Chapter 79

Chapter 79 I Next

Rumors wield a formidable influence.

Information travels via word of mouth within communities. The accuracy or authenticity of such information may not hold significant weight. What truly matters is the mere existence of the rumor itself. Even individuals who consider themselves sagacious are not immune to its effects. They find themselves, albeit minimally, swayed by these circulating whispers.

Rumors mold initial perceptions and cast a mold for future perceptions. Numerous illustrations of this phenomenon abound in our surroundings. On occasion, we encounter firsthand instances that push the boundaries of believability.

I found myself in precisely such a situation.

Raciel suppressed a sigh mingled with remorse. Each recollection that surfaced brought forth a pulsating ache. It was an ordeal he had undergone back in Korea.

A rumor circulated within the apartment complex and our Oriental medicine clinic that a COVID-19 patient had visited there on two separate occasions curse it.

Just the notion caused his fists to quiver. The trauma ran so deep that he dreaded the potential emergence of post-traumatic stress even during his slumber. And even in the present moment, the injustice of it all still lingered.

The patient had merely transited through the premises. Fortunately, on both occasions, no one within the clinic had contracted the virus. Stringent protocols for quarantine, disinfection, and preventive measures were meticulously adhered to. In reality, no issue existed whatsoever.

However, the perception within the community was divergent.

The rumor that permeated the vicinity cast an image of the COVID-19 treatment center. Folks harbored concerns that stepping inside might expose them to the virus. They chose to journey a bit farther to other places insteadnove(l)bi(n.)com

And that marked the conclusion.

Once such a notion took root, the most adverse impression became indelible. Reversal became an unattainable goal. Redemption faded beyond consideration.

The abandoned clinic stood eerily silent, devoid of any visitors. That final evening in the consultation room, before removing the signboard, Raciel reminisced about the tears he had shed while consuming an entire bottle of soju in solitude.

That ordeal had granted him a profound comprehension of the supremacy of rumors. He bore a profound recognition of the kind of sway and outcomes that rumors and publicity could wield.

The present situation mirrored that past experience.

A crowd of thousands gathered for the first time in a while. Not just for anything, but to hear my speech. To see the face of the crown prince, which they might see once in a lifetime, they gathered in large numbers. Hence an opportunity laid out before me.

Raciel lifted his gaze to observe the throngs of people amassed in the square. Unexpectedly, the square had fallen into silence. They awaited the crown princes speech. He could sense it.

They likely anticipate an emotive discourse. That the royal family draws tremendous strength from the prosperity of the port city of Cremo. That they are indebted for the diligent efforts of the mayor, which have steered this prosperity, and even more appreciative of the contribution made by the citizens who have propelled the development of the harbor and the city. That they are moved by the determination of those who rise and pledge to rebuild even when faced with unforeseen catastrophes, and so forth, extolling your excellence, and so on The customary platitudes.

Presumably, such were the expectations for speeches. Most likely, everyone foresaw such a discourse.

This thought prompted a smile to creep onto his countenance. Raciel moistened his lips. He clutched the crystal ball embedded with the sound amplification spell. The citizens in the square, awaiting his oration. He commenced, uttering the lines he had meticulously prepared.

Greetings to you all, citizens of Cremo. As you are already aware, I am Crown Prince Raciel Adria Magentano. And furthermore, I preside as the director of the Star Palace Oriental Medicine Clinic.

Murmur.

His salutation bore an unexpected twist, prompting a ripple of murmurs to course through the crowd.

Raciels smile deepened.

Today, an opportunity lay before him. An optimal occasion to propagate the merits of the Star Palace Oriental Medicine Clinic.

I cant let this chance to promote the clinic elude me!

He couldnt afford to squander this opening. Letting it slip through his grasp would be nothing short of imprudent.

Promotion and advertising constituted bedrock principles for all enterprises. Even recently inaugurated restaurants in neighborhoods expended efforts to attain visibility, hiring part-time staff to distribute flyers.

And now, an opportunity had emerged to promote to a multitude of thousands, devoid of cost, unilaterally. Such an opportunity demanded exploitation. Every ounce of advantage must be extracted. Truly, this was the creed of a shrewd entrepreneur.

With this conviction in mind, he unapologetically launched into his sales pitch. He unreservedly delivered the lines he had rehearsed the preceding night.

Thus, as the director of the Star Palace Clinic, it would be a disservice if I were to merely discuss the clinic and depart, dont you think?

Murmur.

The murmuring of the people intensified.

The pivotal moment approached.

Now is the instance to gently draw them in.

Like a fisherman cautiously reeling in his catch, alluringly, he piqued their curiosity, softly laying the bait.

Hence, I address you today. What is Cremo? Is it not the most splendid trading hub within the North Sea, the very heart of the northern empire? Yet, who are the true architects of this locale? Who imbue it with a vibrancy teeming with life? It is all of you. If you are in good health, Cremo shall flourish even more. If Cremo prospers, so does the empire. In essence, your well-being bolsters the empires might! Your health equates to the empires power, dear citizens.

His voice deftly rose and subtly fell, like a melody crafted to resonate with their emotions. He established eye contact with each individual in the foremost row.

I extend my earnest wish for your continued well-being. It is my sincere hope. Thats why I implore you. If any among you here feel even the slightest discomfort or ailment, I encourage you to step forward. It matters not if the condition is not severe. Be it a common cold, body aches, headaches, toothaches, muscular discomfort, neuralgia, postnatal discomfort lingering, arthritis, rheumatism, chronic indigestion, or gastrointestinal issues. I shall thoroughly assess them all, as the director of the Star Palace Oriental Medicine Clinic.

The susurrus in the crowd intensified!

The murmurs within the crowd gained strength. Their gazes shifted to their neighbors. Each individual had a moment of introspection.

Did I have an area of discomfort? Now that I think about it, my mothers knee hasnt been in the best state lately. Can I genuinely seek treatment from the crown prince for such a reason? A substantial number of those gathered in the square found themselves grappling with similar quandaries.

In response to this spectacle, a contented smile blossomed on Raciels countenance like a profusion of roses.

Oh dear, my patrons no, my valued patrons for extended life.

His patrons were grappling with a dilemma. So, what next? The time had arrived to deliver the decisive blow. Raciel moistened his lips. He aimed a definitive statement at the hesitating assembly.

Those who step forward now will receive a complimentary treatment coupon, limited to the first 100 individuals.

What?

Complimentary, first come, first served, commence.

What in the!

Exploiting the crowds stunned state perfectly, he achieved victory. Raciel had executed an impromptu advertisement and sales pitch for his oriental medicine clinic under the guise of a speech. The outcome was a resounding success.

He diagnosed numerous citizens, selecting up to a hundred who seemed to necessitate an actual visit to the Star Palace Clinic, and bestowed upon them coupons. He tended to a total of 481 citizens until dusk.

The achievement with the coupons was truly remarkable.

Excellent. Truly excellent. A hundred free coupons dispensed. So, even if only 10 percent of those individuals decide to visit the Star Palace Clinic? That amounts to a secured count of 10 patients.

However, that wasnt the sole feat.

Courtesy of todays gratis treatment event, there was hardly anyone in Cremo City left unaware of the Star Palace Clinic. And Cremo Port, the northernmost trading city, teemed with activity.

The outcome was evident without necessitating observation.

Rumors will traverse by ship and horse, spanning all directions. Within a month, they will permeate the entirety of the northern empire. Star Palace Clinic, overseen by the Crown Prince. Unacquainted? You might even hear whispers from informants.

Initially, its crucial to foster recognition. Thats how congregations form, results materialize, and why businesses allocate resources for advertising.

Phew.

Raciel gasped for breath. It had been a tempestuous day of diagnosing patients, stretching on for a grueling nine hours.

Did I perhaps overexert myself?

His head throbbed mercilessly. His eyes were parched, and a wave of faintness washed over him. Every inch of his body seemed to ache in protest.

Ding-dong!

[Your internal organs call for adherence to labor standards.]

[Heart: Hey! When are we allowed some rest?]

[Lungs: Huff heh heh ]

[Large intestine: Nine hours straight without a break? This human is genuinely insane.]

[Liver: And what of overtime compensation? What about night shift incentives?]

[Stomach: Yeah right If you expect us to perform, at least offer us a meal, ha]

Undoubtedly, he was struggling.

Nine hours of continuous treatment might not sound too arduous, yet for his frail constitution, it was akin to heavy toil. However, he couldnt reveal it. Raciel gave no indication of his fatigue. All eyes were on him.

Ive successfully promoted and completed the treatments. Everythings done, so its time for a swift exit.

Nows the moment.

He must depart with composure. That way, the impression of the promotion would be impeccable. Fueled by this resolve, Raciel tensed his legs. He endeavored to spring up, but his attempt met with unexpected resistance.

Huh?

!

Did I possibly strain myself too much?

For an instant, the world appeared tinged in yellow. Nausea and dizziness overwhelmed him. Despite his resolve, his legs buckled beneath him.

I shouldnt appear like this.

Onlookers abound. He must maintain his composure till the very end. Thus, collapsing wasnt an option.

Nonetheless, his body proved uncooperative.

Thud!

Ugh!

He toppled over, landing in a rather inelegant posture. In that moment, Raciel bit down on his lip.

Ive ruined it.

All eyes were fixed in his direction.

His heart sank, and a bitter tang coated his mouth. After executing everything correctly, he fumbled at the finale. He begrudged his ongoing health struggles and his constitutions feeble endurance.

Yet, in an unexpected turn,

Ding-dong!

An unfamiliar notification tone resonated in his ear. An even more unexpected message materialized before his eyes.

[You have diligently treated numerous patients in merely half a day. Consequently, you have succumbed to a state of weariness and fatigue.]

[Cremos denizens have observed your presence.]

[The sight of the crown prince succumbing to exhaustion following his altruistic treatments is profoundly touching the hearts of Cremos inhabitants.]

[The sincerity you emanate resonates with Cremos populace.]

[Cremos inhabitants are captivated by you.]

[The amalgamation of emotionsadmiration and commendationfrom these individuals has kindled newfound potency in your medical expertise.]

[The Great Doctor Point (GDP) system is now accessible.]

(To be Continued)

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