66 Chapter 66 – The Overseas Export and the Unwavering Patriot
66 Chapter 66 – The Overseas Expert and the
Unwavering Patriot
The Shepherd family mansion loomed before us, a sprawling estate on the outskirts of Shiglance City. Leopold led us through massive mahogany doors into a foyer that
could have swallowed my entire former apartment.
“We’ve prepared a guest room for you and your… assistant,” Leopold said, gesturing vaguely toward Eamon. “But before you settle in, I should inform you of a
development.”
I raised an eyebrow, watching his carefully composed expression.
“After Miss Ashworth contacted us, my son Jonah reached out to an old family friend- Dr. Maxim Huxley. He’s just returned from studying advanced medical techniques abroad and has graciously agreed to examine Eleanor this afternoon.”
Jonah stepped forward, a self–satisfied smile playing on his lips. “Dr. Huxley completed his residency at Inverness Medical Center in Europa. He specializes in metabolic disorders.”
“I see,” I replied, keeping my voice neutral despite the obvious implication. They’d called in reinforcements, someone they believed outranked me in expertise.
Leopold cleared his throat. “We thought it best not to mention your… alternative approach to Dr. Huxley. He’s rather particular about disturbances to his diagnostic process.”
“So I’m just an accompanier?” I asked directly.
Leopold had the decency to look slightly embarrassed. “We don’t want to create any tension that might affect my wife’s care. I’m sure you understand.”
Before I could respond, a door opened at the far end of the hallway. A tall man with wire–rimmed glasses and a pristine white coat emerged, carrying a leather medical bag that looked more decorative than functional.
“Ah, Dr. Huxley,” Leopold said, relief evident in his voice. “Allow me to introduce Liam Knight, a… colleague of Miss Ashworth’s.”
66 Chapter 60 – The Overseas Expert and the Unwavering Patriot
Huxley barely glanced in my direction as he extended a limp hand. “Knight. Pleasure: His dismissal was immediate as he turned back to Leopold. “I’ve completed my initial examination. We should discuss my findings.”
I bit back a retort as the three men moved toward what appeared to be a study, leaving Eamon and me standing in the foyer.
“Charming bunch,” Eamon muttered under his breath.
A housekeeper appeared from another doorway. “I can show you to your rooms if you’d like to freshen up.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “But I’d prefer to meet Mrs. Shepherd first, if possible.
The housekeeper hesitated. “Dr. Huxley was quite specific about Mrs. Shepherd resting after his examination.”
“Of course he was,” I said, not bothering to hide my irritation now.
An hour later, Leopold summoned us to his study. The room was dominated by shelves of leather–bound books that looked pristine and unread. Huxley sat in an armchair like it was a throne, while Jonah stood behind his father’s desk with arms crossed.
“Dr. Huxley has diagnosed Eleanor with hypoglycemia coupled with an autoimmune response,” Leopold announced. “He’s recommended a treatment plan involving medications developed at the Inverness Research Institute.”
“I see,” I replied carefully. “And may I ask what symptoms Mrs. Shepherd has been experiencing?”
Jonah let out an exaggerated sigh. “Is that really necessary? Dr. Huxley has already—”
“It’s fine,” Leopold interrupted. “Eleanor experiences weakness, fatigue, dizziness. She’s lost significant weight over the past three months.”
“Any digestive issues? Changes in appetite?” I asked.
Jonah scoffed. “Mr. Knight, perhaps your… traditional medicine approaches don’t recognize the advances made in modern diagnostics. Dr. Huxley used the latest tes g equipment brought from Europa.”
I ignored him, turning to Huxley. “What’s your treatment recommendation?”
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66 Chapter 66 The Overseas Expert and the Unwavering Patriot
Huxley smiled thinly. “I’ve prescribed Glycostat–X, developed in Inverness specifically for complex hypoglycemic conditions. It’s vastly superior to anything available locally.”
“Interesting,” I replied. “I’m not familiar with this medication.”
“Of course not,” Huxley said with barely disguised condescension. “It’s only available through specialized international channels. The medical community in Pyro is… well, let’s say it’s several steps behind.”
Eamon, who had been silent until now, straightened. “That’s a rather broad generalization about an entire nation’s medical expertise, isn’t it?”
Huxley raised an eyebrow, looking at Eamon as if noticing him for the first time. “And you are?”
“Eamon Greene. I assist Dr. Knight.”
“I see. Well, Mr. Greene, when you’ve studied at institutions that actually push medical boundaries rather than clinging to outdated methodologies, perhaps your opinion might carry some weight.”
The room fell silent. I could feel Eamon’s anger radiating beside me.
“Dr. Knight,” Huxley said, turning to me with obvious disdain, “perhaps you should control your
subordinate. Not everyone appreciates these… nationalist outbursts.”
I felt my patience snap. “Eamon isn’t my subordinate; he’s my colleague. And his question was entirely valid.”
“I doubt someone of your limited expertise would recognize valid medical questioning,” Huxley retorted. “While you’ve been peddling herbal remedies and acupuncture, I’ve been working with the world’s leading researchers.”
“Yet somehow, despite all that prestigious education, you’ve failed to learn basic professional courtesy,” I replied evenly.
Leopold stepped forward, clearly uncomfortable with the escalating tension. “Gentlemen, please. This isn’t helping Eleanor.”
“You’re right,” I conceded. “Mr. Shepherd, I’d still like to examine your wife, if possible.”
Jonah snorted. “To what end? So you can suggest some ancient folk remedy? Dr. Huxley’s education represents the pinnacle of medical advancement.”
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66 Chapter 66 – The Overseas Expert and the Unwavering Patriot
“Is that why you immediately dismissed our country’s medical expertise?” Eamon asked coolly. “Because foreign automatically means better?”
Huxley’s face flushed. “I dismiss outdated practices regardless of their origin. But yes,
the medical infrastructure in this country is woefully inadequate compared to
Europan standards.”
I studied him carefully. “You seem to hold your homeland in rather low regard, Dr. Huxley.”
“I’m simply being realistic,” he replied. “Why do you think I spent eight years abroad? The opportunities, the research funding, the technology–it’s all superior.”
“And yet you’ve returned,” I noted.
Huxley smirked. “Temporarily. I maintain my residence in Inverness. I even have a green card there–something I’m quite proud of, actually.”
The room went silent. Even Leopold looked uncomfortable now.
“You’re proud,” I repeated slowly, “that you’ve gained the right to live in a foreign country? That’s what brings you pride?”
“Don’t twist my words,” Huxley snapped. “I’m proud to be associated with a nation that values scientific advancement and rewards medical innovation, rather than clinging to outdated traditions.”
I took a step closer to him, my voice low but clear. “I’ve traveled abroad as well, Dr. Huxley. I’ve studied with masters from many nations. But I never once felt the need to denigrate my homeland to elevate myself.”
“Perhaps you lack the perspective to see its limitations,” he replied coldly.
“Or perhaps you lack the character to appreciate its strengths,” I countered. “A person who betrays his country and grovels in submission! People like you will never learn the art of medicine well or, to be more precise, people like you will never achieve any learning. So, I doubt your diagnosis now!”
