Queen of the Scalpel - Chapter 28 - Apprentice

Chapter 28: Apprentice

“Does the diagnosis I’m talking about really have something to do with Father’s symptoms?”

“Yes, I’ll have to confirm to make sure, but there’s definitely a chance. But who told you? This is something that was recently only announced by the Francoen Republic, so there are probably only about 20 people including me in the whole empire who knows about this.”

“…”

It was a difficult diagnosis that only 20 people knew? THe Crown Prince narrowed his eyes and spoke.

“They’re not a well-known doctor. The person that told me was…”

But it was then. The Emperor smiled and cut him off.

“Does it matter who told me? Go research it and fix me.”

Viscount Ben thought something was suspicious because he was trying to hide it, but he bowed his head.

“I will, Your Majesty! Please wait a bit!”

And he arrived back in his office, he tilted his head in confusion. ‘Why is he trying to hide it? If it’s someone that knows about this, not only are they well-versed in our knowledge, but also the knowledge of the republic. He thought about this while pulling out the paper.

‘There’s not a lot of doctors in the capital who know that much anyway. It’s probably someone I know.’ First, the professors in the Imperial Cross Hospital where he was the director. Since all the talented doctors in the empire were here, it was possible. ‘No. We had several conferences about this, but no one spoke about this at all. Then is it someone from Rosedale Hospital?’

It was a high end hospital that treated nobles. But he shook his head. ‘No. Those fools only take money. Not a single one of them is actually interested in medicine.’ And the last possibility popped up in his head. ‘It’s more likely that…there’s skilled doctors in Teresa Hospital.’ Overall, the skills of the doctors fell behind other hospital’s. But was it because there were a lot of patients? There were a lot of talented doctors.

‘Director Gote probably knows about this diagnosis. And the young genius Grayam that I met probably knows this too. I must ask about this next time.

He knew about his skills very well. So he knew that it was too much for him to treat the Emperor by himself. He wanted to discuss diabetes with the doctor that had guessed it. ‘They are most definitely an incredible doctor. Just who is it?’

***

“Sir Ben seems to have found a clue.”

“Yes, it’s a relief. I hope your illness is completely treated this time.”

“As do I.”

The father and son continued to speak.

“But seeing the reaction of Viscount Ben, what that child said seems to be right.”

“Yes.”

“It’s a recently discovered illness from the Francoen Republic? How does that child know about this?”

The Emperor muttered as if he was fascinated.

“Father.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Why did you hide the fact that the person who spoke about this illness was Lady Clarence?”

“There’s no need to keep on mixing her up in the medical world since she’s going to be Crown Princess, right? I want to order her to come back from the hospital immediately.”

The Emperor wanted Elise to be Crown Princess, and not a doctor. ‘Being a doctor doesn’t fit a child who’s going to be princess.’ Being a doctor wasn’t bad. No, the Emperor knew it was an admirable profession. But it was the law that a princess cannot become a doctor.

“How do you feel?”

“What do you mean?’

“About marriage with Elise.”

“I only follow your will.”

“Really? You must like or dislike it. Hm?”

But the prince just replied in an indifferent tone.

“I am a part of the Imperial Family. I don’t believe my personal opinion is important.”

Emperor Minchester shook his head. ‘That cold-hearted boy.’ His son Linden de Romanoff was a talented Crown Prince, but he was cold as if his emotions had dried up. ‘What a shame.’ He knew what his son kept buried in his heart. So it was a shame. Will he ever be warm?

Minchester changed the conversation.

“How is it going with the Creme Expedition?”

“The 2nd Division is marching towards the peninsula. They will arrive in a few days.”

The Crown Prince lowered his voice and answered.

“I have something to report to you about that.”

“What is it?”

“The Francoen Republic has recently entered the Monshell Kingdom.”

“…!”

The Emperor’s face hardened.

“Is that true?”

“Yes. The spies have confirmed it to be true.”

“Huh. So as that child guessed, Monshell Kingdom may be participating in this war.”

“Yes. After they left, Monshell Kingdom has been secretly moving. I believe they will attack us at a critical moment.”

“Huh…”

The Emperor sighed.

“If I didn’t know this is what would’ve happened…I…no, our empire has been indebted to Elise.”

He was marveled by her.