CHAPTER 21

Arthur's condition had progressively worsened over the past few days. His coughing had intensified, accompanied by increasing fatigue and a notably high fever. These were signs he regrettably knew all too well. The situation was grave—he had contracted the disease, and the epidemic had inevitably reached him.

The strengthening winter had contributed to the rising number of cases in recent weeks. Arthur was well-acquainted with the sickness. He quickly self-diagnosed before it was too late. Even so, he questioned what might have happened had he not recognized the signs. Although his condition was not critical yet, he was determined not to burden anyone. The royal wards were already overwhelmed and could barely accommodate more patients. Additionally, Mey was absent due to her own illness. Arthur was aware of her recent collapse and did not wish to trouble her further. He knew that if she learned of his affliction, she would immediately leave her sickbed to attend to him. Arthur resolved not to impose on her any more than necessary.

Arthur had known Mey since she first arrived at the castle. At that time, she was a deeply melancholic child. Her eyes were dull, and her demeanor was excessively somber for someone of her age. She never talked or interacted with anyone and just stood quietly trying to avoid people. Arthur often felt that she seemed to lack any will to live, which was deeply unsettling to him.

He was assigned to care for her but was unsure at first. He tried hard to make her at ease around him and most of his efforts remained fruitless. One day he took little Mey to his work. He noticed the child starting to flip through the pages of huge medical record registers. This suprised him. He had succeeded to find something of her interest and also pleasently suprised at her aptitude and intellegence to grasp the complex concepts of the feild. So he brought mey to work with him everyday and she followed him without question. She started helping him around the wards still avoiding any else approaching her but him.

Mey, once withdrawn and disinterested, developed a profound passion for medicine, particularly for needles and mixing remedies. Arthur took great joy in seeing her find purpose and light in her work. Her once lifeless eyes began to gleam with newfound vitality. Mey's dedication to her work became all-consuming. She immersed herself in the field, spending long days and nights at the wards, driven by an insatiable desire to learn. She had little interest in interacting with children her own age, as her focus remained firmly on medicine.

Over time, Mey evolved into a remarkably skilled practitioner. At just 17, she was approved to work alongside seasoned doctors significantly older and more experienced than herself. Her exceptional talent and fervent dedication were evident, and Arthur was confident she was destined for greatness. Though he had no children of his own and had never fully grasped the joy of parenthood, Arthur began to understand it through his observations of Mey. Her achievements became a source of immense pride for him. Despite her continued struggles with social interaction, Mey grew closer to Arthur, often seeking him out during her rare moments of free time. Their bond deepened; although she remained cautious and mistrustful of others, she shared her worries with him during their occasional strolls. They were not biologically related, but their relationship resembled that of a father and daughter.

Arthur was reluctant to worry Mey further. She was already ill and overworked. He knew that if he registered at the royal hospital, the news would inevitably reach her. So, on that morning, he rose with great effort, determined to conceal his frailty. He dressed meticulously to mask any sign of weakness and proceeded with his routine. He took a brief leave and gathered his essentials from his desk before heading out. His plan was to go to a neighboring city to register as someone afflicted by the plague. He hoped to avoid troubling Mey and was optimistic that he would receive treatment, recover swiftly, and return. After all, his condition had not yet reached a critical stage. He looked forward to returning and greeting Mey once more.