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6.25% Online Game: I Started with Max Charisma and Caught the Goddess's Eye / Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Healer Freeman and Old Grievances

Bab 20: Chapter 20: Healer Freeman and Old Grievances

"Matthew?"

Luca's curiosity was piqued.

This wasn't the first time he had heard this name.

Yesterday, Catherine mentioned that it was this person who had blocked her from reporting the Beast Forest issue to the lord.

He hadn't expected to run into him so soon.

Instinctively, he glanced at Sophia. 

He noticing her furrowed brows, indicating her displeasure with Matthew as well.

The truth was, Sophia indeed harbored strong dislike for Matthew.

Arrogant and debauched, Matthew often abused his status as the lord's son to bully ordinary people.

If it weren't for his connection to the Barton family—Sophia's maternal side—and technically being her cousin, she would have had him thrown into Riverfall City's prison long ago.

Though she knew he must have ulterior motives for showing such sudden concern today, she couldn't outright dismiss him since he came under the pretext of helping her mother.

Sophia turned to Luca with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect Matthew to bring someone over today. If he causes any offense, please don't take it to heart, Junior."

For her junior, Sophia felt it necessary to be considerate of his feelings.

After all, whether it was Luca's status as a Witch Doctor or his exceptional magical aptitude that surpassed her own, both indicated his extraordinary potential.

Luca shrugged nonchalantly and smiled. "Don't worry, Senior. If he can cure Lady Lenna, that's great. If not, I'll take a shot at it."

[Ding! Sophia's favorability towards you increased by +30]

"You're quite easygoing," Cassman remarked.

If another healer or Witch Doctor heard that a peer had arrived, they would likely see it as a slight from the host. Even if they didn't leave in a huff, they would certainly be seething inside.

This kid's temperament was much better than his teacher Franklin's.

Luca just smiled and didn't say much.

He had no intention of leaving.

He was still planning to treat Lady Lenna and then inform Sophia about the Beast Forest situation and the impending Hydra threat.

If he left now, he would have to find another way to bring it up.

Following Sophia, Luca headed to the manor house while Cassman went to prepare the materials needed to dispel the death energy.

Walking along the smooth path through the garden. 

They were greeted respectfully by maids as they made their way into the luxurious manor house.

The manor's hall was opulent, with a crystal chandelier casting light onto the polished floors, and the walls and furniture adorned with valuable collectibles. Luca even spotted a monster's head mounted on the wall, its intimidating horns indicating it was a diamond-level monster in life, a testament to Count Ryan's formidable power.

In the lavish reception area, two people sat on a white sofa made of some kind of animal hide.

One of them was a red-haired young man in his twenties.

He was dressed in a blue noble suit, with an air of arrogance that was impossible to conceal.

Beside him stood a middle-aged man in a healer's robe, sporting a goatee and an equally distinguished demeanor.

As soon as Luca and the others entered the reception hall, the two men's gazes turned towards them.

The red-haired young man's eyes briefly flicked over Luca before settling on Sophia.

He quickly stood up, his face lighting up with eagerness as he approached her." Cousin, it's been a long time. I heard Auntie was ill, so I hurried to bring Dr. Freeman from the neighboring Chifeng City. He's a Platinum Grade healer, and I'm sure he can cure Auntie!"

Luca assessed the red-haired youth and surmised that this must be Matthew.

The middle-aged man beside Matthew also introduced himself, "Freeman Rubin, at your service, Miss Sophia."

Sophia, clearly unimpressed by Matthew's enthusiasm, didn't respond to him.

Instead, she turned to Freeman and politely said, "Dr. Freeman, thank you for coming all the way from Redwind City. I sought you out previously, but you weren't available. I'm grateful that Matthew brought you here."

Freeman was a well-known healer throughout Emerald State, poised to soon break into the high ranks of Platinum Grade. Such a figure commanded respect.

Matthew, left standing awkwardly, appeared to be slightly intimidated by his cousin. He scratched his nose and didn't say much more.

Freeman, accustomed to dealing with important figures, remained composed and smiled, "Miss Sophia, you're too kind. This is my duty."

His gaze then shifted to Luca, looking puzzled. "And this young man is?"

Freeman sensed the aura of a Witch Doctor from Luca, initially assuming he was a student.

But upon closer inspection, he realized Luca was the only Witch Doctor present. 

It left him curious.

Was this low-level Witch Doctor here to do what?

Assist me?

Sophia hesitated briefly before introducing him, "This is my junior, Luca. He's also here to help treat my mother."

"So, you're a student of Councilor Lucia." Freeman's face showed a hint of surprise.

He had initially taken Luca for an ordinary boy, not expecting him to be Lucia's student.

But his surprise was short-lived. 

As Freeman himself was on the verge of becoming a high-ranking healer and was not easily impressed.

Hearing that Luca was also there to treat Lady Lenna, Freeman frowned, "If I'm not mistaken, he's only a low-level Witch Doctor. Miss Sophia, are you certain you want him to treat Lady Lenna?"

Initially, Matthew was somewhat surprised by Luca's identity.

However, upon hearing that Luca was merely a low-level Witch Doctor, he immediately advised, "Cousin, I understand that you're anxious to help Aunt, but you can't act recklessly! You've already had so many doctors come and go without success. What can a mere low-level Witch Doctor possibly do?"

"If he inadvertently worsens Auntie's condition, it will only create more trouble!"

Faced with their skepticism, Luca remained composed and uninterested in arguing.

After all, he couldn't very well explain that he was a Transcendent level healer in his past life.

While Luca wasn't bothered, Sophia's brow furrowed in displeasure.

She shot a cold glance at Matthew and said, "Luca is not only my junior but also Franklin Witch Doctor's only student. Matthew, I suggest you watch your words. Otherwise, even I won't be able to save you!"

"Franklin's student?!"

Everyone's expression changed at that revelation.

If Luca were merely Lucia's student, they might have just admired his talent.

But being Franklin's student was different.

Franklin was known to be a madman who once barged into the Mages' Association threatening to tear it down.

Such a man's student was not someone to be trifled with lightly.

However, after the initial shock, Freeman's face turned cold.

He sneered, "So you're that old fool's student! No wonder a mere low-level Witch Doctor dares to treat the countess! Franklin is arrogant, and it seems his student is no better!"

The others looked at Freeman in surprise.

It seemed that Freeman had a grudge against Franklin from the past.

Being a Witch Doctor was a rare profession, and even low-level Witch Doctors were far superior to ordinary healers. That Franklin was a high-level Witch Doctor made Freeman's hostility even more notable, hinting at a significant past conflict between the two.

Luca was slightly taken aback but not entirely surprised.

Given Franklin's personality, it would have been surprising if he didn't have enemies.

Already displeased by Sophia's rebuke, Matthew sneered, "Dr. Freeman is right. Franklin might be impressive, but that doesn't mean his student is!"

Luca was not one to let this spoiled noble ruin his plans. He coldly retorted, "Whether I am capable or not will be evident soon enough. You need not worry, Lord Matthew."

Matthew's eyes flashed with anger at Luca's words.

As the son of Riverfall City's lord and a member of the Howard family's extended family, he had rarely been spoken to so disrespectfully.

However, a glance at Sophia's cold expression made him hold his tongue, though he shot a venomous glare at Luca.

If not for his father's warning not to cause trouble, Matthew would have already shown this insolent youth the consequences of offending a noble.

"Let's go up to the second floor and check on my mother. We mustn't delay," Sophia interrupted, not wanting to waste any more time on the argument.

Without further comment, they all headed upstairs.

As he passed Luca, Freeman sneered, "You may be arrogant now, but don't be surprised if you can't even diagnose the patient's condition!"

Luca didn't even bother to respond to Matthew, choosing to ignore him completely.

This attitude instantly made Freeman feel slighted.

"We'll see how long you can keep this up!" Freeman muttered angrily, watching Luca's departing figure.

Years ago, he had clashed with Franklin over a rare herb and was publicly humiliated by him. The memory of that grudge still burned vividly in Freeman's mind.

Now, having encountered Franklin's student, Freeman felt compelled to make Luca look foolish in public to settle the old score with Franklin.


PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
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Bab 21: Chapter 21: Sleeping Beauty Grass's Poison, Nightmare!

Led by Sophia, the group ascended to the second floor and approached Lady Lenna's bedroom.

At this moment, there were two maids standing guard outside the door.

Seeing the group approaching, the two maids quickly bowed respectfully.

Sophia waved her hand dismissively and led Luca and the others into the room.

Inside, the bedroom was lavishly decorated, but the drawn floor-to-ceiling curtains made it dim.

On the intricately carved golden bed lay a middle-aged woman, appearing to be in her forties or fifties, well-maintained, and deeply asleep.

She breathed evenly, looking as though she was merely sleeping, albeit a bit pale.

Luca took one look at her and frowned.

This situation seemed familiar, as if he had encountered it before...

"Mother?" Sophia called out worriedly as she walked to the bed, trying to rouse her.

However, Lady Lenna remained motionless.

Sophia turned to Luca and Freeman, sighing, "Please, both of you, examine my mother. If you can cure her, the Howard family will not spare any expense in your reward."

Freeman nodded, while Luca stood in thought.

Seeing this, Matthew and Freeman exchanged mocking glances.

Matthew taunted, "Weren't you so confident earlier? Why aren't you stepping up now?"

Freeman sneered, "I thought Franklin had taken on an exceptional student, but it turns out he's just a useless brat."

At this moment, Luca snapped out of his thoughts. 

His lips curling into a smile. "Since that's the case, Dr. Freeman, please go ahead and examine Lady Lenna first. I'd like to see what skills you have."

Freeman, thinking Luca had conceded, lifted his chin arrogantly and said, "Kid, you better watch closely!"

With that, he approached Lady Lenna, his hand glowing with a green light.

The room filled with a rich vitality, making everyone feel lighter. 

Except Luca.

The group was impressed by Freeman's display of power.

Freeman gave Luca a challenging look, saying, "See the difference now?"

Sophia frowned, displeased with Freeman's arrogance, but she couldn't afford to offend him at the moment. She apologized to Luca, "I'm sorry, junior. I didn't expect this to happen. I should have asked you to come tomorrow."

She hadn't known about Freeman and Franklin's enmity. Otherwise, she wouldn't have invited Luca at this time.

Luca reassured her, "Don't worry, senior. This doesn't bother me, and besides, he won't be able to cure Lady Lenna."

Hearing this, Matthew scoffed, "If even Dr. Freeman can't do it, then you might as well call your teacher."

"Shut up!" Sophia snapped, making Matthew flinch.

He opened his mouth to retort but quickly closed it, intimidated by Sophia's frosty expression.

Matthew was puzzled.

If it were any other time, his cousin would never have bothered to explain herself.

Was there something special about this Luca?

As he was lost in thought, Freeman, who was examining Lady Lenna, suddenly asked, "When did this start? What are the specific symptoms?"

Sophia looked at the old butler since she wasn't fully informed.

Charles sighed, "It's just been these past few days. For some reason, madam started becoming increasingly sleepy. Since yesterday, she has been asleep and hasn't woken up or eaten anything."

Upon hearing this, Freeman's frown suddenly relaxed.

He laughed heartily, "That makes sense. From the onset, the patient becomes increasingly sleepy, and as the condition worsens, she falls into a deep sleep. Lady Lenna's condition matches a description I found in an ancient text."

Everyone except Luca brightened at this revelation.

Freeman had quickly identified the cause!

Sophia hurried forward and asked, "Dr. Freeman, what exactly is wrong with my mother?"

The others also looked at Freeman expectantly.

Freeman stroked his goatee and smiled, "This isn't an illness but rather a poison from a plant called 'Sleeping Beauty Grass.' "

"The needle-like leaves of this grass carry a neurotoxin. If not treated promptly, the toxin invades the brain, causing increasing drowsiness until the person falls into a deep, unending sleep."

"Sleeping Beauty Grass is rare, typically growing near forests and rivers. If I'm not mistaken, Lady Lenna must have been outside the city recently."

Hearing this, the butler recalled, his face lighting up with excitement, "Yes! A few days ago, madam went on a picnic outside the city with the ladies of Riverfall City. That must be when she was poisoned!"

The group was thrilled.

If this was indeed the case, Lady Lenna's condition was almost certainly identified, and the next step would be finding the right treatment.

Sophia's eyes sparkled with hope, "What medicine do you need, Dr. Freeman? I will have it prepared immediately!"

If Freeman could identify the cause, he must also have a remedy.

It seemed Lady Lenna's illness would soon be resolved.

Seeing this, Matthew couldn't help but mock Luca, "Haha, kid, looks like you're not needed after all. It's a pity we couldn't see you make a fool of yourself. I should have let you go first."

Luca gave him a half-smile and said, "That's not necessarily true. After all, it's still uncertain if it's actually Sleeping Beauty Grass poisoning."

Though Luca's voice was not loud, everyone in the room heard him clearly.

Freeman, who was about to provide the prescription, paused.

Hearing Luca's words, Freeman immediately became furious, "Lady Lenna's condition matches those who have been poisoned by Sleeping Beauty Grass in the ancient texts perfectly. How could it be wrong? "

"You call yourself Franklin's student? If you don't understand, don't just show off here!"

Matthew also shouted angrily, "You're just a low-level Witch Doctor. How dare you question Dr. Freeman?"

Sophia looked at Luca, her eyes filled with doubt.

Though she hadn't known Luca for long, she didn't think he was the type to boast.

After a moment of thought, she hesitantly asked, "Why do you say that?"

Luca shook his head, "Because Lady Lenna's symptoms don't match those of Sleeping Beauty Grass poisoning."

Matthew sneered, "You're acting like you've actually seen someone poisoned by Sleeping Beauty Grass!"

Freeman's expression turned cold as he retorted, "If that's the case, then tell us, what exactly is wrong with Lady Lenna?"

All eyes turned to Luca.

If he disputed Freeman's diagnosis, he needed to provide a reasonable explanation.

"This isn't an illness, nor is it a simple case of poisoning," Luca said calmly despite everyone's gaze.

He then walked over to Lady Lenna's bedside under their puzzled looks.

He gazing at Lady Lenna's pale face. 

Luca said seriously, "This is the work of a high-level monster, a Nightmare!"

His words caused an uproar among the crowd.

Sophia was taken aback, "Luca, are you sure? This isn't a small matter."

Matthew burst into laughter, "Haha, kid, if you're going to make up a story, at least come up with a better one!"

"With the Magical Association's defensive barrier, how could a monster enter Riverfall City, let alone a high-level monster?"

No one noticed that Freeman, upon hearing Luca's words, seemed to recall something.

His body trembled, and his eyes filled with fear.

Because if he remembered correctly, those afflicted by a Nightmare's influence did indeed show symptoms similar to Sleeping Beauty Grass poisoning!

However, Freeman had never considered this possibility.

With Riverfall City's defensive barrier, no monster should be able to enter, especially not a high-level one like a Nightmare.

If such a creature had entered, it would have caused significant disturbances.

Facing the crowd's skepticism and ridicule, Luca didn't bother to explain further.

He concentrated, and a blue glow characteristic of a Witch Doctor's power appeared in his hand.

Hand Of Witch Doctor!

In the stunned silence that followed.

Luca gently placed his hand on Lady Lenna's forehead.

Suddenly, the room fell into a dead silence.

Everyone's eyes widened in shock!

They watched in disbelief as Luca slowly pulled a transparent, worm-like creature from Madam Lenna's forehead!

Suspended in mid-air, the creature wriggled continuously, its movements mesmerizing and horrifying everyone in the room.


PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA
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