The Immortal Duke’s Physician Is an Internist - Chapter 14

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Late night in the Crown Prince Palace of the Raizenberg Empire.
A blond man lying in bed slowly raised himself upright.
He called out a name toward the empty balcony.
“Scarlet. Are you there?”
“You called, Your Highness.”
From the darkness emerged a man draped in a black robe. He naturally settled onto one knee.
“Report on the current situation of the Karseido Duchy.”
At the blond man’s command, the robed figure recounted the duchy’s affairs.
“As you know, things have shifted somewhat since the new physician arrived.”
“For the better?”
“Yes, according to our sources. Moreover, they’ve been purchasing garlic in large quantities of late.”
A laugh—half-amused, half-incredulous—escaped the blond man’s lips.
“Garlic? A spice?”
“Yes. They’re buying more than a sack a day, it seems.”
Even if one ate garlic with every meal, it would amount to only a clove or two at most. Why such quantities?
“It appears the Duke has taken quite a shine to this young physician. He indulges every whim.”
“I intend to ascertain precisely how much he favors him, step by step. That physician will prove to be a most useful piece.”
“Withdraw.”
The blond man issued the order, his curiosity satisfied. The robed figure vanished into the darkness at once, leaving only a faint crimson shimmer in his wake.
Alone now, the man rose from his bed.
He grasped a crutch from the floor. Stumbling as he tried to find his balance, he soon hurled it down in frustration.
A maidservant rushed in at the sound.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, I heard a loud noise just—”
“Don’t you dare enter! Get out at once!!”
The maidservant, terrified, retreated. The blond Crown Prince, unable to contain his rage, brought the crutch down once more.
“Hah… hah…”
His right leg was severely wasted compared to his left.
After straining the limb several times, he finally collapsed backward onto the bed.
For a long while he stared blankly at the ceiling, muttering to himself.
“Duke of Karseido… wait just a little longer. Soon I’ll take everything that is yours.”
He laughed aloud. The eerie sound lingered in the Crown Prince Palace for a long time.
The maidservants and knights outside held their breath. The only way to survive beside the mad Crown Prince was to close one’s eyes and ears.
* * *
“Where are the macarons?”
It was Kaylene’s first words upon our return to the duchy.
I showed my empty hands with an apologetic expression.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t able to buy them.”
“No! I endured eating nothing but broccoli for all that time—why didn’t you bring them back?!”
“A Dark Mage appeared.”
Everrain interjected, but Kaylene, lost in thoughts of macarons, didn’t hear him.
“Brown sugar flavor wasn’t available?”
“Has your brain turned to broccoli from eating nothing else? I’m not talking about brown sugar—a Dark Mage appeared.”
At those cold words, Kaylene’s mouth snapped shut. Yet unwilling to let go of his macaron hopes, he checked on my well-being.
“A Dark Mage in the middle of the Marketplace, no less… Are you hurt anywhere?”
“Thanks to Sir Everrain’s protection, I’m fine. However… it seems they stole something precious from me.”
“They took your Pocket Watch?”
Blasion emerged from the end of the corridor. I nodded.
“Yes. Most likely.”
“Let’s move to another room. This doesn’t seem like a conversation to have standing.”
We gathered in the Duke’s study at his suggestion.
The Duke asked me first.
“How much do you know of the Dark Mage Order?”
Having read the original work, I answered without hesitation.
“A group composed of those expelled from the Mage Tower centuries ago for researching forbidden magic, correct?”
“Precisely. My suspicion is that they’ve taken interest in you after hearing the rumors.”
“How troublesome.”
I let out a light sigh.
The Dark Mage Order was an enemy not only to the Mage Tower but to the medical world as well. They used illegal drugs manufactured through Dark Magic as a means of funding.
‘In the original work, the Dark Mage Order’s role was… to serve as the stepping stone in the female and male leads’ love story.’
During the process of kidnapping the heroine, the duke became aware of his own feelings.
The final scene delivered the ultimate cliché—a princess being swept into the duke’s arms.
“What am I supposed to do now? I don’t even know how to wield a weapon.”
“Have no fear, Miss Frencia. Now that you’ve become part of this household, the Karseido Duchy bears the duty to protect and safeguard you. Isn’t that so, Your Grace?”
Kaylene’s warm words nearly brought tears to my eyes, but……
I immediately offered a correction.
“I’m a contracted employee hired by Your Grace. We’re colleagues, not family.”
“…… Of course, I understand. But I meant it in the spirit of being close like a family……”
“There’s no such thing as a family-like workplace in this world. I prefer a cold, businesslike relationship—one with fair wages commensurate with my ability and a clean employment contract.”
This time, tears seemed to well up in Kaylene’s eyes. I hastened to add clarification.
“Of course! I’m genuinely grateful and deeply apologetic for your offer of protection. So then, what should I do going forward?”
The duke, Kaylene, and Everrain exchanged glances. As if familiar with such matters, the duke outlined the next course of action.
“Since they’ve shown their hand so openly, they’ll make their next move soon. So you should remain in the manor and refrain from going out.”
“I shall strengthen the Knight Order’s vigilance all the more.”
I could only nod in acceptance.
A week passed without incident, while I remained completely ignorant of why the Dark Mage Order was targeting me.
It was while managing Kaylene’s meals as usual that I learned the whereabouts of the Pocket Watch.
Adrian had sent me a letter.
Dear Lionel,
How have you been?
After seeing you last time, I thought long and hard. And I came to a new realization.
The problem wasn’t you, Lionel. It was me. I had to make an effort for you.
Over the past month, I’ve made a truly exhausting effort for you. So won’t you meet me just once as the new man I’ve become?
If you’ll come see me, I’ll return your watch.
Looking forward to the day we meet soon,
Adrian Dorset, who loves you.
“Kaylene. Burn it.”
Kaylene immediately thrust the letter into the fireplace. I turned to face the duke with a question.
“Your Grace. If someone were arrested for assault, how much settlement money would come out?”
To the duke, the question must have seemed sudden, but I was serious. When the duke glanced at Kaylene, he answered on my behalf.
“Depending on the severity of the assault, but for an Injury Grade of around two weeks, we’d be looking at somewhere between 100,000 and 300,000 Gold.”
“Thank you, Aide. So then, Your Grace—could you provide that amount instead? As part of employee benefits?”
“…… So essentially, you’re asking me to pay you a Beating Fee?”
Of the three who fell silent, the duke was the first to speak.
So the term “Beating Fee” existed even in this fantasy world. I nodded deeply.
“Yes, exactly that.”
Despite all my diligent studies. Despite my vow to treat so many people.
There are people in this world whom goodwill cannot reach. People whom refusal cannot stop.
So now only violence remained.
“I’ve finally made up my mind. I’m going to beat that lunatic to a pulp.”
The duke, watching me, wore a significant smile.
“Quite the resolute determination. So, are you planning to storm the Dorset Baronage right now?”
“Yes. I’m going immediately.”
“Then I shall accompany you.”
“Pardon?”
This was somewhat unexpected. I waved both hands.
“Your Grace. Providing the settlement money would be more than sufficient. This is strictly a personal matter, and I couldn’t possibly impose on you in this manner……”
“If the Dark Mage Order is involved, it’s no longer merely your personal affair. I need to verify things myself. And I’m curious how much the settlement will be.”
Kaylene and Everrain approached me as well. With solemn expressions, they spoke.
“Miss. Even if you think of me as merely a colleague, a colleague is sometimes someone you see more often than family. I shall uphold our bond and protect you.”
“If Your Grace is going, then so shall I.”
My eyes widened, then my expression became conflicted, and finally I extended my hand.
A group of four would certainly feel more reassuring than going alone.
“Then, setting aside all decorum…… I’m grateful for your help.”
On a night when the full moon hung bright,
we set out toward the Dorset Baronage.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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