Offer to Help

The needles Hayden asked Blacksmith Garrick to make weren't ready yet, and even if they were, he couldn't risk exposing himself, as he would have to come up with a crazy story about how he learned to cure people.

Furthermore, he'd probably need to cure himself first to even have the strength to help the others.

'Should I just leave them be?' Hayden thought for a moment.

He would leave this manor soon, and he might not even go back, since he could just stay in the Academy even during the semester break or vacation period. Once he became a squire or gained the strength to protect himself, he might no longer need the protection of his father or the manor.

He had nothing to inherit from his father anyway.

This manor, including the various businesses of the family, would most likely be obtained by Roan to continue their family line. Well, based on the tradition of this country, the eldest would inherit everything, which wasn't really that surprising anymore.

This was the reason why, at a young age, they were already being trained, aside from the request of their late mother. Of course, if their father were rich, it would be different, as they might be able to own a small piece of land, a business, or receive a huge allowance before leaving the house.

Unfortunately, their family wasn't that well off.

Furthermore, Hayden believed that with the help of his Ocularis Lens and past life experience, he would be able to excel in the Academy and secure various jobs that would help him put food on his table. Once he fixed his physique's issues, he should be fine.

Hayden sighed, as it also felt wrong to just leave them to suffer.

Then, at that moment, an idea came to him…

'Right… He's the best doctor out here… If I can be his student… or maybe learn a thing or two from him… Then, it might work.' Hayden's eyes lit up as he finally figured out how to establish a "background" in the field of medicine.

However, Hayden decided to visit the forge first to check the status of his request.

Later that day, Dr. Elias Veyra sat alone in the manor's makeshift infirmary. He was currently surrounded by vials of herbs, scrolls of medical texts, and there was also a faint scent of antiseptic.

Although he always appeared calm in front of Howard, he was now filled with frustration.

Despite his best efforts, the illness continued to persist, and his treatments only provided temporary relief.

The issue with their meridians—the root cause of the disease—remained stubbornly resistant to his methods. The only solution he could think of was using the help of Magicians to absorb or break the negative energy accumulating within their bodies.

It might be a simple task for experienced magicians, but these people would always demand a ridiculous price that could hurt the baron's finances.

Howard was one of his remaining friends, and he didn't want him to be buried in debt.

At this time, he had no idea that Hayden was watching him from the doorway, analyzing his movements with the Ocularis Lens.

The man was clearly troubled, as Hayden watched him muttering to himself while flipping through an ancient medical tome.

This was Hayden's chance. In any case, his father and the other servants had already fallen asleep.

"Dr. Veyra," Hayden said softly, stepping into the room. "May I speak with you?"

The physician looked up, his eyes narrowed behind his spectacles, curious at the child's sudden appearance.

"Young Master Hayden… Right? Shouldn't you be resting? This is no place for a child."

Hayden ignored the comment and approached the table.

"I've been observing the patients. Their symptoms—fever, fatigue, strange dreams—they're all caused by blocked meridians, aren't they?"

Dr. Veyra's eyebrows shot up. "And how would you know that?"

Hayden hesitated, then decided to take a calculated risk.

"I've been studying medicine in the library. I noticed that the treatments you've been using address the symptoms but not the root cause. If we don't clear the meridians, the illness will keep coming back."

The physician leaned back in his chair, studying Hayden with newfound interest. Not even the family doctors of the manor knew what he was doing, so he was sure that Hayden hadn't heard this from anyone else.

"You're quite observant for someone so young. But clearing meridians is no simple task. It requires precise energy manipulation, something even seasoned healers struggle with."

Elias was also getting tired, so he didn't mind entertaining the child to rest for a bit.

Hayden nodded. "What if there was another way? A method that doesn't rely on energy manipulation but still clears the blockages?"

Dr. Veyra chuckled and looked at the child. There's certainly a method like that, but it requires magic.

"What are you suggesting? Do you have money to hire those Magicians?"

Hayden shook his head and replied.

"Acupuncture," Hayden said.

"By stimulating specific points along the meridians, we can restore the flow of energy. It's a technique I read about in one of the ancient texts."

This wasn't the answer he was expecting, so the physician's expression shifted from skepticism to intrigue.

"Acupuncture... I've heard of it, but it's a lost art. Few healers today know how to perform it correctly. Even if you know how to use it, do you truly believe it could work?"

Hayden nodded. "I do. But I'll need your help to prepare a few things for me and administer the treatment."

Dr. Veyra stared at him for a long moment, then sighed. This situation was something he had never expected when he came to visit his friend.

"Very well. I'll entertain you for a bit, and I might even get some inspiration… If you're serious about this, I'll hear you out. But if this fails, we risk making the patients worse. Are you prepared to take that responsibility?"

Hayden knew that Dr. Veyra was not taking him seriously even at this moment. He was simply too kind to shoo off a child who was eager to assist. Nonetheless, Hayden met his gaze without flinching and replied.

"I am."