Soul decaying

'Why is he still alive? Why shouldn't he be alive? Is there some problem with him being alive?' Ethan can't understand the doctor's words. It looks like it's not just him. Leta's usually half-closed eyes were opened slightly, and Brenda's face darkened for a moment, but she managed her expression well and spoke calmly to Doctor Lee.

"Why are you asking such strange questions, Doctor Lee?"

"Why are these questions strange!? Because this kid should be dead by now. It was you who said that he had a 'soul decaying' and that his soul was injured. If you think logically, he should be dead because of this disease and his injured soul. Or are you trying to make fun of me?! Of me, great Doctor Lee, to whom even nobles have to wait in line?!"

His voice became shrill at the end.

"We're not trying to make fun of you, Doctor, so you should calm down."

Answered Brenda. Dr. Lee tried to refute it but was interrupted by Brenda.

"Ethan indeed had a 'soul decaying' disease, and we invited you a month ago to examine his condition. But when you saw him and heard about his disease, you refused to do a proper examination, saying, "It's useless. He doesn't have much time to live. My time is precious. I don't want to waste it on a hopeless case. It would be more merciful just to do euthanasia to him." But as you can see, he is still alive and has even regained consciousness. So, Doctor Lee, do a proper examination this time. Or you want your doctoral license to be taken away for not doing your work properly?"

Doctor Lee's face became red from intense anger. Ethan thought that he would explode, but surprisingly, Doctor Lee didn't explode. He took a couple of deep breaths and calmed down.

"Fine. I will do a proper examination of this kid."

With these words, Doctor Lee took the chair, placed it near Ethan's bed, and sat down.

"Give me your hand," he said in a commanding tone to Ethan.

Ethan was scared, but seeing his aunt's nod, he braved himself and held out his hand to the doctor.

Doctor Lee held Ethan's hand in both hands. A golden light manifested in his hands and seeped into Ethan's. Dr. Lee closed his eyes and became silent for some time.

"There's nothing wrong with his body. No, his condition is too good for a person who was unconscious for a whole month. Perhaps you treated him with your magic, Countess?"

"Yes, that's indeed the case, Doctor."

"That can explain why his body is in such good condition."

Doctor Lee became silent again for some time and concentrated.

"And his soul... What's this? Are you sure that this kid had a 'soul decaying' disease?"

"Yes, we are sure about it."

"But it can't be! There is no evidence that he had a 'soul decaying'! His soul is strong! Stronger than an average soul from a kid of this age! Are you trying to make fun of me!?"

With these words, the doctor turned his head towards Brenda, but instead of a mocking smile on her face, he only saw an expression of surprise, or it could be an expression of shock.

"Looks like you're not trying to make a laughingstock of me. Then I don't understand why this kid's soul is so strong."

Dr. Lee let go of Ethan's hand and placed his left hand on his chin.

"If this kid really had 'soul decaying' and now he is perfectly fine, I don't know what to say. Maybe it's a miracle sent by the goddess?"

With these words, Doctor Lee stood abruptly and turned his body toward Brenda.

"I have a proposal for you, Countess."

"What proposal? Is something wrong with Ethan?"

"No, he is fine. He is perfectly fine. There is nothing wrong with him. My proposal is... Give this kid to me. I heard he doesn't have parents. And he can become good research material. No one will be dissatisfied."

Brenda's expression became darker, and she glared coldly at Doctor Lee. But he continued his monologue as if he hadn't seen it.

"With such great material, I can do more research about this disease. And perhaps even find a way to cure it! Think about it! If I cure an incurable disease, I will become even more famous!"

"What did you say?"

Brenda said it coldly. Only now has Dr. Lee noticed her cold glare.

"What? Are you dissatisfied? No need for it. Of course, I will mention the Anselm family's contribution in my research."

But it wasn't the reason for Brenda's displeasure.

"Ethan is a member of the Anselm family now. And his parents are still alive. Leta, please send our guest out. He is not welcome here."

Dr. Lee tried to argue.

"What?! Are you unsatisfied? Are you asking me to call the guards and kick you out with force? Or do you think that I wouldn't pay for your work? Don't worry about it. Leta will hand over all the money for your work, so leave now before I call guards."

Doctor Lee didn't want to be kicked out of the Count's home by force. If someone found out about it later, it would be over for his reputation, and with it, it would be the end of his career. So he obediently left, following the maidservant.

***

It was the first time Ethan had seen his usually calm and kind aunt be so angry. He thought that if that doctor didn't leave on his own, she might just kick him out herself without help from guards. Ethan made a silent vow to himself to never make his aunt angry.

And when Doctor Lee left, Brenda's cold expression became much lighter. She sat down on the edge of Ethan's bed.

"His words about making you research material are just too preposterous. He became too arrogant after treating the First Prince for his disease. You don't need to take this person's words seriously, Ethan."

"Um... Okay."

"Good boy."

With these words, Brenda patted Ethan's head.

"Um... Aunt Brenda, is it true that I have a 'soul decaying'?"

Brenda sat silently for a couple of seconds, as if thinking about what to say.

"Yes, you had. But it's in the past now, if that doctor's words were correct. But they should be. Doctor Lee is a great professional if you ignore his personality, after all. And if you're wondering why you don't know about it, well, it's because your mother decided to keep it a secret. Only your parents and I, along with my husband, were aware of it. So, Ethan, we are sorry for keeping it secret from you. Can you forgive us?"

With these words, Brenda made a slight bow with her head to Ethan.

"I forgive you! I am not angry about it, so, Aunt Brenda, you don't need to be sorry, and you don't need to bow to me!"

Ethan was flustered by the sudden bow from Brenda. And Brenda, hearing that Ethan had forgiven her, lifted her head.

"I am happy to hear it, Ethan."

[Ask her if it's possible to transfer someone's soul to another person.]

"Um, Aunt Brenda, is it possible to transfer someone's soul to another person?"

"Are you curious that someone's soul was transferred to you?"

Ethan doesn't want to lie to his aunt, but it would be difficult to explain that someone is inside his head. And he was curious about it too.

"Um... Yes."

"It's impossible. Only dark mages can do it, and even if that were the case, your body should be decaying right now. Every soul is unique in this world, and if someone transferred their soul to another body, that body would start to decay due to incompatibility with the soul. And your body is perfectly fine. So don't worry about it."

"...Okay."

Brenda sat silently. Her right hand's index finger was on her right cheek, and she looked at Ethan.

"Right, Ethan. Are you hungry? Do you want to be fed by your beautiful aunt again?"

She smiled mischievously. Ethan's face became a bit redder.

"No need. I can do it myself. I can even walk now... So I do it myself."

"Is your aunt no good? Am I not as beautiful as I thought?"

She pretended to be crestfallen. But Ethan didn't notice her pretense.

"No! You are a beautiful aunt! ... I... just..."

Ethan's brain overheated from intense emotions.

"Hahaha... What a cute reaction. I am just teasing you. If you can walk, then get your clothes changed and go down to the dining hall. We will wait for you there."

With these words, Brenda stood up and left. leaving a bewildered Ethan behind.