Chapter 21: The Forbidden Encounter
Melissa, the daughter of the lower noble Annabel Machiavelli, was renowned in high society as a delicate lady of the manor. Her gentle, charming smile made those who beheld her feel an overwhelming urge to protect her. In fact, many who witnessed her at balls would immediately inquire, “Could we have her at our home?”
Although the Machiavelli family was considered lower nobility, they were financially stable. Thus, there was no pressing need for them to hastily arrange a marriage for their daughter due to political reasons, and they had politely declined many offers.
Moreover, Melissa herself had little interest in such matters. For her, the most precious moments were those spent having tea with close friends and enjoying leisurely time at home with her beloved family. Even at fourteen, she would cling to her mother, exclaiming, “Mama!” or jump onto her father’s back, calling out, “Papa!” She was still very much a child.
However, for the Machiavelli couple, this was perfectly fine. They understood it was unrealistic, but they sincerely wished that such days would last forever.
Annabel Machiavelli, troubled by his worries, was invited by a friend to a rather upscale establishment. It was not a place he could frequent often, and he had reluctantly agreed to go, as his friend insisted on treating him to drinks to cheer him up.
The venue was more refined than lavish, a place meant for quiet conversation rather than raucous drinking. Yet, upon entering, they were met with a particularly boisterous group that clashed with the atmosphere of the establishment. The staff seemed troubled by their disruptive behavior, and Annabel and his friend frowned at the lack of decorum. Unfortunately, the only available table was next to that rowdy group. Faced with the apologetic manager, they had to choose between sitting there or leaving.
Thinking of his friend’s kind invitation, Annabel forced a smile and settled at the troublesome table.
If life has crossroads, this moment was undoubtedly one for Annabel.
To be honest, Annabel couldn’t care less about the seating arrangement. His mind was consumed with thoughts of his daughter. Yet, out of respect for his friend who had invited him, he reluctantly took a seat and sipped his drink. However, being naturally weak to alcohol, it didn’t take long for him to become tipsy. In that state, he began to pour out the anxieties and sorrows he had kept hidden deep within his heart.
Melissa was a girl who laughed adorably, like a blooming bud. Just her smile brought happiness to everyone in the Machiavelli family. She was a treasure to them.
But Melissa had fallen ill. Her condition worsened day by day, and eventually, she could no longer rise from her bed.
As her father, Annabel wished for her recovery and spent his days running around in search of a cure. Yet, the results were disheartening, and he felt the weight of his own helplessness. Day and night, thoughts of his daughter consumed him. After countless sleepless nights, a look akin to death itself appeared on Annabel’s face.
“Why must my daughter suffer like this?”
Tears streamed down Annabel’s cheeks as he trembled with despair.
“If only I could take her place…”
His old friend listened quietly, nodding in understanding, offering a comforting shoulder. As time passed, he was about to stand up, smiling wryly at the sight of Annabel weeping before him, suggesting it might be time to call it a night. It was then that a voice, bright and cheerful, rang out in the establishment.
“Well, I’ve heard your story.”
This was the moment when Annabel Machiavelli encountered Prince Ryuguin.
Prince Ryuguin had often lamented that the Arcana Kingdom, where he had been summoned, was a completely uncivilized land, filled with people who lacked culture and enlightenment. He would often sigh in exasperation, thinking it was his duty to enlighten and guide those who were so far behind in civilization compared to himself, even if it was only when he felt inclined to do so.
Ryuguin was a person with such a mindset, and naturally, he held absolute confidence in his own knowledge. At the same time, he harbored a sense of arrogance, believing that even if he were wrong, it wouldn’t matter much, as he looked down upon the people of this world. These two traits were a significant contradiction, but he paid no mind to it.
Since his summoning, Ryuguin had caused countless incidents, bringing tragedy to those around him. What had been recounted so far was merely a fraction of the episodes that had occurred.
There was a common thread in the tragedies he had caused. All of them stemmed from his nature.
He was extraordinarily self-centered, and his desire for approval had grown to a pathological level. Thus, without shame or hesitation, he would flaunt his half-baked knowledge and indiscriminately impose it on others. He felt no responsibility for the outcomes, nor did he experience even a shred of guilt.
Setting emotions aside, knowledge must be accurate. Even if it were not, one must at least recognize the possibility of being wrong.
Half-baked knowledge does not bring wealth; it brings great harm. Ryuguin should have had ample opportunities to learn this lesson, yet he had not.
Annabel declined the Hero’s offer of “I’ll take care of it.” It was a wise decision. However, Ryuguin dangled the “Hero’s reputation” and his connections behind him. Whether it would actually work or not was beside the point; Ryuguin was close to the royal family, had a good relationship with the Saintess of the church, and was rumored to have an unusual connection with the daughter of Duke Honest.
Internally, Annabel was already sweating profusely. His mind was filled with thoughts of how the Machiavelli family and his daughter could survive. The Hero Ryuguin pressed further.
“I don’t intend to, but you’ve embarrassed me as a Hero. Of course, that’s not my intention, but I can’t predict what my supporters might do.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
“Do you think my supporters would forgive a lower noble like you who has brought such disgrace to a Hero? You can’t afford to be out drinking anymore. Be careful when walking at night. And, you know, with the air being so dry lately, your house could catch fire… that sort of thing could happen.”
Ryuguin’s words were nothing short of a threat. Yet, the conversation did not end there.
“This is no longer your concern, but I possess knowledge that surpasses the existing medical techniques of this world. Even diseases deemed incurable here were treated normally back on Earth.”
It was a perfect blend of carrot and stick. However, Annabel, being a noble, should have been able to discern Ryuguin’s intentions from such exchanges. Yet, overwhelmed by thoughts of his daughter, he found it difficult to maintain his composure.
Thus, Annabel ended up revealing his daughter’s condition to Ryuguin.
Melissa was afflicted with a disease known as Excessive Mana Production Organ Failure Disease. To explain it simply, the organs began to produce mana in excess of what was normal, leading to a failure in their usual functions. Initially, it stemmed from a mutation in a single cell, which then transmitted its abnormal properties to neighboring cells, causing the affected area to expand and the symptoms to worsen.
Moreover, this disease had a unique difficulty in treatment—
“I see, a metastasis… like cancer on Earth, I suppose?”
Ryuguin murmured thoughtfully after hearing the explanation.
“Then, there’s only one treatment option. Leave it to me!!”
With a charming smile, Ryuguin declared, his voice resonating with confidence.
Had Ryuguin’s foolish actions only involved them, he likely would not have drawn the attention of Cardinal Gilbert Rasmus. However, it was not merely misfortune for Ryuguin. It was simply the consequence of his own actions coming back to haunt him.
To satisfy Ryuguin’s desire for self-approval, there were those who were forcibly involved in the modern medical treatments he was said to provide—specifically, the treatments of Melissa Machiavelli.
The first was a devout young Sister from the Klaatel Church. Her cheerful and compassionate nature made her beloved by all. Her name was Haro.
And then there was Riku, a young man who worked as a practitioner in the Town of Lemone.
Not only Melissa, but these two were also caught up in the tragedies brought about by Ryuguin.
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The tale of the heroes will conclude next.