The Doctor Cured The Villainess And Ran Away

“Contact was established through the Communication Sphere.”

The next day, I started my work with Bruno’s report.

I also informed Tanya of my survival news. Unlike the Emperor’s guard returning via Teleport, she had to walk back with the main force, so it would take her a few more days.

Knowing she would surely worry, I asked Bruno to send a message through the sphere.

“Well, there’s no rest for the wicked.”

“There are rumors that a Dragon Slayer Medal will be awarded at the Moonlight Palace.”

“Ah, I don’t want to bother with medal decorations. Won’t there be a reward vacation?”

“Hm, should I disguise myself as a teacher and work in your place?”

“Bruno, I can’t tell if you’re serious or joking, so stop making that serious face.”

What on earth is going through the head of this guy, who is at least twice my size?

I touched the Status Window and set off to examine Acella.

[Medicine has ranked up to C. You can select two new skills.]

Two new skills, huh?

I want to take the Diagnosis route instead of the Prescription one I had previously.

“Now, what’s the next skill after Blood Test?”

After checking the skill names, I couldn’t help but let out an involuntary gasp.

With the rank increase in medicine, a new skill tree opened up.

The skill that follows Diagnosis and Blood Test was just that.

[X-Ray Imaging D]

No need to think about it. I touched the Status Window and completed the acquisition.

X-rays are the alpha and omega of the diagnosis field.

Not a great expression. In terms of wavelength, they’re closer to gamma rays.

With this, I can intuitively diagnose fractures that I previously relied on touch for, as well as detect various ailments definitively.

How it operates remains to be seen, but well…

There’s no way it’ll shoot a laser from my eyes or suddenly only show bones in my field of vision, right?

“Let’s see what else is available.”

From the Prescription route, I could acquire [Prescription Writing].

This route could be linked with Alchemy, but it’s not immediately necessary.

Next, from the Emergency Treatment route, a word caught my attention.

[Surgery (Basic) C: Perform basic-level surgery without failure.]

“Oh.”

Surgery, huh? That’s quite an intriguing skill.

I’ve had observational experiences but have never directly practiced surgery.

I have some basic knowledge, but surgeries requiring incisions are definitely beyond my skill level.

I’m good at stitching, though.

Looking at the skill description, I suppose it’ll only apply to relatively easy surgeries.

“But who would allow someone to hold a scalpel to their own body?”

In a world where Healing spells are the norm, performing surgery on oneself would be seen as assassination.

It’s unlikely that I’d need this skill anyway, it might just end up being a completely useless skill.

If there’s a skill for cosmetic surgery in the next skill tree, that would be quite useful.

As Lau’s eyes lit up at the sight of the mask, there’s a demand for beauty everywhere.

Even if real plastic surgery becomes available later on, I’ll need to gain basic surgical experience first.
For now, I decided to hold off on my choice.

“Your Royal Highness, it’s time for the morning examination.”

Given the significant incident, I will carry out my duties as attending physician as scheduled.

When I checked Acella’s condition, I noticed her blood pressure was lower than usual, suggesting her mana hadn’t fully returned.

On the other hand, her heart rate had quickened. At this point, we should start to suspect arrhythmia. Is there any food she’s not eating?

“Today, I’ll prohibit magic activities. You’re not at your best yet. And I’d like your cooperation for a more detailed test.”

“A detailed test?”

“Yes. Nothing too major, I just want to conduct a blood test and take a picture.”

“What are you going to use the picture for?”

“Of course, it’s to assess your condition, Your Royal Highness.”

Acella looked a bit skeptical.

“I won’t record it in the Communication Sphere. Don’t be so cautious.”

“Alright. Let’s do it.”

Acella grumbled but obediently extended her arm with rolled-up sleeves.

She still flinched when I wiped the blood sampling area with alcohol.

To distract her from the pain, I started a light conversation.

“What about the Recall magic?”

“It was prohibited. All the magic users in the Martial Arts Tournament had it. The owner was my master, who reconstructed my magic circle.”

“Did Empress Camilla too?”

“Yup.”

As the syringe steadily filled with blood, Acella was so focused on the conversation she didn’t even notice the needle.

“What about the punishment for the one who summoned the Death Dragon? That’s definitely treason.”

“A group of black magicians was captured nearby. There’s a prevailing atmosphere blaming them for using summoning magic.”

“Really?”

What on earth does that mean? Suddenly bringing black magic into this.

“In fact, they ended up killing themselves with a self-harm curse before they could even open their mouths. The investigation will continue, but I doubt they’ll find the truth.”

Did Camilla prepare them for Recall as well?

That’s quite the improvisation. She’s a cunning woman when it comes to evil deeds.

“And according to your Majesty’s character, instead of prioritizing the investigation, you’ll probably order to find a way to use the incident as a diplomatic political tool first.”

That means the chances of finding the perpetrator are pretty slim.

“Your Royal Highness, there was a person who concealed themselves in the Colosseum when the Death Dragon appeared.”

“I might know who it is, but that testimony is useless. George will confirm their identity.”

“So that’s how it goes.”

Camilla has turned completely into an enemy of the Moonlight Palace. Ever since the Martial Arts Tournament, she has been staying in George’s Togin Palace.

Acella also seemed to have lost her intent to protect Camilla after the incident with the Death Dragon.

“There will be a war with the Togin Palace.”

“If I’m to become the Emperor, it had to happen someday. All heirs to the throne are the enemy.”

“Your Royal Highness, are you really alright? Even if you go to war with the Empress?”

“Hah.”

Acella smiled wickedly.

“Who do you think I am?”

Hearing that bold voice reminded me of something she had said before.

“Revenge is paid back tenfold. That is the way of the Empire. I do not show mercy to enemies.”

“So, do you repay kindness tenfold? What nonsense is that? I’m giving you a chance to earn merit for me, so be thankful.”

Acella is just like this.

I almost forgot for a moment.

But is it alright for her to turn her head towards me so confidently?

“Your Royal Highness, we’re still in the middle of the blood sampling.”

“Eek.”

Seeing the blood flowing out of her own arm, Acella was startled and tightly shut her eyes.

I had treated her wounds, and it was finally time to try out the long-awaited new skill.

X-Ray, I wonder how it will work.

“I’d prefer to conduct the imaging in a sealed space.”

As Acella was licking the honey candy I had given her as a reward for the blood sampling, she frowned.

“Prince, what do you mean by that?”

“I mean it literally; we need to take a picture of your insides.”

“What?”

My expression wasn’t the best.

Even if I explain that it’s light penetrating the physical body, she wouldn’t understand.

“Just follow my words. Is there any metallic material in your clothing?”

“Why would you even say that?”

“If there is, please remove it.”

“It’s not something I can simply take off!”

Acella snapped angrily.

“You’re saying this as if you know everything!”

“What do you mean?”

“Clothes without such materials are only pajamas. Are you telling me to come out in my pajamas?”

“That wouldn’t be a problem. Since you need to rest today, you might as well take a nice nap. The best way to recover from a bad condition is sleep.”

Acella opened her mouth slightly in disbelief and let out a huff.

“You’re serious, Prince.”

“It’s always the case. Your health comes first.”

After quite the back-and-forth, Acella eventually agreed to my suggestion.

“Ha… Fine. Lucy, prepare it.”

I was chased out of the room and waited until the maids changed Acella.

“Your Royal Highness is ready.”

When the head maid gave me the signal to enter, I found a curtain drawn in the room. The lighting conditions were just right for imaging.

Acella was wearing a fluffy pink nightdress. It seemed a bit large, with the lace on the sleeves fluttering.

One noticeable thing was that she was hugging a stuffed bear, which seemed to have appeared from nowhere.

“What are you staring at?”

“You need to put the doll down.”

“Oh.”

It seemed like Acella hadn’t even realized she was holding it, as she suddenly tossed the bear onto the bed.

The stuffed bear hit the pillow, unable to move an inch, positioned that way.

The head maid whispered to me.

“Your Royal Highness cannot sleep without her beloved stuffed toy.”

Hmm, I hadn’t known this information before.

“What if it needs washing?”

“She wouldn’t easily allow it. But when that happens, she hugs Max to sleep.”

Thank goodness Max has a gentle personality, Acella.

I confirmed with her once again that if there’s any metal in her clothes, it could cause errors.

“Does that outfit contain any metal?”

“Well, I didn’t wear anything!”

No need to shout about it.

I positioned Acella in front of the wall and prepared the skill.

Since X-rays are also radiation, exposure time should be minimized as much as possible.
I planned to use it once to check if any additional tools were needed.

“Then I will begin the imaging.”

“What are you using to take it?”

“Oh, true.”

I casually pulled a pen from my pocket.

“This is it. A newly developed artifact.”

Looking at Acella, I activated the skill.

Whoosh!

In the next moment, the resulting image appeared directly in the Status Window.

Could it really be working with laser light from my eyes? No need for film, either?

Nah, that can’t be it. Let’s just assume the Status Window is a system that recognizes my field of vision.

Blur!

Shall I say it’s a rough outline of Acella’s internal structure? The shape was visible, but the quality was terrible.

Hmm…

Acella’s frame is small and slim, and since this was an exposure of roughly 0.1 seconds, I could assume it was about a current of 200mA.

With no actual device or gauges, I had to estimate based on my visual judgment.
It’s inconvenient, but it’s better than nothing.

I continued the imaging process.
Adjusting the exposure time, I changed Acella’s position several times.
Especially focusing on her abdomen, which she often found discomforting.

“Completed.”

“Is it over? …Did it turn out nice?”

“Yes. Your 8th and 9th ribs are quite lovely.”

“What on earth does that even mean?”

“If you’re curious, I can show you the recording later. The examination ends here. The results will take a bit longer, so please wait.”

At my declaration, Acella shook her head in disbelief.

“That’s it? You made me change into pajamas and took a picture?”

“Now that the examination is over, there’s nothing more to discuss, right?”

“Get out.”

“I was planning to do that anyway. Don’t rush me.”

As I packed up my medical bag, Acella casually threw a comment my way.

“Prince, how’s your body doing? You were coughing up blood like it was nothing.”

“I was hit with the Curse of the Death Dragon, so it fits. You see, unlike you, regular people lack the mana to resist such spells.”

“Maybe I should have let you suffer a little longer.”

“Oh, Your Royal Highness, if you say that makes you happy…”

“You’re so brazen, it’s almost like you’re made of iron.”

“You’re not planning to grill me on an iron plate, are you?”

“What do you think?”

There were similar endings to this.

Of course, I’d have to keep things moving.

That aside, this issue is a separate matter.
I said to Acella, who was grinding her teeth with crossed arms.

“Thanks to you, I managed to save my life. I apologize for the delayed gratitude, Your Royal Highness.”

Acella glared at me disapprovingly and sighed.

“I’m going to sleep.”

Rest for the patient is precious. Of course, I should step away.

I left Acella’s room.

*

“What could this be?”

Taking a look at Acella’s body via X-ray.

Of course, everything seemed okay with the bones.

But the internal organs—well, that was another story.

I inverted the colors for easier viewing and examined the image.
On the left side, connecting the spine to the pelvis, there were dark spots everywhere.

“Is this what George talked about?”

The soul or curse infused by black magic within Acella.

“This is the source of the cost.”

It was the first moment I directly witnessed the reality of the debuff that follows talent.

“But it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact area or diagnose it with this.”

I absentmindedly pressed my temple.
More detailed testing is necessary.
A higher-level skill is required.

But whatever it is—

“It must be extracted.”

What needs to be done is clear.
I’ll be operating on Acella.

I opened the Status Window and without hesitation acquired the [Surgery] skill.

“This surgery can’t be done alone.”

It’s not a simple surgical procedure; it’s a complex situation entangled with black magic.
I’ll need many supplies.
The exact diagnosis will probably reveal itself as my medical skills improve.

Until then, the preparations should begin.

“I need to form a medical team.”

I’ll start with nurses.

I headed to the Inner Palace.

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