— With pleasure! — she nodded.
Lon sighed in relief, realizing that his sudden proposal might have confused the girl.
But luckily, she agreed.
He smiled and asked:
— So… Where are we going?
She pointed to the end of the corridor and replied:
— Over there. There's a staircase that leads to the Upper and Lower Sectors. That's where we'll start the tour, — she said in a bright voice, as if she herself was happy to help.
Lon nodded and followed her, examining the unusual pneumatic tubes through which medical instruments rushed by.
— By the way… — suddenly remembering, Lon asked. — What's your name?
— Sali, — she answered immediately.
Lon nodded and continued walking.
He had asked for her name more out of formality — it felt impolite not to know the name of someone helping him.
Lon and Sali walked leisurely down the corridor until they reached the staircase.
Then Sali turned to him and said:
— Felix Hospital is one of the best medical institutions in the entire Green District. Even some hospitals in the Blue District are on the same level as it.
«On the same level as the hospitals in the Blue District?» Lon frowned slightly.
He knew exactly what the Blue District was.
It was a district where only aristocrats and the upper class of Seon lived. Everything there was expensive and of the highest quality.
And the thought that a hospital from the Green District could compete with those in the Blue District seemed insane.
But, not dwelling on it too much, Lon continued to listen attentively to Sali, occasionally nodding and glancing around.
The hospital was enormous — long corridors, high ceilings, gas lamps on bronze holders casting a soft light, and walls made of light gray stone with barely noticeable dark veins.
Everything looked strict, yet cozy.
On the walls hung plaques with engraved golden letters indicating directions: "Upper Sector," "Middle Sector," "Lower Sector," as well as hospital departments — "Reception," "Surgery," "Therapy," "Pharmaceutical Storage."
Sali pointed to an unusual emblem on the wall and said:
— This is the emblem of the Montegran family. They own this hospital.
— Montegran? — Lon repeated.
— Yes. Felix Montegran comes from this family — an outstanding doctor and scientist who dedicated his life to medicine. He developed the treatment methods that are now used throughout the Green District.
Lon looked at the surroundings with renewed interest.
«Montegran… That name sounds familiar…»
— So this isn't a state hospital?
— No. Felix Montegran founded it and collaborates with the government. Formally, the government funds the hospital, but the ownership rights remain with the Montegran family.
Lon was slightly surprised.
«The government funds it, but the ownership stays with the family?.. Isn't that strange? Although… knowing this world, it no longer seems surprising.»
He decided to stay silent and not ask about it.
He simply nodded.
Sali smiled and pointed her finger at the stairs leading up.
— The hospital is divided into three sectors: Upper, Middle, and Lower. Each floor of the hospital is a specific sector.
— The Upper Sector is for the rich and influential people. There, the rooms are luxurious, the doctors are the best, and the most advanced technology is used.
Lon nodded.
— The Middle Sector is for the middle class. It also has good conditions, but they are much more modest.
— That's where I am now, right?
— Yes, — she nodded.
Lon frowned and asked:
— And what about the Lower Sector?
Sali hesitated slightly before answering:
— It's a place for the poor. It's much worse equipped, there's less staff, and the treatment is often more symbolic than real…
Lon wasn't surprised. He fully expected such an answer. In Seon, everything was strictly divided by social class.
Then, as if remembering something, he asked:
— By the way… When I was walking here, I noticed a strange haze outside the windows. What is it?
— Oh, that's just steam from the Boiler Room, — Sali explained. — Huge boilers there heat the entire building.
Lon nodded again but then, almost casually, added:
— But isn't there too much of it? It completely blocks the view…
Sali suddenly stopped.
— What did you say?
Lon frowned.
— It's just… there was so much smoke that it blocked the entire view from the window. I couldn't even see the sky, — he repeated.
Her face twisted — her lips trembled, the muscles in her cheeks twitched, and her eyes suddenly became too wide.
And then, without warning, she turned around and ran off down the corridor.
Lon remained standing in place, watching as her figure disappeared behind the staircase.
«I didn't say anything strange…?»
«I hope not…»
Then he suddenly jumped up and ran after her.