Chapter 49
Chapter 49
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: The Outbreak in the East
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Trowil gazed at the manual Ester had created.
Up until now, countless fist techniques had been born and vanished in this world.
Those with high practicality had survived, passed down through generations, and one of them was the kingdom fist technique that Trowil practiced.
Trowil was a student at the Royal Academy and also the disciple of Oscar, Captain of the Steel Lion Knights.
He had learned not only the techniques of the kingdom fist technique but also its origins and mindset.
On top of that, he had studied the early schools that formed its roots, so he couldn't help but realize just how special the manual before him was.
As Oscar had said, this was a new martial art that didn't exist in this world.
'It looks like a fist technique made solely for humans to fight other humans, yet it holds true to the fundamentals.'
The fundamentals of martial arts were self-defense, protection, and subjugation.
To protect one's own body and loved ones.
Warriors learned from Oscar that they trained in martial arts and grew stronger for that purpose.
Indeed, such martial spirits had been handed down well to this day.
Even the kingdom fist technique didn't teach to shatter vital points like the groin or eyes that could be lethal to people.
The difference between a killer and a warrior lay in using strength not to kill people, but to protect them.
He agreed with that statement 99 percent.
"......"
What was written in the manual was undoubtedly a warrior's martial art.
Practical and powerful, yet not focused on killing.
So, who on earth had created it?
It was simple.
Trowil believed it was a fist technique Ester had developed himself.
If anyone heard that, they would scold Trowil, calling it nonsense.
And rightly so—even if a mere 15-year-old boy possessed magical talent far surpassing that of past Magic Tower Lords.
It was too much to say he also had the aptitude to create a new fist technique.
But it was an instinctive intuition.
Sometimes, beast-like instincts could triumph over reason and intellect.
The moment he saw the conviction-filled eyes of Ester, brimming with certainty that he could cure Livian, Trowil realized Ester's talents weren't limited to magic.
He was young but wise.
Not the type to toy with the princess's life.
He had spoken of curing Livian because it was truly something he could do.
'Medicine, martial arts, magic......'
Even possessing just one would earn someone praise as exceptional.
Yet Ester had them all.
Was this really possible? Perhaps Ester's talents far exceeded the categories people imagined.
"Your Highness."
As he lost himself in thought in the garden, Art approached.
"Ah, yes. What is it?"
"I asked Sir Ester, and he said Princess Livian's condition has improved greatly. It's not fully healed yet, but..."
Trowil grabbed Art's shoulder.
"Is that true?"
Trowil, who rarely grew serious outside of battle, spoke in such a heavy voice that even a fool could tell how much he cherished his sister.
Art smiled quietly.
"Yes."
Trowil let out a sigh of relief.
'I don't know what to say to Ester......'
He was indebted to him.
"Visits are allowed starting tomorrow, so please go see her once you're ready."
How should he express his gratitude to the benefactor who saved his precious family?
He wanted to give him everything he had.
Trowil felt profound gratitude toward Ester.
***
It had been about a week since administering the antibiotic created by Nob AI to the princess.
The thing tormenting her body was a mana bacterium, a special germ unseen in the modern world, but fortunately, it showed no resistance to the antibiotic Nob AI produced.
According to Nob AI, its mortality rate was fairly high, but it wasn't as tenacious as tuberculosis or as swift-killing as the plague, so it was rather cute by comparison.
However, its transmissibility seemed quite high, as there were others in the palace besides the princess showing suspicious symptoms.
Mostly the servants who attended her.
Previously, they had diagnosed her illness through various tests, but now that Nob AI had fully learned about the disease, it could tell if someone was infected just by looking into their eyes.
Fortunately, they resolved it before things escalated.
The problem was outside... After falling ill, the princess had wandered the capital for about an hour.
That must have been the day she collapsed. A childhood game about spreading viruses suddenly came to mind.
Ugh, my head hurts.
It probably won't spread that much, right?
『I can't say for sure either way. It might already be spreading, or it could just be groundless worry.』
Right. 50% is higher than the drop rate for a 5-star gacha character.
Think positive, anyway.
"How's your body feeling?"
"Thanks to you, much better. Thank you so much...."
The important thing was that Livian had regained her energy.
Just three days ago, she looked like she was on the verge of death from pain, but since yesterday, her condition had been pretty good.
She ate thin oatmeal stew because she was hungry, read books, did whatever else she could in the room—everything except exercise.
"......"
The reason I treated Livian was meddlesomeness.
I admit it.
It wasn't for any reward; I just did it because I wanted to.
If she died during treatment by some chance, it could put me in a very awkward spot.
I had no reason to save her in the first place, since I didn't want to get involved with the royal family.
Yet I couldn't just leave her be.
The pain of having a sick family member is something only those who’ve experienced it understand.
Feeling that helplessness and despair was enough for one young Ester Tristy.
"Ester. Can you come over here...?"
"Yes. Your Highness."
I slowly moved closer.
"I have a question."
"Yes."
"Of all the novels you've read so far, which was the most fun?"
Out of habit, I mentioned Etial and Jeontube.
"?"
Ah, no, that's not it.
The countless webnovels from my previous life existed only in my memory.
I needed to mention something the princess could relate to.
"Personally, I enjoyed Tia the author's novels."
"Hmm... I'm curious why."
Perhaps because she saw me reading novels before.
The princess would bring up novel-related topics whenever she had a chance, just like now.
I explained in detail why Tia the author's novels were fun, and for some reason, Livian's lips curved upward more and more.
『(⸝⸝◜~◝⸝⸝)』
Why the sudden face, Nob AI?
『I was imitating the princess's expression.』
Hmm, yeah, it does look like her.
Livian's condition had definitely improved.
She could make such a bright face now.
My own lips curved up unconsciously.
Health really is the best.
"Ahem. I have something to say to Ester...."
"Yes."
As I waited for the beaming Livian's words.
The door burst open.
"Livian."
I had told Art visits were okay starting today, and Trowil arrived first.
"Livian...!!"
He tried to rush straight to her.
I briefly blocked his path.
"Sorry to interrupt, but please wash your hands first."
I'm sentimental, but I believe in doing what needs to be done.
"Ah, sure."
After vigorously washing his hands with the disinfectant I offered, Trowil hugged Livian, repeating how relieved he was.
"You're really okay now?"
"Yes. So don't worry too much, big brother."
"I'm so glad. Really so glad."
It was a heartwarming reunion that could bring tears to anyone's eyes.
I watched them happily from behind.
"Ester."
"Yes. Your Highness."
Trowil approached and hugged me.
He was the second person after Dalpi to embrace me with such strong arms.
"I don't know how to repay this favor. Tell me anything I can help with, anytime. I'll do whatever it takes to assist you, Ester Tristy."
For now, could he release this hug?
"From this moment, I consider you my brother. Please think of me as your big brother."
Pardon?
I'm in a bind if you suddenly declare brotherhood like that.
"I understand, but please let go first."
"Ah, sorry."
I nearly triggered Nob AI's auto-defense program.
After ending the intense hug with Trowil.
This time, Elra, the head physician I'd clashed with over the IV, entered the room.
"Sir Ester. I am truly sorry for before."
Her attitude from our IV argument had become extremely polite.
I accepted her apology.
People make mistakes in life, and it was a situation easy to misunderstand.
She had spoken out of concern for Livian's well-being anyway.
I hadn't been polite either, having worked through the night.
Anyway, if the result is heartwarming, all's well, right?
"The princess's treatment..."
"Yes. She's fully recovered. No need to worry anymore."
Elra bowed deeply.
"Thank you. And sorry again. I deeply apologize once more for my rudeness last time."
"It's fine. Don't worry about it."
Once is enough for an apology.
Repeating it multiple times just makes the recipient uncomfortable.
"Um, Sir Ester, I have something to tell you...."
She raised her bowed head and spoke cautiously.
Of course I appreciated the respect.
But why had she been looking at me with such reverent eyes since earlier?
"Please, speak freely."
"Thank you for your consideration. This is a message His Majesty the King asked me to deliver to you personally."
What could she want to say that made her hesitate so much? I had a bad feeling.
And.
"There's news of an epidemic breaking out in the eastern kingdom. The symptoms match exactly what the princess suffered. It seems we'll need your assistance to resolve this."
My premonition was spot on.
Things had gotten annoyingly complicated.