CHAPTER 07

The doctor that Ariadne found had treated many illnesses that sorcerers usually suffer from.

Ariadne had visited this clinic several times before while coming to the capital for a building contract.

She explained Eve’s condition clearly to the doctor through many conversations.

Because this doctor was also famous for treating other serious illnesses, the clinic was crowded with people.

“Isn’t a place like this expensive?”

“It’s fine. It’s not like we’re poor.”

Ariadne shrugged, took Eve and Estella by the hand, and walked toward the clinic.

“Sit here and wait.”

“I can register myself, you know.”

“I’ll talk to the doctor first. So just stay here quietly.”

“How can you go in first? Look how many people are here.”

Ariadne fixed Eve’s bonnet to cover her face and smiled.

“Don’t worry. I know him from a long time ago.”

“Really? Ariadne, you’re amazing.”

“I told you! So Lady Eve, just sit tight. Estella, can you take care of your mom?”

“Of course, Ariadne! Trust me!”

Ariadne gave Estella a high five and disappeared into the crowd.

She walked straight to the reception desk where a nurse was sitting.

She waited until the line got shorter, then met the nurse’s eyes.

They had already met before Ariadne moved to the capital.

“Did you bring her with you today?”

The nurse lowered her voice.

“Yes. Can we see the doctor now?”

“Yes, people have been waiting for days. Come this way.”

The nurse left the desk and guided Ariadne inside.

In the consultation room sat a calm doctor with a monocle.

“Ariadne.”

“Jillian.”

Jillian Illinoa.

He had once worked at the palace but was kicked out after the Crown Princess Vivian disappeared and the Crown Prince got angry.

Still, Jillian had studied under a famous doctor who treated sorcerers and was still known as one of the best.

In fact, many trusted him because he used to work for the royal family.

Not long ago, Ariadne had visited Jillian and confirmed that he still kept Princess Vivian’s medical records.

“Is she here…?”

“She’s outside. Did you find anything I asked about?”

“I checked all the books on memory sorcerers. I even asked a private agency to look for people who know about them. But… nothing useful yet.”

Ariadne sighed deeply.

“…Vivian is dying. I can see her life fading day by day.”

“I heard she had a child. That must’ve made her condition worse. And she erased her own memories—I’m sure that made it even harder.”

“There’s no way to help her?”

“I’m not sure. But let me examine her first. Maybe… the gods will help.”

Ariadne rubbed her eyes roughly. Every doctor said the same thing:

“No medicine will help. Let’s just pray to the gods.”

“It’s a common illness among sorcerers. But there’s still no cure. All we can do is hope for a miracle.”

Where was this damn god anyway? If she could reach them, she would grab them by the collar and demand answers.

Did things really have to be this way?

“Did you inform the palace?”

“You told me not to. Of course not.”

“Looks like they still haven’t called off the search for Vivian.”

“People’s interest faded, but the capital’s mood hasn’t changed.”

Ariadne sighed again. That meant Samuel was still the same.

“And the position of empress—is it still empty?”

Jillian looked at her like she was asking something pointless.

Ariadne rubbed her nose bridge.

Nothing ever goes well.

“About Vivian…”

“I won’t mention the past.”

“Thank you.”

Ariadne stood up.

She had come because maybe Jillian, who had treated Vivian before, could help.

But even he didn’t offer much hope.

Then Eve came into the consultation room, led by the nurse.

“So many people are waiting—are we allowed to go first?”

“I made an appointment years ago. Come on in, Eve. The sooner we go in, the sooner we’re done.”

Eve entered, holding Estella’s hand tightly.

Jillian’s expression shifted slightly.

He had changed a lot, but she looked just the same.

Except she no longer used the name “Vivian.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“I’m Eve Etherion. And this is…”

Before Eve could introduce her, Estella popped her head out and spoke clearly:

“I’m Estella Etherion! I’m six years old!”

Ariadne smiled and messed up Estella’s hair.

Jillian’s face went pale.

His eyes locked on the child.

This child…

Jillian sighed and looked at Ariadne.

Ariadne shook her head slightly—she hadn’t told Jillian anything on purpose. It meant: “Keep it a secret.”

She didn’t want the royal family to find out.

Jillian understood her eyes and nodded.

He smiled awkwardly and reached out to Estella.

“Estella. That’s a lovely name. I’m Jillian Illinoa. I run this small clinic.”

“Clinic… Doctor! You’re the one who will make Mommy better, right?”

Estella asked with shiny round eyes like pebbles.

Those eyes looked familiar.

Jillian swallowed hard and nodded.

“Yes. I’m quite a skilled doctor.”

Estella smiled brightly and tugged Eve toward the chair.

As Jillian and Estella talked, Eve slowly sat in the examination chair.

She took off her bonnet and placed it on the table.

White hair like clouds, dreamy pink eyes, lips like flower petals—

A face Jillian knew well.

Lady Vivian…

Jillian swallowed the name and smiled.

“Jillian Illinoa, at your service, Lady Eve.”

Eve’s eyes were filled with bitter acceptance.

Even with her hollow cheeks and tired eyes, she smiled brightly.

A smile so sad it made Jillian’s heart ache.

“Just medicine will do.”

Don’t try too hard.

Even without hearing it, he understood the rest.

Eve had already accepted her death.

She only took medicine to live a little longer—for Ariadne and Estella.

“Why so impatient? Let’s have Estella checked too while we’re here.”

Ariadne interrupted in her usual way.

“Estella? I’m healthy.”

Estella suddenly lost confidence and hid behind Eve.

“Let’s start with the patient.”

Jillian gathered himself and finally spoke.

“Ah.”

Eve nodded.

Jillian managed to hold his feelings in.

“I’ve heard the basic story, but I need to know the exact symptoms. That way I can give proper medicine.”

Eve looked at Ariadne and Estella, hinting she wanted to speak in private.

Jillian gave a signal to Ariadne.

Ariadne reluctantly stood up.

“Fine. I’ll wait outside. But get a proper checkup.”

“Got it.”

“I’ll count the time! Don’t come out before 10 minutes.”

“I promise. I’ll stay at least 11.”

Eve held up her hand playfully and Ariadne rolled her eyes.

Then she picked up Estella and left.

Eve waited until the door fully closed, then turned to Jillian.

His heart sank.

Her expression was now filled with pain.

Even her smiling lips were trembling.

Eve slowly spoke.

“I know I don’t have much time left.”

Her voice was like a whisper.

“People say two years is the most I have. But Ariadne won’t give up. I just need time to prepare for my death, Jillian. Time for Ariadne to accept it. Time for Estella to adjust to a new family. That’s all I need.”

She spoke calmly and held out her thin arm.

“…I’ll do everything I can to help.”

But Eve didn’t lose that resigned look.

“Give me the strongest painkillers, Jillian.”

Jillian hid his breaking heart as he touched her cold wrist. Her low body temperature crushed his heart again.

What could he do?

As Eve had said, death was already nearby, waiting for her.

“Mom!”

Eve came out of the room, bonnet on again. Ariadne and Estella clung to her.

Eve smiled brightly and hugged Estella.

“What did he say?”

“Same as always. I’ll be fine with medicine. Let’s go shopping now! I really want to see the market.”

Eve pouted playfully and linked arms with Ariadne, pulling her away from the clinic.

“Estella, are you hungry?”

“Yes, Mommy!”

“See? Let’s go get the medicine and head out.”

I should visit Jillian again without Eve and Estella.

Ariadne made up her mind as she turned to leave.

“Mom, are you all better now?”

“Of course! Want me to show you how strong I am? I can give you a piggyback ride!”

“No thanks.”

Ariadne came back with the medicine and scooped up Estella onto her shoulders.

Estella laughed loudly, and Eve supported her from behind.

“Be careful! What if she falls!”

Eve laughed along.

And secretly, she wished—may days like this last just a little longer.