Chapter 281

+25 BONUS

Sebastian was summoned immediately. After examining Ryan, he praised Rowan’s diligent efforts in helping the boy recover. He then tapped Ryan’s little nose and said, “Well done, kid. You’ve really got some talent. This old man thought it would take at least a year and a half for you to recover.”

“But didn’t you mention he needed to expel the poison before he could speak?” Carissa asked quickly.

“That’s not an absolute requirement,” Sebastian replied. “Looking at Ryan now, the toxins in his body are nearly cleared. It’s just that after two years of silence, speaking might be a bit challenging. Additionally, his throat has been subjected to acupuncture, which has caused some damage and pain. With time, everything will improve.”

Everyone nodded and exchanged smiles. Previously, everyone had anxiously been waiting to see if Ryan would need to expel the black blood, but it turned out that it wasn’t necessary. Sebastian’s medical skills were indeed somewhat unpredictable.

Carissa bowed deeply to Sebastian. “Ryan should be the one bowing to you, but his legs are not yet strong. Once he’s fully recovered, he will definitely bow to you properly.”

Sebastian accepted the gesture. “Alright, get up. Since you’ve bowed, you don’t need to pay the medical fees.”

Rowan had always told Sebastian that Carissa insisted on paying the medical fees, and his apprentice’s constant reminders had annoyed him greatly.

Carissa was about to argue when Sebastian glared at her and said, “What? Are you ignoring what I said?”

“No, I wouldn’t dare!” Carissa quickly replied, smiling. “Alright then, no medical fees. I owe you a favor instead, okay?”

“Get up. I’m too lazy to argue with you.” Sebastian rolled his eyes and began writing a new prescription. “The prescription needs to be changed; he must still continue taking medication.”

Frederick stood by, thinking they couldn’t return to the physician’s office for medicine this time. They didn’t charge any money there, which made it difficult for him.

Sebastian handed the prescription to Frederick and saw through his thoughts immediately.

“You still need to get the medicine from the physician’s office. The Duke of Northwatch’s family is currently in a precarious situation and has offended Grand Princess Eleanor. If you go elsewhere for the medicine, you might be setting yourself up for trouble. Be cautious, and don’t give anyone a chance to exploit you.”

Sebastian, with his years of medical practice in the capital, clearly understood Eleanor’s darker dealings. She was capable of committing truly ruthless acts.

Frederick shivered at Sebastian’s reminder, realizing he had forgotten that crucial point. Moreover, they had to be extremely cautious with Ryan’s situation—some people might harbor malicious intentions and cause further trouble for the Duke of Northwatch’s family.

After sending off Sebastian, they notified the Klein family. When the family members arrived, Ryan could call each person by name. Diana, of course, couldn’t help but hold him and cry once more.

After the Klein family left, Carissa took Ryan to the sanctuary hall. This time, she entered, as she could finally show her family a complete and healthy Ryan.

After offering a prayer, Carissa asked Frederick to take Ryan outside, leaving her alone in the sanctuary hall. Before the plaques of her parents and siblings, she had a thousand words she wished to say. But her throat tightened with emotion, leaving her unable to utter a single word.

She wanted to tell them how she had once found the world so difficult, feeling utterly alone and like a mere shell of a person. But now, things were different. Now, she not only had Ryan but was also about to marry Rafael. Good days lay ahead, and she would make the most of them.

She wanted to promise that she would protect Ryan with all her might and watch him inherit the duke’s title, get married, have children, and continue their family’s legacy. Yet, she also felt Ryan didn’t need to perform spectacular deeds. As long as he was well, that was enough. So many words and various tangled emotions.

Carissa had once been the most pampered daughter in the family, but now she supported the Duke of Northwatch’s household and was Ryan’s pillar. She could no longer run to her mother’s arms to seek comfort when troubles arose. She hadn’t been able to indulge in such childish behavior for a long, long time.

But with a hopeful future ahead, was it not worth looking forward to?

Yet, as if to overshadow this hope, Aurora actually came to see her.