Crown Prince Sells Medicine

“Here, Your Highness.”

The medical college exceeded his expectations in terms of size. It wasn’t solely the magnitude of the buildings; there were multiple three and four-story structures spanning a considerable area.

If he were to draw a comparison?

‘It’s reminiscent of a university campus.’

Some buildings were dedicated to practical training, while others served as hospital wards, among other purposes. The clear distinction and layout of the buildings based on their various functions and objectives were quite impressive.

It triggered memories. Raciel recalled his days at a university in Korea. During that period, he engaged in a few flirty interactions but never pursued an actual relationship.

“…….”

‘Why am I suddenly heaving a sigh?’

Raciel forcefully pushed his bitter personal experiences to the back of his mind and continued his brisk walk, focusing on the present. Before long, he reached his destination.

It was a spacious training room located within a large four-story building.

“Please, come in, Your Highness.”

“…….”

Following the dean’s lead, he entered the training room. Instantly, the gaze of approximately thirty individuals fixed upon him. These people, dressed in white coats, ranged in age from their mid to late twenties. It was evident who they were.

‘Final-year students.’

They were aspiring doctors, on the verge of obtaining their formal qualifications. However, their attitudes towards him were far from warm. To be precise, they were distant and exclusionary. To put it bluntly, they were unfriendly. It felt as though they regarded him as an outsider who had no right to be there.

I could discern it immediately.

‘It appears that my reputation has preceded me to this extent.’

Raciel couldn’t help but smile.

The students’ reactions mirrored the dean’s. It was as if they were shouting, “Like master, like disciple,” with their entire beings.

‘They must have heard that the Crown Prince is attempting to use his power and status to easily secure a diploma. That’s why they’re upset. To them, it appears that I’m attempting to conveniently obtain the fruit of their years of study and effort without any effort of my own.’

From their perspective, it was understandable. Hence, he wasn’t bothered by their subtle, prickly glances. He calmly turned to the dean.

“May I request an introduction?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The dean respectfully bowed and then turned to the prospective doctors.

“Attention, everyone. Allow me to introduce His Highness Raciel Adria Magentano, the Crown Prince of the Empire. Some of you may already be aware, but His Highness will be joining us in the graduation process, so I request your support.”

The dean delivered his words in a flat tone. The prospective doctors responded with mechanical applause and expressionless faces. Observing this, Raciel couldn’t help but smirk once more.

‘They have no intention of treating me as a fellow doctor.’

It was apparent at first glance.

The dean had only introduced him as the Crown Prince. Despite the fact that the dean of the medical college, and likely anyone living in the capital of Magentano, should be aware of the Star Palace clinic, there was no mention of it. Furthermore, he had essentially implied that he couldn’t complete the graduation process on his own by requesting their assistance.

The attitudes of the prospective doctors reflected this sentiment.

“So, Dean? Does His Highness participate in the graduation exam directly, without going through the usual procedures?”

A young man among the prospective doctors inquired. He had a head of unruly brown hair and the appearance of a diligent student.

“Ah, Kelrod? That’s a valid question.”

The dean responded with a meaningful smile to the comment from the brown-haired prospective doctor named ‘Kelrod.’

“His Highness may find our entire curriculum unfamiliar. So, wouldn’t it be meaningful to go through the graduation process together, supporting each other?”

“But, Dean? What you just mentioned seems somewhat different from the founding principles of our university that I’ve been learning and striving to uphold.”

“You mean the principle that one should possess qualifications before assuming responsibilities?”

“Exactly.”

“There are various paths to acquiring qualifications.”

“……I see. Understood.”

Kelrod appeared reluctantly convinced and nodded. The dean let out a faint smirk, and Raciel couldn’t help but find the situation absurd.

‘Ha, look at these individuals.’

They were openly conversing right in front of him as if he didn’t exist. Weren’t they concerned about the power of a Crown Prince? Apparently not.

‘The dean of the medical college is reputed to be a staunchly principled person, and it’s certainly true.’

That’s why he subtly displayed defiance even in the presence of power and status. His students, the prospective doctors, seemed to have been significantly influenced by his principles.

As for Raciel?

‘I admire them all.’

In fact, he was pleased.

If the dean had been overtly flattering him, he would have found it distasteful. A medical professional, someone entrusted with human lives, should possess such principles. Instead of easily yielding or compromising in the face of power, they should uphold their ideals and convictions. At least, that’s my belief.

‘Back in Korea, an ethical emergency surgeon gained media attention. People like that should thrive.’

That’s why.

Despite his presence before them, the dean and the students boldly and subtly challenged him, which he found rather impressive. To be honest, he was even slightly envious. If possible, he wished to recruit all of them and employ them at the Star Palace clinic.

Meanwhile, the dean continued speaking.

“Setting that aside, he will now disclose the graduation exam assignment to everyone.”

The entire training room fell silent instantly. Everyone’s eyes sparkled, and they were so hushed that one could hardly hear their breaths. They must have eagerly anticipated this moment. The dean addressed the audience.

“This year’s graduation exam will involve ‘group medical treatment.’ I know you couldn’t have anticipated this, as the content of the graduation exam changes every year.”

…Group medical treatment?

Could it be, a group project?

Raciel furrowed his brow. Listening to the dean’s explanation, it seemed his guess was accurate.

“From this point on, you will be divided into groups of six, jointly responsible for one patient. The goal is to effectively and intensively treat the patient until they make a complete recovery. Now, we will draw lots to determine the groups.”

The dean gestured, and an assistant professor, who had been standing quietly on the side, stepped forward with a box.

“There are colored papers in this box. Those who draw the same color will be in the same group. Feel free to draw without pressure. Now… Your Highness? Would you please start?”

After the explanation, the dean looked at Raciel. He shrugged and reached into the box, selecting one from among the dozens of papers.

‘Green, huh.’

The final-year prospective doctors followed suit, drawing their papers one by one. The results of the draw silently brought joy and disappointment. Some were pleased to be in the same group as friends or capable colleagues, while others appeared crestfallen at their group assignments.

Particularly those who drew the same green paper as Raciel displayed clear disappointment in their eyes.

“…….”

Their eyes conveyed it all: a sense of doom. Was his presence that unwelcome? Raciel observed the other five members of his group.

‘The doctor with the bushy hair is here too.’

The brown-haired man with unruly hair, who had previously questioned the dean, caught his attention.

For a moment, a fleeting expression of disgust flickered in his eyes. He quickly averted his gaze, but the brief yet unmistakable aftertaste of that emotion lingered.

‘As for the others, hmm. Two men, and two women… are they twins?’

So, including him, the group consisted of four men and a pair of twin sisters.

The dean addressed everyone.

“Now that the groups are formed, please proceed to your designated areas. Your Highness, your group will be Group 1. Let’s begin by assigning a patient to Group 1. Please follow me.”

Raciel followed the dean out of the training room. They traversed the corridor, ascended and descended stairs, and entered an adjacent building. This building housed the patients’ wards.

“Here we are.”

The dean led them to a single patient room where critically ill patients were located. A middle-aged man lay there. Despite his critical condition, he appeared fully conscious.

The dean approached the patient.

“Miguel, how are you feeling today?”

“Well… as usual. My legs still refuse to move.”

The patient managed a self-deprecating smile. The dean patted the patient’s shoulder and then turned to the members of Group 1.

“You’re probably familiar with this patient, but since His Highness has recently joined us, I’ll provide an explanation. This patient is suffering from lower limb paralysis. What’s intriguing is that the paralysis occurred without any accident, trauma, or injury.”

“…….”

The group members listened attentively to the dean’s explanation, but their expressions were peculiar. If he had to sum up their faces in one word…

‘Doomed?’

They all appeared pale and frozen, as if they sensed an impending disaster. Meanwhile, the dean continued his explanation.

“Initially, the patient began experiencing symptoms of enteritis along with diarrhea about four weeks before the onset of paralysis. He also reported tingling and numbness in his toes for a few days, which he noted was increasing in frequency. Then, six days ago, he lost the ability to move his toes, and since then, the paralysis has gradually spread upward to the point where he can no longer move his legs. You’re all aware of these details, correct?”

“…Yes.”

Kelrod spoke on behalf of the group. The dean gazed meaningfully at everyone.

“The fate of this patient now rests in your hands. I hope each of you will work diligently and cooperatively to diagnose the cause of this patient’s paralysis and provide treatment.”

With these instructions that also carried a plea, the dean exited the room to assign patients to other groups.

Once the dean had left, silence filled the room, and the group members exchanged glances. Eventually, prompted by the unspoken communication, Kelrod stepped forward.

“Your Highness, may I have a word with you?”

“Outside?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Was it just his imagination, or did Kelrod’s demeanor, while still respectful, carry a hint of prickliness now? Raciel shrugged and followed Kelrod out of the room, with the other group members trailing behind. It wasn’t until they were a sufficient distance from the room that Kelrod let out a deep sigh.

“Your Highness, to be frank, please don’t even consider intervening on our behalf.”

“…….”

What kind of nonsensical talk was this? Kelrod continued with a sigh.

“You must have heard the dean’s explanation. The patient we’ve been assigned is suffering from paralysis, the cause of which remains unknown. Even the dean couldn’t identify the cause.”

“So?”

“Chances are, we won’t be able to identify the cause either, just as it has been for the past few days. That’s why I dare to make this request, Your Highness.”

“Don’t think about intervening?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“What would I even do?”

“Not use your authority to… ensure that our entire group passes the graduation exam.”

“Hmm?”

Raciel couldn’t suppress a smirk. Now he grasped Kelrod’s intention.

“So, you’re requesting that I refrain from misusing my authority?”

“That’s correct, Your Highness.”

“In order to ensure that all graduates receive an impartial evaluation?”

“Exactly, Your Highness.”

“Haha, look at this guy.”

Raciel burst into laughter.

“I was wondering what serious matter you were about to discuss with such a solemn expression.”

“But, Your Highness, we are quite serious.”

And indeed, Kelrod’s expression radiated earnestness. Examining his eyes, he could discern the kind of person he was.

‘This guy, the more I see him, the more I appreciate him?’

So, Kelrod and his group members believe they’ve been tasked with an impossible mission. They might carry a hint of resentment due to his presence. However, they’re genuinely concerned that he might exploit his authority to manipulate the situation.

‘They desire a fair assessment of their abilities, even if it means failing the graduation exam. They don’t want to resort to deception or harm other groups.’

To engage in such a conversation filled with concern and seriousness… he wondered where these talented individuals had come from. On the flip side, he also felt a touch of sadness. The reason for his sorrow was simple. Raciel inquired of Kelrod.

“I comprehend your point. However, regarding our assigned patient – you mentioned that no one has identified the cause of the paralysis, correct?”

“Yes, that’s accurate.”

“Truly? But what if I already know the cause?”

“…Pardon me?”

Kelrod’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, displaying evident disbelief. Raciel flashed a meaningful smile at him.

“I had a suspicion as soon as I heard the dean’s explanation.”

“Is that so?”

“Without a doubt.”

It was rather apparent.

The progression of symptoms, from enteritis with numbness starting in the toes to the gradual upward spread of paralysis, coupled with the absence of any accidents, injuries, or shocks.

“The actual cause of the patient’s lower limb paralysis is…”

Raciel declared with certainty.

(To be Continued)

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