Crown Prince Sells Medicine

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When a blood vessel gets blocked, people believe it can simply be unblocked. They assume that once the blood starts flowing again, everything will be alright. This is the common perception held by most individuals. Even he himself, before taking relevant courses, somewhat held similar beliefs.

However, that’s not accurate.

Merely opening the blood vessel can potentially exacerbate the situation. It can lead to more serious tissue damage, bursting forth like an explosion.

‘It’s due to reperfusion injury.’

Raciel recollected.

Reperfusion injury is a widespread damage that occurs when blood flow is suddenly restored to a tissue that has been deprived of it for a prolonged period.

‘There’s an excess of calcium in the cells, leading to the breakdown of mitochondria inside them. This results in the generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals, which trigger inflammation and an excessive accumulation of white blood cells. In short, it systematically dismantles the tissue, layer by layer, in a detailed manner.’

To use a metaphor?

It’s akin to feeding someone who has been fasting for 10 days a meal of 100 portions of chicken. Or having someone who hasn’t consumed alcohol for 10 years drink 100 liters of vodka in one go. Or instructing a patient with severe muscle atrophy, who has been immobile for 10 years, to perform 100-kilogram squats.

… And similar actions.

‘In simpler terms, it’s not something you should do recklessly. Reperfusion injury is exactly that.’

So, you can’t simply unblock a blood clot. Even if it’s to save the emperor or whatever, it will likely lead to disastrous consequences. Before unblocking it, you need to establish a specific countermeasure to prevent reperfusion injury. With that determination, Raciel scanned the group of people present.

“Now, I’m going to attempt to alleviate His Majesty’s paralysis symptoms. However, there’s a prerequisite we need to address before that. And that’s the freezing spell.”

He stated as if it were self-evident.

“We must reduce the body temperature prior to addressing the paralysis.”

It’s a necessary step.

It’s the most effective approach.

To mitigate the damage from reperfusion injury? It’s crucial to minimize the body’s metabolic rate as much as possible.

‘This approach reduces abrupt changes within the cells, subsequently minimizing tissue damage resulting from reperfusion injury. And to achieve this, there’s no more efficient method than carefully lowering the body temperature within a safe range.’

Hypothermia therapy was a treatment utilized in university hospitals and similar institutions for patients at risk of reperfusion injury. Raciel offered a straightforward and sensible explanation.

“His Majesty has been completely paralyzed since last night. If the paralysis were to suddenly disappear, the muscles would undergo a sudden shock and potential damage. This could lead to severe complications or disabilities. So, our first step is to alleviate the paralysis while simultaneously lowering the body temperature using a freezing spell. Subsequently, we will gradually warm the body and soothe the muscles.”

“Ah…”

He didn’t delve into discussions about thrombosis, strokes, or reperfusion injuries. Using such technical terminology would only create confusion and doubt about the source of his knowledge.

Raciel requested someone’s presence. He urgently summoned Court Mage Zanetics and then turned his gaze to the Archbishop.

“I have a question for you, Archbishop.”

“…Yes, Your Highness. Please go ahead.”

The Archbishop replied, catching his breath. Raciel inquired:

“The divine blessing spell you cast earlier.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Would it be possible to use it again in a few hours? I understand you appear quite fatigued, but…”

“Ah, that…”

He asked to be sure.

Could they use a freezing spell to remove the blood clot, followed by a divine blessing to regenerate the tissue? Perhaps the emperor could be healed without lasting consequences. However, the Archbishop’s expression revealed his concerns upon hearing the question.

“I apologize sincerely, Your Highness, but that’s not possible.”

“Why is that?”

“The divine blessing can only be invoked once a month.”

“…I understand.”

It was disappointing. Upon hearing this, he felt a delayed sense of regret.

‘Darn it. If only I had known earlier, I could have saved that opportunity.’

Yet, now it was beyond remedy.

‘First and foremost, we need to eliminate the blood clot and focus on rehabilitation therapy for a month. Following that, we can potentially regenerate the damaged brain tissue with a divine blessing, and that might be the solution.’

Hope still remained.

So, they couldn’t give up.

Raciel resolved himself and presented another question that had crossed his mind.

“I have another inquiry—can I also learn to bestow divine blessings?”

“Oh, are you suggesting that you want to commit yourself to faith?”

“…Pardon?”

Commit to faith?

The Archbishop’s eyes, previously weary, suddenly lit up with fervent missionary zeal.

“That’s an intriguing question, Your Highness. The truth is, faith is not distant, not even for someone of noble lineage like yourself. Divine blessings, which might seem sacred and somewhat remote and complex, are actually accessible to everyone. All that’s required is a devoted heart and the determination to act on that devotion.”

“A devoted heart and the will to act, you say?”

He inquired cautiously. Mastering this might prove to be a challenge, but once accomplished, it could offer tremendous assistance.

‘Combining conventional medicine with divine blessings… It could make obtaining extra life much easier. No, even more than that, I might be able to heal myself.’

Excitement surged within him. With a racing heart, he posed the question.

“So, how does one go about mastering this?”

“It’s quite straightforward, Your Highness.”

The Archbishop smiled benevolently.

It’s nothing, he seemed to imply.

“Avoid contact with the opposite sex. Refrain not only from physical intimacy, but also from holding hands. Do not engage in extended conversations, avoid eye contact lasting more than 3 seconds, don’t stay in the same space and breathe the same air for over 3 minutes. Instead, channel all your focus and affection towards faith.”

“….”

“Just practice this for 30 years, Your Highness.”

“Yes?”

“It’s just 30 years. In the name of faith, it’s not an overly long time. With dedication, you’ll receive the blessing of divine blessings. What do you think? Doesn’t it sound quite manageable?”

“….”

No way!

Even if it were simple, he wasn’t willing to live like that.

And then, it occurred.

“Your Highness, Sir Zanetics has arrived as per Your Highness’s summons.”

A familiar voice sounded from the doorway, and Zanetics entered. He paused in astonishment upon seeing the Emperor’s condition.

He received a briefing about the situation: the Emperor’s critical state and the imminent commencement of treatment. His assistance was indispensable for the procedure.

“So, you’re asking me to use ice magic on His Majesty, Your Highness?”

“Yes, exactly that.”

“Are you really talking about ice… magic?”

“Yes. As cold as possible without causing fatality.”

“…”

“You’ve worked alongside me before, right? When treating a child with epilepsy. This situation is somewhat similar. You utilized controlled electrical magic to a point where it wouldn’t be lethal, remember?”

“But that was…”

“The principle is the same here. Ice magic typically possesses potent and deadly capabilities. However, with your expertise, you can control it precisely enough to avoid causing a person’s demise.”

“…”

“I need your assistance. Without it, His Majesty’s peril will only escalate.”

“Is what you’re saying true?”

“Yes. Why would I lie?”

“…”

Zanetics stared deeply into the Crown Prince’s eyes. Initially, he harbored some skepticism.

What if the Emperor were to pass away now? The Crown Prince would ascend to the throne. Could it be that he harbored a sinister desire for power? Perhaps he was poised to betray his own blood in his quest for the throne. Maybe he aimed to harm the Emperor through these actions.

Such doubts arose but swiftly dissipated. The reason behind this was the recent political moves made by the Crown Prince.

‘Indeed, His Highness’s actions… don’t align with those of a power-hungry individual.’

Upon reflection, his behavior was increasingly peculiar. He solely cared for patients within Star Palace and never engaged with the prominent nobles of the Imperial Palace.

He never attempted actions like seeking support, severing ties with the Second Prince to form his own faction, or promising rewards in exchange for future allegiance upon ascending to the throne.

He was devoid of ambition, or at least, his actions resembled someone who believed he would never hold the throne. It was certainly perplexing.

‘Of course, inheriting the throne alone doesn’t guarantee power. To exert political legitimacy and influence, the support of numerous nobles is essential. Yet the Crown Prince paid no heed to this aspect. He formulated no strategies, made no preparations. So now… it seems rational to trust this unconventional directive.’

Zanetics reached his own conclusion.

“…I comprehend, Your Highness.”

He nodded.

He had never anticipated the day he would employ freezing magic on the Emperor. Nor did he expect to be tasked with controlling it to a ‘non-lethal degree’. Nevertheless, he felt equipped to handle the situation.

“Good. I appreciate your trust.”

A satisfied smile tugged at the corner of Raciel’s lips.

‘In any case, I can now make an attempt.’

He promptly initiated the necessary arrangements.

Fortuitously, he possessed all the medicines and tools requisite for thrombus removal. Extracting the Minotaur Clear Heart Pill, a standard medication he always carried, he meticulously dissolved it in lukewarm water.

‘This should suffice. It will dissolve the clot. Perhaps we can anticipate an effect akin to t-PA (tissue-plasminogen activator) administered in hospitals.’

It was the Minotaur Clear Heart Pill, already proven effective in treating heart disease clots. Additionally, he received assistance from Kozumi.

“Kozumi? I think I’ll need some spines today. Is that alright?”

“Koo kooo koo!”

Pop-pop-pop!

Kozumi winked and shook his body vigorously. He exerted force from his small, plump rear, causing white spines to emerge. With this, the preparations for acupuncture were complete.

“Sir Zanetics?”

“I’m prepared.”

Zanetics nodded, his controlled mana frosting over at his fingertips. The setup to safely dissolve the clot within the Emperor’s head was ready. There was no reason to delay or wait.

“Let’s commence.”

Raciel uncovered the Emperor’s upper body.

Amid the tense anticipation of everyone present, Zanetics applied his controlled freezing magic to the Emperor.

Shaaaaa…!

A veil of white frost enveloped the Emperor’s form. Raciel initiated meridian scanning, meticulously monitoring the situation. The Emperor’s complexion grew paler, his mana flow slowed, body temperature decreased, and metabolism eased.

Heartbeat diminished. Breathing became shallow. Internal organ activity decelerated. The clot and the surrounding mana flow within the head also exhibited sluggishness. Just as the Emperor’s state edged towards a semi-comatose condition.

“Cease. Maintain this state henceforth.”

Zanetics swiftly reduced the output of the freezing spell. Raciel elevated the Emperor’s upper body and cautiously administered the dissolved Minotaur Clear Heart Pill.

Deliberately.

Ensuring not a drop was wasted.

He confirmed that it was consumed entirely without any issues. Then, he picked up the white spine, aimed at the Emperor’s body, and took a deep breath.

‘Precision is crucial now. There must be no room for a 1-millimeter error.’

He perceived every detail through meridian scanning. The constituents of the Minotaur Clear Heart Pill were assimilated within the Emperor’s stomach, dispersing throughout his body and even reaching the clot.

The clot started to dissolve. He acted swiftly. This was to avert reperfusion injury following the clot’s dissolution and the potential secondary harm that could prove fatal. It was to prevent potential damage to the blood-brain barrier, which might lead to brain hemorrhage.

Raciel’s hand moved with lightning speed. He pierced with the spine. Over and over. Tirelessly.

Tut! Tutut! Tut!

And thus, Raciel’s silent procedure, or rather, his battle to prevent reperfusion injury and brain hemorrhage within the brain tissue, was underway.

(To be Continued)

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