NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 155
155. Headless Corpse (5)
***
Mysteries are more alluring than the truth. A puzzle that seems complex at first doesn’t feel so hard once you fit in that last piece.
Wasn’t this case just like that?
This mystery was shrouded in secrecy too, but its solution turned out to be surprisingly simple—once you knew what to look for.
It’s kind of ironic how a suicide victim’s corpse could torment their family so much. They say the dead don’t speak, but apparently, they do.
The job wrapped up smoother than expected.
It was an absurdly strange case, but we successfully treated the patient and cleared their family’s name. Plus, I made a lot of money!
Technically speaking, I didn’t take any bribes. That police officer did. I just charged a hefty royal inspection fee, that’s all.
This is the dining hall of the temple.
Amy was munching on a croissant in front of me. It was surprisingly expensive bread, but hey, I earned a lot today, so no big deal.
I sipped my coffee while she ate.
“Can I ask something?”
“Yes.”
“Will the patients be discharged soon?”
Amy tilted her head thoughtfully. “Probably, right?” I nodded slowly.
“Well, except for that uncle. He inhaled too many spores and developed fungal infection, so he’ll need to stay in the hospital a few more days.”
“Will he recover?”
“He won’t die.”
Though I can’t guarantee full recovery. Fungal pneumonia usually affects immunocompromised patients. This guy got exposed to mold spores for a long time, which is rare. Never seen a case like it back in my previous life.
But since this patient otherwise seems healthy, I’m hoping antifungals will work. Still, there’s no certainty.
“But removing the wrongful accusation feels bigger than curing the disease. Those patients were almost labeled as murderers who chopped off someone’s head. Scary when you think about it.”
I nodded. Compared to imprisonment or execution for murder, pneumonia is relatively minor.
“I thought this would be a boring case.”
“That’s our perspective. But for them, it’s life or death.”
Amy scratched her head after pondering for a moment.
“You’re right.”
“Now that it’s resolved, it’s irrelevant anyway.”
Ultimately, results matter most. Amy finished her remaining bread.
“When are you heading back to the Academy?”
“Uh…this afternoon?”
Just wrapping things up here.
Let me think about treatment some more. Fungal infections are typically treated with antifungals.
“What? Isn’t having medicine enough?”
It’s complicated.
Humans and fungi are both eukaryotes, unlike bacteria which are prokaryotes. Fungi are far more similar to humans, making antifungals less effective compared to antibiotics.
Antifungals often have harsher side effects and lower efficacy. Plus, if fungi start forming clumps inside the body, drugs won’t help—surgery becomes necessary. Though this patient doesn’t seem to be at that stage yet. We’ll know once we administer the medication.
I’ll use amphotericin B as the antifungal.
For other family members whose symptoms are allergy-related, symptomatic treatments like steroids or antihistamines should suffice.
If the symptoms worsen, we’ll adjust accordingly.
Living in a mold-free environment for a few days might improve their condition. It depends on how thoroughly they cleaned their house.
“But I wonder if the rotting smell in their home will ever go away. Don’t know how they’ll handle it.”
“Oh, I heard something yesterday!”
“What?”
“While visiting the ward earlier, the baron mentioned they’re moving houses. They plan to burn everything inside.”
That sounds like the best course of action.
***
There’s still some cleanup left.
Police officer Scipio from the Security Management Team bowed deeply, treating me like a savior. I awkwardly extended my hand for a handshake.
“Thank you so much, Professor.”
“It’s my duty.”
“Truly grateful… I’d rather not imagine what might’ve happened without you, Professor.”
“Yes. We’re all in professions dealing with lives, whether police officers or doctors. As long as the outcome is good, the rest can be reconsidered later.”
Scipio nodded.
“By the way, what did the suicide note say? It shouldn’t be hidden somewhere hard to find.”
“Ah, that.”
The officer paused briefly.
“Since you’re a professor, I’ll tell you specially. Apparently, he had been severely depressed for a while.”
“I see.”
“Then he sent a large sum of money back to his hometown and told the baron couple he was returning there. He likely committed suicide in a secluded corner of the mansion.”
“So he was one of the estate staff?”
“One of the male servants working there. Everyone thought he went back home and were shocked to learn he died.”
What a horrifying experience. Being investigated for murder, falling ill, or discovering someone committed suicide in your house—all of it. Burning all belongings isn’t an overreaction.
The police officer looked at me again.
“Assterix Professor, may I ask one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
“How did you know? What happens when a hanged corpse decomposes? Or how human bodies react to prolonged exposure to corpse odors?”
“I’ve seen it before.”
“I’ve never encountered such a thing… Strange. You’re young, Professor, yet you seem so experienced. Truly, the Empire’s top genius is different.”
I sheepishly nodded. There wasn’t much else to say.
Well, it’s time to head back to the Academy.
The journey back to the Academy was smooth. Surprisingly, the return trip felt much faster. Amy looked queasy, though.
“Are you gonna throw up?”
“No-o- uh…”
Amy scrunched her face.
“If you’re gonna puke, do it outside.”
“But then the road will get dirty…”
Better than ruining the carriage. Normally Mint and I travel with multiple carriages, but this time we didn’t have the resources.
“Want some motion sickness medicine?”
“Ahh, no-o-”
Amy opened the carriage door and dry-heaved onto the ground. Poor thing… I quietly tossed her a handkerchief.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes…”
“You just threw up!”
“I rarely get motion sickness.”
“Put this behind your ear.”
“Yes.”
After wiping her mouth with the handkerchief, Amy sat back in the carriage looking pitiful.
Why didn’t she feel sick coming here but does now? Something must’ve changed.
***
The carriage stopped in front of the Academy. The sun was almost setting. Hey, there’s something bright at the edge of my vision…
Oh, it’s Mint.
As soon as she saw me, Mint ran over.
I stepped out of the carriage, and the Imperial Princess grabbed my hand to help me down—just like how I often assist her.
“What took you so long?”
“Uh, sorry. I had some business.”
How did Mint know the exact timing of the carriage? It’s not like it runs on a subway schedule.
“What business?”
“Well, nothing major. Alard Baron’s family requested a royal inspection.”
Mint looked up at my face.
“Sounds complicated. Let’s talk about it inside…”
The princess looped her arm around mine with an unusually cheerful expression. She pulled me along as I followed.
Mint leaned against me, practically cuddling. I gently supported her waist.
“Hey, Miss Mint, did you drink during the day?”
“Hehe.”
Of course, Mint didn’t actually drink. She’s just messing around.
“Come here.”
I sat next to Mint. She suddenly hugged me tightly and nibbled on my earlobe. What a surprise! I flinched.
“What’s gotten into you?”
“Hm? Nothing.”
“Seems like you’re being extra clingy today.”
“Just felt like it.”
The princess giggled softly into my ear. I stroked her hair. Mint stopped nibbling and pressed her lips against my cheek.
Smack. Mint released me but stayed close. Her blue eyes stared intently at me.
I cupped both of Mint’s cheeks.
“Eek.”
Mint’s cheeks stretched like sticky rice cakes.
So cute.
“Next time… If your teacher isn’t doing anything dangerous, maybe you should come along. It gets really boring at the Academy without you.”
“Huh? Are you serious?”
The princess just smiled again.
Is she joking?
There’s no reason why not… But it also feels like there might be reasons why not. Not sure why though. I scratched my head.
“Anyway, let’s grab dinner.”
“Sure.”
Mint tightly held my hand again. Lavender scent filled the air as I stood up first.