The Illness

[ Scanning subject. Analyzing vital signs and energy flow. ]

Hayden's Ocularis Lens immediately started to work as it secretly scanned the maid's body. After several tries over the past few weeks, Hayden knew that doing this scan was undetectable.

At the very least, it was undetectable by average people since he hadn't tried it yet to those Magicians or Knights that exist here in this world.

The woman gently nodded to Hayden as she continued on her work. She looked pale and exhausted but she was still trying to do her job which made him really respect her…

Hayden also observed that her movements were sluggish as she set the table.

Since could easily see that there really was a problem, he was hoping that his Lens could also find something helpful for them.

It didn't take long before the Lens projected a stream of data into Hayden's mind, analyzing her condition with impressive clinical precision.

'Just like how it should be… No, it even seems better than before.' Hayden thought to himself after seeing how good the diagnosis was.

The maid's symptoms were clear: a high fever, rapid heartbeat, and a faint imbalance in her meridians. The Ocularis highlighted areas of congestion in her energy pathways, particularly around her chest and abdomen.

It was as if her vitality—though weak and untrained—was struggling to flow properly.

[ Diagnosis: Energy congestion in primary meridians. Secondary symptoms include fatigue, fever, and mental fog. The condition is non-lethal but debilitating.

Treatment options: acupuncture to clear meridian blockages, herbal remedies to reduce fever, and rest. ]

'Another meridian blockage? But this was just mild… Even without being cured by acupuncture, it's not that deadly…' Hayden thought as he looked at the more detailed diagnosis.

Nonetheless, he couldn't help but frown seeing that acupuncture was needed again.

As expected, it was a must-have ability in this world with undeveloped medical techniques.

Of course, with the existence of Magicians, they might have another method to cure this type of disease. It could be some sort of spell, potion, magic pill, or something else.

Unfortunately, this barony doesn't have any Magician at all. There was also no mention of them as if their existence was extremely rare though not as rare as Knights.

"What to do…" Hayden muttered to himself.

The Ocularis diagnosis was definitely not wrong.

Acupuncture could help.

But the needles weren't ready yet, and even if they were, he couldn't risk exposing his secret. Besides, the disease didn't seem immediately life-threatening.

With proper care, the manor's doctors should be able to handle it.

"Thank you," Hayden said to the maid, forcing a reassuring smile. "Get some rest if you can. I'm sure the doctors will figure this out soon."

The maid nodded weakly and walked away, leaving Hayden alone in the dining hall.

He sat down and stared at his food for a moment…

There was no poison or harmful substance according to the Lens, so he proceeded to eat.

Even after eating, Hayden couldn't stop thinking about this.

The Ocularis had identified the illness as something that could be treated with basic medicine and acupuncture, but the fact that it was spreading so quickly was concerning.

If the manor's doctors couldn't contain it, things might spiral out of control.

Over the next couple of days, the illness spread like wildfire just like what he feared to happen.

Hayden had no idea about the source of the illness but thankfully, he didn't catch the disease.

More servants fell ill, their symptoms identical to the maid's. It was fever, fatigue, and strange, vivid dreams that left them disoriented.

The manor's doctors worked tirelessly, brewing herbal remedies and applying compresses, but their efforts seemed to have little effect.

Of course, this didn't stop Hayden from investigating. While his brothers and sisters were sent to a safer place, he stayed in the manor.

Well, to be exact, it seemed that his father had forgotten that he was also here. As for the baron himself, he actually didn't leave and stayed with his people.

'Whatever… Maybe he thinks I'm too sick to get another disease.' Hayden scoffed as he decided not to think about what his father was trying to do.

He watched from the sidelines using his Ocularis Lens analyzing every patient he encountered.

The data was consistent… He could only find blocked meridians, energy congestion, and a gradual weakening of the body's natural defenses.

The doctors' treatments addressed the symptoms—reducing fever, easing pain—but they didn't tackle the root cause.

'These quacks again…' Hayden recognized these doctors as the ones who had also tried treating him.

Without clearing the meridians, the illness would linger!

One evening, as Hayden returned to his room after another uneventful dinner, he overheard his father speaking with Butler Nord in the study.

The door was slightly ajar, and their voices carried into the hallway.

"The doctors are at their wits' end," Howard said. "If this continues, the entire manor will be incapacitated. We need outside help."

Nord's voice was hesitant. "Baron, are you sure? Calling in a physician from the capital will draw attention. People will spread rumors…"

"I don't care about gossip," Howard snapped. "This illness is a threat to our household. I'll send a messenger tonight. We need someone who can handle this."

Hayden's ears perked up.

'A physician from the capital?'

That could mean only one person, Dr. Elias Veyra, a renowned healer and an old friend of his father's. Hayden had heard stories about the man—how he had saved countless lives during a plague outbreak years ago and how his knowledge of both medicine and Aura was on a higher level!