The young sage

With Seraphine's guidance and the physician's cooperation, they were able to successfully treat and save the majority of the patients in the hospital. Damian, while not directly involved in the medical procedures, provided crucial support by mobilizing manpower and addressing the issue of contaminated water sources.

In this world, the prevailing belief was that diseases and plagues were caused by miasma and considered divine punishment for sin. Seraphine's knowledge and expertise shattered these misconceptions as she identified the outbreak's origin—a contaminated river resulting from the city's sewage system.

Once Damian understood Seraphine's findings, he wasted no time in taking action. Despite objections from the mayor, Damian's unwavering authority ensured the immediate inspection and closure of the sewage system.

The physicians were taken aback by Seraphine's speedy reaction and approach– they had never seen anything like it before. In this world, despite the presence of healers and healing magic, they could not treat infections, making Seraphine's solution an exceptional and revolutionary way to handle the plague, especially since healers were unable to treat it otherwise.

As the days passed, the outbreak began to subside, with a significant decrease in new cases. The mayor and physician were astonished by the positive results, while Damian remained confident in Seraphine's abilities. Despite the challenges faced, their combined efforts had brought relief and hope to the city.

Exhausted from their endeavors, Seraphine found herself sitting wearily in a chair, removing her cloth mask and taking a deep breath. Damian approached her with a cup of water, ensuring its safety by informing her that he had boiled it, following Seraphine's recommendation to prevent the spread of the plague.

"Excellent work, Seraphine," Damian commended her, his voice filled with appreciation. He understood the magnitude of her contributions and the tireless efforts she had exerted. Even though he hadn't directly participated in the medical procedures, the weight of overseeing everything had taken its toll on him as well.

Seraphine accepted the cup of water gratefully, feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief wash over her. The weight of the lives she couldn't save weighed heavily on her, casting a shadow of sadness on her face.

"It is unfortunate that we couldn't save everyone," Seraphine said, her voice tinged with sadness as she reflected on the patients she couldn't help due to the lack of antibiotics that were impossible to make at this moment.

"Don't blame yourself, Seraphine. You did everything you could," Damian reassured her, his voice filled with empathy. He gently placed a comforting hand on her head, offering solace and understanding. Despite her mind being older, Seraphine found solace in Damian's comforting presence.

"With the plague finally settling down, what should be our next course of action, young master?" Seraphine inquired, her hand still clasping the cup of water.

"For now, I believe we should rest, Seraphine. You have worked tirelessly for the past few days," Damian suggested, concerned for Seraphine's well-being after her exhausting efforts.

"I think we should take a few days off and explore the city," Damian proposed, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. It seemed that he, too, was interested in taking a break and experiencing the sights and sounds of the city.

Seraphine's accomplishments in curing the plague had earned her the nickname "The young sage" among the patients and physicians. Although she felt somewhat embarrassed by the attention, she understood that this reputation could be a valuable asset in public engagements and eliminate any bad rumor on her.

A few days of rest had passed, and Seraphine found herself strolling through the city streets with Damian by her side. They had chosen to dress as commoners, wanting to blend in and observe the lives of ordinary people.

Damian seemed to be genuinely enjoying the experience of sightseeing and immersing himself in the role of a commoner. He was curious about the lives they encountered and how they differed from the nobility.

As they walked, a child accidentally bumped into Damian while playing with other children, not paying attention to the bustling street. Seraphine expected Damian to display his usual discontent, but to her surprise, he remained calm and offered assistance to the child, helping them to their feet.

"Young master, aren't you angry with the child?" Seraphine asked, curious about his uncharacteristic reaction after they had passed the group of children.

"Well, I'm not that hot-tempered man anymore, Seraphine. They are just children, and it seems they didn't have any ill intentions," Damian responded, his voice laced with a newfound patience.

"However, if the child had bumped into you instead of me, it might be a different story," Damian added with a sly expression, continuing to walk with a smile on his face. Seraphine found herself puzzled by his response, trying to decipher its meaning.

"What does he mean by that?" Seraphine questioned herself silently, her thoughts filled with confusion.

"It means he won't tolerate any harm coming to you, Seraphine. Damian cares deeply for you," Alice chimed in, her voice teasing Seraphine's mind.

"Alice..." Seraphine was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond to the mischievous spirit's insight. Instead, she decided to simply follow Damian, who had already moved ahead.

"Wait for me, young master," Seraphine called out, quickening her pace to catch up with Damian.