For the next few days, Claire was able to enjoy the taste of home. Although Yuna's cooking skills were still a bit unrefined, the food she made was much better than anything Claire had eaten before. Both Claire and the maids living in the castle saw their happiness levels rise.
Claire would regularly have the maids bring out lounge chairs and set them up in the shade of the small courtyard outside the castle. She would then sit there, engrossed in several large books about magic.
Learning magic was quite addictive. In this world, mages were more like scientists from her previous life. It wasn't just the spells themselves that were captivating; the process of exploring truth was equally enthralling.
Claire picked up a book and began to read, unconsciously getting lost in its pages.
However, after only a short while, Claire's attention was drawn to two figures in her peripheral vision.
On one side of the Viscount's manor, Regan and Yuna stood facing each other. Yuna had her head lowered, as if being reprimanded.
It's human nature to be curious, so Claire immediately perked up her ears. The two were not far from her, and she could just barely hear their conversation.
Regan said angrily, "What?! You want to pay half a month's wages in advance?! Do you know what you're saying?"
Yuna kept her head down, hesitant to speak, appearing completely vulnerable.
Seeing her like this, Regan felt a pang of sympathy. He softened his tone and asked, "Why exactly do you need to pay half a month's wages?"
Since Melly had arrived, Regan could clearly feel his temper gradually improving. In the past, if someone made such a request, he would have told them to pack their bags and leave.
Yuna still hadn't lifted her head, and said weakly, "My mother's condition has worsened. I want to pay half a month's wages in advance to take her to see a doctor... Please, I promise I will work hard and won't slack off."
A flicker of pity crossed Regan's eyes. He sighed. When Yuna came for the interview, she had mentioned that one of the main reasons she was seeking employment was to gather money for her mother's medical expenses.
"How much money does your mother's medical treatment require?" Regan asked.
"Six silver coins..."
"But even paying for a full month's wages only comes to five silver coins. That's not enough."
"I still have some savings at home, which should be enough when added together," Yuna replied softly.
"Sigh," Regan sighed and walked into the castle, leaving Yuna standing foolishly, unsure of what to do.
"What are you standing around for? Are you waiting for me to bring the money to you?" Regan said sternly. "I'll give you six silver coins directly. But if you don't work diligently, there are plenty of other people who would gladly take your job! Do you understand?"
Yuna was stunned, tears streaming down her face. She bowed deeply to Regan, "Thank you, Steward!"
"Don't be a crybaby. It wouldn't look good if the young master saw you like this. Follow me." Regan walked back into the castle, and Yuna immediately followed closely behind.
After they disappeared, Claire let out a soft chuckle. Although Regan appeared gruff, he was fundamentally a very kind person.
She then shook her head and returned to her books.
It was dinnertime. Claire sat at the head of the table, her appetite whetted by the sight of the home-style dishes before her. The title of "culinary powerhouse" was certainly well-deserved; even a simple home-cooked meal here was infinitely better than anything she had eaten previously.
Chewing on a piece of meat, Claire curiously glanced at Yuna beside her. Yuna looked dazed, completely lacking energy, her expression filled with melancholy.
She had been in this state since Claire had entered the dining hall.
"Yuna," Claire called softly.
Yuna remained dazed, not hearing Claire's call.
Regan, standing nearby, frowned and raised his voice, "Yuna! The young master is calling you."
Yuna started, snapping back to reality. She had also heard Regan's words.
"Ah! Lord Viscount, is there something wrong with the food? I'll go remake it." Yuna quickly reached out to take the dishes from the table.
Claire reached out to stop her. "It's fine, the food is not the problem. What's wrong with you? You seem distracted, didn't you rest well?"
As soon as this was mentioned, the melancholic expression on Yuna's face deepened. Still, she mustered her spirits and replied, "It's nothing, thank you for your concern, Lord Viscount. I'm fine."
"If something is wrong, you should say so. As a maid of the Viscount's manor, you are part of the Viscount's household. We will help you solve any problems we can," Claire said gently.
Yuna had been able to hold back her emotions, but she couldn't withstand someone asking. Claire's question shattered all the pretense of strength Yuna had built up.
She collapsed onto the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, her body wracked with tremors, "Waaah! My mother is dying, and I don't want her to die."
Tears flowed ceaselessly from her eyes, quickly soaking her sleeves. Melly, standing beside her, was too shocked to speak. Although she had sensed that Yuna seemed unhappy today, she hadn't realized the situation was this dire.
Unsure of what else to do, Melly reached out her small hand and gently stroked Yuna's dark hair.
Claire looked at Regan in surprise. Regan also looked bewildered. "Didn't I give you the money this morning and give you three hours off to take your mother to the doctor?"
Yuna covered her face with her hands, weeping, "The doctor said she can't be cured. I really don't know what to do."
A hint of sadness flashed in Regan's eyes. He opened his mouth and said, "My condolences."
Hearing Regan's words, Yuna cried even harder, her body convulsing.
Claire glared at Regan. Is that how you comfort people?
She then walked up to Yuna and crouched down, offering comfort, "It's okay. Tell me the symptoms, and maybe I can treat it."
Yuna's body trembled. She slowly looked up at Claire, as if a drowning person had found a lifeline.
"Really?" Yuna's voice was filled with pleading. Even if it were a lie, she was willing to believe it.
"Of course. I'm a mage. I might be able to cure illnesses that doctors cannot. Tell me your mother's symptoms first, so I can make a diagnosis." Claire offered a reassuring smile.
"Oh, okay." Yuna proceeded to describe her mother's symptoms in detail, leaving nothing out.
"Fever, feeling cold, joint pain... it sounds a lot like septicemia," Claire murmured.
"Is there a cure?" Yuna quickly asked.
"If it's what I suspect, then there shouldn't be a problem." Claire stood up, pulling Yuna's hand. "Take me to your mother."
"Okay." Yuna quickly stood up as well, her eyes red. "Mom is still at a clinic in the city. Viscount, please follow me."
"Young Master, I'll go prepare the carriage," Regan quickly said.
"No need. It's only a few steps. Besides, I haven't even walked through Nafu City yet."
Yuna, holding Claire's hand, ran ahead quickly, eager to bring Claire to her mother.
Claire didn't slow her pace either and followed quickly. However, as soon as they left the Viscount's mansion, she was hit by an indescribable stench. The streets were littered with garbage and feces everywhere, which made Claire feel rather uncomfortable.
But this was how cities were in this era, without proper sewage systems or dedicated sanitation workers to clean them.
Claire frowned as she jogged along with Yuna. After turning down a few streets, they finally stopped in front of a clinic.
Upon arriving, Claire's frown deepened. The clinic, from the outside, looked like a junkyard. All sorts of杂乱 things were placed randomly, making it look exceptionally messy. Moreover, a smell even worse than that on the street faintly wafted out.
What kind of environment is this? They call this a hospital? It'd be a miracle if someone could get cured here, Claire thought to herself.
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