The Almighty Doctor

Chapter 6 Transformation

Through treating Lirael's condition, Eldric came to understand the true power of his father's legacy.

Having just inherited these abilities, he could already cure chronic gastritis—a condition known for being stubbornly difficult to treat. Had he not experienced it firsthand, Eldric would have doubted such a thing was possible.

Nechemya didn't dare say another word, sensing Lirael's growing displeasure with his recent behavior.

His actions today had particularly irritated her. For the first time, she seriously considered replacing him as her assistant.

If she were still in Aetherdale with trusted staff available, she would have dismissed him immediately. But here in unfamiliar Herbshire, where Nechemya handled all her arrangements, suddenly firing him would cause more complications than it solved.

After some hesitation, Lirael put the thought aside—for now. She'd wait until finding a suitable replacement.

Though Nechemya's behavior had annoyed her, overall her spirits were lifted.

The chronic gastritis that had plagued her for years was finally cured. And Eldric—the man her grandfather had chosen—was demonstrating genuine integrity. Alone in that hospital room with his hands on her abdomen, he'd maintained perfect professionalism despite her beauty, revealing his true character.

Her impression of him had improved significantly. Not that she'd accept an arranged marriage so quickly—their acquaintance was still too brief for such commitments. But spending more time together seemed reasonable, especially since she felt deeply grateful for his medical help.

"Eldric," she offered, noticing his aimless gaze, "now that the Logans have kicked you out, you must need a place to stay. Our family has a villa here in Herbshire that sits empty most days. Why don't you stay there for now?"

The kindness in her offer momentarily dulled the sting, but mention of his exile from the Logan household reopened fresh wounds.

Memories flooded back—years of thankless service, enduring their contempt, only to face Naviya's betrayal. Each recollection pierced his heart like needles, the pain so sharp it took his breath away.

Yet Lirael's kindness cut through Eldric's despair like sunlight, warming him with unexpected comfort. Her compassion stood in stark contrast to Naviya's cruelty—his ex-wife's ugliness only made Lirael's grace shine brighter.

Shifting uncomfortably, Eldric declined, "Thank you, Ms. Veyra, but staying at your place so soon might invite gossip. I couldn't risk harming your reputation—I'll manage."

His empty pockets mocked him. As the Logan Family's rejected son-in-law, he couldn't even afford a cheap motel. The bitter truth of "poverty ties a hero's hands" weighed heavy—he'd resigned himself to a park bench for the night.

Lirael's expression softened. She recalled the investigators' reports: his daily humiliations, how only Old Man Logan had shown him kindness before age weakened the patriarch's authority. Now cast out after Naviya's betrayal...

"Nonsense," she said, leaving no room for argument. "The villa sits vacant most years—I stay elsewhere in Brizo. After you cured my gastritis, this is the least I can offer." Her gaze held his. "Call it a small token of gratitude."

Cornered by circumstance, Eldric accepted the key with a quiet nod. As his fingers closed around it, he vowed never to forget this lifeline thrown when he'd nearly drowned in despair.

He met Lirael's gaze, his voice rough with gratitude. "Ms. Veyra, words can't express my thanks. Please don’t worry about the gastritis treatment—it was nothing compared to your kindness. What you've done for me... I’ll carry this debt forever. If you ever need anything, I’d go through hell or high water for you in a heartbeat."

Naviya’s betrayal had shattered Eldric, leaving him adrift in hopelessness—until Lirael appeared, her compassion a lifeline in the gloom. That warmth stoked the embers of his will. No more despair. He’d fight his way back, devouring every scrap of knowledge from his inheritance. One day, he’d make them pay.

She’d dragged him back from the edge. That alone made her kindness a treasure beyond measure, a debt etched into his bones. When he rose from the ashes, he’d repay her tenfold.

Lirael felt the fierce conviction in his words. The man before her was different now—steeled, unyielding. Naviya’s treachery hadn’t broken him; it had tempered him like steel. A quiet certainty took root in her heart: Eldric would rise to greatness. And when that day came? Naviya would drown in regret.