The Prince's Desperation
"What did you just say, young master Nihilit?"
"I said I would gift the two of you a child."
The 12th Prince’s gaze locked onto me. It was a familiar look. I had seen this expression many times in the red-light district.
— Pardon? You mean we can have a baby?
Working as a doctor in the slums, you encounter all sorts of stories. Prostitutes wanting to bury their pasts and start anew. Gangsters who have been castrated. Interracial couples trying to overcome the prejudices of their species. Various newlyweds would quietly visit my clinic, and they would return home holding a baby wrapped in a swaddling cloth.
— Sir... weren't you a... healer? Just how far does this 'doctor' profession go?
Wangcho would stand by, looking utterly dumbfounded at the sight.
Of course, not every story ended in a happy ending. This wasn't such a soft, forgiving world. However, I could be certain that the Prince and his wife’s story would end happily. The Prince’s reproductive functions were normal, and the Princess was in a state that could be sufficiently treated.
'I already have all the necessary medicinal ingredients on hand without needing to synthesize anything new.'
That was why I had made such a bold, fiery promise. Of course, the Prince and his wife, unaware of these circumstances, didn't seem to have fully grasped the weight of my words yet.
"...."
The Prince’s mouth opened halfway, then shut. His voice flowed out from between lips that were gasping like a goldfish.
"... Let us talk elsewhere."
Edmund rose from his seat. He turned his back to us and headed toward the small reception room. "My lady. Follow me."
The Princess, who had been frozen like a stone statue, finally took a step at her husband’s voice. I stood up and glanced at Charlotte. Even before I could say anything, she was already preparing to follow. Judging by the look in her eyes, she seemed intrigued by the mess I had just made. However, Charlotte also seemed to be holding her tongue.
And so, we followed the royal couple across the banquet hall toward the small reception room.
"Come in."
The reception room we entered behind the Prince was a small chamber containing only two mana-stone lamps on the walls and a pair of facing sofas. As we stepped inside, the royal guard who had followed us closed the door.
Click.
The moment the sound of the door closing echoed, Edmund turned his back to us. The Prince remained silent for a long time, his back still turned. Then, he slowly opened his mouth.
"I was on the southern front," his voice came from his back, which remained turned. "For three years. I stood on the Black Iron Wall and watched as countless corpses piled up beneath my feet."
Edmund’s shoulders moved minutely as he took a deep breath. "You see many tragedies on the battlefield. How people die, what expressions the dead wear, and how the survivors spend the rest of their days."
"...."
"That is why you naturally learn to become indifferent to most tragedies."
Only then did Edmund turn around. Instead of the anger I had expected, his face showed deep, profound exhaustion.
"In time, you also naturally learn to be generous toward the thoughtless words of young nobles who have never experienced the battlefield. If I know there is no malice, I usually just let it pass."
Edmund’s gaze shifted to Charlotte. "Just now, I saw you doing something to my wife’s glass. I considered the prank of cooling the drink to be trivial, as there was no malice."
Edmund looked back at me. His voice dropped an octave. "However, what you said is difficult to let pass so easily."
Edmund stepped closer. "Young master Nihilit. Do you know the feeling of the moment you have to send away a small bundle of life that has come to visit you?"
Bundle of life. At those words, the Princess’s shoulders shuddered.
"Every time the belly swells, I cannot bear to use the name we chose before, so I bury it in my heart. I pray that this time, just this once, we might meet them healthy, and with trembling hearts, we choose a new name... do you know that feeling...?"
The Prince’s voice, which had maintained a calm tone, began to tremble. And the man, having forgotten even his formal speech, poured out his raw, naked resentment toward me.
"Do you think you dare to speak of that tearing pain—!"
"One does not need to experience every tragedy to understand that pain, Your Highness."
My voice cut through the Prince’s words. Before the interrupted Prince could continue, I spoke concisely.
"Your Highness, how many babies do you think have slipped through my fingers?"
"...."
The Prince’s mouth snapped shut. The flow of the conversation had shifted to me.
"Of course, I have not experienced that tragedy myself. But tragedy is such that those who watch from the side must also carry a portion of it. When those small weights gather and gather, at some point, I, too, come to carry a sorrow no less than theirs."
Edmund’s eyes flickered minutely.
"I see over ten expectant mothers a day. In a year, the children I meet number in the thousands. And among them, there are children I have had to send away without even being able to say hello."
"...."
"There are also couples for whom even daring to promise hope is a cautious matter. Why do you think I dared to offer these words to Your Highness?"
Edmund did not answer. But I knew the answer just by seeing that the fists he had been clenching tightly until a moment ago had finally relaxed.
"... Can you stake your name on what you just said?"
"If that is what it takes for the two of you to find hope, I will gladly do so."
It was immediately after those words.
"... Young master Nihilit."
A small, almost inaudible voice. At that small sound, everyone’s gaze turned to the Princess. It was the first time the woman, who hadn't said a word since entering the room, had opened her mouth.
"I heard about what happened at the Belheim Count's estate."
As if speaking was a struggle, she said in a trembling voice, "They say you solved a cold case and treated the Count's daughter. If that is true..."
The Princess bit her lip for a moment. "Does that mean... you can fix me, too?"
I nodded without hesitation. Of course, there is no such thing as 100 percent in medicine. Even if I do my best, tragedy can always find its way. But if this bluff could make the patient feel even a little better, I could bluff as many times as needed.
'Still, it's about 90 percent. That's enough.'
It was also the benefit of the 'misunderstanding' effect that existed for this very reason. Therefore, I answered with conviction.
"Yes, I will help you."
Something wavered in the Princess’s eyes. Something that looked like it would overflow hung on her eyelashes. Before the dam could burst, I drove the wedge in.
"But let us correct one thing first."
I looked at the Prince and the Princess in turn and said, "Miscarriage is not a disease."
Of course, academically, it is classified as a disease. But in clinical practice, miscarriage is classified as a phenomenon, not a disease.
"And it is certainly not anyone's fault."
"...."
"It is just that the two of you need more prayer and effort than others to meet your child. Therefore, the expression 'fix' would not be appropriate."
The thing that had been hanging in the Princess’s eyes fell. The Prince grabbed his wife’s shoulders without a word. He pulled his wife into his chest, brought his lips to the top of her head, and quietly closed his eyes. I waited for them in silence until they had processed their emotions.
*
How much time had passed? The Prince took his hands off his wife’s shoulders, caught his breath, and looked at me. Only then did I begin the story I hadn't finished.
"Normally, I would tell you after a diagnosis is confirmed, but I will tell you in advance."
In principle, talking about a treatment plan before a diagnosis is confirmed is a cautious matter. However, for a couple who has experienced four miscarriages, there are exceptions. Because they need to have hope to eat well and take care of their health.
"First, several tests are required."
The disease I suspect is a bit complex, so quite a few tests are needed. First, a urine test is necessary, and a blood test is also required. It is to check if there is foam in the urine and how quickly the blood clots. But above all, there is the most important test.
"And a syphilis test is required."
"... Syphilis?"
The Prince’s eyebrows twitched. I realized my mistake too late. My habit of speaking without context had popped out. I hurriedly corrected myself.
"I do not suspect that Princess is suffering from syphilis."
"Then why is such a test necessary?"
"There is a device used for syphilis testing. This device was originally made to react to syphilis, but interestingly, it also shows reactions in other conditions."
"Can you explain it more simply?"
"When a monster wave rushes in, you sometimes use siege weapons, right? It’s like that. It’s different from its original purpose, but it’s useful, so you use it anyway."
"I understand."
I breathed a sigh of relief. The syphilis test I had decided to use on the Princess just now was the 'Wassermann test.' This Wassermann test is a tool that tests for syphilis using substances extracted from a cow's heart. However, despite being created to diagnose syphilis, it has the flaw of reacting to other diseases as well. Because of this flaw of reacting to 'false syphilis,' it has become obsolete in modern times. But this time, that flaw is necessary.
'Because I need to diagnose a rheumatic disease.'
The Wassermann test had a profound impact on diagnosing rheumatic diseases. Because of this test, the 'anti-cardiolipin antibody,' the diagnostic standard for rheumatic disease patients, was discovered, and it even led to the diagnosis of new rheumatic diseases. I am utilizing that history.
"Considering the symptoms the Princess has, there is a high possibility that there will be a reaction to the syphilis test as well. That is why the test is necessary."
"Amazing. To think there is such a way to utilize it. Where did you obtain such knowledge?"
"Let's just call it a secret technique."
I held my index finger to my lips and smiled brightly. At the word 'secret technique,' the Prince no longer questioned my knowledge.
"If all these tests match my expectations, we will be able to understand the Princess’s situation."
"Does that mean... there is a disease... or a cause?"
"Yes. However, it does not mean the Princess’s body is weak or wrong."
Strictly speaking, the Princess’s condition can be classified as a disease. The name of the disease is 'Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome,' a type of rheumatic disease where autoantibodies exist in the blood, creating blood clots (thrombi) inside the blood vessels. This is why the Princess miscarried. The blood clots blocked the umbilical cord, and the child died without receiving nutrients. But since I had just said it wasn't a disease, I refrained from explaining the name of the disease. In the first place, there was no one in this world who would understand even if I told them the name. The Prince probably caught that my words were somewhat contradictory. But perhaps realizing my consideration, he didn't ask further and let it pass.
"I say again, there is nothing wrong with the Princess. You just need a little help from medicine."
"Can you tell me what kind of medicine you will use?"
"Yes. It is a medicine called heparin."
Heparin. It is the medicine that Eri is also taking, a blood thinner that dissolves blood clots. With this medicine, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome is a piece of cake. Since the problem is that blood clots are blocking the umbilical cord, dissolving them will solve everything.
Hearing that, the Princess leaned slightly toward my words. Hope was dwelling in eyes that had been filled with resignation. In contrast, the Prince, perhaps because he was a soldier, reacted with skepticism.
"Heparin? I have never heard of it."
"Would you know if I said it is a medicine that the Merkur Merchant Guild sells only to healers?"
But that was only for a moment. Perhaps because he was from the southern front, as soon as the name of the Merkur Merchant Guild came up, he nodded immediately.
With the persuasion of the couple finished, I summarized the details.
"Now, starting tomorrow, I will visit your palace every month. I will give you medicine each time, and if you take this medicine consistently..."
I paused for a moment. It was because the couple was leaning forward in unison. Feeling the burden of their gaze, I pulled back slightly and finished what I was saying.
"... A joyous event will find you both."
As I finished speaking, a silence flowed for a moment. Breaking that silence, Edmund rose from his seat.
"Thank you."
He grabbed both of my hands. The problem was the intensity. Perhaps because he was a soldier, he seemed to think I would be similar to other soldiers, and his grip was no joke. I barely managed to suppress my expression from crumbling.
"Truly, thank you..."
But seeing the Prince bowing his head repeatedly, the pain felt like it was vanishing. 'To think the day would come when I see the crown of a royal's head.' This is why I do medicine. Pure gratitude received as a human being, transcending status. The 'high' from this is no joke. There is no medicine for this kind of high. This is why I was kidnapped into trauma surgery. ...Damn it. I should have just been satisfied with thoracic surgery.
Anyway.
"You are too kind, Your Highness. Then, shall we return to enjoy the banquet..."
At that moment, Edmund let go of my hands and turned toward his wife. "My dear. You go back first. I have something urgent to discuss with young master Nihilit."
"?"
What is it? Is he perhaps trying to ask about her condition more specifically where his wife isn't present? Usually, husbands who want to speak with me alone at this timing are often like that. So, I also hinted to Charlotte, "You go back first."
"Okay."
Perhaps Charlotte also sensed the atmosphere, as she left the room obediently. On the way out, the Princess looked at me one more time with eyes full of lingering regret, then followed the guard’s guidance and left the reception room.
And so, after Charlotte and the Princess had left the reception room, only Edmund and I were left inside. The Prince stared at me with his mouth shut for a long time. Soon, the Prince began to shake his legs. With both hands clasped in front of his knees and his gaze cast down to the floor, the Prince said to me,
"Sir Julian."
"Your Highness. I am not a person of such stature..."
"Sir. I have a favor to ask."
"...."
The Prince raised his head. I had no choice but to shut my mouth as I met his eyes. It was because I could see a desperation in those eyes that could not be expressed by any adjective.
"Actually... as that event repeated itself... that... that..."
Edmund’s gaze shifted slightly away from me. The man who wouldn't have blinked an eye even if he had faced tens of thousands of monsters on the battlefield was currently unable to meet my eyes. Was something ominous about to be said? I braced myself and waited for his words.
Before long, the Prince said as if squeezing the words out,
"I, and my wife... lately... at night, it's really..."
Ah.
"My love for her has not changed. That is certain. But I am afraid that the same result will happen again... the anxiety... so that..."
"... You do not need to say anymore."
Right. Certainly, if you experience such a tragedy four times, your confidence might drop. Yes, yes. Indeed. However, whether to call this a misfortune or a blessing. As it happened, I had a good medicine for the Prince.
"Do not worry, Your Highness. As it happens, I have a good medicine."
"Medicine? You mean to say there is a medicine for such a thing?"
"I am also the clinical trial supervisor for the Merkur Merchant Guild. I am aware of several medicines that have not yet hit the market."
"Could it be... that medicine?"
"... You know of it?"
"It is already famous among those who know."
What the hell. Why did it leak out this far? What the hell are those guys doing with internal security? Just as I was thinking I needed to discipline the inside of the guild once, the Prince grabbed my hands tightly. Even more desperately than when he was sending his gratitude earlier. His eyes sparkled. Even more than when he saw the gun earlier. It was the most lively face among all the expressions this man had shown tonight.
"If so, the conversation is quick. If Your Highness is okay with it..."
"I will do it."
It was before I had even finished my sentence.
"Please listen to the end..."
"Whatever test it is, I will do it."
"Still, I have a duty to explain to you..."
"I said I would do it."
"The side effect explanation is still..."
"I said I would."
In the end, I nodded to rescue my crushing fingers.
"... By any chance, if the effect is good, may I use Your Highness's name when promoting that medicine later?"
"If it is after the child is born, I will gladly permit it."