Chapter 12: Was Indeed an Eccentric Person (2)

“That’s not a very happy expression. And your family sent their daughter, who only has six months to live, to such a remote place? She might die on the journey.”

He seemed like a person with little emotional change, asking in a flat voice.

“My parents probably don’t know that I have six months left. It’s the work of my brother and sister.”

“What do you mean?”

“The doctor at the clinic told me to bring my parents because there was an important matter, but my brother and sister forced their way and came along. It seems they kept the truth about my remaining life from my parents.

I was informed of all the circumstances the day before leaving my hometown, and I even had a constraint spell cast on me by my brother so that I couldn’t reveal my real name. That’s why my hair was dyed red like this.”

“Red, huh… The color is already fading. The original color is platinum blonde, right? So, why are you so disliked by your family?”

Blunt words stabbed into the heart.

For a genius magician like him, it might be unimaginable what treatment someone without magical power, like her, would receive.

“Because I have no magical power. It’s a shame for the Hausen family’s child not to have magic. And since it’s not the distinctive red hair of the Hausen family, my mother was suspected of infidelity after giving birth to me, and things became strained between her and my father.”

As Fiene spoke to that extent, the magician turned his face away, seemingly uninterested.

“Well, whatever. Family issues are not my concern. So, what kind of illness do you have?”

“It’s magical power depletion syndrome.”

The magician widened his eyes in surprise. Fiene was impressed that this person had expressions too.

“You have no magical power, yet you have magical power depletion syndrome? It’s still strange. Did you consult any doctors in the royal capital?”

“Dr. Wymain.”

“I see. Then there shouldn’t be a mistake in the diagnosis. Are you not undergoing treatment?”

“I’ve also been told about my remaining life. Besides, I’ve been judged as having no magical power, so the cause is unknown. The doctor is also puzzled.”

“It may be so, but that’s all the more reason to investigate the cause, isn’t it?”

He spoke in a matter-of-fact manner, sounding like a true researcher.

“Yes, although the possibility is slim, I’ve also received advice to have doctors from other countries examine me.”

“Indeed, because this country is the most developed. So, what does your family say about it?”

“Neither my brother nor my sister seemed interested, so I’m the only one who heard the diagnosis. That’s why my family thinks it’s a lung disease.”

“I see. It’s quite complicated.”

He said it more with admiration than disbelief. Without any strange sympathy, it actually lightened Fiene’s mood.

However, after talking this much for a while, she began to feel tired.

“Um, I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling well, so I’d like to rest.”

Just sitting on the bed was making her dizzy. Her throat was dry, and she felt like she might cough.

“Oh, I see. But before that, can you show me your legs?”

“What?”

Fiene instantly became cautious and stiffened.

“Hey, I’m not only a wizard but also a magic doctor. I received an honor for my achievements.”

“Well, I’m quite ignorant about worldly matters, so I apologize.”

She knew about the honor, but lately, she had heard rumors from Muge and Maggie that he had been expelled from the magic tower for conducting strange research. Also, the rumors about human experiments seemed to be true.

“Just show me your feet; it’s fine.”

Fiene showed him the blue rash on her legs. Dr. Wymain had diagnosed it as magical power depletion syndrome.

“Indeed, these are symptoms of magical power depletion. Additionally, you cough up blood, right? It’s a symptom of the terminal stage. If you had sought treatment early and taken a potion, you could have been saved…”

He said the same thing as Dr. Wymain. Fiene’s condition had progressed beyond the stage of treatment. It was already too late.

It was the result of not being cared for by indifferent parents.

“Later, I’ll have someone bring you a meal. Take a good rest for a while and recover from the fatigue of your journey. We’ll discuss the future once you’re feeling a bit better. You’re indeed an interesting case. Recover some strength; become a good experimental subject.”

Saying that, the magician left the room. Whether he was a good person or a bad person was entirely unclear, but Fiene figured she wouldn’t be suddenly dismembered.

(Huh? Speaking of which, revenge? Could it be that after being treated like dirt by the Hausen family to this extent, they would even send financial support to my family?)

She thought about confirming it, but Fiene’s body was in pain, and she couldn’t get up. She fell asleep, as if losing consciousness.

Afterward, she continued to have a high fever for a while, but with Martha’s devoted care and the excellent potions provided by the Duke, Fiene recovered.

When Fiene was able to get up, the magician came to her room.

“You seem to be in better shape. Starting today, you’ll be assisting with experiments.”

He said it in a brusque tone. Today, he had his hood pulled low over his face.

“Um, do you usually wear the hood even inside the house?”

“Huh?”

“Are you, by any chance, being considerate? If so, it’s unnecessary. I’m the Duke’s experimental subject.”

Fiene said proudly.

“Got it. Also, don’t call me ‘Your Excellency.’ Just call me Noah.”

“Understood. In that case, please call me Fiene. And you won’t do anything painful, right?”

Since she disliked pain, she made sure to confirm it firmly.

“I can guess roughly what rumors you’ve heard about me, but I have no sadistic tendencies.”

Noah stated it decisively.