Chapter 620
“Fran has reached the age where marriage should be a serious discussion,” Cedric said with a heavy sigh.
He continued, “I was well aware that Simon had been lusting after her beauty for a while now. But since he was my eldest apprentice–the child I raised from a young age–I chose to avoid confronting the issue.”
He shook his head, his voice filled with regret. “In the end, my avoidance and weakness nearly destroyed Fran. It’s all on me… such a cruel twist of fate.”
Andrew could see the conflict in Cedric’s eyes. Despite Simon’s betrayal, Cedric still had a deep affection for him. After all, he had begged Andrew to spare Simon’s life at the last moment.
Andrew offered a comforting response. “Mr. Aicker, you’ve done more than enough. Simon’s downfall was his own doing–he had every opportunity to change but chose to betray you.”
Cedric remained silent for a long moment before suddenly speaking up. “Tell me honestly, Dr. Lloyd… Have you and Fran become… intimate?”
Andrew froze for a second, caught off guard by the question. Cedric’s expression was a mixture of amusement and curiosity, his gaze as if he were examining a rare treasure.
Andrew had anticipated this and calmly replied, “You’ve misunderstood, Mr. Aicker. Nothing inappropriate happened between Fran and me.”
Cedric chuckled knowingly. “Come now, Dr. Lloyd. You’re both young and full of passion. Fran was under the influence of Enthralling Essence, a drug that drives people to madness. As I understand it, the only way to neutralize its effects is through sex.”
He gave a reassuring smile and added, “Even if something did happen between you two, I wouldn’t blame you. In emergencies, sometimes you have to prioritize saving a life. I’m not ignorant of that.”
Andrew sighed inwardly, shaking his head. “It’s true that’s one method. But I assure you, I didn’t touch Fran like that.”
Cedric appeared confused. “Really? I must admit, I don’t know of any other way to counter Enthralling Essence. How else could Fran have recovered?”
“It’s complicated, but I swear I didn’t touch her in that way. You can ask Fran yourself when she’s fully recovered,” Andrew explained. “As for the method I used… I’m afraid I can’t reveal it.”
“Can’t reveal it?” Cedric muttered to himself, puzzled.
Andrew remained silent, unwilling to elaborate further. There was no way he could explain the unorthodox method he had resorted to without dying of embarrassment. If Cedric knew the truth, Andrew was certain his reputation would be ruined forever.
However, Cedric seemed eager to learn. “Enthralling Essence is notoriously difficult to treat. I’m impressed that you found an alternative method. Dr. Lloyd, would you be willing to share this technique with me?”
Andrew straightened, his tone serious. “I’m sorry, Mr. Aicker, but this method is… unique. It’s something I can’t teach to anyone else. I hope you understand.”
Cedric sighed in disappointment but nodded in acceptance. “I see. You’re right. Medicine is full of secret techniques and rare knowledge. I respect your decision not to share it.”
Andrew felt a pang of guilt but knew there was no other way. It was not that he did not want to teach Cedric—there was simply no practical reason to do so. If he revealed the method, Cedric would likely lose all respect for him.
He could already picture it. Cedric’s admiration for him as a “brilliant healer” would crumble in an instant, reduced to disbelief and humiliation.