The Warrior’s Ballad
Chapter 87.1

Translator: Willia

Dr. Reno's room in the main house was filled with exotic and curious objects.

And the room had a scent reminiscent of old wood. It was not an unpleasant fragrance. Somehow, it seemed to bring a sense of calm and stability to the mind and body.

However, despite all the good things, Ricardt felt somewhat uncomfortable entrusting his body to a suspicious object he had never seen before. No, he felt displeased.

Dr. Reno unfastened Ricardt’s front and placed something called a stethoscope against his chest with a chak, chak sound. The cold sensation of the device touching his bare skin was unfamiliar and strange, making Ricardt flinch and shudder.

"Take a deep breath. Slowly."

Dr. Reno, with his plump belly and thick beard, spoke with a serious expression in his own way.

Even though he felt unpleasant, Ricardt decided to follow his instructions since he was already there. As he inhaled, he felt a sudden blockage in his breath, accompanied by a stabbing pain in his lungs, as if pricked by needles.

"Once more, slowly."

Ricardt diligently followed his instructions. After a few breaths, the doctor spoke again.

"Would you try forcing your breath beyond the blocked part?"

This did not seem right at all, but Marie, who was standing beside him, signaled him to do as he was told. Ricardt frowned but endured the pain and forced himself to inhale all the way to the end.

"Now, exhale slowly."

“Phew…”

Dr. Reno listened intently to the sounds coming from inside Ricardt’s body, and at last, he removed the unpleasant stethoscope from his skin.

"Hmm... Fortunately, it does not seem to be in a severe state. And if you've been poisoned by the powder, it is most likely a toxin related to the rainbow moth species. Given its level of potency, it must have been mixed with something else."

"So, what about the antidote?"

Marie asked. However, unfortunately, Dr. Reno shook his head with a heavy expression while stroking his beard.

"Only the person who created the poison knows the exact antidote. If we tamper with it carelessly, we might worsen the condition, so we cannot recklessly make an antidote. The Witches of Dawn might be able to help, but meeting them is as difficult as finding a dragon."

Rainbow moths, Witches of Dawn, all of these were things Ricardt had never heard of before.

"So, what you're saying is that there is no solution at the moment?"

Ricardt spoke. As expected, he regretted allowing his body to be examined.

"That is not the case. Wait a moment."

Dr. Reno rummaged through the cluttered piles of objects and pulled out a small, dust-covered wooden box.

Despite knowing Ricardt’s lungs were in poor condition, he blew the dust off the box right in front of him before opening it. Inside were dark, yellowish, crystal-like substances.

"This is agarwood used by the Salaman people in their rituals. Since they also import it from the distant east, it is an extremely rare item."

It was the hardened resin of an agarwood tree. Dr. Reno took a piece, shaved an appropriate amount into a ceramic dish with a knife, and lit it on fire.

Rather than burning into flames, the ember smoldered, releasing a stream of smoke.

In an instant, a heavy yet sweet fragrance spread throughout the room. It was a scent that evoked a sense of solemnity.

Dr. Reno brought the ceramic dish close to Ricardt’s nose.

"Inhale. Slowly, deeply."

Ricardt felt uneasy about trying something so foreign, but he followed the instructions, inhaling the smoke slowly until he felt pain.

At first, his chest hurt, but gradually, the pain subsided. By the time the agarwood had finished burning, the pain had mysteriously vanished.

"How do you feel?"

"Wow, what is this? I think I’m completely fine now."

"No, this only alleviates the symptoms and pain, it does not heal your damaged lungs. For now, take this with you and inhale the smoke every morning and evening. Then, we can look for a real cure."

Dr. Reno handed Ricardt the small wooden box while simultaneously extending his hand. At first, Ricardt did not understand the gesture, but he soon realized, he was asking for money.

Nothing in this world was free. Even loyal knights would abandon their posts during war if they did not receive their wages on time. After all, in this era, contracts took precedence over loyalty.

But right now, he had no money. Given that it was an item from the distant East, it surely would not come cheap.

"Ah, um…"

Just as Marie was about to say they would pay later, Dr. Reno curled up his mustache in a grin and spoke.

"I'm just joking. It's none other than the young master, so I should give it freely. I'm not that heartless."

"Really? Why?"

Ricardt had certain ways of thinking that transcended the times, but there were also aspects where he was still firmly rooted in the norms of the current era.

So while he felt grateful, he could not quite understand why someone would simply give it to him without expecting anything in return.

"I did not guide your fate, young master, but I believe I served as a milestone at an important time. Whenever I heard news of you from afar, I felt both anxious and proud. It is merely gratitude, so please consider this a token of my appreciation."

It was true that Dr. Reno had played a significant role in leading Ricardt onto the path of an adventurer.

Although the doctor had never openly expressed it, a part of him must have felt regret and concern. It was Ricardt’s own decision in the end, so there was no real need for him to feel that way, yet he did.

And now that Ricardt had successfully adapted and made a name for himself, Dr. Reno felt both relief and gratitude.

Even three years ago, Ricardt had sensed it to some extent, but now he was certain, Dr. Reno was truly an exceptional adult. In this harsh world, it was rare to find someone of such character.

At first, Ricardt had not entirely trusted the doctor, but now he was deeply moved.

"Doctor, if you ever find yourself in trouble, don’t hesitate to contact me without worrying about money. I may not have many other skills, but I do know how to use a sword."

"Hahaha, aside from my small errands and occasionally running tasks for the count, I have no need for blades. If someone is angry, I simply apologize, and as long as I do not speak ill of others' flaws, I have no reason to make enemies. I only wish for good fortune to accompany both young masters and the lady on your paths."

"Still, you never know, so please take care of yourself as well, doctor."

"Haha, I understand. But more than that, I am quite worried about recent events. I hope the fire in the capital does not spread too far."

He was referring to the incident where the emperor, members of the imperial family, and many nobles had been assassinated.

"It is a serious matter, but what can I do? A swordsman like me has no power over it."

"Even if there is nothing you can do, you can still have an opinion. Who do you support, young master?"

"Support? Who? Obviously, the crown prince will succeed the throne. He must. That is what the very term 'crown prince' means."

"Huh? Have you not heard? The crown prince seems to have died in the chaos as well. That is why the ducal families are in turmoil over whether to support the second prince or the fifth prince. That is also why the count left abruptly for Brummbar Castle."

This place was the main estate of the Caldebern Family, a place Ricardt had been reluctant to visit. But since he was already here, he was relieved that only the household retainers were present, sparing him the discomfort of dealing with the count.

However, to think that the reason the count had left in haste was because the crown prince had died…

Ricardt was momentarily dumbfounded. He had not had a deep connection with the crown prince, but they had shared some moments of camaraderie.

He was not deeply saddened, but he was still somewhat shocked.

Marie, on the other hand, seemed to feel differently, probably because she had suffered under him.

"That little demon is dead? Good riddance."

"M-Marie, no matter what, that’s-"

"If you hadn’t shown up in time, Ricky, I would have killed him myself."

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