I Helped The Imprisoned Male Lead And He Became Obsessed - Chapter 64

The medical staff accompanying the hunting festival usually consisted of court physicians or personal doctors for nobles. Alternatively, they could be priests who wielded divine powers.

But why was I, a mere researcher, included in such a group?

No matter how much I thought about it, the selection didn’t make any sense.

“Um, why am I included on that list?”

When I asked this question, my gaze a mix of curiosity and slight bewilderment, Dr. Hermann responded.

“His Highness specifically pointed you out. He insisted that it had to be you, no one else.”

Even he seemed displeased with the Crown Prince’s decision, as his expression turned sour.

“His Highness is afflicted by a rare condition, and he claimed that you would know best about it.”

“A rare condition?”

“Yes. He didn’t elaborate and simply said to leave it at that.”

Previously, the Crown Prince had suffered from an incident involving a love potion, which left him with lingering, inexplicable aftereffects.

“He mentioned experiencing hallucinations, didn’t he?”

The health of the Crown Prince, the future Emperor of the Empire, was a sensitive matter. If rumors spread about his condition, unnecessary complications would arise. It wasn’t hard to guess why he had chosen to keep his symptoms hidden.

“Still, of all times…”

I was already grappling with the unresolved matter of persuading Emilian to receive treatment from Serena.

Unaware of my inner turmoil, Theo seemed envious beyond measure.

Watching Theo, Dr. Hermann clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“If only I could send that rascal in your place. They say dangerous monsters are swarming the hunting grounds, and it unsettles me to send you into such a place.”

Although protective barriers would be set up at the campsite near the hunting grounds, Dr. Hermann still seemed worried. However, since the Crown Prince had specifically requested me, there was no alternative.

I reassured Dr. Hermann that there would be plenty of knights present, so nothing dangerous would happen.

Still, one concern lingered in my mind.

How am I supposed to face Emilian?

It was the first time we’d ever argued, and the thought of confronting him and having a conversation felt a bit daunting.

***

A few days later, I arrived at the central Antheros Forest alongside the medical team summoned for the hunting festival.

The forest was filled with towering spruce trees that stretched high into the sky. The fresh scent of earth and grass wafted through the gentle breeze.

The campsite was located at the forest’s edge, where luxurious tents bearing the crests of noble families had been erected. The medical team’s tent was nearby. Guided by an attendant, I made my way to my assigned tent.

Inside, I found a simple bed, shelves stocked with medical supplies, and medical devices powered by magic stones. The facilities were far better equipped than I had expected, and I couldn’t help but feel impressed.

Just as I was admiring the setup, I heard footsteps, and someone entered the tent.

“Ah, I knew I wasn’t mistaken.”

A familiar voice—a woman’s voice—greeted me. When I turned my head, I saw Serena approaching with a gentle smile.

“It’s been a while, Miss Anise.”

“Lady Serena.”

Serena was dressed in clerical robes. Of course, it was clear she wasn’t here to hunt.

“I see you were also included in the medical team,” she said.

“And you as well?”

“Yes, that’s right.” Serena nodded with a bright smile.

“The High Priest hopes to cultivate more devout nobles within the Order. After all, many of the Empire’s key aristocrats are attending this hunting festival.”

Securing wealthy noble patrons who could provide generous donations was vital to the Order’s operations. Expanding its influence required substantial funding.

It seemed the High Priest had sent Serena, renowned as a saint, to this event for that very reason. Nobles were always eager to establish ties with someone like her.

However, Serena’s visit to me had nothing to do with the Order’s agenda.

She glanced around at the medical equipment in the tent with a hint of curiosity before turning back to me.

“Well, Miss Anise, your faith isn’t my concern, so shall we talk about something else?”

“You mean Emilian,” I said.

“You’ve guessed it.”

The last time I’d seen Serena, she had asked me to persuade Emilian to accept treatment from her.

“How did it go? Have you spoken to him?”

Hope flickered in her golden eyes as she asked. I nodded slightly and answered.

“I told him it would be better to stop relying on medicine and instead accept your treatment.”

“Oh, really?”

“But the conversation didn’t go well.”

“Hmm, that’s unexpected.”

Her initial enthusiasm waned, and a trace of disappointment crossed her face. She shrugged lightly and said,

“I thought Emilian would agree to anything if it came from you, Miss Anise.”

Serena seemed briefly disheartened but quickly brightened again.

“Still, you’ll talk to him again, won’t you?”

“Yes, I will,” I replied without hesitation.

Serena beamed at my answer and laughed.

“Still, I think it would be best if you didn’t rely solely on me and put more effort into winning Emilian’s trust yourself.”

However, my next words caused the faintest crack in Serena’s smile.

“Ah… of course,” she said, lifting the corners of her lips to form a smile. It was a drawn smile, as if painted on, but there was an undeniable awkwardness to it.

I really didn’t want things to become strained between us…

I let out a small sigh as I watched her retreating back as she left the tent.

It felt as though I had come between her and Emilian.

Back when I first met Emilian at the Transcendents’ Research Institute—should I have turned a blind eye to his pain? If I had, would things between Emilian and Serena have gone differently?

“Haa…”

“What’s weighing you down so much that you’re sighing like the ground’s about to cave in?”

Startled by the sudden voice, I looked toward its source. Standing at the entrance to the tent was a man with radiant blond hair.

“Hello, Miss Anise. Have you been well?”

It was none other than Crown Prince Lucas. His warm smile lit up his face as he stepped closer.

“Your Highness,” I greeted him hastily, bowing with proper etiquette.

He casually waved a hand as if to say formalities weren’t necessary and spoke with a grin.

“It’s been a while. So long, in fact, that I was starting to wonder if you’d forgotten me.”

“How could I forget the esteemed Crown Prince’s visage?”

“Thanks for remembering me. Not that I’m exactly average-looking,” he quipped with a teasing smile.

It was true that the Crown Prince was exceptionally handsome, but hearing him compliment himself so openly left me momentarily impressed by his boldness.

“Still,” he continued, “don’t you think you’ve been a bit unfair?”

“Pardon?”

“Leaving for a trip without so much as a word to me.”

“Ah, that…”

“I came to see you after being told to consult you if my condition didn’t improve, only to find that you’d up and left. Abandoning your patient like that—how heartless.”

With a dramatic sigh, Lucas donned an expression of mock hurt.

“I’ve never been stood up by a lady before, you know.”

“…”

He spoke as if I had broken off a date rather than a consultation.

Still, I did feel a bit guilty, as I had agreed to look after his condition.

“Have your symptoms worsened a lot in my absence?” I asked.

“They have,” he replied. “The hallucinations have become more frequent.”

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. My concern was genuine as I said,

“Then isn’t it dangerous for you to participate in the hunting festival?”

“Oh, are you worried about me?”

“Of course. You’re my patient, after all.”

“I’d rather be something else, though. A bit disappointing, isn’t it?”

He gave a cryptic remark and shrugged, though his tone remained lighthearted.

Then, with his usual bright smile, he reassured me.

“Well, don’t worry too much. It’s not bad enough to keep me from attending the festival. Besides, there are plenty of ladies eagerly waiting to see what game I’ll bring them.”

As he said, the Crown Prince was immensely popular among women.

There was no doubt that the noble ladies were abuzz with speculation over which of them would receive the prize of his hunt.

“You must be agonizing over which young lady to gift your catch to,” I remarked.

“Not really. I’ve already decided who it’ll be,” he said with a smile, his green eyes gleaming like fresh spring leaves.

“It’s a relief to hear that, but… safety comes first. It would be best if you got a quick check-up before heading out,” I advised.

“Alright, I’ll do that,” the Crown Prince replied with an easy nod.

Since there wasn’t enough time for a thorough examination, I conducted a brief check-up. As before, there were no significant issues with his physical health.

Could the hallucinations be rooted in a psychological issue rather than a physical one?

The thought crossed my mind, but before I could delve deeper, an attendant entered the tent and announced that the hunting festival would begin soon.

The Crown Prince rose from his seat, ready to leave.

“Please don’t push yourself too hard,” I reminded him as he prepared to go.

“Of course, I’ll obey your orders,” he replied with a cheerful smile, as if he found something amusing.

After he left the tent, I noticed something left behind on the examination table—a pair of leather gauntlets. They were the gloves he had been wearing earlier.

It seemed he had removed them during the check-up and forgotten to take them with him.

Could forgetfulness be another symptom, besides the hallucinations?

I picked up the gauntlets and stepped outside to return them to him.

The area was bustling with nobles dressed in hunting attire. Ladies and noblewomen who had come to watch the festivities filled the surroundings with lively chatter.

I scanned the crowd for the Crown Prince and soon spotted him speaking with the commander of the knights.

I’d better return these quickly.

Clutching the gloves, I walked briskly toward him. But just as I was passing the armory, I noticed a man with dark hair stepping out, talking to someone inside.

Our eyes met.

His eyes widened slightly before he addressed me in a low, calm voice.

“Anise.”