Chapter 145
Chapter 145
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 145
Chapter Title: Romance Fantasy (30)
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[...So, will you lend me your strength? As your friend, I need your abilities. This isn't a request without compensation, so I hope you'll help me.]
That's what was written in the letter from Marie Crozet, the duchess who wrote my academy recommendation letter. She requested a house call because there's a patient in urgent need of treatment. Delivered by a knight in crisp attire with a handsome face, no less.
Hmm. I did tell her to reach out anytime, but I didn't expect her to call me out of the blue like this without any warning... Talk about sudden.
"So, I just follow you, then?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"I see. Very well. I can't exactly refuse Lady Crozet's request. Lead the way."
"Right this way, then."
I couldn't just ignore her. Marie Crozet is one of my few precious connections, and I can't take her lightly. The Crozet family might not be on the level of the Ober family, but they're still a well-known house. Building up favor with them is always a win. And it's not like there's no reward, right? She'll surely give me something valuable... Yeah, no reason not to go.
"Alright. Let's head out right away. I'm ready as soon as I grab this bag."
"Oh? A doctor with such minimal gear... You do know this isn't just for a simple check-up, don't you?"
"Of course. It'd be a problem if you thought of me as some ordinary physician. Isn't that why you came to me?"
"My apologies. I overstepped."
"No harm done. It's natural to have doubts if you're concerned. I understand completely."
"Impressive... You're every bit as they say, Sir Asil."
I fed him some smooth flattery, and the handsome knight smiled with his eyes, clearly impressed. Damn, this guy's got looks. Could he be a key side character? I couldn't glean any info through observation, and that face of his... Something feels off. I didn't see him when I stayed briefly at the Crozet estate, so he's probably connected to this critical patient.
Wait a sec. If that's the case, then the patient I'm about to meet is someone pretty important too... Might need to steel myself for this.
"By the way, Sir Asil. The infirmary's security is worse than I expected."
"Hm? Is it? I thought it was fine."
"This is sincere advice: once treatment's done, call in the security team for a check. There are definitely issues."
"Haha. Got it. No downside to being cautious. Thanks for the tip."
Why's he bringing this up out of nowhere? Security issues? That doesn't make sense. With Cecilia's surveillance net, there can't be any problems. Probably just filler talk since he ran out of things to say. Knights must not be great conversationalists.
Ah... something's off here. She's the one who called me? Hm...
Following the knight's lead into the annex of the Crozet estate, a woman with intensely red hair like the sun overlooking all from above and golden eyes proclaiming her noble bloodline awaited me with a dignified expression.
"...I never imagined Her Highness the Princess would summon me."
I knew she was the princess the moment I saw her face, even though it was our first meeting. The kingdom's prince and princess are twins. With all the nasty rumors swirling about that guy in the academy, no one could miss the resemblance.
But... why is she in the capital? I heard after losing the succession struggle, she left the capital to vent her stress hunting barbarians. When I greeted her with my confusion, she replied casually, like it was no big deal.
"Asil, nice to meet you. To think I'd get to meet the famous you in person."
"The honor is mine. Truly the jewel of the kingdom. Your radiant beauty is blinding."
"Enough. I'm not one for flattery. The situation's urgent, so let's get to the point."
"...My apologies."
Her bold, almost masculine personality lives up to the rumors. My praise didn't even faze her. I kinda like her cool vibe. And she's gorgeous, too. Fitting for royalty in a romance fantasy world—her looks are doing all the work. Maybe she's numb to compliments after hearing them so much.
"Asil. I returned to the capital the moment I heard about you. I need your abilities. Will you help me?"
"Of course. How could I refuse Her Highness?"
"This isn't a request as princess. I can't offer royal favors. This is... a personal plea from Elise. Is that alright?"
"Haha. Do you think me that mercenary? I don't care about rewards. And even if you don't compensate me, Lady Crozet will, so no worries."
"Indeed... just as Lady Crozet said. Alright, then. I leave it to you."
Rewards? Sure, they're nice. But touching the kingdom's princess legally? That's the real prize. Hearing sweet moans from this cool princess? Nothing else matters. Ah, I'm getting excited. It's been a while since I felt this thrill.
"Misa, you can come out now. This man's going to treat you."
"Ah, this is...?"
"My dear friend. But during this expedition, she took a serious wound... I urgently sought out doctors and healers, but none could treat her. Then I heard about you, Asil, and came here."
Come to think of it, she never said the princess was the one who's ill... I got too hyped and assumed. What a missed opportunity... Still, this girl Misa is a beauty almost on par with the princess, so not a total loss.
With her pure, wide eyes, soft-looking pristine skin, brown hair topped with puppy ears... Puppy ears?! Wait, is she a beastkin? I hurriedly looked down, and there was her tail drooping to the ground. A real beastkin! I'd heard they exist in this world but are rare in the kingdom. Never thought the princess would have one... What a shock.
"You're not changing your mind just because she's a beastkin, are you?"
Whoops. I must've let my surprise show, because the princess's face darkened. Not that I'd refuse, but... Maybe she's faced a lot of discrimination? She looked preemptively disappointed.
"As if. She's your friend, Your Highness. Hmm, ho... It's not just a wound—there's a lich's curse embedded inside. Must be agonizing, yet she hasn't shown a hint of pain. Misa's tougher than she looks."
"Really...! As expected of Lady Crozet's recommendation. To discern the curse without even seeing the wound... I believe in you now."
That's 'cause she's in pain or whatever, and unlike you, I can observe her. The slash on her lower abdomen and the pitch-black lich's curse leaking out are clear as day to me. This... might be fun to treat. Disappointed it's not the princess, but a beastkin changes things. Excitement's building again.
"Haha. Just a little trick."
"Then... can you cure her? She looks delicate, but she's my personal guard knight. She needs to recover fully to return to the front lines."
This cute girl is a guard knight? Beastkin must have superior combat skills. She doesn't look strong, but... this is a romance fantasy world. Can't judge by appearances. I'll need to be more careful during treatment. Was gonna grope freely, but better play it smart.
"Naturally. It'll take some time, but a wound and curse like this? Fully treatable. No need to worry."
"Ahh... Goddess above..."
Hey, thank me, not some goddess. Maybe because I said something she thought impossible, the princess dropped to her knees in prayer. Then Misa hugged her, tears welling up as she looked at me.
This... makes for an amusing picture. The princess on her knees before me, and the beastkin rejoicing with her. A sacred scene I'd love to photograph if I could.