WIFA Ch 6

“I know. I was prepared.”

“…….”

Melissa’s straight gaze and confident answer were very much like her, but something welled up inside Mora.

Alex’s eyes flashed bright blue.

“Why are you angry?”

“Me?”

Alex looked dazed, as if he had just realized it.

His heart ached, so he clutched his chest.

“Did I violate military discipline?”

Melissa looked at Alex as if she didn’t understand.

Releasing his hand from his chest, Alex calmly replied.

“The doctor is a civilian. It has nothing to do with military discipline.”

“Then what did I do wrong?”

Alex was at a loss for words.

Reckless as it may have been, Melissa saved everyone.

As she said, the protective wall was cracked from the impact and in a dangerous state.

If Melissa hadn’t lured the beast away, if the beast had approached and attacked the wall, they could have been annihilated in that narrow space.

It’s a situation where her contribution can be recognized and rewarded.

Nevertheless, something akin to anger boiled up inside him.

Even though it shouldn’t.

Unable to find a logical reason to explain this unfamiliar turmoil, Alex’s expression became strange.

“I apologize. I’ll be careful in the future.”

Observing the change in Alex’s expression, Melissa calmly apologized.

Whatever the reason, Alex seems to dislike Melissa’s boldness.

What can you do when a person of high standing feels that way?

A small fry can only yield.

However, even though Melissa readily apologized, Alex became even more confused.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“……No.”

Melissa carefully examined his face.

Judging by his outburst, he seems alright for now. His complexion doesn’t look bad either.

Seeing as he walked all the way to the medical ward on his own two feet, he probably wasn’t seriously injured anywhere.

“Then may I leave now? There are a lot of patients.”

“You may.”

“Then, excuse me.”

Melissa bowed politely and grabbed the doorknob.

As she was about to open the door and leave, she looked back.

Alex was still standing there blankly with an unreadable expression.

“If you’re in pain, call me. I’m still your attending physician.”

Leaving those words behind, Melissa left the medical supply storage.

Left alone, Alex let out a chuckle without realizing it.

He remembered Viscount Ferris saying he’d give him a one-month grace period before his resignation as attending physician.

That month is almost over.

The Emperor will soon offer Melissa the position of Imperial Physician, and it will be a good opportunity for her, so she won’t miss it.

Alex chewed on his lower lip.

His mood sank endlessly.

₊˚🦢✩

“Ah, Dr. Melissa!”

Carol urgently called out to Melissa, who was approaching from afar, even waving her hand.

Upon seeing Carol, Melissa quickly ran to the station.

“What happened? Is it an emergency? What are the vitals?”

“No, it’s not that.”

Carol glanced around and whispered.

“His Majesty has summoned you.”

“Me? Why?”

“I don’t know, but he said it doesn’t matter how late it is, just be sure to come. He said it’s important.”

Melissa became nervously apprehensive.

Would the Emperor be angry like Alex was?

But the Emperor she saw in the emergency room didn’t seem angry.

She felt somewhat wronged, thinking she shouldn’t be pressured like this for doing what she believed was right.

“You should go quickly. He’s been looking for you for quite some time.”

“Yes. I’ll be back soon.”

With a dejected expression, Melissa hurriedly left the station.

₊˚🦢✩

Arriving at Lucian’s detached quarters, Melissa was escorted inside by an attendant.

“Ah, welcome, Doctor. Sit here.”

Lucian, who was sitting on the sofa, greeted her with a raised hand.

Melissa hesitantly approached and sat a little distance away.

“I apologize for calling you at this late hour.”

“It’s alright, Your Majesty.”

Melissa sat politely and waited for Lucian to speak.

However, he simply rested his chin on his hand, watching her with a faint smile.

Melissa, tense with anticipation, endured the silence while looking straight ahead.

As the quiet continued, with even the ticking of the clock audible, Melissa finally spoke.

It seemed to her that the Emperor wanted to hear something specific.

“I apologize.”

“Hmm?”

Taken aback by Melissa’s sudden apology, Lucian asked in a puzzled voice.

“What do you mean?”

“I was wondering if my reckless actions today disrupted or hindered the operation in any way.”

“Did someone say something?”

“Not exactly, but while trying to guess why Duke Norton was angry, nothing else came to mind.”

Lucian finally straightened up and leaned toward Melissa.

His golden eyes sparkled with interest.

“Alex was angry?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm.”

Lucian stroked his chin and grinned.

He acted as if he didn’t care much, but it seems he does have some concern for his attending physician.

Well, what can Alex do?

Nothing drives a person crazy like constantly experiencing unbearable pain.

“Doctor.”

“Yes.”

“You did nothing wrong. So there’s no need to apologize. Your sense of duty, your spirit of self-sacrifice… these are exemplary.”

“Ah, yes.”

“However, I would appreciate it if you would take better care of yourself in the future. That’s a soldier’s job, not a doctor’s.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Lucian smiled with satisfaction at Melissa’s answer.

Then, he took out a white pill bottle and placed it in front of her.

“What is this?”

“Give it to Alex.”

“Pardon?”

Melissa picked up the pill bottle with a puzzled expression.

There were no instructions written on the outside. The white pills inside were also ordinary in appearance.

“This is the only thing that works on him.”

“What…….”

“The symptoms that appear when he uses his power as a Swordmaster. High fever, or unknown pains.”

“Ah.”

So there was medicine for it.

But then why did Alex suffer without taking it?

“Your Majesty, what are the ingredients of this medicine?”

“Well. I think I heard it’s some kind of herb.”

Melissa looked down at the pill bottle again. Then suddenly, something Lucian said caught her attention.

“What do you mean by symptoms appearing when he uses his power as a Swordmaster?”

“Didn’t Alex tell you?”

“Well, yes. But he didn’t go into detail……”

Lucian frowned.

Did he appoint her as the attending physician without even telling her the basics?

“You know the founding myth of the Cedes Empire, right?”

“Yes. The story of the five knights who defeated the Light Dragon Hereis.”

“Right. As a reward, they gained Hereis’s power, and they became the first Emperor and three Dukes who founded the Cedes Empire. The problem is……”

Lucian made serious eye contact with Melissa.

“Hereis’s power isn’t entirely beneficial. There’s a price to pay for using it.”

“Then, does Your Majesty also……?”

“Me?”

Lucian smiled faintly.

“In my case, I get a blinding headache and a high fever.”

“That’s harsh.”

Melissa muttered, frowning.

So they fought to protect the Empire and its citizens from the beasts while enduring such pain?

Both Alex and the Emperor.

“The Light Dragon isn’t a god. Maybe it’s a curse for killing him.”

Lucian shrugged as if it were nothing.

However, Melissa’s eyes, as she looked at Lucian, held an indescribable emotion.

It wasn’t simple pity or sympathy.

Of course, there was some of that, but it was a more complex emotion.

“Your Majesty, I should be going now.”

Melissa abruptly stood up.

If Lucian was right, Alex must be paying the price right now.

As Melissa hurriedly left, Lucian called out to her.

“Ah, Doctor.”

“Yes?”

“Everything you heard just now is confidential. It would be troublesome if the enemy knew that he becomes ill after using his power, right?”

“Yes, I understand. Then, excuse me.”

Melissa bowed and was about to run out when she suddenly stopped.

“Um, are you alright, Your Majesty?”

“It was just two beasts. Not enough to pay the price.”

“That’s a relief.”

Melissa smiled as if relieved.

Despite her haste, she bowed politely again and then dashed out.

“She even worries about me amidst all this. A meddlesome doctor.”

Left alone, Lucian muttered and chuckled.

It wasn’t a bad feeling, to be honest, rather amusing.

₊˚🦢✩

Melissa paced in front of Alex’s quarters, where all the lights were off.

She rang the doorbell several times, but there was no response.

Just in case, she tried the door, but it was locked as expected.

“Did he lose consciousness?”

Melissa thought for a moment and looked around.

Fortunately, there were no soldiers around, probably because it was late.

While checking to make sure no one was coming, she began checking each window to see if it was locked.

Starting from the front door, past the kitchen to the living room, she tried to open each window in turn, going around the annex.

“Do I really have to do this?”

She felt a sense of self-deprecation as she reached for the next window after the living room one.

A doctor sneaking in like a thief, trying to do something even though she gets rejected every time.

“Where else can you find a doctor as dedicated to her patients as I am? Seriously, anyone else would be carrying him on their back, grateful and honored.”

She grumbled to herself.

But that man, far from being grateful, would be lucky if she wasn’t chased away.

Melissa sighed deeply and put force on the window she was holding.

This time, the window slid open.

“No, how can someone of his rank be so careless about security? Lying there sick and vulnerable.”

The joy of finally opening the window was short-lived as Melissa began to nag.

Nevertheless, she diligently peeked inside through the gap in the window.

Seeing the neatly organized documents on the desk, it seemed to be his office.

“Good. No one’s here, right?”

After checking her surroundings once more, Melissa threw the first aid kit she had hurriedly brought inside.

Then, grabbing the window frame with both hands, she nimbly pulled herself up.

After landing lightly inside the office, a sudden feeling of self-deprecation washed over her again.

“Sigh. Well, it won’t be for much longer.”

Letting out a small sigh, Melissa firmly locked the window she had come through.

She left the office and looked around before opening the bedroom door.

“Duke Norton?”

Seeing someone lying on the bed, she called out cautiously.

But there was no answer.

After waiting for a moment, Melissa carefully approached.

Alex had collapsed without even changing his clothes.

“Duke Norton!”

She quickly checked his pulse.

Just the brief touch of her fingers told her he had a very high fever.

“Oh my. Collapsing like he’s… dead……”

After calming her startled heart, Melissa grabbed his shoulder to lay him down properly.

“Ah!”

Her wrist was suddenly grabbed, and Melissa’s body was pulled forward.

“…….”

The man, who had swiftly taken a position above her, looked down at Melissa with piercing blue eyes.

The wrist he held was hot from Alex’s high fever.

Melissa swallowed nervously.

“It’s me, Melissa. Your attending physician.”

“…….”

“I came because I thought you might be sick.”

Instead of her immobilized right hand, Melissa carefully extended her left hand towards Alex.

Just before it reached his forehead, her white hand hesitated and stopped.

She remembered that Alex disliked being touched.

“…….”

Alex blinked slowly and stared down at Melissa for a long time.

Even though they were so close that they would touch with the slightest movement, his vision was hazy, and he couldn’t see her clearly.

Her worried, upturned red eyes wavered relentlessly in his vision, like distorted lights.

“It’s okay.”

Watching his uneasily wavering eyes, Melissa placed her hand on Alex’s cheek.

Her power flowed into him, burning hot as he was.

A soothing coolness gently enveloped him.

His taut wariness melted away like snow.

“More.”

Strong pressure was applied to the hand holding her wrist.

“Give me more.”

Melissa winced slightly at the painful pressure, but she channeled a bit more of her power.

“Mmm.”

He let out a satisfied groan.

Like a child left alone under the scorching sun who had finally found a cool refuge, he leaned into Melissa.

“Ahh.”

His hot breath touched her ear.

Goosebumps rose on the back of her neck, and Melissa instinctively flinched.

“Duke Norton. Wait a moment……”

Flustered, Melissa tried to push him away.

But there was nowhere to escape from him pressing down on her.

Trapped and immobile under his large frame, she couldn’t get free no matter how much she struggled.

“Ha.”

Melissa stopped trying to escape and lay still for a moment, seemingly resigned.

Thump-thump.

His heartbeat was transmitted to Melissa through their touching bodies.

“He’s really a high-maintenance man.”

A chuckle escaped her as she muttered blankly.

Even though she’d been rejected as his physician every time, she rushed over in a daze, worried he might be sick, even climbing through the window.

And now she’s pinned beneath him.

It was truly absurd.

“I guess I dug my own grave.”

After a while, she heard steady breathing in her ear.

Melissa wriggled out from under him.

She got off the bed and laid him down properly.

After taking off his jacket and tidying his clothes, she covered him with a blanket.

“It’s not going down with just this, huh.”

Melissa checked the thermometer reading, then took out the pill bottle Lucian had given her from her gown pocket.

‘This is the only thing that works.’

The Emperor wouldn’t lie, so all she had to do was give it to him.

But she hesitated.

It was a medicine whose ingredients, effects, and side effects she knew nothing about.

Furthermore, a medicine that alleviates symptoms that are completely unresponsive to antipyretics or analgesics… was it medically reliable?

Should she give a patient medicine she had no basic knowledge of?

Melissa fiddled with the pill bottle, lost in thought.

₊˚🦢✩

“What is this.”

The next morning.

Alex opened his eyes and sat up, a bewildered expression on his face.

He should have been unconscious and suffering, but he felt no pain.

He touched his forehead. There was a slight fever remaining, but it wasn’t agonizing.

“What happened?”

And Melissa wasn’t here this time either.

“You’re awake?”

…She is.

Alex, still hazy from the fever, looked towards the door.

Melissa, entering the room, handed him a glass of water.

“Here, some water. You might be dehydrated from sweating so much.”

Alex reflexively accepted the glass.

He was indeed thirsty, so he drank the water obediently.

“Let me take your temperature.”

Melissa picked up the thermometer she had placed on the bedside table.

His gaze, following her movements, landed on the pill bottle on the bedside table.

“Wait.”

Alex grabbed Melissa’s wrist as she was about to take his temperature, stopping her.

“Where did you get this medicine?”

“His Majesty gave it to me. He told me to give it to you.”

Alex’s expression turned icy.

The change in his expression, clearly indicating his refusal, flustered Melissa.

“I had no choice. There was no other way.”

“Doctor.”

His low voice clearly revealed Alex’s displeasure.

“You don’t have to glare at me like that. I know you don’t like me.”

Melissa spoke calmly.

“The grace period ends next week. Until then, whether you like it or not, I’m your attending physician, so please listen to me. This will be the last time.”

“…….”

In the subdued atmosphere, their gazes locked.

“Can I take your temperature now?”

Staring at Melissa as she asked, Alex released her wrist.

“Thank you.”

Neither of them spoke after that.

Melissa silently did her duty as a doctor, and Alex, as a patient, followed her instructions.

“Then please rest. I have to go prepare for morning rounds.”

“Good work.”

“It’s nothing. Call me if you’re uncomfortable.”

“I will.”

Melissa stayed by Alex’s side until he lay down on the bed and closed his eyes.

Perhaps because of the set timeframe of one week, Alex was cooperative.

Facing him like that, Melissa was filled with mixed emotions.

She couldn’t tell if she felt relieved or disappointed that she ultimately wouldn’t succeed.

₊˚🦢✩

After finishing cleaning up, Melissa left Alex’s quarters.

She left the medicine Lucian had given her behind.

Judging by Alex’s reaction yesterday, it didn’t seem like he would take it, but just in case.

‘But it would be good to analyze the ingredients.’

Melissa fiddled with the small bag of pills she had taken out, inside her gown pocket.

She would be resigning as his attending physician next week, so she didn’t really need to go this far.

It was medicine the Emperor also took, so its safety must have been verified.

However, perhaps because of Alex’s cold refusal, she felt uneasy about it.

With a serious expression, she headed towards the medical ward when someone called her name loudly, making her stop.

“Melissa!”

Theo, emerging from the medical ward, was waving energetically and running towards her.

“Why is he acting like that? It’s overwhelming.”

Melissa hesitantly stepped back.

However, Theo ran at full speed and hugged Melissa tightly.

“I missed you, Melissa.”

Perhaps because of his large build, Melissa felt as if she was being buried in his embrace.

“I can’t breathe. Get off.”

Melissa patted Theo’s shoulder.

“Honestly. Embarrassing me by hugging me in the middle of the street.”

“That’s harsh. This is how you treat me after we haven’t seen each other for so long?”

Theo grumbled at Melissa, who pushed him away without hesitation.

“You don’t seem happy to see me at all, do you? I applied here as soon as I saw the medical staff posting because I was worried about you.”

“What?”

Melissa, who had been smoothing out her wrinkled gown with indifference, was finally surprised.

“A military doctor? You? Here?”

“Why are you so surprised? You came too.”

“I came here for a reason. You’re scared of beasts, aren’t you? You said you wanted to enjoy the comforts of civilization in the capital rather than roughing it out in a dangerous place.”

“I did. I was so naive back then.”

Theo joked, as if embarrassed by his past self.

However, Melissa looked at him dubiously, trying to gauge his sincerity.

“So what? What’s going on? Tell me quickly.”

“Tell you what?”

“You got into Therese Hospital, didn’t you? The treatment there is good, and the facilities are excellent, so why did you come all the way here?”

“My friend. Where did my words just now go? Didn’t I say I came because I was worried about you?”

“Worried? You? About me? That’s ridiculous.”

Who’s worried about whom?

Thinking back to their medical school days, it would make more sense for Melissa to worry about Theo.

Melissa gave Theo a disbelieving look, but he continued to talk nonchalantly, pretending not to know.

“Hey. What do you take me for? Do you think I could sleep properly after sending you to such a dangerous place?”

Theo crossed his arms and joked.

“I imagined all sorts of bad things, like you beating up soldiers, or provoking beasts and getting into big trouble. I just had to come.”

“What are you talking about?”

Melissa glared at him, dumbfounded.

Theo grinned and turned Melissa around, then grabbed her shoulders from behind.

“Come on. Let’s talk while we walk. We have to prepare for morning rounds, right?”

Theo pushed Melissa’s shoulders as if playing a train game.

“Don’t push. I’ll fall.”

“I’m holding you tight, so Dr. Melissa, don’t worry and just walk forward.”

Pretending to be persuaded, Melissa walked quickly towards the medical ward, pushed by Theo.

“You’re happy I’m here, right, Melissa?”

“Happy? My shoulders feel heavier because of you.”

“Hey, why are you like this? I’m not the same person I used to be. You have no idea how much my skills have improved.”

“I really hope so.”

Even as she scolded Theo, Melissa smiled brightly.

Her mood, which had been dampened by Alex, seemed to have improved considerably.

₊˚🦢✩

Capital Cathedral.

“Strange.”

A man with long silver hair and dressed in pure white priestly robes slowly opened his eyes.

His eyes, darker than darkness, flickered.

He rose after kneeling before the altar in a separate chapel located deep within the cathedral.

“This is the third time already, isn’t it?”

A faint, yet familiar sensation, one he shouldn’t be feeling, had touched him again last night.

It was bizarre.

How could a power already in his possession be felt elsewhere?

A power too weak to be wary of, yet too irritating to ignore.

“I should check it out, just in case.”

₊˚🦢✩

A few days later, Lucian visited Alex’s office.

“You’re back already?”

Lucian sat down on the sofa first, as if he were in his own office.

Alex, who had been sitting at his desk until then, put down his pen.

It was disrespectful behavior to show the Emperor, but Lucian, already accustomed to it, didn’t object.

“Thanks to Your Majesty persuading my attending physician, that’s how it turned out.”

“Did you take the medicine? So you listened to your physician after all?”

Alex frowned slightly but stood up casually.

His hands were full of documents.

“What’s that?”

“Things I need to do.”

“It’s good to be diligent, but aren’t you overdoing it?”

“I’m fine.”

“Really?”

There must be side effects.

He’s stubborn, regardless.

Lucian shook his head at him, looking exasperated, as if nothing had changed.

“Although I haven’t been able to properly check the state of the barrier……”

“I apologize for that. The negligence in managing the mages is my responsibility.”

“I wasn’t trying to blame you, but yes, I understand.”

Alex prioritized finding solutions rather than blaming failures.

So he replied briefly and moved on.

“Given the size of the gate and the considerable number of beasts, it’s safe to assume the barrier has been weakened.”

Lucian nodded in agreement.

“I believe it’s safe to proceed to the final stage.”

“That’s a bit early compared to previous subjugation operations.”

“Didn’t you want to finish as quickly as possible?”

“Of course. The magic stones from this operation will be useful for our forces.”

Alex put down the documents and added casually.

“Besides, the barrier is Her Highness’s responsibility. I also intend to give her an opportunity to end her probation early.”

“That’s unexpected. You’re considering Isabel’s situation.”

“There’s no other choice. There’s no alternative.”

Isabel possessed considerable innate magical power simply by inheriting the blood of the Imperial family, which carried the power of the Light Dragon Hereis.

As time went on, the number of magic wielders was decreasing, so Isabel was valuable simply by existing.

Her status as a princess also had to be considered.

No matter how powerful Duke Norton was, keeping her confined indefinitely was burdensome.

“I’ve given Isabel a firm warning not to repeat the same mistake. So you don’t need to worry.”

“Understood. And one more thing. For efficient operation, I’d like you to transfer command of the Imperial Guard to me.”

The Imperial Guard wasn’t under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Army, but rather the Imperial family, so they were outside of Alex’s command.

Alex requesting command of the Imperial Guard could be interpreted as encroaching on the Imperial family’s authority.

“Alright.”

However, Lucian agreed without much objection.

The operation had begun with an imperial decree granting Alex full authority over the beast subjugation.

Moreover, Alex giving justification for Isabel’s release from probation saved face for the Imperial family.

Therefore, Lucian had no grounds to refuse Alex’s request.

₊˚🦢✩

The Yellow Knights’ mess hall was quite excellent.

“Wow, this place is great.”

Theo smiled with satisfaction.

“Better than Therese Hospital.”

“I heard the food was good there too?”

Melissa asked curiously.

“It is, but this place suits my taste better.”

“The lady here is a fantastic cook. She’s generous with portions too, so eat your fill.”

Carol explained with a proud look.

“The Duke spares no expense when it comes to food.”

“Wow, the Duke is a very generous person.”

“You’re so simple.”

Despite Melissa’s teasing, Theo diligently shoveled food into his mouth.

Melissa and Carol were no different, eating continuously.

After the gate opened yesterday, Code Black (shortage of medical staff due to a surge in patients) had been declared, so the entire medical staff was essentially on emergency duty.

Naturally, they hadn’t had a proper meal, surviving on water and coffee.

There were many critical patients, and they never knew when Code Blue might be called, so they had to eat whenever they could.

“Hello.”

Mona, walking in wearily with a tired face, sat next to Carol.

“Wow, this is the first time I’ve been to the mess hall in ages.”

“Eat quickly instead of talking, Mona.”

“Yes. Oh, right. The patient in room 201, Dr. Melissa’s patient, right?”

“Hmm? Yes.”

“He’s incredibly handsome.”

Clink. Theo’s fork stopped mid-air.

Glancing at Theo, Melissa replied indifferently.

“Was he? I didn’t have time to notice his face.”

“What kind of patient was he?”

When Theo asked, Melissa answered quietly.

“You know, the one you and I took turns performing CPR on.”

“Ah, that patient.”

He worked hard to save him, only to be backstabbed like this.

Although he tried not to show it, Theo’s face stiffened slightly.

“Nurse Carol, can you switch my ward? To room 201?”

Seemingly having figured things out from Theo and Melissa’s reactions, Carol replied firmly.

“What are you talking about? The entire medical staff is on emergency duty right now. How can I change everyone’s work areas and schedules here? I’m already busy, do you want to kill me?”

“Aww, but everyone is working full-time anyway, can’t you?”

“No. And don’t you know it’s easier for everyone to continue caring for the patients they were initially assigned?”

“Tch.”

Mona pouted and put some salad in her mouth.

Then Melissa, chewing on bread, chided her.

“You’re amazing too. How could you notice a patient’s face in yesterday’s chaos?”

“Why not? I have eyes, don’t I?”

“……Right. You do have eyes.”

Sorry, Theo. I have nothing more to say.