Baby Pharmacist Princess

What?

‘That’s strange. Why is he saying that so casually?’

I furrowed my brows and continued questioning.

“What about those who don’t go to the temple? What if they don’t have money? What if there’s an accident and they get badly injured suddenly?”

“Our Princess is so kind. People like that usually go to a ‘baba.’”

“What’s a baba?”

“Most people handle injuries at home or go to a baba… it’s a term for the oldest and most knowledgeable woman in the village.”

So, basically, not a doctor.

“Babas know herbs well. If someone breaks an arm, the baba treats them, but… it’s illegal, so they do it secretly.”

“Illegal?”

“Yes. By law, only doctors can perform medical treatments, and doctors are only at Haphneous Temple. The existence of babas is a well-kept secret.”

It makes sense for only qualified professionals to perform medical procedures.

Qualified medical professionals should conduct medical activities, absolutely.

But if seeing a doctor is nearly impossible, that’s not okay.

Given the system, at least medicine should be easily accessible to everyone.

‘But if you have to go to the temple for medicine, and it’s very expensive…’

Many people would turn to babas.

‘Of course, it’s possible that babas have very good medical skills.’

But the problem arises if they don’t.

That’s why there are licensed professions like doctors, to avoid relying solely on probability and possibility.

‘So, Haphneous Temple is both the pharmacy and the hospital?’

I muttered to myself and plopped down on a nearby flat rock.

Resting my elbows on my knees, I let out a heavy sigh, and Grandpa Tombi chuckled, pulling out a handkerchief.

“Princess, is something troubling you?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

I moved my small bottom to sit where he placed the handkerchief and asked again.

“Is it possible for priests to heal wounds with holy power?”

“Of course. But priests with such healing powers are very rare, even fewer than doctors, so commoners can’t see them.”

“Oh.”

So only nobles get treated with holy power.

‘Wait a minute.’

But my dresses.

They said my dresses were dyed with fabrics imbued with holy power by priests?

‘…I thought holy power was common.’

But it’s not?

‘That’s wasteful!’

Instead of using that precious holy power to heal another sick person, they poured it into the royal family’s clothes?

This didn’t seem right.

“I don’t like my dress.”

“What? Why all of a sudden? Don’t you like it?”

“It’s too expensive.”

I puffed out my cheeks and tugged at the frills of my skirt.

Clothes should be enough; why do something so unnecessary?

Maybe if there were monsters in this world, it would be different. They do appear later in the episode about preventing the world’s destruction, but not now.

“Oh, it’s not too expensive. You should wear the best since you’re so important.”

“Well.”

What can I do? I’m only four years old. I can’t order them to stop using holy power on royal fabrics starting today.

‘Anyway, it seems Haphneous Temple controls all medical matters.’

Not the state, but a religious organization.

That can’t be good for the people.

The fact that you can pay extra to see a doctor faster, and the normalcy of waiting a long time otherwise, is already a bad sign.

‘Most commoners can’t even see a proper doctor or get proper medicine.’

The cool autumn breeze rustled my twin-braided hair gently.

Grandpa Tombi was tending to a large apple tree. He noticed my furrowed brow and picked a bright red apple.

“Even at such a young age, the Princess thinks about difficult matters. Sometimes, something sweet can help with that.”

“Thanks. Is that for me?”

“Of course. Let me clean it for you.”

Grandpa took out a fresh handkerchief and started wiping the apple.

Under the warm sunlight, the old man cleaning an apple looked so peaceful.

Watching him, my anxious thoughts slowly began to calm.

“Don’t worry too much, Princess. The gods are watching over us.”

“Mmm.”

I don’t actually believe in gods, but…

“Haphneous is the most merciful of all gods. That’s why he heals humans.”

I took the apple Grandpa split and handed to me, holding it with both hands and swinging my legs.

But then, my small joy was abruptly shattered.

“If you pray well, make regular donations, and have deep faith, the god will take away your illness.”

“…What?”

“More important than a doctor is faith in the god. If people don’t forget to pray, they can be protected from the devil.”

???

Did my hearing just fail me?

“Why suddenly mention the devil?”

“Illnesses come from devils entering through the ears of sleeping people.”

“…?”

Just a moment ago, everything felt so pleasant and peaceful, but now it’s turned into a horror suspense cult story!

What is this?

‘No, calm down.’

This is just a game based heavily on reality.

In the real Middle Ages, the Black Death spread not just because of rats and fleas, although they were the cause. The high fatality rate was due to human actions.

People, like Grandpa Tombi, who believed in gathering at the village chief’s house or church to pray collectively, played a decisive role.

Meanwhile, pilgrims and those fleeing the plague spread the disease further.

‘Especially in this world, with priests who actually have healing powers, faith in gods is even stronger.’

This level of faith in Haphneous is likely ingrained as a cultural norm among commoners.

It would be difficult to change or eliminate this right away.

Unless there’s an epidemic as significant as the Black Death, which drastically reduced faith in the real world.

After the Black Death, faith in God drastically declined, and medical and hygiene practices advanced significantly.

‘I just wanted to lightly explore this country’s medical knowledge, but it got serious.’

I bit into the apple to clear my complicated thoughts.

Fortunately, the apple was sweet, and my mood quickly improved.

While munching on the apple, I was interrupted by a rude voice.

“What’s this? How dare a simpleton like you show your face around here?”

A rough voice, trying to sound intimidating, interrupted my thoughts.

At the same time, someone grabbed my shoulder and spun me around.

“You think you’re so great lately? Everyone’s talking about you, but you’re just a simpleton.”

In front of me stood a boy dressed as well as I was, with spiky hair and a nasty expression.

His eyes reminded me of Alexandra.

“Who are you?”

Annoyed, I glared at him while gripping the half-eaten apple tightly, ready to throw it at his face if needed.

But instead of introducing himself, he laughed mockingly and poked my shoulder.

“You’re Cherishe Wynn Castalia, right?”

“So what?”

“Enjoy your happiness while you can. You’ll be dead by the time you’re eleven!”

“…!”

Wow.

Was that a threat?

The boy’s hostility was palpable, not just a bluff.

Grandpa Tombi, caught between us, was pale and looked unsure of what to do, so I quickly spoke up.

“You can step back. You don’t need to see this.”

“What makes you think you can order me? Don’t leave. Ash commands you to stay and watch.”

So this jerk’s name is Ash?

‘What? He was one of the weaker characters in the game, not as bad as Cherishe, but still.’

Why is he acting tough with me?

‘I was already feeling unsettled, and now you’re here? Perfect timing.’

I took a deep breath and prepared myself.

This wasn’t just a typical spat between kids.

This was a challenge, akin to a duel.

Would a mere argument include a threat of death?

This kid had clearly sought me out after hearing rumors and intended to torment me if he found me easy prey.

“You look so weak. Do you think someone like you could trouble Princess Alexandra? You might be laughing now, but once she’s out, you’re done for.”

This Ash, or whatever his name was, boasted arrogantly.

Well-fed, shiny skin. A plump build.

I could feel the strong pulse of magic from him even from here.

Something all royals possessed.

But something I scarcely had.

Dragon Heart.

Its presence radiated powerfully.

“Prince, you shouldn’t treat the Princess like this,” Grandpa Tombi said, clearly distressed, glancing between Ash and me.

Judging by Grandpa’s reaction, this brat had been to the White Night Palace garden before.

‘Who thinks they can push me around?’

If I back down here, I’ll never be able to live peacefully.

Every time royals gather, I’ll always be fearful.

Being overpowered in spirit means that.

If you’re weak, you’ll slowly lose your place.

‘I can’t back down.’

Even if I’m not strong, I must at least maintain my resolve.

For the first time since Alexandra, my fighting spirit was ignited.

I relaxed my neck and shoulders and began acting, pretending to be scared.

“Cherry, scared.”