Dr. Trent Milan

Expenses:

- 0G housing expenses (lives in a house)

Profits:

+ 1,500G for working at Magnolia Clinic

+ 1,000G for working part time at UPI

+ 1,000G (500G per job for having a degree)

+ 2,000G for being the boss of Magnolia Clinic

+ 500G for making a menu for the clinic (here)

+ 1,000G for being the owner of Magnolia Clinic

“Um… I don’t think so,” Lest said. “I mean, nothing has really hurt. I’ve had a few run-ins while training and fighting monsters, but nothing that ever warranted a trip to the clinic. Just some bruises and scratches that have all healed up by now.”

“Um… I think I’m eating ok. I eat out at the inn and restaurants a lot, and I do eat sweets, but it’s not like I over-indulge. I have to save up money, after all, so it’s not like I can just buy a million sweets, ha ha!”

Trent hummed to himself as he gave Lest a basic checkup, nodding to himself. “I’m glad to hear things seem to be going alright on that front, at least... you’ve got quite enough on your plate right now, in my opinion.”

“Ah, yes. I quite know what you mean,” Ford said. “If it wasn’t for Violet, I likely wouldn’t have gotten anywhere at all. For all the textbooks I read, it was impossible for me to understand the nature of magic without practical experience. I’ve made decent strides since then… But in most cases, I can only heal minor cuts and bruises. It is frustrating, since I know I should be able to do more than that, but the only person I can freely use my magic on- other than myself- is Violet. Of course… I suppose she’s something of a special case.”

“Regardless… It does feel like my magic has somewhat stagnated since then. I’m not sure what will be needed to take it to the next step- hopefully, nothing drastic. But tell me, how has your magical progression gone? Like me, I’d imagine it was difficult for you to grasp the concept?”

“She’s been able to help me a little, but it’s not really something we’ve explored much,” Trent admitted, sighing. It was frustrating that he, too, had stagnated in the process despite his efforts otherwise. “I’ve used bits of it in practice - but only things I’m absolutely confident in. You wouldn’t catch me setting a bone or the like with magic.”

Expenses:

- 0G housing expenses (lives in a house)

Profits:

+ 1,500G for working at Magnolia Clinic

+ 1,000G for working part time at UPI

+ 1,000G (500G per job for having a degree)

+ 2,000G for being the boss of Magnolia Clinic

+ 500G for making a menu for the clinic (here)

+ 1,000G for being the owner of Magnolia Clinic

“Yes, that’s true. I’ll sometimes discuss my projects with Violet, and occasionally, she’ll have something interesting to say. However, while she’s quite the expert when it comes to healing magic, she’s not nearly as knowledgeable when it comes to alchemy. When it comes to complex formulas, she’s not quite at the level where she can understand what I’m doing, much less the problems I’ve facing. As for colleagues and other professional acquaintances I’ve kept throughout the years, we mainly communicate via letter, when we communicate at all- and so, it’s not really worth sending them any problem that isn’t ready for peer-review.”

“Suffice it to say, it’s been a while since I’ve had someone with whom I can carry out in-depth conversations about works in progress. I’d certainly like to hear what you have to say about a few other inventions of mine. I don’t have them here with me, but I’ll bring along a few of my notes next time. Naturally, I’d be interesting in hearing about any projects of yours as well.”

“There’s a notable gulf between alchemy’s more... chemistry based logic and magic,” Trent agreed. His tone wasn’t scornful in the slightest, but it might have betrayed how he still felt a little overwhelmed by it all. Magic was not straightforward, and it had its own logic he was still working to wrap his mind around. Which was not to say he’d given up, but... alchemy was much more comfortable ground.

He made a sympathetic sound at Ford’s being so isolated from his other colleagues - he was much the same, ever since moving to Arcadia. It was... difficult, to say the least, and did indeed make peer review nearly impossible. Certainly difficult.

“All right. Whether I find something or not, I’ll get in touch,” Lest said. “Other than that… I guess that’s all the questions I had. Although, I don’t know if I should get a checkup while I’m here, or whatever… Even if my memories aren’t going to be fixed any time soon, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t make sure everything else is working correctly, right?” he laughed.

“I appreciate it, Lest, thank you,” Trent said. He wanted to know what he found - or didn’t find - and hoped somehow he might find a way to help in the meantime... something more than he’d done already, at least. They’d see.

Expenses:

- 0G housing expenses (lives in a house)

Profits:

+ 1,500G for working at Magnolia Clinic

+ 1,000G for working part time at UPI

+ 1,000G (500G per job for having a degree)

+ 2,000G for being the boss of Magnolia Clinic

+ 500G for making a menu for the clinic (here)

+ 1,000G for being the owner of Magnolia Clinic

“Hm… you know, you may be on to something, there,” Ford replied. “Of course, it’s not just a matter of targeting a deficiency, but… yes, if you were to consider how that chemical would interact with… And bearing that in mind… I suppose it would only be natural…”

Muttering to himself, Ford quickly opened up a notebook, and began jotting a few things down. It wasn’t so much that he intended to solve the entire problem right there and then, but once he’d begun down a train of thought, he preferred to follow it to its conclusion before it was forgotten. After all, while there were some who would call him a genius when it came to things like this, it was not as if all the stars suddenly aligned themselves when he came up with an idea. Even on track to a solution now, it would still take a couple of days and many, many experiments before he got any results.

“…I’ll have to look into that,” Ford eventually said, finally turning back to Trent. “I’m surprised I didn’t think of it before… Then again, there’s something to be said about stating one’s problems aloud. Especially when discussing it with a like-minded individual.”

Trent smiled at his running muttered commentary, listening but not interrupting. The act of note taking was something he preferred to do in silence, and suspected it was much the same for others unless they were deliberately taking notes of something being said in the moment, which Ford was not.

Once Ford had gotten his notes down and addressed him again, however, he inclined his head with an agreeable hum. “There’s definite benefit to bouncing ideas off one another. I hadn’t realized I’d missed it...”

Expenses:

- 0G housing expenses (lives in a house)

Profits:

+ 1,500G for working at Magnolia Clinic

+ 1,000G for working part time at UPI

+ 1,000G (500G per job for having a degree)

+ 2,000G for being the boss of Magnolia Clinic

+ 500G for making a menu for the clinic (here)

+ 1,000G for being the owner of Magnolia Clinic

“Well, there are a couple of older recipes that I’ve put aside. Most of them work fairly well, give or take a few minor side effects on certain patients. However, there was not enough general interest to warrant spending funding on furthering their development, so they’ve mostly been put to the side for now.”

“One formula I’m currently working on is a potion that would give the drinker enhanced strength. I think it would be very good for those struggling with chronic fatigue, or elders who wish to live independently. However, the effects thus far have been inconsistent. It seems to work well enough on parts of the target demographic, but there have been a number of cases where it didn’t work as intended. And on younger test subjects, there is rarely an effect at all.”

Trent hummed thoughtfully, considering the problem presented by this particular formula and its intriguing inconsistency. It was like solving a riddle - was a riddle, after a fashion, in its own right - but all the more satisfying in the end because a solution would yield something beyond mere intellectual satisfaction. This could help people, considerably. No wonder Ford was fixed on it.

“Well, that’s good, I suppose. I don’t want to cause people problems,” he said, adding in a bit of a laugh. “But, thanks to you, and our talk today, I know that there’s never going to be an easy medical fix. In the end, this is something I’m going to have to figure out for myself. But, I appreciate all your help and support. It’s nice to get a bit of guidance, and to be able to talk about my amnesia. I have a few friends that I’ve made since arriving here, but I don’t really like talking about it with them. Although, since you mentioned it, maybe I can ask them if they know any detectives.”

Trent chuckled along with him softly, smiling as he listened. It made sense, what he was saying, though he wished so very much there was an ‘easy medical fix’ he could offer. Alas, no such luck. “Anytime you need to talk, Lest, you can seek me out. The least I can do is listen, maybe offer a second perspective on things.”

Expenses:

- 0G housing expenses (lives in a house)

Profits:

+ 1,500G for working at Magnolia Clinic

+ 1,000G for working part time at UPI

+ 1,000G (500G per job for having a degree)

+ 2,000G for being the boss of Magnolia Clinic

+ 500G for making a menu for the clinic (here)

+ 1,000G for being the owner of Magnolia Clinic

Expenses:

- 0G housing expenses (lives in a house)

Profits:

+ 1,500G for working at Magnolia Clinic

+ 1,000G for working part time at UPI

+ 1,000G (500G per job for having a degree)

+ 2,000G for being the boss of Magnolia Clinic

+ 500G for making a menu for the clinic (here)

+ 1,000G for being the owner of Magnolia Clinic

“I see. Well, that is unfortunate. But as it so happens, experimental medicine is a passion of mine. I have a facility set up on Leuda- the White Capsule. You’re free to stop by, if you’d like. It’s main focus is on pharmaceuticals, but we’re dedicated resources to things such as art and music therapy in the past. We’re a bit short-staffed in that department, currently, but the programs are still open for when we find those willing to fill the role.”

“In any case, I’ve learned quite a bit about alchemy here on the islands. I find the end result to be much the same. In fact, I would argue that my medicines are far more powerful than they ever were before, thanks to alchemy. I will often test out my new potions at the White Capsule by paying volunteers to run through the initial test rounds. When a medicine works well enough, and is popular enough, I can use that to put out a patent on it. So far, I’ve only gotten two recipes approved for proper sale, but I’m hoping that with time, I shall be able to put out a great deal more.”

“I’ve heard of the White Capsule, of course, and meant to inquire about it for some time. But it seems I’ve always been busy with one thing or another...” He sighed, shrugging. Still, in this moment he had a chance and he didn’t intend to waste it. “I’d love to stop by sometime, see the facility and what you’re working on. It sounds like you’ve been incredibly productive over there.”

He liked the sound of Ford’s process, very professional and reasonable, likely to yield positive results... and something he’d like to be involved in, in some way. The sheer opportunity for advancement, not only in his own understanding academically but the steps for progress of the medical community... he wanted to be a part of that.

“Oh, no, I couldn’t ask that of you- especially when it comes to money!” 

Lest waved his hands, quickly trying to dismiss idea. “You’ve already done so much for me- When I first got here, I must have been a real hassle to take care of, with no memories, and not enough money in my pocket to pay you back for all the medical care. But, even if I still have amnesia, I’m better now, so you don’t have to go out of your way or anything. This is my problem, so I can deal with it on my own.”

“…That being said… If you hear anything about a good detective, or something like that… Would you let me know? I could use a starting place, I guess. I’ve reached out to the guilds in the past, but they weren’t able to find anything. I guess I need to find some sort of independent private eye, if I want to really get anywhere.”

“You didn’t ask, it was an offer,” Trent pointed out gently, but didn’t press the point. He did shake his head, though. “My calling is to help others, however I can. While I will admit your case was frustrating due to my inability to really help, I wouldn’t say you were a ‘hassle’ or anything of the sort. You’ve been excellent to work with, truly.”

Expenses:

- 0G housing expenses (lives in a house)

Profits:

+ 1,500G for working at Magnolia Clinic

+ 1,000G for working part time at UPI

+ 1,000G (500G per job for having a degree)

+ 2,000G for being the boss of Magnolia Clinic

+ 500G for making a menu for the clinic (here)

+ 1,000G for being the owner of Magnolia Clinic