LUCIA

Chapter 33 Damian

Anna returned from her outing with her hands full of books tied up in a string. These days, she had been working on finding a cure for the Duchess.

She had combed through the bookstore and collected all the books related to medicinal herbs and she had asked the owner of the bookstore to contact her whenever a related book came in.

As Anna walked through the castle gates and entered the castle, she saw Dorothy, a middle-aged woman that she was usually close to, some distance away. She wanted to raise her voice and greet Dorothy but because Dorothy was holding onto a man and fussing over him subserviently, Anna simply watched blankly.

'From his attire, he doesn't seem like someone in a high position...'

When they separated, Anna approached Dorothy.

"Who was that? I think I'm just seeing them for the first time."

"The first time? Well, he is indeed someone full of wanderlust. That person is the Duke's doctor."

"The Duke's doctor? Why have I never seen such a person?"

"You haven't stayed long in the castle. We didn't hear any news from him for a few years then he returned, stayed for a few days and left again. This time, he's stayed for almost two or three months. I don't know when he'll be leaving again."

"Is it okay for a doctor to just leave like that?"

"Because our Duke is so strong, he doesn't really need a doctor. We often joke that the most idle person here is the Duke's doctor. But there is no one here that doubts his ability after all, our youngest had almost died but lived thanks to him."

Even though Anna was talking to Dorothy, she kept glancing in the direction that Philip had disappeared.

The next day, Anna went to find Philip at his residence. It was wooden house nestled at the corner of the outer walls. There was thick tree near the house, making it seem even more remote.

A primary physician should be able to arrive as early as possible if there was an emergency, which was why Anna stayed inside the castle. Although it was said that he was the Duke's primary doctor, he always left his position to go on vacations, never looked for the Duke, and his residence was far away.

Somehow, there seemed to be an inside story to all of it. Just in time, Anna finally found Philip sitting on a chair in the backyard.

"Hello, Sir Philip. I am Anna, the Duchess' doctor. I heard that the Duke's doctor was around so I came meet you and at the same time, give my greetings."

The old man with a somewhat odd air around him watched Anna slowly, as though he were searching her face, then he displayed a good natured smile.

"Nice to meet you. You can just call me Philip."

"For me too, just call me Anna."

"You're a precious guest, come in. I will bring out some tea."

Philip's friendly response caused Anna's heart that was little nervous to relax and she followed him inside the house.

They drank tea, exchanged a few meaningless pleasantries and after a few words, the conversation became increasingly more about topics related to medicine. Because they were both doctors, it was a common topic that they could talk about for even a whole day. During the conversation they had, Anna admired two things.

Philip's polite and elegant attitude and his medical knowledge. It was an occasion where the occupation of a doctor and the status of a noble Baron merged flawlessly.

Although, as a doctor, Anna's interest was more focused on Philip's medical knowledge.

'This person is skilled.'