When the Mid-Boss Villainous Noble Recalls Memories of a Past Life and Gains Game Knowledge. I Will Never Accept a Future Where I'm Called the Jealous Earl - Chapter 11

It was the second day of treatment. I’d given the patient powdered magic-sealing stone and kept a vigilant watch for any adverse reactions, but nothing of concern had occurred. Now, roughly twenty-four hours later, I could see the changes.

“Hmm…”

Her breathing was more stable than it had been yesterday. Although the magic-sealing stones had turned to ordinary rock several times during the process, the patient’s condition had visibly improved. The disease was retreating.

A physical examination confirmed it—though she couldn’t fully bend her arm yet, the stiffness had receded to her elbows. This was proof enough that my treatment was effective.

“Ah?!”

A loud, surprised voice broke the quiet. I turned to see the girl, eyes wide with disbelief.

“Can I really eat this too?” she asked, holding a piece of bread.

“Yes,” said one of the guards cheerfully, “Lord Karyl provided the budget for enough food for everyone, so eat as much as you like.”

“Thank you! I’m so grateful!” The guard, the one whose spirit I’d unintentionally crushed when I ruined his sword, seemed to have found new purpose in entertaining and feeding the girl after I reimbursed him.

If it lifted his spirits, I had no complaints. Yet, I couldn’t help but think, Shouldn’t he prioritize buying a new sword first?

“Lord Karyl, we should dismiss that guard,” Mina muttered beside me, her eyes narrowing at him with disdain.

Mina seemed unsettled by the guard’s easygoing behavior toward someone her own age. At first, I thought she was overreacting, but…

“This is delicious!” the girl beamed.

“That’s good to hear,” the guard said, ruffling her hair with a smile so strange it made me reconsider Mina’s suggestion.
The other guards in the room shifted uncomfortably, equally disturbed.

“The examination is complete,” I said, standing.

“How is she?” The girl abandoned her half-eaten bread, placing it hastily on the table and rushing over.

I handed her the report I’d written.

“Results are favorable… If nothing goes wrong…”

She read through the report easily, and I was surprised.

“When will she be able to talk again?” she asked, her eyes pleading.

“When her elbow can move freely, her consciousness should return,” I replied.

“Thank goodness…”

The treatment would continue as planned. I would spend the days ahead documenting the process and monitoring the patient, all while grappling with the obstacles and uncertainties that still loomed.

The first problem was the rapid consumption of magic-sealing stones. The 20 stones Bosco had acquired had dwindled to half in just two days. Though the rate of consumption had slowed as the patient improved, I’d be lucky if I had four left by the end of this treatment.

There wasn’t much I could do about this. In this town, with the Count’s tarnished reputation, acquiring more stones was nearly impossible. Once the patient stabilized, I might have to relocate depending on the availability of supplies.

The next problem was the Duke. The vigilant eyes outside felt far too practiced to be mere townsfolk. They were almost certainly his spies. Why they hadn’t approached me yet, I couldn’t say.

If he continued to merely observe, so much the better. But if the Duke decided to speak with me directly, refusing him would be impossible.

In truth, it was all up to chance.

“You can read?” Mina’s voice cut through my thoughts, touching on something potentially dangerous.

Both the girl and I reacted, turning to stare at her.

“My mother taught me,” the girl said defensively. “Is that unusual?”

“Well, there are some who can read,” Mina said, “and I can read a little too, but not well enough to understand Karyl-sama’s reports. Just enough for work.”

There was no hint of deceit in the girl’s eyes. She genuinely believed that being able to read was normal.

“Is that true?” she asked, glancing at me.

“Yes, it’s true,” I confirmed. “What Mina said applies to commoners in more urban areas. Here, though, even counting you, there are probably only a handful of people who can read.”
I chose my words carefully, avoiding any terms that could sound patronizing. This topic could no longer be avoided; it was time to ask the question I’d been holding back.

“I realized I never asked your name. What is it?”

Her eyes darted around nervously before settling on the floor. It was obvious her mother had told her not to share it. Finally, she bowed her head.

“I’m sorry. I can’t tell you right now.”

“That’s—You can’t just—!” Mina’s protest was cut short as I raised a hand.

“I understand,” I said. “You must have your reasons. I won’t push further.”

Mina looked frustrated but held back. With a frown, she turned away, letting the matter drop—for now.

“Well then…”

I resumed my report-writing, detailing the symptoms, the treatment process, and the dosage for the powdered magic-sealing stones. These reports would be archived by House Dicaman and eventually shared with the Duke. But my real goal lay beyond that.

Today’s report was done.

The Cause and Treatment of Red Stone Disease
—Karyl Dicaman

I added an additional line at the bottom:

To: Karyus Guillaume Vengarten

This was the name of the king of this country, Vengarten. I planned to distribute the report to influential noble houses as well. The Red Stone Disease had struck one of the most powerful duchies in the realm; the king and nearby lords would want to know the cure. Sharing this knowledge would open doors and strengthen House Dicaman’s position.

It wasn’t enough to counter the Duke’s influence entirely, but it was a start. More complex strategies would have to wait until I returned to the estate.

“I’m going to rest for a while. Wake me if anything happens,” I said, leaning back and closing my eyes.

All I could do now was hope that my efforts would bear fruit.