The Doctor Cured the Villainess and Ran Away

34 – 34. Cold medicine (3)

Lauka listened to my explanation and smirked.

“I knew it. You really are a naughty child, just as I expected.”

“That’s not true. It’s all for the sake of an exciting competition. Food in the martial arts competition is great on its own, but wouldn’t it be even better with some seasoning?”

“hehehe, I also enjoy thrilling developments. Have you read that novel? It’s a popular romance novel in the system lately, and the plot is no joke.”

Lauka tapped the desk with his fingertips and suddenly began a different conversation.

Listening to him babble on endlessly is giving me a headache.

I should take an aspirin.

“hehehe, the flower viewing this year is going to be so much fun!”

The princess was more excited about seeing flowers than the martial arts competition.

That’s how our deal was concluded.

***

Two days had passed since Lauka made me a mask, and strange conversations began to be heard in the system.

“Well, these days, you can’t even go out without a mask.”

“Just look at how defined my jawline has become. I don’t know why I didn’t make something like this sooner.”

“It also helps prevent infectious diseases, so there’s no reason not to use it. It’s less suffocating than a corset anyway.”

“They said it was invented by my personal physician, so it’s reliable.”

Masks started to become a fashion item, with noble ladies and young ladies in the system at the center.

Since linen fabric was the basis, it didn’t completely hinder breathing, and women who were already used to corsets were willing to endure it for the sake of fashion.

Noblewomen entering the palace all wore modern style masks.

It seems like everyone has bought masks imitating the ones I wore from clothing stores and stacked them in their drawers.

“Teacher, wasn’t that the first defense gear you invented? Is it okay for just anyone to make it like that?”

Tanya worriedly voiced her concerns while keeping up with the trend. It was a valid point.

“Medicine should spread widely among the people.”

That’s the basic idea.

“But in this world, there’s always a cost. I guess I should receive compensation, right?”

I put on my doctor’s gown and left the office.

***

Asella’s chambermaid, Lucy, carried out her duties flawlessly, and before she knew it, another day had passed.

She was always at Lady Asella’s side, taking care of her every need.

Lady Asella seemed a little uncomfortable.

The cause was guessed.

After the previous collision, Camilla Hwangbi kept her distance from Asella.

It was like a Cold War.

Nevertheless, Asella silently proceeded with the education she had to receive according to the schedule.

Although the education was initiated by Hwangbi, Asella also had a strong determination to become the next emperor.

‘But that determination must have been instilled by Hwangbi.’

The Prime Minister, who had observed Asella for a long time, thought so.

Even without showing it visibly, Asella couldn’t hide her joy when she succeeded in casting a spell one step higher.

It was a ambition for achieving a higher level.

Everyone in the royal family was like that. It might be their destiny imprinted in their blood.

They strive for higher realms and more.

They can be regarded as the embodiments of greed driven by their abilities.

The current emperor, too, in his youth, had waged numerous wars to realize his boundless greed and become a great warrior.

‘But even if the princess reaches a higher level of magic, she has never been praised.’

It’s only natural to harbor a bitter heart. But what can you do?

The Prime Minister never thought that Hwangbi was a good parent.

She was already a genius witch who had entered the realm of the 5th tier, an area that requires both talent and effort.

Even though Asella had already mastered 3rd tier magic at such a young age, Hwangbi only forced her to reach higher realms and persecuted her without any sign of surprise.

Because it seemed like basic magic that she could naturally use herself.

Using 3rd tier magic in one’s teens would have been a feat worthy of great praise and acclaim if it had been in Mater.

Most mages, even if they devoted their entire lives to becoming adventurers, would barely be able to cast one 3rd tier spell when they became old men with white hair.

And her master, Seymour, the historic grand mage who had appeared after two hundred years, was even more incomparable.

‘Princess should not receive such miserable treatment.’

If the Prime Minister had any minor complaint, it was that.

To Camilla Hwangbi, Asella was just a means to gain power.

She was a being born to be a part of the royal court.

The Prime Minister always had doubts even about simply recognizing her as her own daughter.

There were no relatives in the royal family who were on Asella’s side, except for her power-wielding and manipulative siblings.

‘And the princess’s aspiration to become the next emperor…’

If you achieve Camilla’s desire, you might receive praise; isn’t that the case?

The head of the household speculated as such.

“Then, I will see you next time.”

“Go ahead.”

The private tutor left the study room. Although he was a skilled former professor from the Warrior Academy, Asella did not treat him with respect.

The head of the household prepared a carefully brewed cup of tea in advance, even during Asella’s designated break time, so she could rest comfortably.

“Princess, refreshments are served.”

“Follow me.”

Witnessing Asella tilting her cup back and forth like a squirrel, the head of the household felt somewhat relieved.

When colds were prevalent like they are now, the chief physician said it’s good to drink plenty of warm water.

‘Princess, please heed the teacher’s words well.’

Thanks to the recent advice from the chief physician, she worried a little less.

Since his arrival a few weeks ago, Asella seemed more at ease than before.

Even if accidents occurred, like seizures at night, he would manage to resolve them somehow.

“Asella, are you here?”

A voice shattered her moment of relaxation like a falling hammer.

It was a sudden visit.

Camilla Hwangbi arrived at Asella’s study room accompanied by her guards.

The head of the household immediately moved aside to make way. Camilla stood in front of Asella’s desk.

“Oh my, oh my.”

Camilla quickly skimmed through the book Asella had been studying until just now and lowered her eyes.

“You’re still pretending to study like that. You claim to work hard without my supervision. It’s about subjects you can never concentrate on.”

Asella silently listened to Camilla’s rant that continued without pause.

“Just because you do that, do you think you can ascend to the throne without me? When will you come to your senses? Your hair still won’t turn black even till the end. That useless crown prince tainted it entirely with dark colors.”

As Camilla mentioned Lars, Asella’s eyebrows twitched.

“Do you not understand how important the Martial Arts Competition is? Your Majesty might sit on the throne for many more years to come. We need to seize the heir position before that foolish first prince claims it!”

The head of the household had a truckload of retorts she wanted to confront the Queen with, but she swallowed them all.

Asella, who had always watched her closely, knew best how diligently she prepared for the Martial Arts Competition.

Despite her busy schedule filled with education, she never neglected the management of the knights and continued practicing magic to demonstrate her performance personally.

“If you keep behaving like this, I will sever my support as well. It seems Georg II wants my magicians to perform in his faction.”

“Will you lend your disciples to other factions?” asked Camila, smiling victoriously. It was the ease of someone who held superiority.

“Didn’t Prince Georg always have a close relationship with us? It’s not like we reject other factions,” she responded.

“You know perfectly well why Georg supported us. He is not our ally, but the successor.”

Asela retorted angrily.

The Grand Master could also speculate on the reasons.

There are Prince Georg, the 2nd prince, and Princess Heike, who actively aspire to the next imperial position.

It was natural for whoever could control Asela, who would become a powerful mage weapon for the royal family, to gain a strong position in the future.

Prince’s support did not stem from goodwill or fraternal affection.

Rather, it was a calculated political strategy taken because Asela was considered a tool without succession rights.

“Asela, what have I always told you?”

“To become the next emperor.”

“You heard wrong.”

Camila stared coldly at Asela.

“I said I need an emperor. If you’re not on my side, I don’t need you.”

The Grand Master thought it was a cruel statement.

Come back to me, or else I’ll turn to the faction of the 2nd prince.

It was no different from a threat.

Though Asela always maintained a cold attitude, the Grand Master thought there was much attachment to what she perceived as her possession.

As evidence, she never treated herself or the knights poorly.

Despite having a heavy workload, she never went beyond the boundaries of reasonable orders.

That’s why the members of Wolgwang Palace show loyalty to Asela.

The Empress herself was also within the scope of Asela’s possession.

However, according to the Grand Master’s knowledge, the Empress never showed affection towards Asela.

She only tempted her as if she would bestow affection as she does now.

“Do you think you can please His Majesty by winning the martial arts competition without me? Such childish training!”

“That’s…”

Asela bit her lip.

No matter how hard she tried, the given conditions were too disadvantageous.

Firstly, the number of knights is low.

As Camilla suggested, training might just be child’s play.

There is no doubt that the second prince and the first princess will come prepared with much more sophisticated strategies.

“Now, do you understand reality a bit? Asella, without me, you’re nothing but an ignorant little brat. Kneel and beg now. If you receive special education, I’ll forgive what happened that day…”

-*Knock, knock*-

The door opened wide with a forceful knock.

“Princess, Chief Physician Goldberg has come to report.”

Camilla turned her head abruptly and glared at the chief physician.

An annoyed expression creased her face.

“You…! Can’t you see I’m having an important conversation with Asella? Who granted you permission to interrupt us!”

“Why is there an outsider here?”

“What did you say!”

Ignoring the angry empress, Lars handed over the report to Asella.

“We have temporarily reorganized our Moonlight Archer Order for participation in the military tournament. If you approve, we will proceed.”

Asella swiftly passed the report with a flick of her hand.

“One hundred and forty?”

“Yes.”

Camilla opened her eyes wide in astonishment at this unexpected news.

“One hundred and forty? What does that even mean? Chief Physician!”

“Oh dear, are you trying to steal a glance at the confidential document being reviewed by the princess? Please respect the boundaries, even if you are the empress.”

Lars signaled Camilla with his back.

Unbeknownst to herself, Asella subtly raised the corners of her mouth and turned to the next page.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a patent application for masks. With your authority as the princess, you can pass it right away, can’t you?”

From Noble mtl dot com

Lars lightly nodded his head.

“The profits from the patent will be used for the Moonlight Archer Order’s budget. Some will also go into my pocket.”