Rayven was quite curious as he pondered this new information.

His fingers drummed lightly against the armrest as he stared at the open book. The pieces were starting to form a picture… It was still incomplete, but enough to stir suspicion.

The Viremonts weren't just dabbling in dungeon silk. They were investing heavily in it. And if the 17th Dungeon was one of their key sources, then it made sense why they wouldn't want it cleared. Killing the dungeon boss would destabilize the ecosystem. The mana density would drop. The dungeon's internal environment would shift, and the silk-producing creatures, those rare, dungeon-adapted silkworms, might die off or migrate.

That would mean a massive loss in revenue.

And if the Count had gone so far as to interfere with the dungeon's balance… or worse, provoke an outbreak to drive away competitors… Rayven exhaled through his nose just at the thought of it.

Still, it was just a theory. He had no proof or names he could throw out... He didn't even have any documents that could really support this claim... It was just a few lines in the Viremont Families record and a gut feeling.

"Urgh… Should I actually ask the Baroness if she knows something?" he muttered under his breath.

He immediately regretted the thought.

The memory of her standing inches away from him, whispering in that low, velvet voice, brushing his sleeve like it meant something… it all came rushing back.

No. That was a last resort.

He needed to be smarter than that.

For now, he'd take the long route. Since he had the time, he would just do a slow, careful observation.

Perhaps, he could just continue with his conversations with the staff. Listening more than speaking might be the way to do it. Anyway, he had three months to complete this mission.

Since Nobles rarely revealed their secrets directly… Their servants may not know a lot but they could see everything, heard everything, and if he played it right, they might talk.

He closed the book and stood, as he stretched his body and glanced toward the hallway.

The maids were always busy in the mornings, changing linens, preparing tea, delivering messages. The butlers handled the logistics, and the kitchen staff gossiped more than they cooked. If he moved casually, asked the right questions, and didn't push too hard, he might learn something useful.

And then there was the Baron.

Rayven hadn't spoken to him directly since the first day. The man was stern, reserved, and clearly protective of his daughter.

But he wasn't unreasonable. If Rayven could earn his trust, perhaps through consistency, discipline, and a show of respect, he might gain access to more than just polite nods.

He might gain access to real answers.

And once he was satisfied, or once he understood the political landscape, the Count's influence, and the risks of acting too soon, then he would use Inner Mend and heal Elvira...

He owed Elvira that much since he was delaying healing her to get more information and befriend her parents.

After all, if Count Viremont really was behind the outbreak, there might be a purge happening…

***

Two days passed quietly.

Elvira had grown accustomed to her weakened state. With Rayven's daily Stabilize spell, she could remain conscious for several hours at a time. She still couldn't walk unassisted, and most of her day was spent resting in bed, but her breathing had stabilized, and her complexion had improved.

The physicians noted her progress with optimism, though none dared claim credit.

Rayven continued his routine without complaint. He had already memorized the rhythm of the manor, the timing of the staff, the flow of information, the subtle shifts in noble behavior. He hadn't uncovered anything new about Count Viremont, but he had learned enough to understand their position…

Then, on the morning of the fifth day, the steward approached him during breakfast.

"The specialist from the capital," he said, "will arrive in four days."

Rayven paused as he heard this information. He wasn't supposed to know this, but as he befriended the man, he immediately informed him.

Four days.

That meant his time here was nearly up. Once the expert arrived, Elvira's condition would be handled by someone with formal credentials, and Rayven's role would be reduced to nothing. The meridian blockage would be diagnosed, treated, and documented. The Baron would no longer need him.

And that was fine.

Rayven hadn't come here to be a hero. He came to complete a mission…

He finished his meal in silence, then returned to Elvira's chamber at the usual hour.

The Baroness was present, as always. The physicians stood back like a routine...

Elvira lay quietly as she noticed Rayven's arrival. Her eyes were half-open, and she confirmed Rayven's presence, she smiled a bit… However, she still didn't speak.

Rayven approached the bed.

He looked at her for a moment, then exhaled as if he was gathering his man…

It was time.

He extended his hand, but instead of casting Stabilize, he whispered something else.

"Inner Mend."

[ 3 Gold Coins Deducted. ]

A soft, golden light enveloped his palm, then spread across Elvira's chest. The glow pulsed gently, sinking into her skin, tracing invisible paths through her body.

Rayven felt the spell working, targeting the internal channels, the blocked meridians, the impeded mana flow, and even her internal organs.

Indeed! This spell wasn't just targeted to mana flow after all. This was an Inner Mend Spell that could help almost all internal injuries!

Elvira's eyes widened as she felt that the Spell this time was different.

Her cheeks flushed with color and her breathing deepened.

Soon, she felt her body gain strength.

"Aahhh… What's this?" She blinked rapidly, then turned her head toward her mother.

"I… I feel warm," she whispered.

The Baroness leaned forward. "Elvira?"

"I feel… really strong," Elvira said.

Then, without warning, she sat up.

The physicians gasped.

Rayven also stepped back, watching carefully. He didn't expect that it would be this fast…

Elvira swung her legs over the side of the bed. When her feet touched the floor, she hesitated for a moment, then pushed herself upright.

She stood up without any assistance from her mother or any maid! There was no pain or trembling!

Mana flowed freely through her body, and for the first time in months, she felt whole.

The Baroness covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes.

The older physician dropped his fountain pen as he couldn't believe what had just happened…

Rayven had done what no one else could.. And now, his mission was complete!

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