon discovery, and their Military Pension permanently revoked. We need to firmly establish discipline."

I also agreed with their opinions.

Those who pocketed it, smuggled it, and broke the Rules.

There was no reason to oppose strictly punishing such people.

The problem was what came next.

"The problem is those who have returned to society."

The Military Accounting Officer raised his hand.

"Performing Meritorious Deeds is well and good, but The Military cannot stand by and watch a War Veteran who received a Medal turn into a drug-riddled Cripple disrupting society. It might be just one case now, but it will become a huge headache in the long run."

At those words, the generals frowned.

It was likely because such a Future was already drawn in their minds.

"Their rampages could diminish the Prestige of The Military. Therefore, I believe strong Punishment and restrictions are necessary."

"It would also be necessary to revoke the pensions of discharged Soldiers who cause problems with Morphine and punish them severely."

"That is right. We must specially categorize Disabled Veterans as 'high-risk Morphine addicts' and place strict restrictions so they cannot obtain the medication in the civilian sector."

The Discussion went back and forth swiftly.

The Military was positive about Morphine circulating on the battlefield.

But they seemed unwilling to see it circulate among civilians.

The problem was their method.

Turning them into addicts on the Frontline, and treating them as Potential Criminals once they return to society?

'No. If they do that......'

There was already a Nation in my Previous life that did just that.

The Result was the absolute worst.

The Soldiers abandoned by their Nation flowed into the Black market.

And they made a massive Contribution to growing that Black market.

Back then, the logic of that Nation was not much different from the generals here.

"You have a point."

"In the first place, it is those with weak wills who fall into such things."

"That is right. It is a matter of Mental strength."

They Pointed fingers at the weakness of the Soldiers.

And they showed Indifference to their Pain.

Without even knowing that this Indifference was the very, steadfast Ally of the Black market.

'It's a good thing I came.'

Naturally, there was no way I would just sit and watch that happen.

Conveniently, I possessed the Influence to break through that Indifference.

Thus, I broke the silence and carefully raised my hand.

"I would like to ask one thing."

At my Voice, the generals' gazes focused on my face.

I couldn't help but think that it was a good thing I came wearing my Crow Mask.

Otherwise, the stares might have been so burdensome that I would have stuttered.

"Why is it that while categorizing Disabled Veterans as Potential Criminals, there isn't a single line of Discussion regarding their 'Post-Discharge Treatment Support'?"

As the generals looked at each other with puzzled faces.

Edmund asked.

"Support? What do you mean by that, Professor Yulian?"

"They are Heroes who lost their Limbs and Sacrificed themselves for the Nation on the battlefield. The reason they became dependent on Medication amidst their Pain is not because of their weakness, but because of the blood they shed for their Nation, is it not?"

Historically, drug addicts are mass-produced right after a war.

As Soldiers who used Drugs under the Nation's orders end up being abandoned by that very Nation.

"To categorize such people as Sinners and push them to the edge of a cliff simply because they developed a dependency...... is far too cruel a measure."

"But, Lord Saint. If they enter society and devolve into drug addicts causing a Rampage, wouldn't the Empire's security collapse? It is only right to strictly restrict them."

"That strict restriction and Punishment will instead become the shortcut that turns them into demons."

I spoke firmly.

Having seen real cases in my Previous life, I could be certain.

'Blindly banning the Prescription of narcotic painkillers is not going to solve the problem.'

Historically, it's common for drug addicts to be mass-produced by war.

These Soldiers cannot quit Drugs even after the war ends.

Because the Pain from getting shot is so severe they cannot sleep.

The problem is the Nation's subsequent response.

The Nation shows Indifference to their Pain.

From the Nation's perspective, they were not War Veterans but mere drug addicts.

So the Nation abandons them.

The abandoned Soldiers continue using painkillers until they fall into hardship due to Covering Costs for the medication.

Eventually, they step foot into the Black market where they can get Medication cheaply.

I did not want to see such a Vicious cycle in this world.

'Besides, it'll become a headache if these Disabled Veterans dip their feet into Crime.'

My Daily life is already exhausting enough because of subversive groups like Black Sorcerers and Demonkin.

What if Soldiers abandoned by their Nation join forces with them?

'Who knows who might be among those Soldiers.'

A Fantasy world where it wouldn't be strange if a Sword Saint suddenly popped out of a Back alley.

A Mafia Boss with a British accent who smokes Cigarettes suspiciously well, or

a Hitman who shoots Guns suspiciously well and loves dogs might appear.

I didn't want to be targeted by people like that.

So I persuaded the generals.

"If we force strict standards onto the Disabled Veterans and cut off their Medication, what do you think will happen?"

The Meeting room fell into silence.

Having seized the initiative, I explained it to them.

The fact that they can never stop taking their Medication.

The fact that they will become unable to economically handle Covering Costs for the Medication.

The fact regarding what choice they will ultimately make.

And......

"Perhaps, feeding off the Demand of those abandoned Soldiers, a Drug we have never even imagined could be born."

In the worst-case scenario, something like Heroin could even appear.

Meaning a Drug exclusively for Pleasure, with absolutely zero medical Purpose, quite literally a Devil's piece of shit.

The inside of the Meeting room became deathly quiet, like a dead Rat.

There was no one who refuted my thoughts.

I began to count on my fingers as if counting numbers.

"There are three things I Propose."

First.

Do not blindly cut off the Medication and issue Punishment.

Not only is it not something to do to a Patriot, but it is also an act of pushing them to the edge of a cliff.

Second.

Disabled Veterans should instead be able to receive Prescriptions 'appropriately' when needed.

While placing strict limits on the quantity, it must not reach a cruel level that blocks even truly necessary pain relief.

Third.

Provide Support so they do not go bankrupt due to Prescription costs and flow into the Black market.

Edmund nodded while listening to my Proposal.

"You are not wrong. Among my Comrades-in-arms, there were many who experienced economic hardship after the war ended."

The other officers also looked convinced.

If the other party had been an ordinary Doctor or an outside figure, they would have Dismissed it as "an idealist's full-bellied nonsense."

But the me of right now is The Black Saint.

I knew the Weight of my Fame well.

The reason I Disclosed Morphine at this Time was also because of this Fame.

Right after announcing the Demon Disease, the Standing of my Fame was hitting the upper limit like semiconductor stocks.

Now was the exact Opportunity to sever The Military's long Indifference and force them to make a move for subsequent countermeasures.

"......"

"......"

The generals showed signs of contemplation with faces sunk in deep thought.

The mere fact that they weren't Dismissing it meant they were half won over.

At that moment, the Financial Officer expressed his reluctance.

"Your high opinion is very reasonable, Lord Saint...... but to cover even the long-term Medicine Support for Disabled Veterans with The Military Budget, honestly, it feels a bit financially tight."

I had only been waiting for those words.

"You don't need to Worry about the financial issue. I have negotiated with the Merkur Trading Company and established a separate Foundation. It is a Foundation that takes a portion of the Profit from the Morphine Supplied to The Military and exclusively supports the Rehabilitation of Disabled Veterans and their rightful Medication Prescriptions."

Anyway, Morphine wasn't a Medication made to earn money.

It was a Medication made because it was needed for Surgeries.

So sending the Profit I would receive to the Foundation didn't feel like a waste.

Since making money was the job of other Medications.

Above all.

"I never want to see the Soldiers who allowed me to be here comfortably get driven to the edge by the Medication I made."

I didn't want to see War Veterans abandoned by the Nation and their Lives ruined.

Especially because of a Medication I made.

"......Hah."

Hushed gasps leaked from the mouths of the generals, including Edmund.

It felt like the atmosphere in the conference room suddenly turned solemn.

Did I perhaps make a slip of the tongue?

Just as I was Worried about that.

"......I agree."

"I also agree."

The generals aligned with my opinion one by one.

A Conclusion was reached soon after.

There wasn't even a need to proceed with a vote.

"Then we will conclude that we have agreed by Unanimous decision to prepare support measures for Soldiers post-discharge."

The Military decided to discuss support measures for Disabled Veterans.

It was the moment the first Disabled Veteran Support System in the Empire's History was initiated.

*

Right after the meeting ended.

Yulian headed to a restaurant with Imperial Prince Edmund.

It just so happened that the two accidentally made a Reservation at the same Dining Room.

"Would it be alright if I joined you?"

"I will ask my Party."

Yulian immediately asked for Shallot and Jenny's understanding.

They readily accepted Edmund joining their table.

Just like that, Yulian's party ended up eating Lunch with Imperial Prince Edmund.

"Miss Charlotte. Has it been 4 years? I haven't had the chance to meet you since we met at that Founding Festival."

"Have you been well all this time?"

"Thanks to the gift your Fiancé gave me, I have been so well that I lost track of Time."

For Edmund, his meeting with Shallot was 'packaged' as a very good memory.

It was because that meeting at the banquet led to the birth of his Eldest Son.

To him, all Connections from the Founding Festival remained as good memories.

"I am asking just in case, but do you have any thought of becoming my son's Godmother, Miss Charlotte?"

"It's bothersome."

"Urgh. It didn't work."

Was it because of that?

Even though Shallot acted quite rudely, Edmund didn't seem to mind much.

After that, swirling the Wine served as an Aperitif, Edmund said.

"Professor Yulian. You are truly a fascinating person. You have so little Greed that I simply can't figure you out."

"Me?"

Yulian tilted his head.

Because he thought that someone of his level was still ordinary.

But Edmund did not agree with this.

"If it were other Pharmaceutical Merchant Guilds or Alchemists, they would have been frantic, Lobbying The Military just to sell even one more Medication. But aren't you the exact opposite?"

"Is that so."

"If I were you, it would have been different. I would have rather mass-produced plenty of addicts inside The Military.

Even if it meant Lobbying, I would have made the Disabled Veterans seek out our Medication, and when the addiction problem blew up, I would conveniently bundle the Antidote (Naloxone) on top and sell it at a high price."

"The Sales would jump significantly, I suppose."

"Right. But there's no way you wouldn't have known that, and the Directors of your Trading Company wouldn't have just sat by either."

That was actually the case.

Within the Trading Company as well, there were many Directors showing Backlash against Yulian's Guideline.

Asking why he wasn't utilizing this cash cow known as Morphine to its fullest.

The dominant opinion was actually to sell Naloxone bundled together as well.

But Yulian's Stance was firm.

Ultimately, the Trading Company had no choice but to follow Yulian's Guideline.

"Do you have no Greed for money?"

Even in Edmund's eyes, Morphine was a Product that powerful.

That was why he was curious.

How Yulian could give up on Sales of this magnitude.

At this, Yulian calmly replied while swirling his Aperitif.

"I am human too. There's no way I don't have Greed for money."

"Then why didn't you do as I said?"

"I didn't want to look down at streets overrun by Junkies from inside a citadel built with Gold."

At Yulian's answer, Edmund wore a dumbfounded Facial expression for a moment.

Soon, he burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Now that I hear it, you're right!"

Then, he wore a strangely sheepish Facial expression.

"I take back what I just said. As expected, a guy like me who's a Soldier to the bone has a narrow Field of view and a Bowl as small as millet compared to the Lord Saint."

His gaze turned to Yulian's side.

To Shallot, who was quietly drinking tea.

Edmund gave a soft smile toward her.

"It must be very exhausting for you, Miss Charlotte. Having such a Noble and perfect Lord Saint as your Fiancé, you must suffer a lot trying to maintain Dignity and a 'righteous life' by his side."

"......Pardon?"

Shallot stopped drinking her tea and tilted her head.

At the same time, Jenny, who was drinking tea next to her, barely held back from spitting out her tea for a moment.

'Pardon? A righteous? Life?'

Shallot's Daily life flashed like a panorama in Jenny's mind.

A woman who always complains of being bored, snooping around and sniffing the Smell of Blood at murder Scenes.

A woman who, when no fun Incident breaks out, acts like someone suffering a Withdrawal Symptom and shoots a crossbow at the Living room wall, mentally tormenting the innocent Landlord.

A woman who, when an Incident isn't solved, digs into the private lives of passing innocent Citizens or Peers, claiming she's sharpening her Deduction senses.

That kind of woman living a righteous life?

'Erika would probably be more moral than her, you know?'

At the very least, Erika had a proper sense of justice and ethics ingrained in her.

Though she might be cruel to Black Sorcerers, to ordinary people, she was the very picture of an exemplary Hero.

In contrast, Shallot was the exact opposite.

Given the fact that a person like Shallot Matriculated into the Hero Department, she had thought more than once that the Hero Department's Education system might be flawed.

'I wrote the novel wrong......'

The fact that Shallot's image was this good was none other than Jenny's Fault.

Cheryl in the novel took Shallot as a motif, but there were many parts that glorified it.

Because it seemed like the genre would become a Picaresque instead of a mystery novel if she copied it exactly as it was.

'Phew...... whether in the novel or here, why are there always only extreme people around me.'

Jenny held back her desire to reveal the truth about Shallot and sipped her tea.

Feeling the torn betting ticket carefully cherished in her pocket.