Chapter 59: Stars' Ball (5)

"What did you just say, Young Master Nihilrit?"

"I said I would gift you two a child."

The 12th Prince's gaze was fixed on me.

It was a familiar gaze.

I had received many such stares in the Red-Light District.

— What? You're saying we can have a baby?

When you run a clinic in the Red-Light District, you encounter a wide variety of backstories.

A prostitute who wants to cover her past and start a new life.

An organized crime gangster whose genitals were cut off.

A married couple of different species who want to overcome the difference in their race.

Various newlywed couples quietly visited my clinic.

And they returned to their homes, holding a baby wrapped in a wrapping cloth.

— Teacher... aren't you... a Healer? Just how far does the profession of a Doctor go?

Wangcho would watch from the side, baffled.

Of course, not all of those stories had a happy ending.

This isn't that soft of a world setting.

But I am certain that the princely couple's ending will be a happy one.

The Prince's sexual function is normal, and the Imperial Princess Consort's condition is fully treatable.

'I already have all the necessary medicinal ingredients without needing to create new ones.'

That's why I made such a bold claim.

Of course, the princely couple, unaware of these circumstances, didn't seem to have fully processed the meaning of my words yet.

“...”

The Prince's mouth opened halfway, then closed.

The Prince's voice flowed from between lips that were moving like a goldfish's.

“...Let's speak privately.”

Edmund rose from his seat.

The Prince turned his back to me and headed for the small reception room.

“Wife. Follow me.”

The Imperial Princess Consort, who had been frozen like a waiting wife stone, finally moved at her husband's voice.

I also stood and glanced at Charlotte.

Before I could say anything, she was already preparing to follow.

From the look in her eyes, it seemed my big stunt had piqued her interest.

But Charlotte also seemed to be holding her tongue.

And so we followed the princely couple across the banquet hall to the small reception room.

“Come in.”

The small reception room we entered after the Prince was a small chamber with only two Mana Stone Lamps on the walls and facing sofas.

As we stepped inside, the Imperial Guard Knight who followed us closed the door.

Clink.

The moment the sound of the door closing echoed.

Edmund turned his back to us.

The Prince remained silent for a while with his back turned.

Then, he slowly opened his mouth.

“I was on the Southern Front.”

His voice came from his unturned back.

“For three years. I stood on the Black Iron Wall and watched countless corpses pile up underfoot.”

Edmund's shoulders moved slightly with the sound of a deep breath.

“You see many tragedies on the battlefield. How people die, the expressions on the faces of the dead, how the survivors spend the rest of their lives.”

“...”

“That's why you learn to become stoic in the face of most tragedies.”

Only then did Edmund turn around.

On the face I thought would be angry, there was instead a deep fatigue.

“When that happens, you naturally learn to be lenient with the thoughtless words thrown by immature young masters who have never experienced a battlefield. If you know there is no malice, you usually just let it go.”

Edmund's gaze turned to Charlotte.

“Just now, I also saw you do something to my wife's glass. A prank like cooling the drink, I considered it trivial since there was no malice.”

Edmund looked at me again.

With that, his voice dropped a tone.

“However, what you said is difficult to overlook.”

Edmund took a step closer.

“Young Master Nihilrit. Do you know the feelings of the moment when you have to send away the small fetus that came to us?”

Fetus.

The moment that word was spoken, the Imperial Princess Consort's shoulder flinched.

“Every time her belly swells, unable to bear using the name we gave last time, we bury it in our hearts, and with a trembling heart, hoping to meet the child healthy this time, just this once, we give it a new name. Do you know that feeling...”

The Prince's voice, which had maintained a calm tone of voice, began to tremble.

And the man, having forgotten even his honorifics, vented his raw resentment at me.

“How could you think you could dare mention... that heart-wrenching pain—!”

“One does not have to experience every tragedy to know that pain, Your Highness.”

My voice cut the Prince's words short.

Before the Prince, his flow broken, could continue, I spoke concisely.

“How many babies do you think have slipped through my fingers, Your Highness?”

“...”

The Prince's mouth closed.

The flow had turned to me.

“Of course, I have not experienced that tragedy directly. But those who watch a tragedy from the side must also bear a part of it. When those small weights gather, at some point, I too come to bear a sadness no less than theirs.”

Edmund's eyes twitched minutely.

“I see more than 10 mothers in childbirth a day. In a year, the children I meet number in the thousands. And among them are children I sent off without even a proper farewell.”

“...”

“There are couples for whom even daring to promise hope is a delicate matter. Why do you think someone like me dared to say this to you, Your Highness?”

Edmund did not answer.

But, the fact that his fist, which had been clenched tight until just a moment ago, had loosened was answer enough.

“...Can you... stake your name on what you've said?”

“If by doing so, you both can have hope, then I will gladly do so.”

It was right after those words.

“...Young Master Nihilrit.”

A small voice, as if crawling in.

At that small voice, everyone's gaze fell upon the Imperial Princess Consort.

The woman who hadn't said a single word since entering this room had spoken for the first time.

“I heard about what happened at House Belheim.”

As if even speaking was difficult, the woman spoke with a trembling voice.

“You solved the unsolved case and treated the family's Young Lady. If so...”

The Imperial Princess Consort bit her lip for a moment.

“Does that mean... you can fix me, too?”

I nodded without hesitation.

Of course, in medicine, there is no 100 percent.

Even with one's best effort, tragedy can always strike.

But if this bluff could ease the patient's heart, I could put on a bluff any number of times.

'Still, the chance is about 90%. That should be good enough.'

That's what the Misunderstanding Genre Correction was for, anyway.

Therefore, I answered with conviction.

“Yes, I will help you.”

Something wavered in the Imperial Princess Consort's eyes.

Something on the verge of spilling over was caught on the rims of her eyes.

Before the dam could break, I drove in the final nail.

“However, let's make one correction before we move on.”

I looked at both the Prince and the Imperial Princess Consort and said.

“A miscarriage is not a disease.”

Of course, in academia, 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's just that you two need more prayer and effort than others to meet your child. Therefore, the expression 'fix' is not appropriate.”

What was caught in the Imperial Princess Consort's eyes fell.

The Prince said nothing and held his wife's shoulders.

While holding his wife to his chest and bringing his lips to the crown of her head.

He quietly closed his eyes.

I waited silently for a while, until the two had sorted out their emotions.

*

How much time had passed?

The Prince took his hand off his wife's shoulder, took a breath, and looked at me.

Only then did I begin the rest of my story.

“Normally, I would tell you after the name of the disease is confirmed, but I will tell you two in advance.”

Normally, speaking of a treatment plan before a confirmed diagnosis is, in principle, a delicate matter.

But for a married couple that has experienced four miscarriages, an exception can be made.

After all, they need hope to be able to eat well and take care of their health.

“First, we'll need a few tests.”

The suspected disease is a bit complex, so quite a few tests are needed.

First, a urine test is needed, and a blood test is necessary as well.

This was to check for foam in the urine and how quickly the blood coagulates.

But above all, there is a most important test.

“And a syphilis test is needed.”

“...Syphilis?”

The Prince's eyebrows twitched.

I belatedly realized my mistake.

My habit of speaking without context had slipped out.

I hurriedly made a correction.

“I am not suspecting Her Highness, the Imperial Princess Consort, of having syphilis.”

“Then why is such a test necessary?”

“There is a device used for the syphilis test. This device was originally made to react to syphilis, but interestingly, it sometimes shows a reaction to other diseases as well.”

“Can you explain it more simply?”

“When a Demonic Beast Wave comes, you sometimes use a siege weapon. It's like that. Its purpose is different from the original, but since it's useful, you use it first and see.”

“I understand.”

I was relieved.

The syphilis test I decided to use on the Imperial Princess Consort just now was the 'Wassermann test'.

This Wassermann test is an instrument that tests for syphilis using a substance extracted from a cow's heart.

However, despite being a test made to diagnose syphilis, it has the flaw of also reacting to other diseases.

Because of this flaw of reacting to false syphilis, it's a test that has become obsolete in modern times.

But this time, I need that flaw.

'Because I need to diagnose a rheumatic disease.'

The Wassermann test is a test that had a profound influence on rheumatic diseases.

Through this test, the 'anticardiolipin antibody', a diagnostic criteria for patients with rheumatic diseases, was discovered, and it further led to the diagnosis of new rheumatic diseases.

I am using that history.

“Considering the symptoms Her Highness, the Imperial Princess Consort, has, there is a high possibility of a reaction to the syphilis test. That's why the test is necessary.”

“How strange. To think there's such an application method. Where did you obtain such knowledge?”

“Let's just call it a secret technique.”

I placed my index finger in front of my lips and smiled brightly.

At the words 'secret technique', the Prince no longer expressed any doubt about my knowledge.

“If all these tests match my prediction, we will be able to understand the Imperial Princess Consort's situation.”

“A dis... no, you mean there's a cause?”

“Yes. However, it's not that the Imperial Princess Consort's body is weak or at fault.”

Strictly speaking, the Imperial Princess Consort's condition can be classified as a disease.

The name of the disease is 'Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome.'

It's a type of rheumatic disease where an autoantibody exists in the blood, creating blood clots (blood scabs) inside the blood vessels.

This is also why the Imperial Princess Consort had miscarriages.

The blood scab blocked the umbilical cord, so the baby couldn't receive nutrients and died.

But since I just said it wasn't a disease, I spared the explanation of the disease's name.

In the first place, no one in this world would understand if I told them the name of a disease anyway.

The Prince probably caught that there was a contradiction somewhere in my words.

But, perhaps having noticed my consideration, he didn't press for details and let it go.

“I repeat, there is no problem with Her Highness, the Imperial Princess Consort. She just needs a little help from medicine.”

“Can you also tell us what medicine you will use?”

“Yes. It's a medicine called Heparin.”

Heparin.

The medicine that dissolves blood clots, which Erika is also taking.

With this medicine, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome is a piece of cake.

The problem is the blood clot blocking the umbilical cord, so if we dissolve that, all things will be resolved.

Hearing that, the Imperial Princess Consort leaned slightly toward me.

Hope had settled in her eyes, which had been soaked in resignation.

In contrast, the Prince, perhaps because he was from a military background, showed a reaction of not being easily convinced.

“Heparin? I've never heard of it.”

“Would you know it if I said it's a medicine the Merkur Trading Company only sells to Healers?”

But that was only for a moment.

Is it because he's from the Southern Front?

As soon as the name of the Merkur Trading Company came up, he immediately nodded.

With the couple's persuasion finished, I summarized the details.

“Starting tomorrow, I will visit Your Highness's Annex Palace once a month. I will give you the medicine each time, so if you take this medicine consistently...”

I paused for a moment.

Because the couple were both leaning forward.

Their gazes were burdensome, so I leaned back a little and finished what I was saying.

“...an auspicious event will come to you both.”

After I finished speaking, a brief silence flowed.

Breaking that silence, Edmund rose from his seat.

“Thank you.”

He grabbed both my hands.

The problem was the force.

Is it because he's from a military background?

Perhaps he thought I was similar to other soldiers, but his grip was extraordinary.

I barely managed to stop my expression from crumbling.

“Thank you, truly...”

But seeing the Prince bow his head again and again, I felt the pain completely disappear.

'To think I'd live to see the crown of a royal's head.'

This is the thrill of being a doctor.

The pure gratitude received as a human being, transcending social status.

This rush is no joke.

There's no cure for this kind of rush.

This is why I was kidnapped into Trauma Surgery.

...Damn it. I should have just been satisfied with the Thoracic Surgery Department.

Anyway.

“That is undeserved praise, Your Highness. Then, shall we return to enjoy the banquet...”

Just then, Edmund let go of my hands and turned towards his wife.

“My dear. You go back first. I have something urgent to discuss with Young Master Nihilrit.”

“?”

What is this?

Is he perhaps planning to ask about the condition in more detail where his wife isn't present?

Because husbands who wanted a private meeting with me at this timing were often like that.

So I also hinted to Charlotte.

“Please go back ahead.”

“I understand.”

Charlotte, perhaps sensing the mood, obediently left the room.

On her way out.

The Imperial Princess Consort looked back at me once more with eyes full of lingering regret, then left the reception room, guided by the Imperial Guard Knight.

And so, after Charlotte and the Imperial Princess Consort left the reception room.

Inside the reception room, only Edmund and I remained.

The Prince stared at me for a while with his mouth shut.

Soon, the Prince began to shake his leg.

He clasped his hands in front of his knees and cast his gaze to the floor.

The Prince said to me.

“Lord Yulian.”

“Your Highness. I'm not a person of such stature...”

“Lord. I have a favor to ask.”

“...”

The Prince lifted his head.

My eyes met his, and I couldn't help but shut my mouth.

Because I could see in those eyes a desperation that could not be described with any adjective.

“The thing is... with that incident repeating itself one after another... that... that thing...”

Edmund's gaze shifted slightly away from me.

The man who wouldn't have batted an eye even when facing tens of thousands of demonic beasts on the battlefield was now unable to meet my eyes.

Was something unusual about to be said?

I also braced myself and waited for his words.

At last, the Prince said, as if squeezing the words out.

“Both my wife and I... these days... at night, we're not quite...”

Ah.

“My love for her hasn't changed. That's for sure. But the anxiety... that the same result will happen again... so that thing...”

“...You don't have to say any more.”

Right.

Indeed, after experiencing such a tragedy four times, one's confidence can drop.

Mmm-hmm. Of course.

But, I don't know whether to call this a misfortune or a blessing.

As it happened, there was a good medicine for the Prince.

“Don't worry, Your Highness. As it happens, there is a good medicine.”

“Medicine? You mean there's even a medicine for something like this?”

“It's because I'm also a Clinical Trial Supervisor for the Merkur Trading Company. I know about some medicines that are not yet on the market.”

“Don't tell me... is it that medicine?”

“...You know of it?”

“It's already famous among those who know.”

What the heck.

Why did it leak this far?

How the hell are those Directors handling internal security?

The moment I thought I'd have to do a crackdown on the company's internal security sometime.

The Prince grasped my hand tightly.

Even more desperately than when he was giving his words of thanks just now.

His eyes sparkled.

Even more so than when he saw the gun earlier.

It was the most animated face this man had shown all night.

“Then this will be quick. If Your Highness is alright with it...”

“I'll do it.”

It was before my words had even finished.

“Please hear me out until the end...”

“Whatever trial it is, I'll do it.”

“Still, I have a duty to explain...”

“I said I'll do it.”

“The side effect explanation is still...”

“I said I'll do it.”

In the end, I nodded to rescue my crushing fingers.

“...If, by any chance, the effect is good, may I use Your Highness's name later when I do a promotion for that medicine?”

“If it's after the child is born, I will gladly grant permission.”