After downing a flask of indescribable liquid, Lumine's expression shifted rapidly from resistance to terror, then to acceptance, and finally to crystal clarity—all in a matter of moments.
In that instant, Lumine felt as if she had seen her brother in heaven... well, her brother wasn't in heaven yet.
Her brain had practically short-circuited. Just then, Dr. Edward performed a comprehensive examination.
Reviewing the data he collected, Dr. Edward's eyes glinted with immense satisfaction. He looked at Lumine as if she were an exceptionally useful tool.
As the liquid in her stomach was absorbed, Lumine jolted violently. A wave of exhilarating sensation shot straight from the soles of her feet to the crown of her head!
At that moment, Lumine was astonished to find her control over Dendro Elemental Power had improved dramatically, completely free of its previous awkwardness.
While combining it with other Elemental Powers was still a bit difficult, she was confident she could master it soon.
Lumine carefully assessed her physical condition, then stared at Dr. Edward in disbelief. Sensing her gaze, he leaned in and asked softly, "How are you feeling now?"
Lumine wanted to answer, but her voice was sealed, a curse only her brother could break. Frantically, she searched for her mouthpiece—Paimon.
Dr. Edward thoughtfully unfastened the chains binding her. The return of her full strength sent another wave of pleasure surging from her toes to her scalp, making her feel like she could take flight on the spot.
However, Lumine suppressed the impulse and went to find Paimon, who had already made a run for it.
"What's wrong? Why are you looking for me? Is the treatment over?"
Paimon, who had been tracked down, fired off a barrage of questions. After Lumine explained the situation, her face was a mask of astonishment.
"You've already completely mastered Dendro Elemental Power so quickly?!"
Paimon recalled their time in Inazuma. Lumine had only managed to fully master the Electro Element after completing the "Anti-Raiden Shogun Special Training" under Yae Miko's guidance. Her current speed in mastering Dendro could only be described as terrifying.
After learning more, Paimon realized it was all thanks to Dr. Edward's potion. They had never even heard of a medicine that could enhance one's control over Elemental Power. In their minds, Dr. Edward's reputation as a "Miracle Doctor" had just soared to new heights.
"Dr. Edward, thank you so much for this!"
Both of them bowed their heads in gratitude, but he simply waved his hand dismissively.
"It's nothing. This was part of our agreement."
"I treat the Traveler's illness, and you serve as my bodyguards."
"The reason I had her take this medicine was because I suspected her strange dreams might be related to her inability to skillfully control Dendro Elemental Power."
"Since weakening her Dendro affinity didn't work, I decided to try enhancing her control over it instead."
"That's easy for you to say, but you're probably the only one who could pull that off, Dr. Edward," Paimon said, her expression sheepish. "And a medicine that enhances control over Elemental Power must be incredibly precious, right?"
Lumine and Paimon both looked embarrassed.
"We haven't really done much for you... We feel bad accepting this," Lumine added.
"How about this, Dr. Edward?" Paimon piped up. "We don't have much money on us right now, but we want to do our best to cover your losses..."
As she spoke, Paimon began pulling out Mora from her collar, pants, and even her socks. A look of extreme reluctance crossed her face as she stared at the small pile.
"This is all I've managed to save up over a long time. It's not much, but please take it all. I hope you won't mind how little it is."
Lumine couldn't help but roll her eyes at the sight. She knew Paimon had a secret stash of money, but she never imagined her companion would hide it in such bizarre places.
Who is she guarding it from? It's like she's protecting it from a thief!
After silently grumbling to herself, Lumine also reluctantly took out all her savings.
Money can always be earned back by taking commissions from the Adventurer's Guild, she thought, but his help has been invaluable.
"What are you two doing? Put that away," Dr. Edward said, looking at them with a bemused expression. "The ingredients for this medicine aren't that precious—probably less than what you'd earn from a single commission."
He added firmly, "I don't have anything else to offer you, so stuffing money in my hands won't change anything."
Sensing Dr. Edward's unwavering resolve, Lumine and Paimon finally put their money away. They didn't know if he was telling the truth about the ingredients' cost, but since he refused payment, they would have to find another way to repay him.
Lumine silently made a vow: she would protect Dr. Edward from any harm. If she failed, she would personally castrate her own brother with her Dull Blade!
Swearing on her brother's lifelong happiness was proof enough of her determination.
"Alright," Dr. Edward said, breaking the silence. "All that's left is to wait and see the results tomorrow. I hope this medicine works."
Lumine and Paimon nodded, as obedient as well-behaved students.
"Oh, right, Traveler," Dr. Edward suddenly said, as if recalling something important. "I also gave you a thorough physical examination earlier, and the situation is a bit..."
His words trailed off, and Lumine and Paimon instantly grew tense.
"Dr. Edward, is there something wrong with the Traveler's health?" Paimon asked anxiously.
"Indeed, there's a very serious problem."
At Dr. Edward's reply, Lumine and Paimon's hearts sank.
It's over! Even Dr. Edward says it's serious. Could it be a terminal illness?!
"Waaah! Traveler, I don't want you to die!" Paimon burst into tears with a loud wail.
"If you're gone, where will I ever find such a great bodyguard and chef?!"
Lumine had initially been touched, thinking she held such an important place in Paimon's heart. But after hearing that last sentence, she completely lost it.
Lumine immediately pinched Paimon's chubby cheeks, her face a mask of indignation.
"Easy solution! Just die before I do, and you won't have to worry about any of that!"
"Ahem, ahem," Dr. Edward coughed, clearing his throat to get their attention. "You've misunderstood."
He continued, "When I said the problem was big, I meant that the Traveler's body is ridiculously healthy. Normally, a mortal's body can't reach this level of physical condition. This Traveler's constitution is truly special... it makes me quite curious."
Dr. Edward's words successfully separated the two. Paimon rubbed her now-reddened cheeks, shooting Lumine a wronged glance before speaking.
"Oh, so that's what you meant! Dr. Edward, you scared us half to death just now!"
"Hehe, my apologies, my apologies," Dr. Edward chuckled. "I should have been clearer."
Of course, Lumine and Paimon wouldn't blame Dr. Edward. They simply said they had let their imaginations run wild.
After chatting for a little longer, Dr. Edward changed into lighter clothes to attend to other patients. Lumine and Paimon quickly followed him.
"Dr. Edward, have you finished your business over there?" Lumine asked.
"Perfect timing! I'm completely stumped by Patients No. 23, No. 34, and No. 37. I've only managed to give them some medicine to alleviate their symptoms. Please, take a look at them right away!"
Zachariah, who had been running himself ragged, breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Dr. Edward again and quickly spoke.
"Alright, I understand," Dr. Edward replied without hesitation. He immediately went to the bedsides of the three patients and began examining them.
All three were in the final stages of Eleazar, a condition Zachariah was powerless against. But Dr. Edward was different.
The reason Eleazar is considered incurable is that while it's classified as a disease, the bodies of those afflicted remain physically healthy. It's a severe illness that can claim a person's life, yet all vital signs indicate perfect health.
Any attempt to forcibly cure Eleazar would require harming this otherwise healthy body.
This bizarre paradox was enough to make most doctors doubt their own medical skills—but Dr. Edward was not among them.
As the patients' conditions improved one by one, Lumine and Paimon stared in awe. Zachariah, for his part, couldn't stop marveling.
He only knew medicine, but Dr. Edward was trying to teach him Mystic Arts.
"Thank you so much, Dr. Edward!"
The patients, feeling their conditions improve, couldn't help but beam with radiant smiles.
"You've saved our lives again!"
"It's nothing," Dr. Edward replied. "It's my duty, and you've paid for the treatment. Rest a little longer, and you'll be able to go home. If your symptoms worsen again, just come back and see me."
"Yes, yes, Dr. Edward! Thank you so, so much!"
The patients were deeply moved. They knew he was speaking this way to ease their sense of indebtedness.
Perhaps the medicinal ingredients Dr. Edward used weren't expensive, but he was the only person in all of Sumeru who could extend their lives—and life itself is priceless.
This was a debt of gratitude they would cherish forever. In fact, among the patients here were some from wealthy families, who were secretly using their influence to ensure Dr. Edward's safety.
A good person like Dr. Edward shouldn't be treated so unfairly!
What's more, he's a Fontainian. If he were to become disillusioned and return to Fontaine, it would be Sumeru's greatest loss!
It was precisely because the Akademiya faced unprecedented resistance that they repeatedly postponed their actions against Dr. Edward. From the very beginning, those scholars had calculated exactly how long the existing medicinal supplies would last. That they only issued an ultimatum to Dr. Edward now was already the result of extreme restraint.
Just then, a crimson figure walked into the Bimarstan.
"Dr. Zachariah, Dr. Edward, long time no see. Has my lady been here?"
The newcomer was a strikingly beautiful woman with captivating ice-blue eyes and honey-toned skin that shimmered in the sunlight. Her attire was somewhat revealing, in the style of a desert mercenary.
Seeing her, Dr. Edward paused for a moment before smiling and greeting her.
"Miss Dehya, the young lady of the Homayani Family hasn't been here," Dr. Edward said. "You can rest easy for now—at least Miss Dunyarzad's condition hasn't worsened."
Hearing this, Dehya let out a slight sigh of relief before bidding farewell to the two of them.
"Sorry to bother you. My young lady has run away from home. If you happen to see her, please let me know immediately."
"Sumeru City isn't safe right now. I'm worried something might happen to her while she's alone."
"Miss Dehya," Dr. Edward suggested, "perhaps you could try staking out the restaurants. Given her health, she can't afford to be reckless and just eat whatever she finds."
Dehya considered his advice for a moment before thanking him.
"Alright, I'll go check there. Thank you for the suggestion."
"If you need any more medicinal herbs, just give a list to the Homayani Family. The Master will do his best to fulfill your request."
With that, Dehya hurried away.
"Run away from home? Young ladies from noble families really are willful, aren't they?"
Once Dehya was completely out of sight, Paimon finally couldn't resist making a snarky comment, and Lumine nodded in agreement beside her.
But to their surprise, Dr. Edward shook his head at her words and said, "Miss Dunyarzad is actually quite obedient. Her sudden decision to run away from home must have a reason."
"That's right," Zachariah added, sighing. "Miss Dunyarzad has suffered from Eleazar since she was very young. She lost her freedom because of it. If it weren't for Dr. Edward's intervention, her condition would have rapidly deteriorated, and she would have eventually lost her life. She's a truly pitiful child."
Hearing that Miss Dunyarzad had suffered from Eleazar since childhood, Paimon immediately realized her mistake and scratched her head in embarrassment.
"Don't make me sound like some kind of god," Edward said, shaking his head again. "I just did what I was supposed to do."
"Alright, let's set this aside for now," he continued. "Our goal today is to free up at least half the beds in the Bimarstan. We have more patients coming, and we can't afford to delay their treatment because we've run out of space."
Hearing Dr. Edward's words, Zachariah nodded and threw himself back into his busy work. Dr. Edward also began treating the other patients at the Bimarstan.
From that moment, Lumine and Paimon could clearly see the vast difference in their medical skills. Dr. Edward could often diagnose a patient with just a glance, at most extending a hand to check their pulse. Zachariah, however, needed to deliberate carefully for a long time before settling on a prescription.
After watching for a while, Lumine and Paimon felt awkward just standing there and spontaneously started helping with whatever small tasks they could. There wasn't much they could do, as the Bimarstan already had plenty of busy nurses, but their help still sped up the treatment process considerably.
Time flew by, and soon it was evening. Lumine hesitated as she looked at the bed Dr. Edward had arranged for her. Finally, she mustered her courage, lay down, and quickly drifted off to sleep.