Chapter 43

[ 1,334 words ]

Ivy’s Point of View

The carriage moved gently through the pack. Inside, I was seated inside. I wore different clothes from what I wore before, disguising myself as Physician Lin.

Nell really knew how to go about all of this. Today, it was a yellow male outfit I wore, along with a half mask, as usual, to cover the lower part of my face so people would not recognize me.

I am really grateful for the loyal servants I have, from Nell to my five loyal servants, and I am happy they believe in me.

I had planned this outing earlier, and it was at the appointed time of the week because we were going somewhere important… my shop opening. The one I told Edmund about… if he wanted to reach me, he should go to the Azure Leaf. That’s the shop opening I was going to.

Of course, I was nervous about the shop opening and hoped no one would recognize me.

The reason I traveled with my guards and Nell was for protection, and most importantly, secrecy. But still, I was very much nervous.

Finally, we arrived where we wanted to be, right in front of a shop. None of us showed our faces, we all wore masks. It was not only me who covered my face, of course… people might identify my guards and maid, so they all had to cover their faces like I did.

The shop sign was already installed, and it read: “Azure Leaf.”

I liked the appearance of the signboard, and people passing by would notice it quickly. Even the design of the shop exterior was really satisfying to me.

I had chosen the name myself: Azure Leaf. It was entirely my responsibility to decide what the shop would be called, a task I took seriously. I had about a week to think it over, weighing every possibility carefully.

During that week, I had considered many different names, scribbling ideas on paper, crossing some out, and imagining how each would look on a signboard. I wanted something memorable, something that would reflect the shop’s purpose and attract attention.

After much thought and careful deliberation, I finally decided on Azure Leaf, confident it was the perfect choice.

Everything was going as planned. I entered the shop. The interior of the shop was breathtaking. It was loaded with shelves, medicines, herbs, books, tools, and more.

“Greetings, you are welcome,” someone greeted me. I looked at the person… it was Dakia, the nominal shopkeeper, who is an omega. My guards had found Dakia to take care of the shop.

I was satisfied with the omega, she seemed fit to be a shopkeeper.

I didn’t say anything. I just nodded at the omega as she moved out of my way, allowing me to inspect the shop and look around.

I looked at the items inside the shop. I rearranged the herbs and checked a few things. Everything was indeed set up just how I liked.

I gestured to my guards. It was time to leave, because we had somewhere else important to be. As for the shop, I was satisfied with it.

They started the carriage and drove through the pack. I was on my way to see my patient, Professor Aldwin. Thornwood Pack was a little farther, so it was still a short journey.

Finally, we arrived at the old professor’s house. We used a different door from the first time we came here. This side of his house was scholarly, filled with books, scrolls, and study rooms, unlike the archways which were covered in climbing roses and the koi pond we saw last time.

I went straight to meet the professor, who looked much better. Woah, should I be proud of myself for this great outcome?

“In the past week, the professor has recovered considerably,” the butler said.

Yes, truly, the professor was looking much more energetic than the last time I was here, even much healthier than before.

“He has also shown great recovery. He can walk for long hours and talk clearly now,” the butler said proudly.

I should be even prouder because this proved that my treatment had worked, and the professor’s health had improved a lot. But even so, I still had to examine him further.

In the process of me checking his condition, the door opened, and the professor’s son, Edmund, walked in.

“Welcome, Physician Lin,” he greeted me warmly. He was very excited to see me, and his reaction and behavior showed that he had great respect for me.

“Thank you,” I responded in a deep voice. My present voice.

I went back to examining the professor. I checked his breathing and his temperature. Much better and steady. After I was done, I wrote down a few medicines which I was prescribing to the old professor.

I handed it to Edmund, who read it almost aloud. “Black Leaf, Ginger Root…”

I also gave Edmund a few instructions to carry out. “Make sure you leave the window open for fresh air. The only time you close the window is when it’s cold,” I said, my voice remaining masculine.

That was all. He nodded.

“Are you done here?” he asked.

“Yes,” I responded.

“Let’s go to my study,” he said, allowing me to lead the way while he followed suit.

When we got to Edmund’s study, he offered me a seat and some herbal tea, which I sat and sipped.

He walked to a big drawer and brought out a bag of money, it was heavy because of how he lifted it, he then placed it in front of me, paying me for the treatment of the old professor, his father.

But quickly, I shifted the bag back to him, with both my hands… the money was indeed wholesome just as he said he’ll pay me. I wave my hand, which meant I was refusing the money immediately.

“I had already said before that I would not charge money,” I reminded him.

Seeing his reaction, my answer made him puzzled. “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” he said. “I believe that no one helps others for free,” he added, making me laugh softly.

“Physician Lin, tell me… what do you want in return?” he asked.

Edmund was truly his father’s son in the aspect of intelligence. He figured I wanted something in return, so I wouldn’t beat around the bush and would go straight to the point.

With a smile on my face, knowing what I wanted was not something difficult but a simple thing, I said, “I would be happy if the old professor would take on two students, a father and a son: Edwin and Finn Calloway.”

That was the name of my father and my brother. But I didn’t say those people were related to me. It was a private matter, and I hoped it would remain hidden for the time being.

“Those names are familiar to me. I have vaguely heard them… a small pack Beta known as Beta Edwin Calloway,” he said.

Hearing me mention their names as the ones I wanted the old professor to take in as his students really surprised Edmund. Knowing the professor was very famous, bringing in a small pack Beta to be his student was unexpected.

“What is your relationship with them?” he asked, wondering why I would help them.

I knew that I couldn’t answer that question. I couldn’t tell anyone that they were my father and brother.

“It is not convenient to answer,” I simply said.

“I only want to know, will the professor accept them as apprentices?” I asked.

This would keep my identity and connection secret.

He stared at me for some seconds, then sighed. “I must ask my father first. I need to explain it to him and get his consent before I give you my answer,” Edmund said. “So, you have to wait for the final answer to come later,” he added.

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