Dr. Lady Adelia 16
Now I have to convince Dad.
“…Dad, I was the one who insisted on coming. You don’t need to feel guilty. And after hearing how dangerous it might be, how could I let you go alone?”
“But Adelia… if anything were to happen to you, I…”
He couldn’t finish his sentence. His pale, elegant hand, which was covering his face, trembled slightly.
I silently walked over and hugged his shoulders, gently patting his back.
“Adelia…?”
Dad called my name in surprise. I couldn’t see his face because I was hugging him, but I could imagine it.
He’s probably blinking like a startled rabbit with wide eyes right about now.
It’s already been over four months since I came into this world.
That time wasn’t just me adjusting to this strange place—but also learning to embrace the people of Room 406.
I hugged Dad’s now-calmed shoulders tightly and said,
“I’m okay. I have the smartest doctor in the empire as my dad. So I’m not scared at all.”
At those words, his shoulders began trembling again.
I continued to quietly hold him in my arms for a while.
***
Wow… look at the size of this estate…
When we finally arrived at the duke’s mansion, it was far more massive than I’d imagined.
Just the distance from the front gate to the mansion seemed like it would take a full day on foot, and the number of servants moving around was overwhelming.
As soon as we stepped out of the carriage, the head butler appeared with a group of servants.
He introduced himself as Roman.
“Welcome to the Duke’s estate. I’ll escort you to your rooms. This way, please.”
Roman, who appeared to be an elderly man, moved with refined and efficient grace.
His snow-white hair and monocle over one eye—he looked like the perfect textbook butler.
Following behind him, we walked into what could very well become our grand tomb.
Is this place even real…?
The interior was filled with extravagant decorations and artwork.
Even I, with no knowledge of such things, could tell it was all incredibly expensive.
If I break something by accident, will I be in debt forever?
While gawking around, we eventually reached the annex, passing the main mansion.
“This is your room.”
The room Roman showed us was a tidy guest bedroom with everything we needed.
One unusual thing: there was a door that connected to the room next door.
“Since there are many eyes in the hallway, if you need to communicate with each other, please use this door. As you know, the young lady’s illness must not leak to the outside, so please be extra careful.”
Hearing that, I thought to myself:
Many eyes, my foot. Are they just making sure they can deal with us quietly if they need to?
I had all sorts of suspicions but nodded politely anyway.
Just like a hotel staff member, Roman finished his explanation with a smile and told us to ring the bell on the wall if we needed anything—then left.
“Sigh…”
“Whew…”
Dad and I both sank into the couch at the same time with heavy sighs.
“Unlike what Lala said, I don’t see any other doctors around.”
“Still, let’s stay cautious. Ria, remember our promise?”
“Yes. Don’t wander off alone. Always let you know before going anywhere, right?”
Listing such basic rules made me feel a bit silly—like a kindergartener.
I pouted a little and added one more thing.
“But you have to keep your promise too.”
Dad shook his head in surrender and replied,
“Of course. If I learn anything new about the young lady’s illness, I’ll share it with you.”
We exchanged small smiles, and I picked up my luggage and headed into the next room.
I hope the young lady’s illness isn’t too serious… but based on the book, it probably is. That means I have to do everything I can to help Dad get through this place safely.
Even if I have to cheat a little, I promised myself I’d get us out of this mansion together, alive.
***
Papers were being flipped through busily. A long, slender hand moved rapidly as it worked through documents.
“Young Lord, the new doctors have arrived.”
Chade’s hand paused. He quickly resumed flipping pages and asked indifferently,
“…Who is it this time?”
“A man named Petron Limone, recommended by the Marquess of Arthe, and his assistant, Adelia Limone.”
“Adelia Limone?”
Chade glanced at the butler with a puzzled look. Roman quickly explained,
“There was a problem with the original assistant, so his daughter came in his place.”
“…”
“Since the young lady is a girl, it shouldn’t be a major issue. But if it concerns you, shall I send them away?”
“…No. I’m just surprised a noblewoman would work as a doctor’s assistant. Let them proceed with the treatment.”
“As you command.”
Roman bowed to Chade and turned to leave the room—but then,
“Roman.”
Chade’s low voice stopped him. Roman turned back and bowed again.
“Yes, Young Lord. Your order?”
“How many doctors are currently imprisoned in this mansion?”
“…Excluding the Limone group, there are seven doctors. Including assistants, fourteen in total.”
“Fourteen…”
Chade ran his fingers across his jaw, expressionless. Sunlight streamed into the office, making his golden eyes shine even brighter.
“…And not a single one of them was competent? What a disappointment.”
Nearly six months.
To some, that might be a short time. But for Chade, it had been an agonizing period.
He’d done everything he could to treat his only sister. He had paid doctors obscene amounts of money, begging them to cure her.
“Ahem! The lady’s illness is divine punishment. She must go on a pilgrimage and beg for forgiveness!”
“Or send her to a temple for spiritual healing!”
Even at seventeen, Chade could tell they were just making excuses to avoid taking responsibility.
The doctors didn’t care about curing anyone—they were only after money and jewels.
What’s the point of doctors if they can’t heal?
That thought turned his despair into simmering rage.
When his mother collapsed suddenly, the doctors just said it was hopeless and did nothing.
His anger toward them grew stronger by the day.
To send a sick child on a painful journey? Or to a temple?
For months, the doctors refused to even let him see his sister’s hair, claiming the illness was contagious.
Sensing Chade’s growing desperation, Roman made a suggestion.
“Young Lord, what if… we pressured the doctors into treating her properly?”
“Pressure?”
“Just pretend to threaten their lives. Only until the young lady gets better, of course.”
“Young Lord?”
“…”
Chade quietly unclenched his trembling fists. Then he spoke to Roman coldly.
“No exceptions. If this new doctor spouts nonsense too, lock him up.”
“Understood.”
***
Knock knock.
Dad and I stood up from the sofa at the sound of the knock.
Roman had already informed us he’d be coming, so I had unpacked in my room and returned to Dad’s.
What’s he going to say now…?
I looked toward the door, trying to guess.
“Have you settled in well? I apologize for coming so soon, as you must still be tired from your journey.”
“Not at all. Since the young lady is unwell, it’s better for us to begin treatment quickly. Please don’t worry about it.”
Dad responded politely. Roman smiled slightly, as if he’d expected that, then cleared his throat solemnly.
“…Then, before we begin treatment, I’ll first deliver the Young Lord’s orders.”
