Doctor Hailey - Chapter 17

***

“Hailey?”

Professor Lihael asked, rubbing his big eyes.

“Were you really in prison?”

He opened his mouth, shook his head, and placed his hand on his forehead.

Hailey laughed awkwardly.

She didn’t expect to meet Professor Lihael here.

Well, did she expect to meet the Crown Prince?

“They said the anesthesia development is almost done, so they let me skip classes! Why are you hanging out in prison at this important moment?”

She scratched her head.

When her eyes met Professor Lihael’s, she couldn’t help but smile.

“Exactly.”

She suddenly remembered something, hitting her left palm with her right fist.

“Professor, you’re mistaken. I wasn’t skipping classes because of your permission; I completed my graduation credits early.”

She said confidently.

“Right! The brilliant Hailey has always been exceptional. But why are you really in prison? I was so shocked when I heard the news this morning.”

Hailey was even more surprised.

“Did you come straight here after hearing I was in prison?”

“Of course.”

Lihael nodded.

“Are you hurt?”

He came closer.

His unique scent tickled her nose.

His lush blonde hair fluttered in the wind.

Watching his long fingers sweep his hair back, she couldn’t help but recall their first meeting a year ago.

***

“That’s Professor Lihael! The guy crazy about herbs?”

“The one who treats commoners equally?”

“Yes! Though he’s a royal, he treats all students equally. Could he be a potential lover?”

Hearing the gossip around her, Hailey yawned widely.

Among the students attending the entrance ceremony, all the women, regardless of their status, were buzzing about one man.

***

“Welcome to our Imperial Medical Academy. We aim to advance both your growth and the empire’s medical field….”

Professor Lihael was giving a speech on the podium.

He was probably the most famous man in the capital.

Even Hailey, who had no interest in social circles, knew about him.

“He’s a notorious playboy.”

She squinted her eyes.

He was handsome.

But being handsome wasn’t unusual for royalty.

They married beautiful women and maintained excellent nutrition and exercise.

Hailey admired Lihael not for his looks but for his genuine interest in medicine and his dedication as a professor.

However, she wasn’t interested in his knowledge. Compared to her, the professors seemed lacking in knowledge.

‘It’s not like I can teach royalty. I should graduate as soon as possible.’

To practice medicine in a country that didn’t respect doctors, she needed to graduate from the Medical Academy.

The Academy offered a flexible but chaotic system where after two years, passing the graduation exam granted a medical license, and students could stay an additional year for research and teaching.

Hailey wanted to take the graduation exam immediately upon entering, but it was impossible. She had to attend for at least a year to qualify.

***

“Hailey Salisbury?”

When did he get here?

One moment he was on the podium, the next he was standing in front of her, making her eyes widen.

His scent tickled her nose.

His golden hair shone, his skin was even more flawless up close, and his big eyes sparkled.

His playful smile appeared as his lips curled.

Hailey barely held back a gasp at his appearance.

Wow, is this what it feels like to see an actor up close?

***

“My speech must have been boring?”

“No… that’s not it.”

You smell strongly of alcohol.

She swallowed the words.

***

“Our Academy doesn’t treat nobles with special privileges. I believe Lady Hailey, having received a fine education, understands this.”

“Yes, of course, Professor.”

“Then I look forward to it.”

***

Yes, he had that scent back then too.

Hailey chuckled at the familiar scent.

The same person who gave a speech at the Medical Academy reeked of alcohol.

“Who were you drinking wine with last night?”

And he was also known for never drinking alone.

Lihael seemed genuinely surprised.

How did she know?

Everyone knew.

Hailey decided to make the most of this coincidence.

Meeting the professor here was fortunate. She didn’t have to see the Crown Prince. She just had to spread the word about the epidemic.

Hailey spoke rapidly.

“Professor, there’s an epidemic spreading in the prison. And it’s likely to spread to the capital.”

Lihael’s expression hardened instantly.

***

“A doctor serves all patients regardless of their status.”

Kai rested his forehead on his hands on the desk.

He pressed his fingers to his forehead, eyes closed.

Hailey’s face and the voice speaking of a doctor’s duty came to life.

He lifted his head and opened his eyes.

He grabbed one of the piles of documents on his desk.

So much work.

As he tried to focus on the documents, a report caught his eye.

A report from Grand.

After reading it yesterday, Kai rushed to the Academy.

And by chance… he met her.

‘Is she okay?’

Born into the prestigious Salisbury family, could she handle a day in prison?

Even after sending her back to the Academy, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He had to visit the prison again.

Kai steadied his breath.

Yes, he met her in prison too.

‘The epidemic!’

He had almost forgotten the most important thing.

“Is anyone out there?”

Kai’s voice was sharp.

If the epidemic spread in the capital, it would be disastrous.

“Your Highness, you called?”

“Investigate whether the epidemic is spreading in the capital. Bring all available doctors immediately.”

“The epidemic, Your Highness?”

“Yes. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.”

Kai stood up.

There was no time to waste.

“I’m heading to the west prison.”

“The west prison….”

Yesterday, he dismissed the guards and went out alone, but now, with all the palace staff present, he couldn’t go alone.

“Prepare.”

“Yes, sir!”

Kai narrowed his eyes, focusing on the door.

Soon, two guards appeared.

He steadied his breath.

“Let’s go.”

Kai left the office.

“Your Highness, why are you going to the prison?”

Aide David asked, following.

Kai didn’t answer. His steps quickened.

Because of the epidemic.

If it spread in the capital, countless lives could be lost.

If it reached the palace, it would be even worse.

Kai’s office was deep within the palace. It took time to get out.

David, the aide, lagged behind the two guards.

“Your Highness… please… slow down….”

“You can follow later.”

Kai said quickly, despite his labored breathing.

He started running.

He stopped briefly when the west prison’s walls came into view.

The guards recognized him and saluted.

“Open the gate.”

The guards opened the gate at his command.

As soon as he entered, he stopped.

Lihael was holding Hailey’s hand.

Her face lit up with a bright smile.

Kai clenched his teeth unconsciously.