“Falma-sama. A carrier pigeon has arrived from the port of Marseille.“
Falma was chatting with the factory workers, as the acting Lord of the area, Adam, called up him.
“Who is it from?“
The moment he heard it was from the port, Falma had a momentary bad feeling. Could it be, a ship slipped by during the quarantine, and it wasn’t reported? Merchant ships were pouring in from all over the world as they gathered annually in San Fleuve City from the eighth to the ninth month every year, so Falma hired a first-class pharmacist again this year to teach the inspection and quarantine methods at the port. He allowed things to take their course.
“Admiral Jean of the East Idun Company under the San Fleuve Royale Fleet is urgently in need of you. Please come to Marseille Port’s Dock No. 3 as soon as possible.“
“Admiral Jean…what could it be now.“
“Falma-sama, you’re urgently needed?“
“El-der bro-ther heading off now?”
Lotte and Blanche asked Pharma.
“I’m going to Marseille’s Port now. So then, are you two wanting to coming along?“
“Yes, I want to go with you.“
Lotte acknowledged immediately. As soon as the Falma arrived from rushing to the Marseille’s Port on horseback, a particularly large frigate class sailing battleship had just arrived at the Marseille’s Port.
“Oh, Falma you also came.“
Palle happened to come to the Port with Bruno. Palle appeared to have arrived at the moment in observing the battleship. Bruno was guided by an executive of the East Idun Company.
“Oiiy.“
As the ship approached, a man’s voice was heard from the deck. Falma waved back. The scarlet flag of the First Class Ship belonging to the East Idun Company was dazzling under the clear sky. It was Admiral Jean’s ship.
Admiral Jean was the one that bought a lot of candies for the sailor, descended from the ship with his men. Admiral Jean attended to Bruno at first as he was the lord of Marseille, and greeted Bruno. Bruno returned the greeting.
“You must have a hard time on your long voyage, Admiral.“
“With Your Honorable allowing me to borrow your pharmacist student to be on the ship, it was quite helpful.“
Looked like he took Bruno’s student along on the ocean voyage.
“I’m glad my trained student was of help to you. Your company’s donations to the Marseille’s territory and its cooperation in cracking down on pirates have always helped me.“
Bruno praised Jean.
“What else, since it’s natural because I’m using the port.“
It appeared that the East Idun Company was using the Marseille’s Port under established agreement with the acting lord Adam.
“Along with your sailors, all of you come and take a good rest to heal the tiredness from a long trip.“
“Much appreciated.“
Admiral Jean saluted at Bruno. After his greetings with Bruno, Admiral Jean took his chance to approach Falma.
“I’m sorry to call on you, shopkeeper. I heard you came to the Marseille’s territory.“
“Jean-san. In the recent days, I haven’t been seeing you coming to the pharmacy.“
Falma also missed him. He felt like he hadn’t seen Admiral Jean’s face for the last two months.
“Admiral-san, so cool.“
Blanche eyes were glistened while looking at Jean as she accompanied him.
“Jean-san. Have you by chance met Blanche yet.“
“The ones I don’t know of!“
Blanche didn’t seem to notice that the old man was a regular at the pharmacy. Blanche appeared not recognize Jean who currently approached her in his navy blue coat, with an Admiral’s gold lace on the cuffs and collar, a gold epaulet, and a white inner dress.
(Girls, such vulnerable creatures to the Bicorne’s hat and uniform)[1]
Falma displayed a certain understanding of Blanche’s attractions.
“I just came back from a long trip, and completed my quarantine. Fuu, nice to be on land. Humans are creatures that live on land after all.“
“Since I haven’t seen you for a while, has your body changed much?“
Falma was worried that long-term voyages would be stressful for older people.
“I’m not feeling very well, but that’s just me saying it. A large-scale disease occurred in the pepper-producing area and the crop was poor this year, and the conflict over the existing colony also broke out, so a pioneer route was aiming for a new land at the behest of Her Majesty.“
“Are you establishing a new route?“
Falma listened intently while being surprised to Jean’s vitality. Bruno silently watched over the exchange, and Palle took a step back like a crying child being hushed to quiet down when he heard Admiral Jean. When it came to Lotte, she didn’t recognize the old man was Jean from the distance, and she was hiding in the shadows out of timidness.
“I’ve discovered the New World thanks to you. I couldn’t talk to you about it in the Imperial City, but it’s merely a discussion here.“
The seaman Jean, who had proudly proclaimed his accomplishment while playing with his beard.
“Even so, it’s a tremendous discovery! It’s a splendid achievement!“
Falma became excited. If you came to a newly discovered continent instead of an island, it was like the great discovery achievement of the Americas back on Earth. But Jean responded with the “Well it’s just” as if he was shy. And so he said,
“Well then, that’s all thanks to you! The cursed oceanic area where evil spirits dwelled, I had to go through the ‘ship graveyard’, where there were areas you couldn’t even see any islands at all, and so there were many difficulties in this voyage itself [2]. But the main enemy of the voyage was the food situation. It was dramatically improved this time and no one died, so I was able to take the plunge in advacing further than before!“
The navigators also shook their heads behind Admiral Jean as they were descending from the ship.
(What is this graveyard of a ship where evil spirits live, which sounds amazing. Since it’s this unique world, I wonder if there really are evil spirits and not just metaphors.)
Falma was once again shocked by such revelation.
“The sailor’s candy that is rich in vitamins, it was an epoch-making invention that doesn’t rot. Besides, when you put the common medicine solution in the bottle made from divine methods per instructed, the solution started to rot. Just like when you packed meat and fish in a bottle, it would rot.“
Falma had consulted with Jean priorly, and provided some precautions in regards to the preservation of food and water for the ocean voyages. He also mentioned that a wind magician should be hired to maintain and accelerate the sailboats with a stable wind source while a water divine art user supplied fresh water.
Jean took it all down like a healthy dose, and he was very pleased that it was possible to have an unprecedented quality meal with a high-speed voyage as the outcome. If the sailors suffered from malnutrition or illness and collapsed one after another, they would have to stop the voyage and turned back. Until now, months of oceanic voyages had not been possible due to the decaying food and lack of water.
“This is a talisman for my voyage.“
Admiral Jean took out his favorite candy from his pocket as he praised it with fervor, and began chewing on it.
“My thanks to the shopkeeper. This voyage was not much different from being on land, as it was comfortable.“
“As to acknowledge the Admiral’s praises, you are a great pharmacist.“
The crew members also expressed their gratitude. They were the crew members that helped clean up the Different World Pharmacy when it was attacked by Beron’s minions, and Falma recognized them all. Once again Falma had realized how a small piece of advice could revolutionize the changes, where the pelagic ocean voyage on the sailing ship was always a life-threatening event.
“It was good overall. The voyage was made a little safer.“
“So, there were no deaths thanks to that, but there were some sailors that nearly died due to strange diseases other than scurvy on the long voyage. Maybe it’s because of evil spirits, which we couldn’t see them?“
“I understand. That’s why you requested me to be here.“
Three patients were carried on the stretchers during the loading process that was started. They said that their diarrhea did not stop, their body’s skin was rough, their consciousness was stunned, and the worst issue was the hallucination. Falma heard that the three had the same symptoms and began the examination with Palle.
“It’s apparent. The skin is tattered and rough. The blisters are terrible, and the skin is pigmented with red-black coloration.“
Falma retracted the sleeves of the patient’s clothes. Interestingly, there was no inflammation among the parts hidden by the clothing
“I think it was caused by the sun, where the inflammation occurred.“
Falma noted on the medical record.
“Could it be photosensitivity? No, that alone cannot explain other symptoms.“
Palle acknowledged the same symptoms that Falma had indicated.
“Elder brother, take a closer look.“
Falma pointed out at the site of the rash.
“The redness is symmetrical in appearance… So then, as for the symptom, the lacking is.“
When he observed the patient’s tongue, it was reddish and inflamed.
“Eureka, that’s it.“
Falma nodded.
“Pellagra, or niacin deficiency.“
Falma informed the patient based on the diagnosis. There was no doubt since it could be obseved with the naked eyes.
“Is that all it is? It can be cured.“
The old man Jean that was listening to the discussion from behind said something about the unfamiliar name of the disease, making Falma worried about the sailors.
“Do the sailors drink alcohol often?“
Falma requested the info about the patients’ backgrounds.
“Just strong alcohol.“
Admiral Jean replied on behalf of the unconscious sailors.
“Since that was the case.“
Falma explained about the particular common illness for those who consume too much alcohol.
“Ugh, to have liquor being such a bad thing! It’s about the enjoyment of the rum!“
Old Jean placed his hand on his chest as he moaned with grief. He appeared to have a good idea about the consequences of alcohol consumption.
“I didn’t tell about this to Admiral Jean.“
“Tha, that’s right.“
“Don’t drink too much, over-consuming, or over-eating too much. These people are considered to have a niacin deficiency. In addition to chronic undernourishment on long journeys, it is caused by over-exposure to sunlight.“
Bruno listened to Falma’s explanation while jogging down notes.
“This is terrible, isn’t it.“
Jean tilted his neck with a grimace look on him.
“It’s the companion to the same vitamin.“
Niacin was sometimes called vitamin B3 when it was first discovered. By the way, vitamins were previously named A, B, and C in the order of discovery, but now that the structure of the compound has been clarified, the name vitamin B3 is not officially used.
Currently, all 13 types of vitamins have been discovered.
Falma explained about Vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D (calciferol), vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin K (phylloquinone), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), along with pantothenic acids like biotin, folic acid, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and niacin.[3]
“I see…There’s something new for the small bit of candy. And there are 13 types to boot! It’s hard to get it all in the small bite….And on board, sunlight is inevitable. Is there cure for it?“
“If you take the niacin for the deficiency, it will be cured. Other symptoms will gradually subside. It seems that the symptoms are the same for all three people, so I will prescribe supplement tablets.“
It was not too late for Falma’s [Diagnosis Eye]. So he prescribed a large amount of nicotinamide, along with Vitamine B orally, and concerned about the damaged liver from alcohol at the same time, so he cautioned them against drinking alcohol any further.
“Ooh, they could be saved! Nutrition is important.“
Admiral Jean’s spine stretched outward. He had his subordinates carried off, while sitting tightly with the pulsing sensation at his stretched waist. Falma also added a compressed formula to the existing condense divine script.[4]
“Guooh, it hurts. I’ve just came back to this place.“
“Let’s make candies or tablets containing various vitamins that are nutritionally essential for the human body, especially for sailors and travelers. Also, Admiral Jean will need calcium.“
Falma promised to develop a supplement that combines vitamins and minerals with the East Idun Company.
“I’ll be saved! When the event in San Fleuve’s Capital City is over, I have to ask you for the favor by that time since I have to send a research team to the New World!“
“I understand, so let’s make the supplements before that time comes.“
It was mentioned that until the merchant ships could safely navigate the route, he was requested by the Empire to guard them after the event at the San Fleuve’s Capital City by remaining in the Imperial Gulf. The East Idun Company also played a role similar to that of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Falma heard about it and recalled something important.
“Ah, speaking of the New World by the way, was there any discovery of people living there?“
“No, I haven’t found them yet. There were some plants I hadn’t seen, but it was dangerous to suddenly venture off, so I just landed on the new continent for a few hours and didn’t rush to touch anything. I came back at once afterward.“
Falma wanted to praise Admiral Jean’s proper decision.
“What would you do if you found an indigenous people?“
“If there were indigenous people, any aggression is prohibited based on international treaties, and establish a trade.“
If there were no natives, the flag of the Empire would be raised and pioneer personnel would be stationed on the new settlement. After seeing Falma felt relieved about the lack of invasion of the New World for the time being, he again paid close attention to the discussion.
“We are to be very careful with our contact with the indigenous peoples, animals and plants of the New World, because we may bring back an unknown illness. Unknown element means that an illness is not within our immunity. In the worst scenario, we will die.“
Once on Earth, with the newly discovered Americas, the people from Europe brought over smallpox, measles and mumps to the new Americas. Particularly the Native Americans had no immunity to smallpox, causing an epidemic and resulted in many people died from the disease.
Pharma quarantined all seafarers using his [Diagnosis Eye] just in case, but no one was infected with pathogens from the New World.
(Since it’s a new continent…don’t hesitate to spread your dreams.)
Falma secretly hoped that corn, pumpkin, and tomatoes would soon be discovered.
Falma returned to the Imperial Capital, being strewn about between the pharmacy’s business and the completion of various procedures and preparations, steering meetings, committees, and other tasks at the Imperial Pharmaceutical College along with Ellen, who would be working with him in tandem for the same course starting in October.
The new research building was completed at the Department of Comprehensive Pharmacy, where he would be the Dean of the Graduate School, and they procured various equipment and instruments related to the start-up of the new laboratory. His secretary and research assistant were also hired one by one from a large number of applicants. The textbooks he wrote were also stocked up at university’s shops, and they became the compulsory textbooks from the new semester.
The San Fleuve’s Imperial Pharmacy School was reborn as the San Fluve Imperial Pharmaceutical College, with Falma being the dean, and the faculty was made up from the formerly known Sarleno Medical School, where the departments taught the traditional divine arts and herb-based apothecary. Its old faculty was reorganized into the Faculty of Comprehensive Pharmacy and the Faculty of Clinical Laboratory that would be handling new drug discovery.
He was preparing to head home from campus that day as he was walking with.
“…It’s been a year since then. It went by so fast.“
Falma thought about the rapid passage of time. It had been a year since Falma eliminated the plague, and it was about a year since then when San Fleuve Imperial Medical College asked him to become a professor.
“Right. I’ve been preparing for this a while now, but I’m having butterflies at the last minute.“
Ellen was strolling while carrying a large packed pile of documents in her bag.
“It can’t be helped, since the research building was completed last month. I’m looking forward to seeing the students at the university from next month onward.“
Falma didn’t have a disliked feeling in interacting with students, such as from lectures, discussions, study groups, and personal guidance, since he was back in his university.
Encounters with his talented students also inspired his own research. The students who departed from his laboratory, similar to those who left the nest, left deep-rooted emotions within him as they headed toward various locations to take on active roles as his successors, and became new instructors. However, Ellen was nervous and seemed uneasy.
“Falma is still the same as always, and I don’t know if I can give a lecture properly since the students will interact with me, and I feel trapped.”
It was unusual for Ellen to lose her confidence.
“Everything will be fine. You won’t be eaten up by the students.“
When the two of them were walking as they were exchanging in their conversation, there was a crowd at the university’s front entrance. They seemed to clutter around the posted bulletin board at the entrance of the university.
“What’s going on?“
Ellen grabbed hold of Falma’s arm as he approached and attempted to take a look.
“I remember now. Today is the day when the new students are announced about their exam passing. There are students who were taught by Falma.“
The San Fleuve Imperial Medical College, or Pharmaceutical College for short, received a special limited tuition-free slots this year, and was widely recruiting new students from the four faculties from inside and outside the Empire. The results of the entrance examination had been announced.
“Eeh. Aren’t there hundreds of people coming to see this?“
Real names was posted on the result of the announcement, and the examinees let out their cries or laughters after checking to see whether or not their names were on the bulletin board.
“This year’s attendants magnified up to 20 times.“
Falma mind was wandering as he recalled.
“It’s about 25.8 times. This is the first time with such number since the university started. There were many students that dropped out of Norbatz Medical College and try to enter this new school.“
“Eeh, this university has becomes quite popular.“
“It’s not the university popularity, but because of Falma-kun’s courses?”
Falma was wondering the about the students’ facial expressions, and decided to watch over them from a distance. A student fainted after he did not find his name from searching for it over and over again for many times. There were students who started to jump for joy, students who came to see the posting with their parents, and there were a mixture of sadness and happiness.[5]
“I’m going crazy! This is absurd!“
A sudden scream could be heard among the group of examinees.
“I feel sorry for coming to a college that teaches pharmacy to children!“
He was a young man with a foreign accent. He was definitely a student from abroad, and it appeared there were some who did not know that the professor was indeed a child.
By the way, the bulletin board beside the entrance traditionally had portraits of all the professors. It seemed that a student just confirmed Falma’s name and face. Apparently, it dawned on them that there were quite a few students who knew Falma only by name when listening to the successful applicants. Falma was known worldwide among pharmacy students, medical scientists and pharmacologists, but only those within the Imperial Capital that visited Different World Pharmacy knew about him being a child.
“Students that are critics, I’m so happy that I’m crying.“
Ellen lamented at what would happen to them.
“Falma-kun’s lecture is compulsory, right.“
Ellen stated that if they had a complaint about it, they would not have to take the lecture, and end up losing the credit for their promotions.
“This, is their way of being sore so don’t be turmoiled about it.“
Falma smiled and sighed a bit.
Footnotes:
[1] LOL. Another saying of, “Girls are suckers for men in uniforms.”
[2] This phrase was quite difficult to comprehend at first glance, but the comparison is to that of a zone similar to the Bermuda Triangle.
[3] Always remember to take your daily viatmins, even with proper daily diet. You never know what you’re missing.
[4] Not sure what Falma is doing at this point. Is he adding an enhancing divine script onto Jean’s body at the waist to fix his liver and kidney?
[5] Yeah, I remember those days; quite nostalgic.
“Falma-sama. A carrier pigeon has arrived from the port of Marseille.“
Falma was chatting with the factory workers, as the acting Lord of the area, Adam, called up him.
“Who is it from?“
The moment he heard it was from the port, Falma had a momentary bad feeling. Could it be, a ship slipped by during the quarantine, and it wasn’t reported? Merchant ships were pouring in from all over the world as they gathered annually in San Fleuve City from the eighth to the ninth month every year, so Falma hired a first-class pharmacist again this year to teach the inspection and quarantine methods at the port. He allowed things to take their course.
“Admiral Jean of the East Idun Company under the San Fleuve Royale Fleet is urgently in need of you. Please come to Marseille Port’s Dock No. 3 as soon as possible.“
“Admiral Jean…what could it be now.“
“Falma-sama, you’re urgently needed?“
“El-der bro-ther heading off now?”
Lotte and Blanche asked Pharma.
“I’m going to Marseille’s Port now. So then, are you two wanting to coming along?“
“Yes, I want to go with you.“
Lotte acknowledged immediately. As soon as the Falma arrived from rushing to the Marseille’s Port on horseback, a particularly large frigate class sailing battleship had just arrived at the Marseille’s Port.
“Oh, Falma you also came.“
Palle happened to come to the Port with Bruno. Palle appeared to have arrived at the moment in observing the battleship. Bruno was guided by an executive of the East Idun Company.
“Oiiy.“
As the ship approached, a man’s voice was heard from the deck. Falma waved back. The scarlet flag of the First Class Ship belonging to the East Idun Company was dazzling under the clear sky. It was Admiral Jean’s ship.
Admiral Jean was the one that bought a lot of candies for the sailor, descended from the ship with his men. Admiral Jean attended to Bruno at first as he was the lord of Marseille, and greeted Bruno. Bruno returned the greeting.
“You must have a hard time on your long voyage, Admiral.“
“With Your Honorable allowing me to borrow your pharmacist student to be on the ship, it was quite helpful.“
Looked like he took Bruno’s student along on the ocean voyage.
“I’m glad my trained student was of help to you. Your company’s donations to the Marseille’s territory and its cooperation in cracking down on pirates have always helped me.“
Bruno praised Jean.
“What else, since it’s natural because I’m using the port.“
It appeared that the East Idun Company was using the Marseille’s Port under established agreement with the acting lord Adam.
“Along with your sailors, all of you come and take a good rest to heal the tiredness from a long trip.“
“Much appreciated.“
Admiral Jean saluted at Bruno. After his greetings with Bruno, Admiral Jean took his chance to approach Falma.
“I’m sorry to call on you, shopkeeper. I heard you came to the Marseille’s territory.“
“Jean-san. In the recent days, I haven’t been seeing you coming to the pharmacy.“
Falma also missed him. He felt like he hadn’t seen Admiral Jean’s face for the last two months.
“Admiral-san, so cool.“
Blanche eyes were glistened while looking at Jean as she accompanied him.
“Jean-san. Have you by chance met Blanche yet.“
“The ones I don’t know of!“
Blanche didn’t seem to notice that the old man was a regular at the pharmacy. Blanche appeared not recognize Jean who currently approached her in his navy blue coat, with an Admiral’s gold lace on the cuffs and collar, a gold epaulet, and a white inner dress.
(Girls, such vulnerable creatures to the Bicorne’s hat and uniform)[1]
Falma displayed a certain understanding of Blanche’s attractions.
“I just came back from a long trip, and completed my quarantine. Fuu, nice to be on land. Humans are creatures that live on land after all.“
“Since I haven’t seen you for a while, has your body changed much?“
Falma was worried that long-term voyages would be stressful for older people.
“I’m not feeling very well, but that’s just me saying it. A large-scale disease occurred in the pepper-producing area and the crop was poor this year, and the conflict over the existing colony also broke out, so a pioneer route was aiming for a new land at the behest of Her Majesty.“
“Are you establishing a new route?“
Falma listened intently while being surprised to Jean’s vitality. Bruno silently watched over the exchange, and Palle took a step back like a crying child being hushed to quiet down when he heard Admiral Jean. When it came to Lotte, she didn’t recognize the old man was Jean from the distance, and she was hiding in the shadows out of timidness.
“I’ve discovered the New World thanks to you. I couldn’t talk to you about it in the Imperial City, but it’s merely a discussion here.“
The seaman Jean, who had proudly proclaimed his accomplishment while playing with his beard.
“Even so, it’s a tremendous discovery! It’s a splendid achievement!“
Falma became excited. If you came to a newly discovered continent instead of an island, it was like the great discovery achievement of the Americas back on Earth. But Jean responded with the “Well it’s just” as if he was shy. And so he said,
“Well then, that’s all thanks to you! The cursed oceanic area where evil spirits dwelled, I had to go through the ‘ship graveyard’, where there were areas you couldn’t even see any islands at all, and so there were many difficulties in this voyage itself [2]. But the main enemy of the voyage was the food situation. It was dramatically improved this time and no one died, so I was able to take the plunge in advacing further than before!“
The navigators also shook their heads behind Admiral Jean as they were descending from the ship.
(What is this graveyard of a ship where evil spirits live, which sounds amazing. Since it’s this unique world, I wonder if there really are evil spirits and not just metaphors.)
Falma was once again shocked by such revelation.
“The sailor’s candy that is rich in vitamins, it was an epoch-making invention that doesn’t rot. Besides, when you put the common medicine solution in the bottle made from divine methods per instructed, the solution started to rot. Just like when you packed meat and fish in a bottle, it would rot.“
Falma had consulted with Jean priorly, and provided some precautions in regards to the preservation of food and water for the ocean voyages. He also mentioned that a wind magician should be hired to maintain and accelerate the sailboats with a stable wind source while a water divine art user supplied fresh water.
Jean took it all down like a healthy dose, and he was very pleased that it was possible to have an unprecedented quality meal with a high-speed voyage as the outcome. If the sailors suffered from malnutrition or illness and collapsed one after another, they would have to stop the voyage and turned back. Until now, months of oceanic voyages had not been possible due to the decaying food and lack of water.
“This is a talisman for my voyage.“
Admiral Jean took out his favorite candy from his pocket as he praised it with fervor, and began chewing on it.
“My thanks to the shopkeeper. This voyage was not much different from being on land, as it was comfortable.“
“As to acknowledge the Admiral’s praises, you are a great pharmacist.“
The crew members also expressed their gratitude. They were the crew members that helped clean up the Different World Pharmacy when it was attacked by Beron’s minions, and Falma recognized them all. Once again Falma had realized how a small piece of advice could revolutionize the changes, where the pelagic ocean voyage on the sailing ship was always a life-threatening event.
“It was good overall. The voyage was made a little safer.“
“So, there were no deaths thanks to that, but there were some sailors that nearly died due to strange diseases other than scurvy on the long voyage. Maybe it’s because of evil spirits, which we couldn’t see them?“
“I understand. That’s why you requested me to be here.“
Three patients were carried on the stretchers during the loading process that was started. They said that their diarrhea did not stop, their body’s skin was rough, their consciousness was stunned, and the worst issue was the hallucination. Falma heard that the three had the same symptoms and began the examination with Palle.
“It’s apparent. The skin is tattered and rough. The blisters are terrible, and the skin is pigmented with red-black coloration.“
Falma retracted the sleeves of the patient’s clothes. Interestingly, there was no inflammation among the parts hidden by the clothing
“I think it was caused by the sun, where the inflammation occurred.“
Falma noted on the medical record.
“Could it be photosensitivity? No, that alone cannot explain other symptoms.“
Palle acknowledged the same symptoms that Falma had indicated.
“Elder brother, take a closer look.“
Falma pointed out at the site of the rash.
“The redness is symmetrical in appearance… So then, as for the symptom, the lacking is.“
When he observed the patient’s tongue, it was reddish and inflamed.
“Eureka, that’s it.“
Falma nodded.
“Pellagra, or niacin deficiency.“
Falma informed the patient based on the diagnosis. There was no doubt since it could be obseved with the naked eyes.
“Is that all it is? It can be cured.“
The old man Jean that was listening to the discussion from behind said something about the unfamiliar name of the disease, making Falma worried about the sailors.
“Do the sailors drink alcohol often?“
Falma requested the info about the patients’ backgrounds.
“Just strong alcohol.“
Admiral Jean replied on behalf of the unconscious sailors.
“Since that was the case.“
Falma explained about the particular common illness for those who consume too much alcohol.
“Ugh, to have liquor being such a bad thing! It’s about the enjoyment of the rum!“
Old Jean placed his hand on his chest as he moaned with grief. He appeared to have a good idea about the consequences of alcohol consumption.
“I didn’t tell about this to Admiral Jean.“
“Tha, that’s right.“
“Don’t drink too much, over-consuming, or over-eating too much. These people are considered to have a niacin deficiency. In addition to chronic undernourishment on long journeys, it is caused by over-exposure to sunlight.“
Bruno listened to Falma’s explanation while jogging down notes.
“This is terrible, isn’t it.“
Jean tilted his neck with a grimace look on him.
“It’s the companion to the same vitamin.“
Niacin was sometimes called vitamin B3 when it was first discovered. By the way, vitamins were previously named A, B, and C in the order of discovery, but now that the structure of the compound has been clarified, the name vitamin B3 is not officially used.
Currently, all 13 types of vitamins have been discovered.
Falma explained about Vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D (calciferol), vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin K (phylloquinone), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), along with pantothenic acids like biotin, folic acid, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and niacin.[3]
“I see…There’s something new for the small bit of candy. And there are 13 types to boot! It’s hard to get it all in the small bite….And on board, sunlight is inevitable. Is there cure for it?“
“If you take the niacin for the deficiency, it will be cured. Other symptoms will gradually subside. It seems that the symptoms are the same for all three people, so I will prescribe supplement tablets.“
It was not too late for Falma’s [Diagnosis Eye]. So he prescribed a large amount of nicotinamide, along with Vitamine B orally, and concerned about the damaged liver from alcohol at the same time, so he cautioned them against drinking alcohol any further.
“Ooh, they could be saved! Nutrition is important.“
Admiral Jean’s spine stretched outward. He had his subordinates carried off, while sitting tightly with the pulsing sensation at his stretched waist. Falma also added a compressed formula to the existing condense divine script.[4]
“Guooh, it hurts. I’ve just came back to this place.“
“Let’s make candies or tablets containing various vitamins that are nutritionally essential for the human body, especially for sailors and travelers. Also, Admiral Jean will need calcium.“
Falma promised to develop a supplement that combines vitamins and minerals with the East Idun Company.
“I’ll be saved! When the event in San Fleuve’s Capital City is over, I have to ask you for the favor by that time since I have to send a research team to the New World!“
“I understand, so let’s make the supplements before that time comes.“
It was mentioned that until the merchant ships could safely navigate the route, he was requested by the Empire to guard them after the event at the San Fleuve’s Capital City by remaining in the Imperial Gulf. The East Idun Company also played a role similar to that of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Falma heard about it and recalled something important.
“Ah, speaking of the New World by the way, was there any discovery of people living there?“
“No, I haven’t found them yet. There were some plants I hadn’t seen, but it was dangerous to suddenly venture off, so I just landed on the new continent for a few hours and didn’t rush to touch anything. I came back at once afterward.“
Falma wanted to praise Admiral Jean’s proper decision.
“What would you do if you found an indigenous people?“
“If there were indigenous people, any aggression is prohibited based on international treaties, and establish a trade.“
If there were no natives, the flag of the Empire would be raised and pioneer personnel would be stationed on the new settlement. After seeing Falma felt relieved about the lack of invasion of the New World for the time being, he again paid close attention to the discussion.
“We are to be very careful with our contact with the indigenous peoples, animals and plants of the New World, because we may bring back an unknown illness. Unknown element means that an illness is not within our immunity. In the worst scenario, we will die.“
Once on Earth, with the newly discovered Americas, the people from Europe brought over smallpox, measles and mumps to the new Americas. Particularly the Native Americans had no immunity to smallpox, causing an epidemic and resulted in many people died from the disease.
Pharma quarantined all seafarers using his [Diagnosis Eye] just in case, but no one was infected with pathogens from the New World.
(Since it’s a new continent…don’t hesitate to spread your dreams.)
Falma secretly hoped that corn, pumpkin, and tomatoes would soon be discovered.
Falma returned to the Imperial Capital, being strewn about between the pharmacy’s business and the completion of various procedures and preparations, steering meetings, committees, and other tasks at the Imperial Pharmaceutical College along with Ellen, who would be working with him in tandem for the same course starting in October.
The new research building was completed at the Department of Comprehensive Pharmacy, where he would be the Dean of the Graduate School, and they procured various equipment and instruments related to the start-up of the new laboratory. His secretary and research assistant were also hired one by one from a large number of applicants. The textbooks he wrote were also stocked up at university’s shops, and they became the compulsory textbooks from the new semester.
The San Fleuve’s Imperial Pharmacy School was reborn as the San Fluve Imperial Pharmaceutical College, with Falma being the dean, and the faculty was made up from the formerly known Sarleno Medical School, where the departments taught the traditional divine arts and herb-based apothecary. Its old faculty was reorganized into the Faculty of Comprehensive Pharmacy and the Faculty of Clinical Laboratory that would be handling new drug discovery.
He was preparing to head home from campus that day as he was walking with.
“…It’s been a year since then. It went by so fast.“
Falma thought about the rapid passage of time. It had been a year since Falma eliminated the plague, and it was about a year since then when San Fleuve Imperial Medical College asked him to become a professor.
“Right. I’ve been preparing for this a while now, but I’m having butterflies at the last minute.“
Ellen was strolling while carrying a large packed pile of documents in her bag.
“It can’t be helped, since the research building was completed last month. I’m looking forward to seeing the students at the university from next month onward.“
Falma didn’t have a disliked feeling in interacting with students, such as from lectures, discussions, study groups, and personal guidance, since he was back in his university.
Encounters with his talented students also inspired his own research. The students who departed from his laboratory, similar to those who left the nest, left deep-rooted emotions within him as they headed toward various locations to take on active roles as his successors, and became new instructors. However, Ellen was nervous and seemed uneasy.
“Falma is still the same as always, and I don’t know if I can give a lecture properly since the students will interact with me, and I feel trapped.”
It was unusual for Ellen to lose her confidence.
“Everything will be fine. You won’t be eaten up by the students.“
When the two of them were walking as they were exchanging in their conversation, there was a crowd at the university’s front entrance. They seemed to clutter around the posted bulletin board at the entrance of the university.
“What’s going on?“
Ellen grabbed hold of Falma’s arm as he approached and attempted to take a look.
“I remember now. Today is the day when the new students are announced about their exam passing. There are students who were taught by Falma.“
The San Fleuve Imperial Medical College, or Pharmaceutical College for short, received a special limited tuition-free slots this year, and was widely recruiting new students from the four faculties from inside and outside the Empire. The results of the entrance examination had been announced.
“Eeh. Aren’t there hundreds of people coming to see this?“
Real names was posted on the result of the announcement, and the examinees let out their cries or laughters after checking to see whether or not their names were on the bulletin board.
“This year’s attendants magnified up to 20 times.“
Falma mind was wandering as he recalled.
“It’s about 25.8 times. This is the first time with such number since the university started. There were many students that dropped out of Norbatz Medical College and try to enter this new school.“
“Eeh, this university has becomes quite popular.“
“It’s not the university popularity, but because of Falma-kun’s courses?”
Falma was wondering the about the students’ facial expressions, and decided to watch over them from a distance. A student fainted after he did not find his name from searching for it over and over again for many times. There were students who started to jump for joy, students who came to see the posting with their parents, and there were a mixture of sadness and happiness.[5]
“I’m going crazy! This is absurd!“
A sudden scream could be heard among the group of examinees.
“I feel sorry for coming to a college that teaches pharmacy to children!“
He was a young man with a foreign accent. He was definitely a student from abroad, and it appeared there were some who did not know that the professor was indeed a child.
By the way, the bulletin board beside the entrance traditionally had portraits of all the professors. It seemed that a student just confirmed Falma’s name and face. Apparently, it dawned on them that there were quite a few students who knew Falma only by name when listening to the successful applicants. Falma was known worldwide among pharmacy students, medical scientists and pharmacologists, but only those within the Imperial Capital that visited Different World Pharmacy knew about him being a child.
“Students that are critics, I’m so happy that I’m crying.“
Ellen lamented at what would happen to them.
“Falma-kun’s lecture is compulsory, right.“
Ellen stated that if they had a complaint about it, they would not have to take the lecture, and end up losing the credit for their promotions.
“This, is their way of being sore so don’t be turmoiled about it.“
Falma smiled and sighed a bit.
Footnotes:
[1] LOL. Another saying of, “Girls are suckers for men in uniforms.”
[2] This phrase was quite difficult to comprehend at first glance, but the comparison is to that of a zone similar to the Bermuda Triangle.
[3] Always remember to take your daily viatmins, even with proper daily diet. You never know what you’re missing.
[4] Not sure what Falma is doing at this point. Is he adding an enhancing divine script onto Jean’s body at the waist to fix his liver and kidney?
[5] Yeah, I remember those days; quite nostalgic.
