Chapter 129
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 129
"They’re also developing painkillers there. They haven't been officially approved yet, but I hear the results are promising."
"...Given that you're bringing this up, I assume they’re more than just 'promising'?"
"The initial relief is unparalleled," Bella whispered, leaning closer to Lauren. "But to maintain that effect, the dosage has to be steadily increased. Eventually, the risk of a heart attack skyrockets. Of course, if you aren't the attending physician, how would you ever know how much the dose is being raised?"
She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial murmur.
"It wouldn't be a bad thing if something were to 'happen' to the Fellon family physician soon. Don't worry—I’ll find a replacement for you."
"Wouldn't it be simpler to just bribe the man? Killing someone without leaving a trail isn't easy."
"It isn't easy, but it’s far from impossible. Bribing a long-serving physician has a dismal success rate. Let’s not take unnecessary risks."
Bella’s calculus for risk—murder versus bribery—was skewed compared to most. Regardless, Lauren desired Trisha’s death just as fervently as Bella did, and she ultimately gave her nod of approval to the plan.
*
Roxana made it a habit to read the obituaries every morning. It was rare for her to find a familiar name among the notices, given her small social circle, but the death of a public figure often provided a glimpse into the shifting tides of high society. Occasionally, a name connected to Trisha would appear, offering a bit of useful intelligence.
However, she never dreamed she would see the name 'Jasper Atworth,' Trisha’s personal physician, printed there. She rushed to Trisha’s side immediately.
"Madam! It’s terrible news. Lord Atworth passed away yesterday!"
"What? No... how could that man...?"
"The cause of death hasn't been released yet. I’ll send someone to investigate at once."
"Good heavens... Life is a fickle thing. To think he would precede me to the grave, when I’m the one with one foot in it already."
Trisha merely clicked her tongue and shook her head, but Roxana couldn't afford to be so stoic.
Where will I find a new doctor now?
There were plenty of skilled physicians, of course. But any newcomer would have to learn Trisha’s complex condition from scratch. Roxana had kept her own records of the medications used, but she couldn't be certain a new doctor would honor Jasper’s specific prescriptions. Her mind raced with anxiety until late that afternoon, when a visitor arrived at the mansion.
The man was middle-aged, possessing an air of quiet refinement and practiced manners rather than overt dignity or cheer.
"A pleasure to meet you. My name is Joseph Alden. I am a physician, and I was a close friend of the late Jasper."
He began by explaining the circumstances of Jasper’s passing.
"It seems he spent a very pleasant evening drinking with friends yesterday. Those who were with him until the end said he didn't seem particularly intoxicated, but the drink must have hit him all at once later. He reportedly fell into the river while crossing a bridge."
"How on earth does a man simply fall into a river while walking perfectly fine?"
"The accident occurred at Arlington Bridge. It’s notorious for its low, rickety railings."
Roxana sighed in frustration. Why had Jasper chosen that specific bridge? And why were the railings still in such a state despite their reputation? But dwelling on it was useless now.
"We had sent someone to look into Lord Atworth’s passing, but thanks to you, Lord Alden, we’ve learned the truth much sooner. Thank you."
"Ah, but I didn't come merely to deliver the news. Jasper entrusted me with a request during his lifetime."
He opened his medical bag and produced a document written in a familiar hand.
"Perhaps people have a sense for when their time is near. When we spoke recently, Jasper entrusted this to me. He said that if anything were to happen to him, he hoped I would look after Lady Fellon."
Roxana carefully examined the papers. They were two journals: one a daily log of Trisha’s condition, and the other a detailed record of her medications and dosages. Though she mourned Jasper, Roxana felt as if a ray of hope had finally broken through the clouds.
"Then, Lord Alden, are you saying you can continue Lady Fellon’s treatment exactly as Lord Atworth did?"
"Of course. Jasper saw Lady Fellon for a long time; I believe it is only right to follow his established path. However..."
He paused, pulling another item from his bag.
"Jasper was also researching various new treatments for the Lady. I have added my own insights to his findings."
"What is this?"
"A recently approved painkiller. Since the Lady’s illness is difficult to cure, I believe our focus should be on palliative care—reducing her suffering. I went to great lengths to secure this."
His reasoning was sound. Roxana inspected the bottle. Like the ones Jasper used, it was made of brown glass, labeled with cryptic abbreviations and symbols.
"How does this differ from her previous medication?"
"The pain-relieving effect is significantly more potent. She may find herself more lethargic, but the agony from her coughing fits and migraines will subside. The coughing itself may even decrease."
At the thought of Trisha suffering even a fraction less, Roxana felt a wave of relief mingled with sorrow. After Joseph Alden departed, she hired an investigator to vet his background, but the report came back clean.
"He doesn't stay in one place long as a resident physician. Instead, he is frequently summoned under a veil of secrecy by high-ranking individuals who suffer from sensitive illnesses. His skills are highly regarded by those who value discretion."
Based on the report, Roxana decided to accept him as Trisha’s new doctor. What she needed now was results, not a prestigious recommendation. She informed Trisha and Harriet of the change, and Joseph was scheduled to begin his rounds that Friday.
*
Harriet crossed paths with Tez again a little over two weeks after the Imperial Banquet.
"Harriet!"
He spotted her just as she was about to board her carriage after a visit to the <Clarissa> store on Seviol Street. He called out to her with a bright, familiar wave.
Harriet, who hadn't expected Tez to have the gall to address her again, turned to him with an expression of pure incredulity. He was smiling cheerfully, acting as if he were completely oblivious to everything she had endured.
"Long time no see. Have you been well?"
"Have I... been well?" she repeated, dumbfounded.
Tez tilted his head, looking confused. "Did something happen?"
"Have you been abroad all this time?"
"Not abroad, no. I had some business to attend to at the estate with my father."
"Ah, I see."
As Harriet nodded with a thin, tight smile, Tez’s grin widened as he reached out toward her.
"Were you upset that I haven't been in touch? If so, let’s have a cup of tea at the cafe just ahead and talk. My treat."
He clearly had no idea. Harriet looked down at his outstretched hand, then looked him dead in the eye.
"I refuse. Save your money. Buy a cup for that lover of yours—the one so desperate to see me ruined."
"Excuse me?"
"Since we’ve met, let me make this clear. The only reason I spent any time with you was because I wanted to believe you were sincere about apologizing. I had hoped that at least one of the people who trampled me alongside Bella was capable of genuine remorse."
Even then, Tez’s face remained a mask of confusion. "Miss Harriet, I will always apologize to you. But I truly don't understand what you're talking about."
"It seems you haven't been reading the newspapers. Or perhaps you just didn't care."
"The newspapers?"
Harriet offered a faint, cold smile.
"There was a report claiming I was the representative of <Clarissa> and that I exploited the Convent for personal gain. It was published simultaneously in the three biggest papers in the city. At first, it was difficult to pinpoint who was trying to bury me..."
She crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly.
"But then I saw one line. Just one. It claimed I squandered those profits on debauchery at the Angelic Party. The moment I read that, I knew you had betrayed me. I knew exactly who fed them that story."
"That’s...!"
"Because, aside from Duke Kailas, you, Mr. Tez Roark, are the only person who knew I attended that party. And your 'secret lover' must be Bella Listerwell."
A woman with a fiancé or husband; a woman who insisted on a 'free' relationship. How many times had she cursed herself for not immediately connecting those dots to Bella?
It was late, but she was now certain. Bella was the architect of this scandal. Bella was the only one who hated her enough to dig up her secrets and drag them into the light.
At Harriet’s accusation, Tez shook his head frantically.
"No! The truth is, I mentioned it to a friend while I was drunk! I’m so sorry. I had no idea it would lead to this...!"
"Oh, my. I almost misunderstood you. So, who was this 'friend' who heard it?"
"Th-there were several people there."
"Fine. Give me every name you can remember," Harriet said, her voice dropping to a chill. "Oh, don't give them to me. Give them to an Imperial Investigator."
Only then did Tez’s face go pale, and he began to hesitate.