Over the next few days, Claire was able to enjoy the flavors of home. Although Yuna's cooking was still a little unpolished, it was far better than the food they had eaten before. Claire's happiness, along with that of the maids living in the castle, rose considerably.
As usual, Claire had the maids bring out a lounge chair, and she sat in the shade of the small courtyard outside the castle to cool off, several hefty books on magic in her hands.
Learning magic was surprisingly addictive. The mages of this world were more like scientists from her previous life. It was not merely mastering spells that drew people in—the pursuit of truth itself was just as fascinating.
Claire picked up one of the books and began reading. Before she knew it, she had become completely absorbed in it.
But not long after, two figures at the edge of her vision caught her attention.
Off to one side of the Baronial Manor, Regan and Yuna stood facing each other. Yuna had her head lowered, looking as though she was being reprimanded.
Watching a spectacle was human nature. Claire immediately pricked up her ears. They were not very far from her, so she could barely make out what they were saying.
Regan snapped, "What? You want half a month's wages in advance?! Do you even know what you're asking?"
Yuna kept her head down, too afraid to speak. She looked utterly helpless.
Seeing her like that, Regan could not quite bring himself to be too harsh. He softened his tone. "Why exactly do you need half a month's wages in advance?"
Ever since Melly had arrived, Regan could clearly feel his temper gradually improving. In the past, if someone had made such a request, he would have told them to pack up and leave immediately.
Yuna still did not raise her head. In a weak voice, she said, "My mother's condition has worsened. I want half a month's wages in advance so I can take her to see a doctor... Please, I'll work hard. I won't slack off or neglect my duties."
A trace of pity flashed through Regan's eyes. He sighed. When Yuna had come to interview, she had said that one of the main reasons she was seeking work was to gather enough money for her mother's medical treatment.
"How much does your mother's treatment cost?" Regan asked.
"Six Silver Coins..."
"Even a full month's wages would only be five Silver Coins. That still wouldn't be enough."
"My family has some savings too. It should be enough when added together," Yuna answered quietly.
"Sigh." Regan sighed and walked into the castle, while Yuna remained standing there foolishly, at a complete loss.
"What are you standing around for? Are you waiting for me to bring the money out to you?" Regan barked. "I'll give you six Silver Coins directly. But if you don't work seriously, plenty of others can do this job in your place! Understood?"
Yuna froze, then tears spilled from her eyes. She gave Regan a deep bow. "Thank you, Mr. Steward!"
"Stop crying. It wouldn't look good if the young master saw you. Come with me." Regan headed into the castle, and Yuna hurried after him.
After the two disappeared, Claire gave a quiet laugh. Though Regan looked fierce, he was a good person at heart.
Then she shook her head and went back to reading the book in her hands.
When dinner arrived, Claire took her seat and eagerly eyed the dishes from home before her. The title of culinary powerhouse was certainly well deserved. Even an ordinary home-cooked dish was countless times better than what she had eaten here before.
As she chewed on a piece of meat, Claire curiously looked toward Yuna beside her. Yuna appeared dazed and utterly listless, her face filled with melancholy.
Ever since Claire had entered the dining room, Yuna had been in that state.
"Yuna," Claire called softly.
Yuna still looked dazed and did not hear Claire calling her.
Regan frowned beside them and raised his voice. "Yuna! The young master is calling you."
Yuna startled, returning from her own world to reality. She finally heard what Regan had just said.
"Ah! Lord Viscount, is there something wrong with the food? I'll make another serving right away." Yuna quickly reached for the dishes on the table, intending to take them away.
Claire reached out to stop her. "It's fine. There's nothing wrong with the food. What's wrong with you, though? You seem distracted. Didn't you rest well?"
At the mention of that, the sorrow on Yuna's face deepened, though she still forced herself to rally. "It's nothing. Thank you for your concern, Lord Viscount. I'm fine."
"If something is wrong, say it. As a maid of the Baronial Manor, you are one of us. If it can be solved, we will help you solve it," Claire said softly.
Yuna had barely managed to hold herself together, but she could not endure being asked about it. Claire's question instantly shattered every bit of strength she had been pretending to possess.
She collapsed to her knees and burst into sobs, her body trembling as she cried, "Waaah! My mother is going to die! I don't want her to die!"
Tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes, quickly soaking her sleeves. Melly was so shocked that she could not say a word. Though she had sensed that Yuna was in a bad mood today, she had never expected the situation to be so serious.
At a loss, Melly could only stretch out her little hand and stroke Yuna's black hair.
Claire looked at Regan in surprise. Regan was equally confused. "Didn't I give you money this morning? I even gave you three hours off to take your mother to see a doctor."
Yuna covered her face and wept. "The doctor said she can't be cured. I really don't know what to do."
A trace of sorrow passed through Regan's eyes. He opened his mouth and said, "My condolences."
Hearing Regan say that, Yuna cried even harder, her whole body convulsing.
Claire shot Regan a glare. Was that any way to comfort someone?
She then walked over to Yuna, crouched down in front of her, and comforted her. "It's all right. Tell me her symptoms. I might be able to treat her."
Yuna's body trembled as she slowly raised her head to look at Claire, like a drowning person who had spotted a lifeline.
"Really?" Yuna's voice was full of pleading. Even if it was a lie, she was willing to believe it.
"Of course. I'm a mage. I might be able to cure an illness that doctors can't." Claire gave her a reassuring smile. "Tell me your mother's symptoms first, so I can make a judgment."
"Oh, okay." Yuna carefully described every one of her mother's symptoms.
"Fever, chills, joint pain... It sounds a lot like sepsis," Claire murmured.
"Can it be treated?" Yuna asked hurriedly.
"If it's what I think it is, then there shouldn't be a problem." Claire took Yuna's hand and helped her up. "Take me to your mother."
"Okay." Yuna hurriedly rose as well, her eyes red. "Mother is still at the clinic in the city. Please follow me, Lord Viscount."
"Young master, I'll prepare the carriage," Regan said quickly.
"There's no need. It's only a few steps away. Besides, I haven't taken a walk through Nafu City yet."
Yuna held Claire's hand and hurried ahead at a near-run, anxious to bring Claire to her mother as quickly as possible.
Claire did not slow down either and followed at a brisk pace. But the moment they left the Baronial Manor, she caught an indescribable stench. The streets were strewn with garbage and excrement, making her deeply uncomfortable.
Still, cities in this era were simply like that. There were no proper sewers, nor dedicated cleaners to keep the streets tidy.
Claire frowned as she followed Yuna at a jog. After turning through several streets, they finally stopped before a clinic.
The moment she arrived, Claire's frown deepened. From the outside, the clinic looked like a garbage dump. All sorts of miscellaneous things had been carelessly piled about, making the place exceptionally messy, and an even worse stench than that of the streets drifted faintly from within.
What kind of environment is this? They call this a hospital? It would be a miracle if anyone got better here.
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