Alexander smiled. As long as the child was safe, everything would be alright. He then seemed to remember something, removing his glove to feel his son's forehead, neck, and cheeks. Austin, witnessing this, felt a wave of unease. "What's wrong?" he asked anxiously.

"He has a fever," Alexander replied calmly, though his attempt to suppress his emotions was evident. Under normal circumstances, a child's fever would be unremarkable. However, given the perilous situation and Galen's previous robust health—even during the plague—this fever was deeply concerning. His illness in this house, infected with an unknown disease, filled Alexander with dread. He carried the child out, his demeanor sullen.

"You..." Austin stammered, quickly regaining his composure as Alexander descended the stairs with Galen in his arms. "Are you taking the child away?" he called after them. "If he's..." His initial concern had been preventing Galen's infection; now, the fever suggested possible exposure.

Without a word, Alexander carefully placed Galen on the sofa. He then retrieved a towel, wetting and wringing it before applying it to Galen's forehead. He had already removed his remaining glove and protective suit.

"You… have you lost your mind?!" Austin exclaimed, shocked. Alexander knew the palace was contaminated; instead of leaving, he'd removed his protective gear.

"I'm fine," Alexander responded, his gaze fixed on his son. "Do you have a thermometer?"

"Yes, we do!" Austin nodded vigorously. Thermometers were readily available, a necessity in recent times. He produced one, handing it to Alexander. "Is it mercury?" Alexander asked. Austin hesitated, unsure.

Alexander took the thermometer and placed it under Galen's armpit. Austin realized then that they likely used digital thermometers at home; Dominic's house, however, contained traditional equipment.

Once he'd checked Galen, Alexander looked up. "Galen is sick, so I'll stay here with him."

"Huh?" Austin was bewildered. "What do you mean?"

"The child is sick; I'm unsure if he's infected. Taking him away might spread it. Besides," Alexander paused, "I can't leave. I must care for him. And I've been in contact with both him and you. If it's contagious, it's best I stay and observe myself for the next two days." His past experiences, though not extensive in medicine, had given him a practical understanding of contagious diseases.

"Where's your granduncle?" he asked.