One Solution

Hayden smiled as he didn't expect that he would already find a solution to such a problem.

For now, however, he would need to prepare his body first.

After all, the Ocularis Lens predicted that attempting the procedure now had a high chance of killing him. He was just too weak at this moment even after the slight improvement in his physique.

'I need to be patient… Let's do this one at a time.' Hayden reminded himself.

He stood and walked to the window and stared out at the moonlit gardens below and calmed his mind… He was seeing a different set of stars, something that not even his Ocularis Lens had any records of. Nonetheless, he was already used to it as it would also remind him that this world was different from his past life.

After a few moments, he then controlled his Ocularis Lens so he could see his internal body's situation once again.

In just a few moments, the Lens projected a faint map of his meridians. He could that the blockages were like knots in a tangled rope…

'Can I really fix this with Acupuncture?' Hayden thought. Of course, he believed in his Lens but he just couldn't imagine how it would actually work.

Clearing them would require incredible precision, patience, and strength. Perhaps, he only had patience right now but his body coordination and strength would have some problems if he tried using Acupuncture by himself.

Nonetheless, with such a specific goal in his mind, Hayden felt quite glad with his small success.

***

The next morning, Hayden made his way to the stables.

There was a specific smell in the stable and as he got closer, the sound of horses neighing filled the courtyard.

He had befriended Damon, the stablehand, just a week ago. Damon was a lanky young man with unkempt hair but always had a kind smile.

Hayden mentioned to his father that he was taking a lesson from this young man but it wasn't exactly the truth.

Damon wasn't a swordsman, but he had seen Hayden practicing with a wooden sword and offered a few tips based on what he'd observed from the other young masters.

Thanks to that, Hayden had an excuse he could use.

"Morning, Hayden," Damon called while brushing down a black mare. "What brings you here so early?"

Hayden leaned against the stable door and replied.

"I need your help, Damon."

Damon paused, setting the brush aside. "What's wrong?"

Hayden thought for a moment about how to make a request.

After some thought, he decided not to share too much.

"There's something I really need… I need special needles for acupuncture. I was hoping your father could make them."

Damon's eyes widened. "I don't have an idea about acupuncture…. But these needles must be really special. If you need them, I suppose my father could forge them. What do they look like?"

Hayden pulled out a small sketch he had made based on the Ocularis's specifications. The needles were thin with a slight curve at the tip without any hollow.

"They need to be made of silver, and they have to be this exact size and shape."

Damon studied the sketch, then nodded. "I'll talk to him. But... why not ask your father? Surely the Baron could get these made for you."

Hayden shook his head. "I have to explain a lot of things if I asked him for this."

Indeed, he would have to explain how he learned about his condition and the treatment method if he asked his father. There was no way he could say that he just found it all in the books. He wanted to save himself from a lot of explanations since he would be leaving this manor soon anyway.

Damon sighed, then clapped Hayden on the shoulder. "Alright, I'll help you. But you owe me, understand?"

Hayden smiled faintly. "I'll owe you more than you know."

***

Later that day, Damon led Hayden to the forge, a small building on the edge of the manor grounds.

This place was filled with the smell of coal and molten metal. There was also the sound of a hammer striking anvil, telling them that someone was working in the forge.

Damon's father, Garrick, was a burly man and appeared quite intimidating.

"Father," Damon called out with a loud voice due to the noise.

"This is Hayden. He needs your help with something."

"Mhmm?" Garrick paused for a moment as he knew who Hayden was.

A seven-year-old child needed my service?

He then set down his hammer and wiped his hands on his apron.

"What can I do for you, young master?" He asked, confused by the situation.

Hayden handed him the sketch. "I need these needles made. They have to be precise—silver, thin, and exactly this shape."

Garrick studied the sketch and frowned. "These aren't ordinary needles. What are they for?"

Hayden thought for a moment as he wasn't sure how much information he could tell the blacksmith. After all, it was normal for the blacksmith to be curious and perhaps, he would also consider prioritizing this small project if he gave him more information.

In any case, a seven-year-old young master doesn't really have any authority since the blacksmith was working for his father. He was also asking to do this for free since he had nothing in his name at the moment.

"Acupuncture…" Hayden finally said after seeing that the blacksmith didn't immediately reject the request of a young child like him.

"It's a healing technique. I have a condition, and these needles are the only way to cure it. I needed, five of them."

Garrick glanced at Damon, then back at Hayden. "This isn't some childish whim, is it?"

"No," Hayden said firmly. "It's a matter of life and death for me."

Seeing a seven-year-old this serious. The Blacksmith felt amused but also curious… He even thought of consulting the baron about this.

However, Hayden immediately said to keep this a secret.

'So it's like that, huh…'

Garrick nodded slowly since making this item wasn't really a big deal for him.

He looked at Hayden pitifully, folded the sketch Hayden made, and kept it in his pocket.