I Became a Plague Doctor in a Romance Fantasy

Episode 44. A Certain Afternoon Spring Picnic

*

Aching legs, a pounding head—spent the last few nights prepping for this presentation, and now my vision’s all blurry. Come to think of it, there’s barely a part of me that doesn’t hurt.

Istina sat there tapping her sore leg. Was it from standing too long or from when the carriage broke earlier and she got jostled? Either way, it hurt.

Still, I managed to wrap up the presentation well—it was lucky.

Granted, some people did doze off, but they were probably just tired from working hard last night. Anyway, it wasn’t like Istina messed anything up.

Now the professor has gone out to take questions.

It was a modest affair, sure, but for Istina, it felt like the biggest stage of her life.

Such good fortune.

Professor Asterix was undoubtedly skilled in his own right. Sure, he works you to the bone, but meeting such a mentor allowed Istina to even give lectures at the Imperial Palace.

When Istina first joined as a graduate student, her expectations were rock-bottom. Just wanted to finish her master’s under any professor.

Looking back now, it seems kind of silly.

Her supervisor gave her the chance to rewrite the history of imperial medicine. The paper on epidemic dysentery was handed straight to Istina. Maybe because the bacterial theory had already been published?

Wasn’t today’s lecture a success? The information and opinions seemed to get across well. Did it catch the eye of those esteemed dignitaries?

Rise to fame.

Become an acclaimed scholar, a skilled healer who saves lives, and build connections within the empire’s upper echelons.

Then maybe I can finally put down those who’ve caused trouble since forever—even those who tried kicking me out during grad school.

Though for now, here I sit behind the podium, massaging my aching legs. But someday, Istina will have her day in the sun—if only I keep following this professor properly.

*

The presentation ended successfully.

Istina may have been nervous, but it went off without a hitch—maybe the trembling voice even won her some sympathy points.

Now it’s time for the Q&A. Not sure what kind of reactions to expect. As for the other professors’ scholarly perspectives, I’ve done my homework.

But the people gathered here are politicians after all.

The Imperial Prince looked at me.

“Think of it like a war against disease?”

“Exactly.”

“Not a bad idea.”

At least the thought might stick with him, given that he invited me here.

A thoughtful expression crossed his face before turning to Violet, the current Chief Healer of the Imperial Palace Infirmary. Violet blinked wide-eyed, clearly startled awake.

“What do you think?”

“I’ve been on several trips to the Academy where I exchanged opinions with our professor. Mostly, everything checks out.”

Sharp thinking.

It wasn’t a lie. Violet really did go on those trips to the Academy, and it’s unlikely she didn’t exchange ideas with me.

A smart but lazy talent… Or rather, someone with unmatched skill in the art of laziness… probably.

“Ah, I see.”

“We used to work together at the Imperial Palace Infurmary.”

Violet shot me a thumbs-up with a comforting raccoon-like smile. It was a bit awkward, though. She’s a good person, sure…

If I’d met Violet in a regular workplace, she’d have been the best colleague ever. Though doctors shouldn’t act like that, right?

“Hm. Your point about poor conditions causing plagues is well-taken.”

“Yes.”

The prince’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Being a healer sounds easy. Do you just tell patients to eat well, dress warmly, and sleep enough, and call it treatment?”

That’s the hard part, stupid prince!

Scratch that, nice personality.

Still, looking at it now, the prince is definitely high nobility. While he’s usually a decent guy, there’s always that attitude of superiority over everything around him.

“Most diseases either improve or can be prevented that way, but typically, people only come to me once they’ve passed that stage.”

The prince seemed satisfied with this answer, nodding instead of arguing.

“Understood. Good job today.”

After bowing, I led Istina out of the conference room, leaving the murmuring palace staff behind.

Istina looked at me.

“This went pretty well, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I was so worried beforehand, but I think I delivered the speech smoothly without stuttering!”

To be honest, she did stutter.

A lot. And her leg still seemed sore, as she limped slightly outside the meeting room. She might not notice herself, but…

Still, it doesn’t matter much.

Maybe she earned some sympathy points along the way.

“Stuttering isn’t important. You’re someone who can be judged purely on content alone. This presentation proves that.”

“Eek, thank you!”

Istina covered her mouth, laughing—a very girlish reaction indeed.

“Anyway, good job presenting. Rest up. We’ll set off before dinner.”

“Yes!”

Istina nodded.

Oh yeah, I had plans with Mint.

It’s around three in the afternoon.

The sun was past its zenith, but we managed to escape the lecture hall at a decent time.

Mint was waiting for me by the garden entrance. Hopefully, she hadn’t waited too long.

“Thought this would take longer. Surprisingly quick?”

“Yeah, these busy folks don’t waste time.”

Busy as they may be, the people I saw earlier set their own quitting times. Once the message is delivered, it’s time to disperse.

It was a relatively pleasant late spring day.

On the picnic table lay small sandwiches, though Mint didn’t seem particularly interested in them.

“Oh, look! Birds flying by.”

“You told me to stay quiet earlier because my voice was giving you a headache in the carriage. Why ask me to play with you in the garden now?”

“Someone needs to hold the parasol.”

“Oh dear, Your Highness.”

“What? Aren’t you holding it?”

Still, it seemed like a joke. There was a parasol at the picnic table, but Mint’s own was idly placed beside the bench.

“My room already had dust piled up. Only two months, and it looks like no one cleaned it.”

“Probably locked up tight while you were away, Your Highness. People hesitate to enter without permission.”

“Is that so?”

Mint tilted her head in confusion.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been to the palace. Everything’s exactly as I remember.”

“Told you. Thought things would change more, huh?”

Nothing at the palace had changed. Felt like stepping back two months into my old routine of commuting to the palace. Mint glanced at me.

“You met Crown Prince One today, right?”

“Yes.”

Do people normally refer to family members that way?

Come to think of it, it does feel like a normal sibling relationship. No need to address siblings by their titles unless necessary.

“Your Highness should’ve come too.”

“Hmm, maybe after I graduate from the Academy, they’ll invite me to such events.”

True. Mint is still young—about the age of a modern-day college or high school student.

“What did the prince say?”

“It was a discussion on health policies. Lord of Lapis, the Regent, was there too.”

“Isn’t she a woman?”

“Correct, with indigo hair.”

“Ugh. Don’t like her.”

“Didn’t you say that before?”

Why does Mint dislike the Lady of Lapis?

Mint stared into space with a slightly sulky expression. Butterflies flitted among the flowers, and birds chirped between the trees.

“Teacher, how old are you?”

“Thirty.”

“Is that so?”

Mint wore an expression brimming with unspoken thoughts but remained silent. Perhaps lost in reminiscence upon returning to the palace after a while.

“By the way, aren’t you going to use the parasol?”

Was that a joke?

I unfurled the parasol as instructed—a soft lavender shade fitting Mint perfectly. Meanwhile, I’m in my black suit.

This must look ridiculous to anyone watching.

“Let’s walk.”

I held the parasol above Mint’s head.

*

Mint strolled slowly through the garden.

The princess chatted idly about trivial matters: Academy classes, the antics of fellow noble students, which professors explained poorly, and which ones excelled.

I wasn’t paying close attention.

“Your Highness, I’m no longer officially employed by the palace. Using me like hired help might be problematic.”

Mint looked at me again.

“Please.”

“Ah, understood.”

Nothing much to add to that.

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

“Thanks for making time today. I know you were busy.”

“Anytime for Your Highness.”

Mint stopped walking after a moment. Petals fluttered around her.

“Hey, I thought going to the Academy would change something. I was secretly scared too.”

I nodded.

“Change can be scary.”

“But nothing really changed.”

“Positive changes often happen gradually. If you don’t notice them, it’s understandable.”

“I consider being able to openly discuss your feelings with Your Highness, without being defensive, a significant advancement.”

Mint scrunched her nose at that. Ah, my mistake. Mint likes compliments, but overly cutesy praise annoys her.

“Sometimes, I think Teacher is better with words than medicine.”

“Pardon?”

Mint headed toward the garden exit.

You idiot princess…

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