After his conversation with Cecilia Marves, Ains Graham returned to Duke Graham’s mansion. As he entered his office, he was informed that Dr. Watt had arrived with Jacob.

“Your Grace, I have brought Dr. Watt,” Jacob announced after a brief knock on the door. Ains, who had been pacing to sort through his complicated thoughts, looked up.

“Come in.”

Once granted permission, the door opened, revealing Dr. Watt, the elderly physician who attended both his grandfather, Damon Graham, and Cecilia.

“Hello, Your Grace. I heard you were looking for me,” Dr. Watt said.

“Yes, that’s correct. Please, have a seat.”

Ains gestured to the sofa on one side of the office. Dr. Watt took a seat, and Ains sat across from him.

“Would you like some tea?” Ains asked.

“Please, some black tea,” Dr. Watt replied.

“Jacob, prepare two cups of black tea,” Ains instructed.

“Yes, Your Grace,” Jacob responded, bowing as he exited the office. Ains studied Dr. Watt’s face, his expression complicated, but he remained silent.

A short while later, a maid entered with refreshments, quietly placing a teacup in front of both men before leaving. After a long sigh, Ains broke the silence.

“I called you to confirm something.”

“Yes, please go ahead,” Dr. Watt replied.

“I’ve heard from you and Cecilia that she underwent treatment and is experiencing side effects.”

“Yes, that’s correct,” Dr. Watt confirmed.

“Is there no alternative to just managing the side effects?” Ains asked, frustration creeping into his tone.

“To my surprise, yes, there is another way,” Dr. Watt responded, catching Ains off guard.

“What is it? Please tell me,” Ains urged, leaning forward.

Dr. Watt’s eyebrows furrowed at Ains’ sudden interest, especially considering his previous indifference towards Cecilia’s condition. After a brief hesitation, he spoke cautiously.

“The issue with Viscountess Marves is related to mana. As I mentioned, Trintz disease causes mana to gradually harden, and the treatment involves the Tieria flower, which activates mana. When the hardening nature clashes with the moving nature, even with treatment, the two energies inevitably conflict.”

“…”

“This conflict can lead to wild fluctuations in mana. If it’s merely unstable, it results in nausea or headaches; however, if it runs wild, it can cause severe issues like coughing up blood or even a coma.”

Ains felt a surge of anxiety as Dr. Watt’s words painted a grim picture, especially since he had witnessed Cecilia coughing up blood firsthand.

“So, what is the method to address this?” Ains pressed, frustration evident in his voice. Dr. Watt cleared his throat and prepared to explain further.

“If the mana adapts well to Viscountess Marves’ body and circulates smoothly, the side effects will disappear. There are two methods to facilitate this adaptation,” Dr. Watt explained.

Ains swallowed hard, listening intently as Dr. Watt continued.

“Either Viscountess Marves herself calms the turbulent mana, or someone who can consistently manage mana stabilizes it beside her. Either option would be preferable to merely relying on palliatives.”

As Dr. Watt finished, Ains nodded but frowned, his gaze distant and unfocused. He had achieved a high level in swordsmanship like his father, so handling mana was within his capability. A thought crossed his mind: perhaps he could be the one to calm the chaotic mana within Cecilia.

If that were true, he could help her.

After a moment, Ains spoke cautiously. “Does it matter who handles the mana? Even someone like me, a swordsman?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Whether a mage or a swordsman, anyone capable of guiding another’s mana can do it,” Dr. Watt confirmed.

“I see,” Ains replied, feeling a flicker of hope, though he wondered if Cecilia would accept his assistance.

“Is there anything else you can tell me about Cecilia’s condition?” he asked.

“Nothing beyond what I’ve already mentioned,” Dr. Watt replied.

Ains fell silent, scrutinizing Dr. Watt’s expression to gauge the truth of his words. Dr. Watt maintained steady eye contact.

“Alright then, you may go,” Ains finally said.

“Your Grace,” Dr. Watt replied. Just as Ains was about to dismiss him, Dr. Watt hesitated.

“Is there something you want to ask about the health of the former Duke Graham?” Dr. Watt inquired directly.

Ains had consistently ignored his grandfather, Damon Graham, just as he had with Cecilia. Knowing this was a delicate topic, Dr. Watt approached it with caution. Ains opened his mouth but then closed it again, filled with resentment towards his grandfather. He believed Damon was responsible for pushing his father into a deadly situation.

If it hadn’t been for Damon, Alex would never have participated in the monster subjugation and would still be alive. The pain of losing both his mother and father in such a short span was unbearable.

This suffering fueled Ains’ hatred and rebellion against his grandfather, and Damon had grown accustomed to Ains’ animosity. As a result, their emotional rift deepened over time.

“…No,” Ains finally replied, choosing to ignore the question once more.

Dr. Watt, sensing Ains’ stubbornness, pressed on. “Won’t you regret it? The former Duke Graham doesn’t have much time left. You know this.”

Dr. Watt offered Ains a chance to forgive his grandfather—perhaps his last opportunity. Ains lowered his gaze and shook his head.

“I don’t think it’s the right time yet. Please refrain from bringing this up again, Dr. Watt,” he warned, indicating his limits.

Ains had tolerated Dr. Watt’s presumptuousness enough; he wouldn’t remain silent if pushed further.

“I understand,” Dr. Watt conceded, recognizing the weight of Ains’ words. He knew he couldn’t force the issue as an outsider.

“Then, I will take my leave,” Dr. Watt said, standing and bowing before exiting the office with deliberate steps.

The sound of his footsteps faded as the door opened and closed. Soon after, Jacob entered the room cautiously.

“Your Grace, regarding today’s remaining schedule…”

“Cancel everything. And leave me alone. I want to be by myself.”

“…Yes, I will do that.”

Jacob agreed to Ains’ order and quietly left the office.

Finally alone, Ains leaned back against the sofa.

“Regret?”

Ains slowly chewed over the word “regret” that Dr. Watt had mentioned. There was only one thing that could be called regret for him.

Ains looked up at the ceiling and slowly closed his eyes. Darkness quickly enveloped him. Although it was still morning, an overwhelming fatigue besieged him today.

He wanted to return to his bedroom and get some sleep, but unfortunately, he didn’t even have the strength to head to the bedroom. In the end, he chose to rest for a while in the quiet office.