Chapter 16 - Contract, and Contracts

Chapter 16 – Contract, and Contracts

Finally, the three doctors from Hipo Kingdom, Hentel, Lanya, Kilo, along with Sierra and Cassius, sat face to face in the drawing room.

Hentel spoke first, placing a guide about the paternity test on the table.

“The paternity test is divided into three segments.”

Hentel glanced at the fragile Sierra. He would have suspected her as a patient seeing her lean complexion.

“Please take a look at this guide first.”

Sierra nodded compliantly at them.

[ The paternity test is divided into stages 1, 2, and 3. It takes one month to complete each stages. ]

Meaning that it would take three months in total.

Sierra turned to the next chapter of the detailed guide.

[ Phase 1: Mana Wavelength Exam ]

Sierra nodded. This was a smart way. In the case of blood relatives, mana wavelengths were often matched. Of course, there are cases where it is not as well…

‘How would you test wavelength, with potions?’

Thinking briefly, Sierra turned to the next chapter.

[ Phase 2: Trait Exam ]

What exactly is a ‘Trait Exam’? At that moment, her curiosity arose. Sierra turned to the next page.

[ In the case of Phase 3, it is carried out in secret, so the details will be disclosed after completing Phase 2. ]

[ If there is a ‘match’ in each phase, you will move onto the next phase for confirmation only. If there is a ‘mismatch,’ the patient is not the child’s parent. ]

Sierra saw the first phase and cheered herself on. In fact, it was apparent that the three of their mana wavelengths would be a hundred percent inconsistent.

‘I thought it’d take three months, but this will shorten it to a month!’

Of course, Cassius has to also be convinced…

She bit down on her lip to hold back her laughter and looked toward Cassius.

“I’ve checked everything, no…”

“…Sierra.”

“I did, Your Grace.”

Sierra knew very well that she was a commoner who had to use honorifics in front of other people. So, she only spoke with honorifics.

However, the fact came a bit different for Cassius.

His expression showed he was dissatisfied, realizing he had hit a wall. He then spoke.

“…Alright, I’ll read it, too.”

Cassius began to read the guide in an elegant manner.

While they checked the guide, the doctors from Hipo Kingdom glanced at her.

Hentel, who was not interested in gossip, decided to observe Sierra, debating whether she was sick or not.

‘Her skin is ivory, and her eyes have no jaundice. I’m guessing she eats well… She shakes like a person who has a disease. It’s confusing and amazing at the same time.’

Meanwhile, Lanya was also observing Sierra as she was biting her lip.

‘…It’s a self-explanatory story. A commoner woman is conducting a paternity test on her relatives. Is she worried about being kicked out, could she be upset?’

Guilt fluttered in the corner of Lanya’s heart. Kilo was staring at the refreshments without much thought.

‘If I eat sweets right now, I’ll be able to gain some energy.’

It was Sierra’s soft voice that brought them back from their own thoughts. She passed the guide over to Cassius and asked, catching the attention of the doctors.

“During the mana exam, would you perhaps use Molen leaves?”

Young sprouts growing on Molen trees were widely known as herbs that helped strengthen mana.

However, Sierra knew that when Molen leaves were finely crushed and applied to the fingertips, human mana wavelengths appeared faintly on it like a magic circle.

She was speaking in an elegant tone, but her words were not so ordinary. Hentel stroked his beard and spoke.

“…I don’t think the leaves that would be used were written down.”

Nevertheless, Hentel soon found his calmness.

If Sierra had majored in medicine or pharmacy at the academy, it was certainly worth knowing. It is a norm to believe that the mana exam uses Molen leaves.

“Well, you stand corrected, Miss Sierra.”

Sierra nodded and gathered more courage to continue.

“If you use potions in a mana exam, you’d mix olives with Molen leaves and put Hallanya roots in them, right? Isn’t that true?”

At Sierra’s words, Hentel raised one eyebrow, precisely because his heart was pierced with unexpectedness.

In the Imperial Palace, the auxiliary drug used to examine a person’s mana wavelength was usually the Hallanya leaf, too. But the leaves had many impurities. Therefore, they discovered that the roots, not the Hallanya leaves, were more pure after various clinical trials.

Hallanya roots were a secret only the three of them knew…!

“…That’s a secret.”

However, Hentel’s ‘secret’ was shattered like glass thanks to his surprise reaction.

“…Is that true? Wait, how did you know that? Is that information public?”

“No, it’s not. I’ve conducted a mana wavelength exam at a rural village before. I did a few experiments.”

According to her sister, Sierra no longer had to hide her abilities. So, she showed off her knowledge to the fullest.

“Oh…”

“Th-That’s right, but…”

Lanya and Kilo exchanged glances as they were stunned. However, Lanya shrugged her shoulders and averted her gaze away. In Lanya’s mind, the supremacy of Hipo Kingdom still remained in her mind. It is understandable since Hipo Kingdom’s medicine was exceptionally superior compared to other kingdoms… along with pharmacology.

“I’m glad you know that information.”

Sierra placed her hand on the table and laughed. Kilo stiffened, appearing embarrassed. As he stared at Sierra’s smile, it seemed to represent a blooming flower.

At that moment, they heard Cassius’ heavy, low tone voice.

“…Well, how will the exam go?”

Looking at him, Kilo tried to ignore the cold sweat flowing down his spine, smiling nicely.

Of course, he was freaking out on the inside. He stopped their conversation so suddenly. Adding more to it, his facial expression was incredibly terrifying. In Kilo’s opinion, Sierra was clearly under pressure by the forceful Cassius.

‘It’s obvious how scared she would be, especially since he was called a warhead. Meanwhile, she’s so tender, it’s such a pity.’

Lanya, who witnessed the situation, was one step ahead. She clicked her tongue.

In general, the reason why noble families usually request for paternity tests was because they suspected illegitimate children. ‘I’m sure the duke requested a paternity test because he suspected her of such immorality?’

Lanya, who pitied the woman, narrowed her eyes.

‘By the looks of it, the duke is rather cold, too. I can imagine how hard it must’ve been for a delicate woman to step foot into this mansion. She probably had no thoughts of a paternity test and was forced into this, right?’

Lanya’s delusion grew when saw Sierra’s slender trembling shoulders and Cassius’ blunt expression.

‘I’m sure they had a relationship, but he couldn’t trust that the child she bore was his own blood, so they’re undergoing a paternity test! She doesn’t even look like the type to lie!’

She stared at Sierra, biting her lower lip hard. Sierra, receiving an eerie stare, carefully spoke to Lanya.

“Well… Miss Lanya?”

Lanya continued with a deep sigh.

“For now, Miss Sierra, please take care of your health as much as possible.”

Of course, checking someone’s well being was not a condition for the exams. Though Lanya had a point. A doctor witnessing Sierra’s slender, fragile shoulders droop with vulnerability stimulates the viewer’s protective instinct.

“Take care of my health?”

“Yes, eat a lot of meat-oriented meals starting today.”

“…Meat-oriented meals…”

Sierra wriggled her shoulders. Instantly trying to wrap her into his arms tightly, Cassius lowered his hand carefully and spoke for her.

“I’ll ensure Sierra’s diet myself. Do you have anything else to add?”

Hentel shook his head.

“No, Your Grace. I’ll start on the potions immediately.”

As if trying to patch up the situation, Lanya reassured him.

“All the ingredients are ready.”

Kilo and Lanya thought the same thing when they saw Cassius’ cold expression.

The tabloid magazines stated that Sierra was being treated fairly well by the duke. He’s enjoying the power he holds. In reality, however, Sierra looked too weak and overwhelmed by the duke.

‘But it’s mere gossip. It can be manipulated at any moment.’

Kilo felt bad for her.

He gave her a look of sympathy. It would be quite difficult to please a man who is a high-ranking and intimidating noble.

***

That night.

Hanael was lying beside Sierra. Sierra was hesitant to tell her about the ‘paternity test’ since she didn’t know exactly how Hanael would perceive it.

‘But Hanael is not a fool either. She’ll find out one day, but when exactly should I tell her?’

Sierra coughed and stroked Hanael’s hair.

“Hanael, listen carefully.”

“Yeah? I’m never talking to that bad mister again.”

She didn’t even tell her not to talk to him, but Hanael puffed her cheeks out and spoke first. Sierra smiled softly and shook her head.

“No, it’s not that.”

While Sierra was agonizing, Hanael was about to fall asleep. Her eyes fluttered, trying to stay awake.

“By the way…”

“Hm?”

“…What do you like?”

Hanael buried her head into Sierra’s chest. It was her friendly gesture of affection, like a cat wanting a head pat.

Sierra spoke seriously.

“Money.”

“I knew it…!” Hanael nodded.

“And the patients I can help.”

“I see…”

Hanael lightly rubbed her nose and made a plan inside her head.

She wanted to tell godmother everything Sierra liked. Although she didn’t like the bad mister, the godmother was very nice to her, and it didn’t seem like she had done anything wrong… so far. If her attitude changed and bothered her mom, she would hit her.

Hanael’s evil thoughts were shattered by Sierra’s question.

“But why do you ask?”

“Just because.”

Sierra looked at Hanael. She didn’t know exactly what Hanael was thinking in her small head. However, it was easy to notice that Hanael was becoming attached to the duke’s mansion. So, she decided to resume Hanael’s studies, which she had put off.

“You know, Hanael.”

Sierra gave up because Hanael cried a lot. However… it was time for Hanael to imprint her sister’s existence.

‘This way, Cassius’ misunderstanding will be resolved! She can’t keep calling me mom!’

Sierra stared at Hanael with a grim gaze.

‘I’ll educate you properly and firmly!’