The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 55

Ever since Physician Finch had departed from Lucia's presence, he had been pondering the question she had asked.

Had he visited any strange places lately, or touched any peculiar objects?

He had been unable to think of a single thing.

Now, with his grandson suddenly suffering from an excruciating headache, realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.

A few days ago, Corin and several other youths had gone playing in the countryside. In a ravine, they had found a wooden carving shaped from an old root. No one knew who had whittled it or why it had been discarded, but Corin had admired the craftsmanship and brought it home.

Since the old physician was the only one in the house who appreciated such things, Corin had shown the root carving to him upon returning.

Physician Finch had examined it closely, ensuring the wood carried no foul odors or pests, before handing it back to Corin.

Since the boy liked it, he could keep it as a trinket.

It was the one peculiar object both he and Corin had recently touched.

Recalling this, Physician Finch sharply turned his head, spotting the carving resting on a wooden shelf against the far wall.

Beneath the shelf sat a cushioned lounge chair where Corin frequently rested to read and eat pastries.

"It hurts so much! Grandfather, Father, I cannot take it anymore..."

Corin wailed endlessly.

He was already fifteen, a lively and well-behaved young man who had never cried over illness before. Yet now, he was shrieking until his voice gave out.

"Father, can we not knock him unconscious?" Silas Finch asked, drenched in sweat, his own face twisted in agony.

His son was thrashing so violently that even he could barely hold him down. The pain had to be unimaginable!

"Knock... knock him out."

Physician Finch agreed, his voice trembling.

Steeling his heart, Silas grabbed a heavy wooden block and brought it down with a dull thud.

"Could you... could you not have used your fist?" Physician Finch nearly choked on his own breath.

"Bring me a dark cloth."

Matron Finch slapped her thigh in furious anxiety. "Old man, what time is this?! Why are you staring at that trinket? Think of a way to save Corin!"

"I am trying to save Corin!"

A servant brought over a dark cloth. Physician Finch threw it over the carving and bundled it up tightly.

The rest of the family had no idea what he was doing.

"Watch over Corin. I am going to find someone. She might be able to save him!" Physician Finch declared.

"Father, are you going to beg the king to send a court physician?" Silas hurriedly called out to stop him. "Now is not the time!"

The old king had just passed away, and the reigning king was entirely consumed by the mourning rites. Furthermore, there was no telling if opportunists would use this chaotic period to stir up trouble in the palace.

During such a critical time, why would the king bother seeing a retired court physician who had long left the royal court?