Ernest looked at the man with doubt. He trusted that the young man would not bring a fake physician, but he felt the older man truly lacked skill. If the snake had no venom, how could Anastasia be in such a state? She was already unconscious.
Although he could not examine her thoroughly due to the difference in their genders, he did not perceive the scent of blood on her. If she was not injured, then why was she in such a state.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
The old physician, seeing Ernest’s doubt, grew angry.
"I am the physician here. I may not boast of general mastery, but when it comes to snake venom, I am confident in my treatment. Ask around Lowe, I have treated three cases of snakebite. Even the most venomous snake, as long as the poison has not reached the heart, I have expelled the venom and nursed the victim back to health," the physician declared.
Then, raising the black stone he held like a prized possession, he showed it proudly to Ernest. Forgoting his earlier fear that it Ernest would be conventions of it.
"This is a divine stone. My master brought it from his travels. He called it the magic stone. It has never failed to expel snake or scorpion venom, so long as it touches the affected blood. There is definitely no venom," he said.
The old man had made a name for himself in Lowe with this skill. He would not allow his reputation to be tarnished.
"Then watch her. If you’re wrong, you can accompany her to death," Ernest said coldly. Though he still harbored doubts, the man’s confidence in his skill made him hold back further protest. He also considered that the people of Gube might have poisoned her. With this physician limited skills he might fail to recognize it.
The physician shivered. He knew the man before him meant those words, this was no idle threat. "I really most go to the chapel and offer some prayers if I survive this," the old physician thought.
"I will go check on the medicine," the old man muttered, feeling the weight of Ernest’s presence. He would rather tend the fire than remain in that stifling room.
"Get her to drink some warm water to wet her throat," the physician added as he walked out. He was scared that Ernest would follow him to the kitchen and watch him make medicine.
"My lord," the young man entered the room once the physician left. He stood by the door without looking at the person on the bed.
"What?" Ernest snapped, clearly in a foul mood.
"Shall I call a woman from the village to help clean her up?" the young man asked. He never made decisions about things that are related to his master.
Ernest paused for a moment.
"Get someone who can keep their mouth shut," he said. Since he couldn’t examine her himself, it was better to bring a woman. He had to be sure she was not injured somewhere.
"Yes, my lord," the young man bowed. Though he didn’t spend much time in Lowe, he knew the locals well, he posed as a merchant, after all. His home wasn’t grand, but it wasn’t the worst. Usually, a woman kept it clean in his absence. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveI-Fire.ɴet
While alone, Ernest carefully fed Anastasia warm water. As he did, he fought the urge to run his hand through her hair or brush his fingers across her face. He didn’t understand why he felt so drawn to her.
"She is somebody’s wife," he reminded himself.
The woman arrived minutes later, heading to the kitchen to boil water before entering the room.
"Sir, there are no clothes for her," she said as she returned from the room. She was surprised to see such a beautiful lady lying unconscious, but she knew better than to ask questions. She had already met the physician, who was tending the medicine.
As she prepared to clean Anastasia, she realized a problem, there were no women’s clothes. Worse, the lady was dressed as a man. She hesitated, unsure whether to choose from the young man’s clothing.
"Is that so? Do you have any solution?" the young man asked.
"I could get something from my house. My daughter’s clothes should fit her." The woman liked working for the young man as he was generous. She was sure he’d pay her more than the clothes were worth.
"Then we’ll do that—" the young man began, but Ernest interrupted.
"Do you have any new dresses at home? I will buy them," he said. He believed Anastasia was a delicate daughter of a duke, now married to the crown prince. Soon, she would be queen. He couldn’t allow her to wear used clothes from villagers. Still, given the circumstances, he had no choice but to make do. He didn’t want to draw attention; otherwise, he would’ve summoned the best dressmaker.
"No, but I know a seamstress who likely has something new. I can go buy a dress," the woman offered.
Ernest glanced at the young man, who promptly gave her the money.
The young man felt the woman on the bed must be special. Ernest rarely showed concern for others, yet here he was personally tending to her. Curious, he found himself wanting to sneak a glance at the woman. She must be truly beautiful.
He took a few steps toward the room but was abruptly stopped by his master.
"I killed prey in the forest. Go retrieve it," Ernest instructed.
The young man realized that Ernest likely didn’t care about the prey, he only mentioned it now to stop him from entering the room.
"I just wanted a quick look... it’s not like I’d eat her," the young man muttered inwardly. He regrets not taking a look when he had the opportunity to enter the room earlier.
"Come, I’ll describe where to find it," Ernest said, ignoring his subordinate’s bewildered expression.
"My lord, are you hurt?" the young man asked, alarmed after learning the prey was a tiger.
"It’s nothing. Go," Ernest replied firmly.
The young man said no more. His master was not one for idle words. He bowed and hurried away.