Queen of The Scalpel - Chapter 55
His closest servant, Bent, knew well about the bet with Elise. There was no way she would win the bet, but she wasn’t an adult yet. So if she was announced as the fiancee, it wasn’t keeping the promise of the bet.
“I don’t plan on breaking my promise. Even if it’s a light bet, it’s one that I suggested. And I’ll win anyway.”
It was a bet the Emperor had suggested. So if Elise satisfied the conditions, he would let her go. It was the truth. But the conditions of the bet were…
-If you do something more worthy of an Empress than a doctor.
What would she have to do that was more worthy as a doctor for the Empire? And in 6 months at that. It was impossible. So Minchester thought there was no way he would lose.
“So are you going to push back the announcement of the Crown Prince’s fiancee? Until the best if over?”
“No, I won’t push it back.”
“Then…?”
It was hard to know what he was thinking. But Minchester smiled instead of replying. It was a somewhat mischievous smile.
“Lady Clarence will participate in the ball, right?”
“Yes, of course. It’s mandatory for those higher than a Count’s status to participate.”
“Alright.”
He nodded his head and spoke.
“It’ll be a nice ball.”
***
The streets of Londo were filled with excitement.
Soon, the anniversary ball began. The nobles and common citizens were all readily prepared for the festival.
“I heard the Emperor is preparing the anniversary ball to be even more extravagant than ever!”
“Really?”
“Yeah, and food will be provided for free to common and low-income citizens.”
“Nice, as expected of the Emperor! A long and healthy life for him!”
The citizens all gathered to talk about the anniversary ball.
Currently, Britia Empire was the strongest in the continent…no, in the continent. Past the continent, the New World, and even the East. There wasn’t a place that wasn’t influenced by the Empire.
Only the Francoen Republic could probably be compared to them. There were other strong lands like the Prussian Republic, the port country Spana, and the new land on the New World, but they weren’t as powerful as the Empire or the Fracoen Empire. The Qing land in the East was already on their way to downfall.
Since they were such a powerful empire, the anniversary ball would be on a large scale as well.
“I heard that there’s gonna be an important announcement at this ball?”
“Yeah, I heard. They’re going to announce the fiancee of the Crown Prince.”
“I see! People say the Crown Prince will be someone who surpasses the Emperor!”
“Yeah. He’s already participating in several positions taking care of the empire. He’s cold, but his abilities are the best that the Imperial Family has seen.
“Really? That’s amazing. That’s the Romanoff family for you! But where did you hear that?”
“My friend. Don’t drink everyday and read some newspapers. It’ll be all in there. It even has the newest lover of the womanizing 3rd Prince!”
Like he said, the media of the Empire was extremely well developed. From politics to celebrities’ lifestyles. The freedom of the press was also present.
“Ahem, but who do you think will be the Crown Prince’s fiancee?”
“Hm, I’m curious too. I hope it’s someone who knows to take good care of those under her. Since the Crown Prince is cold, I think that kind of Crown Princess will fit him well.”
“Yeah, definitely. I hope it’s a good person.”
The two continued to speak about the Crown Prince and his future fiancee.
Meanwhile, in Teresa Hospital, the center of all the gossip, the Crown Prince, was being treated by Elise.
“How’s the tiredness?”
“It’s better?”
“What about feeling heavy or spiritless?”
And the questions continued. After this went on for some time, she wrote something on a piece of paper and chose the amount of medicine to prescribe.
“I think we can keep the amount this way. Take the medicine on your way back.”
They were words that signaled the end of their appointment.
“…Is it over?”
“Yes, take care on the way back.”
But the Crown Prince didn’t get up and continued to stare at her.
“…?”
Elise tilted her head.
“Ron?”
“…It’s nothing.”
His and her treatment always went like this. She only asked what she needed to know and she kindly said goodbye. It was always the same. That since she was done, he should leave. Linden didn’t like that.
The treatment time was also too short. He felt like she was only spending half of the time with other patients on him. ‘Does she have to make me leave this fast?’ He was surprised at himself for thinking that. What other time would a doctor and a patient need? The treatment time was short, but it was because she only needed to observe him. He knew well.
But…everytime he left, his heart felt strange. It was a feeling that he couldn’t identify.