Chapter 1734

Austin glanced at her but remained silent. He lacked the energy for conversation.

"Shall I continue?" she asked.

"It's up to you," he replied. Such words were rare from him. He had always been dubious of Lily, even as her capabilities became evident, often arguing—his way of showcasing his own knowledge. But when his life hung in the balance, his doubts vanished. He'd witnessed her skill and trusted his instincts.

Lily pursed her lips, donned her mask, and fetched the needles.

Dominic, with a fogging machine, began disinfecting the room. Silence descended, broken only by the spray. Austin found this curious; he was poisoned, not infected. Why the disinfection? He decided to forgo questions, closing his eyes again.

The warmth in his body gradually ebbed. The coughing had sapped his strength, leaving him weak. He drifted off to sleep.

He awoke to find Lily gone, only Dominic beside him, reading a book, spectacles perched on his nose, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration.

"Uncle Dom..." Austin began, his throat dry and faintly metallic, yet he felt stronger. After a dry cough, he repeated, "Uncle Dom..."

The old man looked up. "Ah, you're awake."

"H-How long was I asleep?" Austin looked around. Darkness had fallen. He didn't know the time, but his bonds were gone, the silver needles removed. It seemed the treatment was complete.

"Not long. Perhaps four hours," Dominic replied, checking his watch. "How are you feeling?"

Austin cautiously sat up, testing his limbs. They felt far looser than before. Normally, relaxed muscles signify weakness, but this was different. The drug's overstimulation had kept his body tense, skin and flesh stretched taut. This explained his muscular build despite his gaunt face. Now, the energy was retained in his muscles, bolstering his strength.

"I feel much better!" he exclaimed, surprised. He remained cautious, fearing overexertion.

"Excellent," the old man nodded, relieved. "I've prepared porridge downstairs. I'll have it brought up. Eat, then rest."