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Chapter: 10
As I sat there, dumbfounded, repeating Kaeron’s unbelievable words in my head, the doctor began the examination.
“Please place both hands here for a moment.”
The examinations in this world were conducted in a way completely different from the hospitals of my previous life.
The doctor instructed me to place my hands on a stone-like device. It seemed to be a magical diagnostic tool.
While the examination progressed, Kaeron’s voice kept replaying in my mind:
“For the time being, don’t leave. Stay in the capital a bit longer.”
What about the tasks I’m supposed to do? Isn’t it his role to struggle to kill the sub-male lead as soon as possible?
Does this mean I have to stay with him until the banquet now?
Meanwhile, the diagnostic device began to emit lights of various colors.
“Hmm…”
The doctor’s expression as he observed the device was subtle and hard to read.
“Let’s try a different test.”
He moved the stone-like device aside and brought out a vial filled with a shimmering liquid this time.
“We’ll draw some blood. Will that be alright?”
“Yes.”
“It will sting a little.”
The doctor held my hand and lightly pricked the tip of my finger with a sharp instrument. A single drop of blood formed at the fingertip. He then brought it to the vial, letting the drop fall into the liquid.
“Hmmm…”
The same sound had been coming from the doctor repeatedly.
“Why? What’s the result?”
I couldn’t resist and asked first.
“Hmm… let’s try one more test.”
See? I knew it would be like this.
Not a single doctor in my previous life could figure out the cause of this illness. It’s no different here.
“Nothing’s coming up yet?”
Kaeron, who had been crossing his arms and glaring at the examination the entire time, finally spoke.
“Th-that is… yes, all test results are still showing normal.”
The doctor avoided Kaeron’s eyes, clearly embarrassed, and finally replied.
Of course, the doctor was afraid of him too.
Kaeron looked irritated that the results weren’t coming quickly, but he still gestured for the next examination to proceed.
The doctor brought out another device. I noticed his fingertips trembling slightly. This must be the first patient like this in his career.
“This will be the final test. Please don’t worry, Madam.”
“I’m not worried. I’m fine.”
I’ve been used to this kind of thing since my previous life.
Unlike Kaeron, whose expression remained stern, I was calm.
The doctor handed me a long rod. When he channeled magic into it, the power transferred to my body. A tingling, electric sensation ran through me for several seconds.
“Hmm… all tests are complete for now. Thank you for your cooperation, Madam.”
The doctor put away the diagnostic equipment.
“The results?”
Kaeron was still standing there with his arms crossed, watching the doctor. His gaze demanded an explanation, heavy and unwavering.
“We’ve conducted all the detailed examinations available at the moment. However…”
The doctor hesitated. I could roughly guess what was coming next.
“There doesn’t appear to be any specific cause of the illness. All results are normal.”
As expected.
The doctor was even breaking into cold sweat while explaining. His embarrassment and awkwardness were palpable.
“She even vomited blood and fainted a few times, yet it’s normal? How is that possible?”
“With current medicine, there’s nothing we can detect. I’m sorry, Your Grace.”
Kaeron was glaring with both eyes wide open, and the doctor’s apology confirmed that he truly couldn’t figure anything out.
“However, I can prescribe medicine for when coughing fits or hemoptysis occur. I can also provide a magic kit to determine whether your condition is critical when you faint. Finally, I’ll give you medicine that temporarily prevents coughing and hemoptysis during important events, but it must not be overused.”
Even though the doctor offered medicine and a kit, Kaeron’s gaze remained cold and unyielding.
“If any emergency arises or you have questions, please call. If it is the Duke’s call, I will come immediately.”
“So… I just have to wait helplessly for emergencies that could occur anytime?”
“Since the cause is unclear, any other measures could be riskier. As a doctor, I recommend maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as Madam seems to be physically weak.”
“Exercise?”
“Yes. Building basic stamina seems to be the best course for now.”
After saying this, the doctor bowed politely before leaving. I had expected this examination to yield no results.
But Kaeron stopped him before he left.
“Is it possible… that an intangible thing, like the mind, could be the cause of the illness?”
Suddenly, what kind of question is that?
The doctor, like me, looked puzzled but answered Kaeron sincerely.
“Yes, if mental illness is deep, it can manifest physically.”
“If that’s the cause, then your previous detailed tests wouldn’t detect it?”
“Yes. Our tests cannot sense mental or emotional conditions.”
Kaeron closed his eyes and touched his head, looking troubled.
“Understood. You may leave.”
The doctor bowed once more and departed.
I mulled over what I had just heard.
A deep mental illness could deteriorate physical health… but that’s not why I’m sick.
Kaeron followed the doctor’s advice about building physical strength diligently.
As soon as we returned to the duke’s mansion, he arranged for me to start exercising the next day and even brought in a personal instructor.
While spending time in the garden, a man approached, bowing politely.
“Greetings, Duchess. I am Henson, and I will be helping you with your basic physical training starting today.”
They even assigned an instructor! I was only planning to do breathing exercises by myself.
“His Grace is very concerned about you.”
Concerned? Ha. I snorted inwardly. That man is really worried about me, huh.
“Today, being the first day, we’ll start with simple stretches, then move on to strength training to check your stamina.”
“My stamina is obviously terrible.”
“Ha ha, still, I need to see it for myself.”
Henson had a friendly demeanor. He spoke kindly, leaving me no room to complain.
Eventually, I changed into the loose pants and top the maid had prepared and tied my hair up neatly.
The exercise would take place in a spacious empty room on the first floor of the mansion.
“Alright, let’s start with stretching.”
Staff were watching to be ready for any situation. Exercising alone while everyone stared was incredibly embarrassing.
Moreover… Ecket’s body was stiffer than I had imagined. Even more than in my previous life!
Even when just turning my neck to warm up, my body didn’t feel right. As I began proper stretches and bends, involuntary groans escaped my mouth.
“Ugh! Aaah!”
“Are you very uncomfortable?”
“I feel like I’m dying!”
Sitting down and extending my legs and arms fully, I realized this was impossible.
“Since it’s the first day, let’s stop here. Your body isn’t warmed up yet!”
I was sweating profusely.
“What if she says she can’t do it from the start?”
But the voice answering wasn’t Henson’s.
I turned and saw Kaeron standing there.
“Ah, perfect timing, Your Grace!”
“Is she doing well?”
“She seems to be struggling as she’s not yet accustomed to the exercises. But don’t worry! She’ll do fine soon!”
Henson answered cheerfully.
“Why are you here?”
“I was curious if you were doing well.”
He must have had nothing to do at home instead of going to work.
“Sorry, I do worse when someone’s watching. I’d appreciate it if you leave.”
“Really?”
“It’s embarrassing to exercise alone with so many people watching.”
But Kaeron seemed completely unconcerned with what I said. Did he even hear me?
Kaeron approached and sat next to me, mirroring my posture.
“Why are you sitting next to me?”
My voice betrayed my wariness. Now that I noticed, he was wearing loose clothes suitable for exercise too.
