Chapter 58

Chapter 58 I Next

[Your Stomach Awakens.]

Hmm?

Raciel blinked his eyes. It was an unexpected message that popped up at a time he hadnt anticipated at all.

The stomach? A new member of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels has woken up?

But the timing was odd.

Anise and the fifty werewolves. There was no message that popped up after he successfully paralyzed their tails. But now, a month later, this appears?

It must mean that the true effect of the procedure has just completed.

It must have been a procedure that required the patients adaptation. He paralyzed the tail and tricked the body. He had the little toe move in place of the tail. There must have been some inconvenience, of course.

That adaptation is now complete, and thats why Im getting this reward now.

But that reward is a new member of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels. An unexpected anticipation welled up.

What kind of creature is the stomach?

He gulped down a mouthful of the salad he was eating for breakfast. Then, an immediate response came back.

Ding Dong!

[The Stomach responds to the food you have ingested.]

[Stomach: Boo hoo, I am a baby Stomach! I hate greens! Give me something tasty!]

.

What is this thing?

Throwing a tantrum about side dishes as soon as its born.

Raciel moved his fork with a strange feeling. He chewed a few sausages. Swallowed. The Stomach immediately responded.

[Stomach: Ugh, isnt there something tastier than this?]

Something tastier?

Raciel chuckled.

The Stomach replied.

[Stomach: Pork cutlet sweet and sour pork chicken pizza, please. I feel like Im going to faint.]

.

[Stomach: And also a roll of kimbap Ddeokbokki with lots of sauce. Jajangmyeon on the side, and for dessert, donuts rolled in sugar and syrup? Is that okay?]

.

After a few words, he understood.

This thing has the palate of an elementary school kid?

He let out an involuntary chuckle. But there was nothing he could do. He didnt really have a way to cater to the Stomachs requests.

Sorry, but theres no food like that here. I miss kimchi, gochujang, and doenjang just as much as you do.

It was a typical sentiment for Koreans. In reality, after eating only local food here, he often craved late-night snacks. Especially the tangy taste of kimchi, or the spicy, savory flavor unique to Korean food, sometimes keeping him up at night.

But Im dealing with it. Theres nothing we can do. So, you should endure it too, okay?

[Stomach: Sob then at least give me candy.]

Tsk. Fine. Got it.

He pretended to give in and picked up a candy that was on the plate for dessert. He rolled it gently in his mouth until it melted, then bit into it hard.

[Stomach: Sweetness! Yay!]

[The Stomach cheers at the sweetness celebrating its birth.]

[The Stomach has donated 300 HP to you.]

[The Heart, Lung, Large Intestine, and Liver rejoice at the birth of the youngest member and donate 500 HP.]

[The Liver is particularly happy about the junior and donates an additional 200 HP.]

[Current HP: 1,000]

Phew.

Unexpectedly, he received a ton of HP donations. In addition, it will be easier to treat patients in the future.

The consultation range of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels has expanded. Itll be easier to diagnose diseases related to the stomach.

His mood naturally brightened at the thought. But the reward didnt stop there.

Ding Dong!

[The level of Asrahan Core Technique increases.]

Hmm?

Apparently, today was a day when all good things happened at once. Raciel let out a sigh of joy. He watched the additional message that popped up.

To be honest, we considered working 48 hours and then resting 48 hours.

Do you approve?

Well, if it doesnt affect your work and youre comfortable with it, then sure.

Thank you, Your Highness.

It was like that.

In a word, the werewolves seemed to be a race born for nursing. All their physical talents were optimized for nursing. Thanks to that, the system at the Star Palace Oriental Medicine Clinic became more solid.

Gradually, bonus lifespans began to be calculated for regular patients. Over a period of ten days, Raciel received six days of bonus lifespana modest but satisfactory increase. He understood that progress couldnt be achieved all at once and reminded himself to be patient. The dream of automating the Oriental Medicine Clinic grew stronger as his confidence in the process increased.

However, during this time, the werewolf nurses started their on-the-job training. Amidst their training, the palace steward of the Star Palace paid a visit to Raciel while he was in the middle of a consultation.

Hmm? What brings you here, Steward? Are you feeling unwell?

No, Your Highness. Actually

Actually?

I have a grave matter to discuss, so I took the liberty of visiting.

I see. Just give me a moment to finish this consultation.

Yes, Your Highness.

Curiosity swirled in Raciels mind. What could be so serious that the palace steward needed to discuss it personally? He speculated whether it might be a problem he wanted to consult about or if he had a health issue he couldnt share with others.

After finishing with the patient, Raciel turned his attention back to the palace steward, who appeared resolute and serious.

So, what is it that troubles you so much?

Your Highness, I regret to inform you that the Star Palaces operation budget is nearly depleted.

Hmm?

Raciels head tilted involuntarily. The report seemed absurdhow could the Star Palace, the royal familys domain, be running out of funds?

Thats unlikely.

Raciel couldnt comprehend the situation fully. As the crown prince of the empire, with no significant upheavals or changes in the royal family, it was puzzling that the palace budget was in dire straits.

It doesnt make sense. Is this a legitimate report?

Raciel wondered if it was some kind of joke or prank, but the palace stewards demeanor remained solemn.

Your Highness, I assure you, this report is entirely truthful and accurate. The Star Palaces operation budget is truly insufficient.

Really?

Yes, Your Highness.

Youre not joking?

Not at all, Your Highness.

The palace being strapped for cash seemed ludicrous. An urgent question escaped Raciels lips.

Why?

Do you wish for a detailed explanation?

Absolutely.

He needed to know what was happening; there had to be a significant problem at hand.

Without funds, the Oriental Medicine Clinic, along with everything else, will come to a halt.

Finances were essentialbe it for purchasing medicinal herbs, paying the nurses wages, or covering the patients food expenses. Without money, the progress made in setting up the Oriental Medicine Clinic would be squandered in an instant.

This is unbelievable. Whats going on?

Raciel couldnt help clenching his teeth. He had already experienced bankruptcy in his clinic back in Korea due to insufficient funds, and now, he was faced with another financial crisis.

Tell me everything in detail. Leave nothing out.

This wasnt a normal situation; there had to be something he didnt know. Someone might have sabotaged the finances or devised a scheme. Whatever the case, there was more to the story. That was the suspicion that compelled Raciel to ask the palace steward.

Finally, the palace steward began explaining.

Yes, Your Highness. As you instructed, I will provide a detailed explanation of the matter

As the palace steward revealed more information, Raciel started to realize exactly who was responsible for the current financial crisis.

Raciel, what have you done?

He gritted his teeth at the original owner of his current body, the frail Crown Prince Raciel Adria Magentano, as depicted in the novel.

(To be Continued)

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