48 – Paradigm Shift (2)

Trowill gazed at the secret manual Ester had created.

Countless martial arts had been born and vanished from this world until now.

Those with practical value survived, continuing through the generations, one of which was the royal martial art Trowill practiced.

Trowill was a student at the Royal Academy and also a disciple of Oscar, the commander of the Iron Lion Knights.

He had thoroughly learned not only the techniques of the royal martial art, but also its origins and philosophy.

Furthermore, he had studied the early schools that formed the root of the royal martial art, so he couldn’t help but realize the extraordinary significance of the secret manual he was currently holding.

As Oscar said, this was a new martial art that had never existed in this world.

‘It appears to be a martial art created solely for humans to fight humans, yet it adheres to the fundamentals.’

The fundamentals of martial arts are self-defense, protection, and control.

To protect oneself and loved ones.

Trowill had been taught by Oscar that martial artists learn and grow stronger for this purpose.

In fact, such martial spirits had been passed down well until now.

Even the royal martial art did not teach to crush the groin or gouge the eyes, which could be fatal to a person.

The difference between a killer and a martial artist lies in using strength to protect people, not to kill them.

He agreed with this statement 99%.

“…….”

What was written in the secret manual was undoubtedly the martial art of a martial artist.

Practical and powerful, yet not focused on killing.

Then, who could have created this?

The answer was simple.

Trowill believed Ester had developed the martial art herself.

Anyone who heard this would scold Trowill, saying it was nonsense.

Even if a mere fifteen-year-old boy possessed magical talent far surpassing that of past Tower Masters,

to the extent that he could create a new martial art…

It would be almost impossible to believe that he also possessed the aptitude of a martial artist.

However, it was an instinctive feeling.

Sometimes, an instinct as primal as a beast’s could overcome reason and intellect.

The moment Trowill gazed into Esther’s eyes, brimming with confidence that she could heal Livienne, he realized her talent extended beyond mere magic.

He was young, yet wise beyond his years.

Not a soul to trifle with the life of a princess.

If she said she could cure Livienne, it was because she genuinely believed she could.

‘Medicine, martial arts, magic…’

Possessing even one would earn accolades.

Esther held them all.

Could this truly be possible? Perhaps Esther’s abilities transcended what people imagined.

“Prince.”

Art approached him as he stood lost in thought in the garden.

“Ah, yes, what is it?”

“I asked Master Esther, and he said that Princess Livienne’s condition has improved significantly. Though not fully recovered…”

Trowill gripped Art’s shoulders.

“Is that truly so?”

Trowill, seldom serious save in battle, spoke with such gravity that even a fool would perceive his love for his sister.

Art smiled quietly.

“Yes.”

Trowill exhaled in relief.

‘I know not what to say to Esther…’

He was in his debt.

“Visits will be permitted from tomorrow. You may see her when you are ready.”

How could he express his gratitude to the one who had saved his precious kin?

He felt as though he wanted to give him everything he possessed.

Trowill felt a profound sense of gratitude toward Esther.

*

Approximately a week had passed since the princess had been administered the antibiotic synthesized by Nob AI.

The princess had been afflicted by mana-bacteria, a unique microorganism unheard of in the modern world. Fortunately, it proved susceptible to the antibiotic devised by Nob AI.

According to Nob AI, while the fatality rate was deemed rather high, it was neither as persistent as tuberculosis, nor did it kill as rapidly as the plague; it was rather ‘cute’.

However, it seemed rather infectious, with several other individuals in the palace displaying suspicious symptoms.

Mostly servants who had attended to the princess.

Prior, various tests diagnosed the Princess’s illness, but Nob AI, having already mastered the study of diseases, reached a point where it could tell if someone was sick just by meeting their eyes.

Thankfully, we managed to resolve it before things escalated too much.

The problem is outside… After the Princess fell ill, she apparently wandered around the capital for about an hour.

Was that the day she collapsed? A forgotten virus-spreading game from childhood suddenly came to mind.

Ugh, my head aches.

It wouldn’t have spread *that* much, would it?

『Either way, I cannot guarantee anything. It may have already spread, or it might just be unfounded worry.』

Right. 50% is higher than the drop rate for a 5-star gacha character.

Let’s think positively, for now, at least.

“How are you feeling?”

“Much better, thanks to you. I’m truly grateful…”

The important thing was that Livian had regained her strength.

Just three days ago, she looked like she was dying of pain, but since yesterday, her condition seemed considerably better.

She asked for oatmeal stew, thin as water, because she was hungry, she read books, she tinkered with this and that, did everything she could in the room besides exercise.

“…….”

The reason I treated Livian was meddling.

I admit it.

I wasn’t expecting any reward for it, I simply wanted to do it.

If Livian had died during the treatment, it would have been an exceedingly awkward situation.

In the first place, I, who detest becoming entangled with the royal family, had no reason to save her.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t just leave her be.

The pain of someone with a sick family member is something only those who’ve experienced it can truly understand.

Feeling that helplessness and frustration once, as a child, for Esther Tristi, was enough.

“Esther. Could you come over here…?”

“Yes, Princess.”

I slowly moved my feet.

“I have something I’m curious about.”

“Yes?”

“Which of the novels you’ve read so far was the most entertaining?”

I habitually mentioned ITial and JeonTuber.

“?”

Ah, no, not that.

The countless web novels from my previous life existed only in my memory.

I needed to mention a work that the Princess could relate to.

“Personally, I found the novels by Tia-jakga to be quite enjoyable.”

“Hmm… I’m curious as to why.”

Perhaps it was because she’d seen me reading a novel before.

The Princess seized every opportunity to initiate conversations about novels, just like now.

I painstakingly explained why I found Tia-jakga’s novels enjoyable, and for some reason, the corners of Rivian’s lips gradually turned upward.

『(⸝⸝◜~◝⸝⸝)』

Why so sudden, Nob AI?

『I was mimicking the Princess’s expression.』

Hmm, it certainly does resemble it.

Rivian’s condition had definitely improved, it seemed.

To be able to wear such a bright expression.

I unknowingly felt the corners of my own lips turn upward.

Indeed, good health is the best.

“Ahem, I have something to tell Esther…”

“Yes.”

As I waited for Rivian, beaming, to speak.

The door burst open.

“Rivian.”

I had informed Art beforehand that visits were permitted starting today, and Troyle was the first to arrive.

“Rivian…!!”

He attempted to rush toward Rivian.

I briefly blocked his path.

“Apologies for the interruption, but I would be grateful if you could sanitize your hands first.”

Though I may be an emotional person, I am one who believes that tasks must be done, so I couldn’t help it.

“Ah, yes.”

Troyle diligently sanitized his hands with the sanitizer I offered, and then embraced Rivian, repeatedly saying how relieved he was.

“Are you *truly* alright now?”

“Yes. So please, Brother, do not worry overmuch.”

“Thank goodness. Truly, thank goodness.”

It was a reunion that could not be watched without tears welling.

I watched them from behind, a contented smile upon my face.

“Esther.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Trowel approached and embraced me.

Dahlfi was the first, and Trowel was now the second to hold me with such fervent intensity.

“I simply do not know how to repay this kindness. If there is anything I can do to assist, tell me at once. This Trowel shall move heaven and earth to aid Esther Tristi.”

I would prefer he release this embrace, for starters.

“From this moment forth, I shall consider you as a younger sibling. I pray you will think of me as your elder brother.”

Pardon?

Declaring a brotherhood so suddenly… I am rather put on the spot.

“I understand, but, uh, could you perhaps release me first?”

“Ah, my apologies.”

I nearly triggered Nob AI’s automatic defense protocols there.

Once that rather enthusiastic embrace with Trowel concluded,

Elle, the chief physician with whom I had previously argued, entered the room.

“Lady Esther. I am truly very sorry about the other day.”

Her demeanor, after our debate over the IV drip, had become exceedingly polite.

I accepted her apology.

People make mistakes as they live, and I believed that the situation had been ripe for misunderstanding.

From the start, she had spoken out of concern for Rivienne’s well-being.

I, too, had been working through the night and hadn’t chosen my words with care.

In any case, wouldn’t everything be acceptable as long as the result was warm-hearted?

“The Princess’s treatment….”

“Yes. She is fully recovered. You need worry no further.”

Elle bowed her head deeply.

“Thank you. And again, I am deeply sorry. I offer my profound apologies once more for my rudeness of the other day.”

“It is quite alright. Please, trouble yourself no further.”

An apology once given is quite enough.

Too many apologies, and the receiver cannot help but feel uneasy.

“My Lord Esther…I have words for you.”

She raised her head, which had been bowed, and spoke with careful hesitation.

The respect is, of course, appreciated.

But why has she been looking at me with such reverent eyes since a moment ago?

“Please, speak freely.”

“Thank you for your consideration. These words were entrusted to me by His Majesty the King, to be delivered directly to you.”

What could she possibly want to say to me, hesitating so? An ill omen, I felt it.

And then.

“Word has arrived that a plague has broken out in the Kingdom’s east. The symptoms are identical to those suffered by the Princess. It seems Lord Esther’s assistance will be indispensable in resolving this matter.”

My premonition was correct.

Things have become most inconveniently tangled.