Chapter 1243  And so, Sebastian, the renowned physician sought after by many, was called to the Capital Guard headquarters.  After examining Gerald, he retrieved a vial of medicine and administered it to him before performing needle treatment. Within 15 minutes Gerald stirred and began to sweat, his fever finally breaking somewhat.  Sebastian stepped outside to speak with Carissa for a moment.  “His condition isn’t great to begin with. His health is already weak, and he looks like he’s gone without food or water for two days. His heart, lungs, and stomach are all in poor shape. But the biggest issue is the mental toll. That’s the hardest to treat.  “Every minute he stays here is another minute of suffering. He has no will to live. It’s better to send him back for treatment as soon as possible, or he might die here at the Capital Guard headquarters.”  “The problem is, how do we get him out of here?” Carissa asked, frustrated. “It’s already morning. And with his condition so bad, it’s risky for him to go out and be exposed to the cold. He might even refuse to leave on his own.”  Sebastian thought for a moment before suggesting, “Prepare a few hand warmers and wrap him up warmly. He can ride in my carriage with me, and we’ll head to Arcane Sanctum first.  “Then, when I’m about to see patients, have someone from the Quinton family come to Arcane Sanctum and loudly say that Lord Gerald has collapsed and needs immediate treatment. That way, I can take the carriage and accompany him back to the house to avoid attention.”  “That’s a clever plan! I’ll inform Lord Malcolm right away,” Carissa said, then hurried off.  When Malcolm heard the plan, he exhaled in relief. It was the best option–no one would question Sebastian’s actions. Malcolm felt deeply grateful and thanked him over and over again.  Sebastian had already removed his coat and hat so that Gerald could change into them. With people already moving about outside, Gerald had to disguise himself as Sebastian. It was crucial that no one recognize him. They also needed to find someone to escort him discreetly.  Malcolm went to Gerald to explain the situation. The old man could stand, but his legs were weak. Though he could walk with assistance, reaching the carriage seemed impossible.  But this was the only solution they had.  When Gerald said it was impossible, Malcolm almost collapsed in frustration, saying, “You keep saying everything is impossible. Do you actually want the whole world to know what you’ve done?”  1/2  425 BORKS  Chapter 1243  Gerald’s makeup had been wiped away, but his complexion remained ghostly pale, tinged with a sickly yellow. His cheeks were hollow, and the skin beneath his eyes sagged terribly. His hair had almost turned completely white, making him look much older than his years,  It was true what people said–stress or grief from a tough situation could make a person age rapidly.  Gerald didn’t look up. With a voice devoid of energy, he muttered, “There’s no need for me to go. Let me die here. Afterward, just wrap me in white cloth and say I went to the countryside to recover. Announce my passing six months later.”  When Malcolm heard his father’s words, he felt immense sorrow.  “Dad, you mustn’t think that way,” he chided, his voice cracking with despair.  At the sound of Malcolm calling him “Dad“, Gerald slowly looked up. There was a haunting emptiness in his eyes as he let out a bitter laugh.  “My son, this is the best way for the Quinton family.”  Tears welled up in Malcolm’s eyes. “No, I can’t stand by and watch you die. This… this isn’t so dire. No one knows about you. Even Lord Fabian wouldn’t dare say anything.”  Gerald closed his eyes once more, whispering with finality, “My mind is made up.”  Death no longer frightened him. If anything, he had grown keenly aware of how fragile his life was, knowing it could slip away at any moment.  No matter how much Malcolm pleaded, Gerald remained resolute.  Feeling helpless, Malcolm stepped outside, seeking Sebastian and Carissa’s counsel.  Sebastian sighed deeply. “He refuses to step out of this room. If he dies here, he can pretend as though nothing happened. He’ll still be seen as a revered royal tutor, both in life and death. It’s nothing but self–deception.”  Michael pulled Carissa aside, urgently saying, “We can’t let him die here. If word gets to His Majesty, the Capital Guard won’t be able to bear the consequences.”