Chapter 162: Refugees 2
TL: Etude
Take off your clothes and stand still! Doctor Wade ordered Sam as he walked into the tent.
What What? Sam stuttered in confusion.
I said take off your clothes, Doctor Wade reiterated.
Upon receiving confirmation from the doctor, Sams eyes widened. His dirty face flushed red with embarrassment. The man in front of him, dressed so decently, appeared kind, but why did his words sound so sinister?
Could it be he harbored ill intentions towards me? But were both grown men!
Observing Sams expression, Doctor Wade explained with a pleasant demeanor, Dont worry, Im a doctor. Im just going to give you a physical examination.
Really? Well then thank you, Doctor.
Although Sams embarrassment didnt fade, he obediently began to undress. The tent was warm, heated by a blazing fire basin, so there was no worry about catching cold.
Why does he need to examine me? Sam wondered with concern. Doctor, if you find any illness, will I be sent away?
Dont worry! If its a minor issue, we wont bother with it. Well only take quarantine measures if we detect any contagious diseases.
Quarantine? Sam asked fearfully. Does that mean Ill be locked up?
Doctor Wade, while examining every part of Sams body, answered, Its something like that, but its certainly not like being treated as a prisoner. Well provide medical treatment, and once youre cured, well arrange your work and living situation. So dont overthink it.
Oh, thank you, Doctor.
Sams anxiety eased, and he gratefully thanked the doctor.
Doctor Wade guessed that these refugees probably didnt have any serious problems. After all, having trekked from the south to the northwest bay, anyone with serious health issues would have succumbed along the way.
All done! Doctor Wade patted Sams shoulder after the examination. Youre in good health, young man. I wish you a good life in the northwest bay.
Sam bowed repeatedly in gratitude. Thank you, Doctor! Thank you, Doctor!
Finally, he had a place to settle. His life of constant upheaval was coming to an end.
Go to the porridge tent outside and get something to eat!
Food? The mention of it energized Sam. He had been smelling the delicious aroma and his stomach had been growling, eager for a meal.
He quickly picked up his clothes from the ground, eager to dress and get his food.
However, another person in the tent, wrapped up just like the doctor, beat him to it, picking up the clothes first.
My clothes, sir?
Oh? I almost forgot.
The gloved person immediately took a bundle from a nearby bag and tossed it to Sam.
Wear this for now.
Upon opening the bundle, Sam found a set of cotton clothes, both a top and bottom. The sewing wasnt particularly meticulous, but it was sturdy.
So, the gentleman didnt like my shabby appearance, fearing it might tarnish the citys image. Indeed, my old clothes could hardly be called clothes anymore; calling them rags would be more apt.
Heh, the gentlemen are so thoughtful, even providing a set of clothes.
Sam chuckled sheepishly and quickly dressed in the new clothes.
To be honest, the clothes didnt fit perfectly, but they were warmer and more comfortable than Sams own.
The refugees, coming from the south, were unfamiliar with the northern climate. Now, at the transition between autumn and winter, they had been bitterly cold throughout their journey.
Sam reached out to the gloved person, intending to retrieve his original clothes. After all, they were part of the few possessions he had.
However, the person didnt seem inclined to return them, explaining to Sam, Your clothes will be washed and boiled in hot water before being returned to you.
Boiled in hot water? Why? Sam wondered in confusion.
Its because they have never mind, its complicated to explain! Anyway, well return them to you eventually. Your name?
Sam, sir, my name is Sam.
Alright, Ive noted it. Now, go and get your food. Dont delay the others.
Yes, yes, Im going.
Sam, still puzzled and reluctant to part with his old clothes, feared they might simply be thrown away. He would be heartbroken.
But then, new beginnings often require letting go of the old. And didnt he just receive a new set of clothes?
Soup! Bread! Here I come!
With his mind full of thoughts about food, Sam rushed out of the tent.
Tsk, tsk, tsk! Look at this, Doctor Wade, the sanitary worker complained while handling Sams old clothes. I really want to burn this pile of rags. Its full of bedbugs, lice, fleas, you name it. See these white spots? Those are all eggs.
Doctor Wade shrugged helplessly, Dont mock the outsiders. The hygiene situation among our own people isnt much better.
The workers eyes shone with hope, I eagerly await the New Life Movement Lord Grayman spoke of. Ever since I learned about microbiology at Weiss Academy and became a sanitary worker, Ive been in a state of constant anxiety.
Be patient, be patient, the doctor comforted. Weve survived like this for centuries, havent we? Besides, changing someones hygiene habits and perceptions isnt something that happens overnight. It takes time.
Not everyone was as accepting as Sam, like in Susans tent
You wont take my clothes! Its all I have left!
A female refugee clung desperately to her old clothes, refusing to let anyone touch them.
Susan tried to reassure her, Well return your clothes after washing them. Please, dont worry.
No! I dont want to part with them for a moment. Theyre the only thing left from my parents wuwuwu
The woman collapsed to the ground, crying uncontrollably, perhaps recalling painful memories.
Susan was at a loss.
Militia! The sanitary worker beside her shouted outside the tent.
Two men rushed in. After a brief explanation, they snatched the womans old clothes and dragged her out of the tent, despite her cries and protests.
Susan asked the female sanitary worker in shock, Is is this really okay?
The worker looked at her indifferently, Theres nothing wrong with it, Doctor Susan. The lords sheltering of these refugees is already a great kindness. If they still refuse to cooperate, theyre being ungrateful.
Susan couldnt find the words to argue. She always felt immense sympathy for the unfortunate, be it the refugees or the girl in front of her.
During her training at Weiss Academy, she learned about a special group of women in her class, who had lived unspeakable lives imprisoned by pirates for years, some even since childhood.
They were rescued by Aldas navy and were arranged by the lord to study nursing at Weiss Academy, with the goal of becoming sanitary workers or nurses. As Miss Dias said, these two new professions proposed by the Count were related to saving lives and helping the injured.
This was like giving them a second chance at life, and because of this, they had a blind, almost superstitious worship for the lord.
And this girl was one of them.
Susan sighed internally. Ah, theyre all such pitiful people.
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