Chapter 31

The Imperial Medical Institute was a consortium of doctors, scientists and pharmacists. They worked independently and outside the control of any kingdom or empire. It was also the reason why they never bent the knee to any royalty. The maximum respect they would show would be tilting their head slightly. Although this caused some discord, the nobles and royalty had to accept it as otherwise the consortium would leave from that kingdom or empire.

The institute aimed to publicise medical findings and theories openly rather than monopolize it. Each individual that joined had to sign a mana contract as well to show their loyalty to the cause. Although there were many clauses that ensured this, there were loopholes as well. One such loophole being that if they really made a breakthrough, it was up to them to publish it.

When King Equirrion got news about Noah's condition, the first thing he did was to look for ways to prevent Noah from getting better. From the medical council of the kingdom, he realised that a team of doctors from the Imperial Medical Institute were studying a possible cure for the disease.

Not wanting to risk even a slight chance, the King donated a large sum, nearly twice more than the Duke, to make that possibility to none. Although he didn't think much of the 10 year old, the King was as meticulous as always.

Knock. Knock. 

"Your highness, Prince Icarus and Princess Astrea are here to see you."

"Let them in."

"Father."

"Father."

Looking at his two kids, he felt angry. Although they inherited his features. They didn't hold a candle compared to him when he was ten.

The Equirrion King then, his father, was nothing but a joke to him. Born as the son of the second queen consort, one of the eight children of the king, his life was never easy. The war for the throne started when he was a kid. There was no need for mercy between siblings, that was how his father taught all his children.

After cutting down his enemies one by one, he was the only child left. Taking the life of the previous king, he established himself as the new King of Equirrion.

That day he decided that he will do anything and everything to prevent such a massacre. There was no need for his progeny to fight another war. If it means to have only a single child, let that be. If it means he had to conquer the lands, let that be.  

Years later, he met his wife, Malika Kamilet, a princess from another kingdom. Many thought the King was captured by the beauty of the Queen and hence didn't even consider having a consort. 

Although he found her charming, it was not out of love. She was strong, beautiful and capable. One wife was all he ever wanted. 

When the King was blessed with twins, his old fears started to haunt him. A part of him unconsciously didn't allow him to get along with them.

"Do I have to discipline you both each time? Why have you both come here now?"

"...we just came here to greet you, your highness."

"When does your school start again?"

"It's next month, father, I mean your highness." Astrea slipped.

"Hmm.. you're already 10 years old. Listen well, the imperial school might take students from all backgrounds but always remember you are royals. Act with dignity and authority. Soon, one of you will be ruling this Kingdom. Understood?"

"Yes, your highness."

Looking at the two children, he couldn't help but worry. While his son took after him, his daughter took after his wife. He just wished they would be able to sort it between themselves without bloodshed when the time came.

"You may leave."

====

Exiting the room, Astrea looked at the large door for a few seconds before turning around. 

"What's wrong?"

With dark red hair, eyes and a face similar to her father albeit small and chubby was looking back at her.

"I think father is bothered by something."

"He is always like that. Nothing new."

"No… He seemed worried…"

"Worried? Do you have eyes? He looked angry as always."

"Guard, who visited before us?"

"It's only morning, who would visit him this early."

"Dr. Gablehauser from the Imperial Medical Institute, your highness." The guard responded apathetically.

"Our father is not lazy like you."

"Tsk."

"Have they left? Where can I find them?"

"They just left a few mins back, your highness."

Dragging Icarus by hand, the two started to head towards the main gate.

"Why are we rushing? We can ask the guards to stop them if you want." 

"Father will find out then." Astrea shot back.

After a light run, they were able to finally meet with Dr. Gablehauser.

"Excuse me. Dr Gablehauser?"

"Your highnesses." Dr Gablehauser greeted them tilting his head slightly.

"What was the matter you were speaking to the King with?"

"I am sorry. I don't think I can say."

"Don't worry I won't put you in a tough position. Can you tell me atleast what it is related to?"

"Hm… It's regarding the health of the young prince of the Wyte House."

"Young prince of the Wyte house… oh did the Duke and Duchess have another child?"

"No… I can't say anything more due to a mana contract."

"I see."

"If that's all, may I leave?"

"Yes."

Astrea stood still looking at Dr. Gablehauser's back as he left, thinking about all the possibilities.

"What was that all about..?"

"We-we need to go to the Wyte territory!"

====

'Skadi, you there?'

'Yes…'

'You missed me? It's been a long time since we talked.'

Staring into the ceiling in his new room, Noah closed his eyes focusing on entering his domain.

After getting a basic treatment from Dr. Clara, Noah was shown to his new room. The large room with intricate decorations looked luxurious but also strangely isolating. 

A part of him felt strangely lonely being in the large room. Receiving all the attention and care from people he knew very little about just because he was blood related made him doubt himself if he was worthy of all that.

'Maybe a little. Take your time, don't force yourself. You're still not in a good condition.'

'Skadi, are you worrying about me?'

'Tsk. No, master. It's just a pain for me to wait until I find a new person to contract with.'

'Yeah.. yeah..'

Opening his eyes, Noah found himself to be in his domain once more.