Cameron paused for a moment at my words, then nodded. "Well then, let's show you. I'll go see if anyone is receiving appropriate treatment."
He walked towards the area with the curtains.
With a frown, Alberta approached us. "Aoi-dono, the treatments in the special room can be quite gruesome. I don’t recommend watching them."
He seemed concerned, but I assured him it was fine.
"I've hunted magical beasts before. Blood, flesh, and bone don't bother me. However, it might be too intense for the students. Perhaps only the teachers should observe?"
"I-I find such intense things a bit…" Eliza murmured, her face pale. It seemed she couldn't handle blood.
"Then I’ll go in your place," Cote offered with an unusually serious expression.
"No, if you're not comfortable with such scenes, you don't have to go," I suggested.
Considering Cote's discomfort with healing magic, there was no need for him to force himself, especially since he wasn't a teacher. But he took a deep breath and shook his head with determined eyes. "No, the Cote Highlands haven't advanced much in healing magic. If there's even a hint I can learn, I need to see it."
It seemed Cote was resolved for the sake of his country. His patriotism was commendable. I wondered if the other nobles felt the same. But when I looked back, Eliza and the others avoided eye contact.
"I… I…" Shenley hesitated, looking anxious. I silently gestured for her to stop. She seemed relieved and closed her mouth.
Then Cameron returned, seemingly timing his return. "Well then, everyone, let's head to the far right corner."
"Understood. Strass, Cote, and I will go," I answered.
Cameron glanced at those behind us and then smiled gently. "Indeed, it might be best for those uncomfortable to stay behind. Though as magicians, it would be beneficial to observe."
Cameron walked ahead, and I followed, with the others trailing behind. Alabarta seemed to be coming along as a guide, following silently.
Standing in front of the curtain, I heard short, ragged breaths, the rustling of clothes, and small sobs. Even Strass's face tensed at the sound.
Cameron gave a side glance at the frightened Strass and Cote, then casually pulled open the curtain.
"…!"
I heard a small gasp from Cote behind me.
Behind the curtain was a white bed resembling a medical table. On it lay a young man missing an arm. Judging by the torn flesh, it must have been eaten by a magical beast. There were various other wounds on his body, and his clothes were in tatters.
The young man was breathing heavily, his face pale from blood loss. Two people were by the bed, a man pressing both hands to the young man's chest, casting magic, and a woman wiping tears while wrapping the young man's arm to stop the bleeding.
"… Will he make it?" Strass muttered subconsciously. Surely, if it were just a wound alone, it wouldn't be a problem. But judging from his face, I was worried about how much blood he had lost.
Even if blood transfusions weren't possible, perhaps an infusion could help.
While I was thinking, Cameron's serious expression caught my eye. He watched the students treat the groaning patient, rubbing his chin in thought.
"It’s a close call. This kind of situation is challenging. However, continuing with these difficult treatments will definitely improve their magical skills. If I intervened, I could probably save him, but it wouldn’t benefit the students. Sometimes, it’s best to watch over them with a tough heart," Cameron said seriously.
Then he called out the students. "Stop the bleeding accurately, focusing on the inside of the joints. The better the bleeding is controlled, the longer the time for treatment. Imagination is the most important aspect when using healing magic. Imagine the body's structure and determine where to start treatment. Right now, you should focus on the damaged blood vessels and abdominal organs."
Hearing Cameron’s advice, the two students responded with determined expressions.
The tension in the air left Strass and Cote speechless.
Seeing this, Cameron turned to me. "I don't know how things are taught at Fiddiq Academy, but our academy values practical experience above all. Perhaps that's why Maple Leaf magicians are considered highly skilled by other countries."
I nodded at Cameron's self-praise and looked down at the dying young man on the bed. "Indeed, practical experience is the best learning. But if someone who came for treatment dies because of this, it would be unfortunate, and it might scar the students emotionally. Allowing the students to try as much as they can and then having the teachers take over might yield the same results."
At my suggestion, Cameron furrowed his brow and nodded. "Seeing the dying and experiencing failure to save someone is also important. But Aoi-dono, your words may have a point."
He seemed to consider both sides.
I narrowed my eyes and gestured towards the young man receiving treatment. "Then, Cameron-san, please proceed with the treatment."
He shook his head regretfully. "Unfortunately, it's already too late for recovery. No matter how great a magician is, they won’t be able to save him now. However, this has been a valuable learning experience for the students. It will make them stronger and more capable."
Cameron declared the situation hopeless from the start and returned to discussing the students' education. The students treating the young man looked downcast, and their hands stilled.
Looking at the troubled students, I said, "Then, may I take over the treatment?"