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Novel Catalog
Chapter_23
In the VIP ward, Vivienne’s focus was entirely on Isolde. She had prepared the ointment in advance and now, as she gently addressed Eartha, she asked, “Are you sure she hasn’t eaten or drunk anything since yesterday?”
“Nope,” Eartha replied, her concern obvious. “She’s been very obedient, not eating a thing, even though she’s starving.”
Vivienne nodded, her expression softening as she turned her attention to Isolde. She spoke in a calming voice, “I’m about to start applying the ointment now. You need to hang in there. If the pain becomes unbearable, you can bite me.”
Isolde, though nervous, gave a brave smile. “Don’t worry, Vivienne, I’ll manage.”
Without further words, Vivienne had Isolde undress, preparing to apply the ointment. Starting at Isolde’s face, Vivienne worked her way down, carefully covering her body with the medicated paste. At first, the cool sensation of the ointment was soothing, and Isolde couldn’t help but smile. “Vivienne, are you trying to scare me? This feels so good on my skin… Ah!”
Before she could finish, Isolde’s expression contorted in pain. A sharp cry escaped her, but she quickly stifled it, trying to remain composed. The pain intensified, and she clenched the pillow beneath her, desperately trying to endure it. Her body trembled with the excruciating sensation, and the ointment began to soak into her skin, making her feel like thousands of tiny insects were biting her.
Eartha watched, helpless and worried. “Are you okay?”
Isolde barely managed to answer, her voice strained. “I’m fine… it’s just… a little painful!” Her words were weak, as if the effort of speaking took more strength than she had left.
Eartha turned to Vivienne, her worry growing. “Ms. Hawthorn, she doesn’t look good. She’s in so much pain, and her breathing’s becoming difficult. Should we call Mr. Percival?”
Vivienne assessed Isolde’s condition, her tone gentle yet firm. “Can you hang in there?”
Isolde’s eyes watered, and she finally cracked under the pain. “Vivienne, I can’t… Ah!” Her body gave way, and she collapsed, writhing on the floor in agony, her screams filling the room. Fortunately, this ward was private, soundproof, and isolated from others.
Vivienne checked the ointment’s effect once more and spoke calmly to Isolde, “Can you hold on for just one more minute?”
Eartha was just about to send a message to Percival when Vivienne’s words gave her pause. She hesitated, keeping her phone in her pocket.
Isolde, feeling as though she might pass out, wanted to give up. But Vivienne’s voice, calm and reassuring, provided her with some strength. Despite the unbearable pain, she held on, her teeth gritted in silence.
A minute passed, and finally, the pain began to subside. Isolde let out a long, relieved sigh. Her body relaxed, the sensation of warmth flooding over her like soaking in a hot spring. She smiled weakly. “Vivienne, did I do okay?”
With the ointment still covering her face, all that was visible were her bright white teeth. Vivienne couldn’t help but smile back, proud of Isolde’s strength. “You did great! Most people can’t endure this ointment.”
Vivienne had used this method to treat others before—many adults even struggled with it. While there were alternative treatments, this particular ointment offered the most effective results. Vivienne was impressed with Isolde’s endurance.
She stood up and said, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to bathe.”
Isolde, now obedient and calm, followed Vivienne into the bathroom. Vivienne had prepared another treatment, dripping it into the bathwater, and Isolde sat in the tub, confused.
“Vivienne, don’t I need to shower first?” Isolde asked. “Won’t the water get really dirty with all the ointment on me?”
“No need,” Vivienne answered. “The ointment needs to combine with this medicine for the cure to be complete.”
Isolde nodded, relaxing as she sank into the warm water. Gradually, the soothing sensation lulled her into a peaceful sleep. When she awoke, she felt as if she had spent hours in a hot spring, rejuvenated and relaxed.
“Isolde? Wake up!” Vivienne’s voice was soft but insistent.
Isolde blinked, slowly coming to her senses. “Did I fall asleep?”
Vivienne smiled, her tone gentle. “Go look in the mirror.”
Isolde, still groggy, obeyed. When she gazed into the mirror, her eyes widened in shock, and she screamed in disbelief, “Ah!!!”
Eartha, hearing the scream, rushed into the room, panicking, but when she saw Isolde’s transformation, her jaw dropped. The girl in the mirror looked nothing like the Isolde they had known. She was radiant, her features now beautiful, smooth, and glowing. The transformation was so striking that Eartha couldn’t comprehend what she was seeing.
“Your face… your body…” Eartha whispered, astonished.
Isolde, equally shocked, grabbed Eartha’s hand, her voice breaking with emotion. “Eartha, it’s me. I’m cured. I’m really cured!”
Isolde jumped up, excitement and tears mixing as she spun around. “Do you see? The person in the mirror is me. I’m beautiful, aren’t I?”
Suddenly, she began to sob, her emotions overwhelming her. “I’m not ugly anymore. Everyone always said I was ugly… but I’m not.”
Eartha, fighting back her own tears, hugged Isolde tightly. “Yes, you’re not ugly. You’re the most beautiful child in the world.”
Vivienne stood by, watching the joyful scene without interrupting. She felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that Isolde had been healed, but she also knew her work here was done. Quietly, she packed her things and left the room.
Only after Vivienne had left did Isolde realize. “Where’s Vivienne?”
Eartha, suddenly remembering, smacked her forehead. “Oh, Ms. Hawthorn already left.”
“Go find her quickly! I haven’t thanked her yet!” Isolde urged eagerly.
Eartha nodded and rushed out of the room, but as soon as she opened the door, she encountered Percival, Leopold, and Thomas walking in.
“Eartha, why are you in such a hurry? Did something happen to Isolde?” Leopold asked, his concern evident.
He glanced into the room and froze, confused. “That’s… Isolde? Where did she go?”
Eartha was about to answer when Leopold grabbed her arm, speaking urgently. “Tell me what happened to Isolde!”
From the other side of the room, Isolde’s voice rang out, sweet and clear. “I’m here, Leopold!”
Leopold’s eyes widened as he turned toward the sound of the voice. “That’s Isolde’s voice? Where is she? Why can’t I see her?”
The confusion in the room deepened, and the mystery of Isolde’s transformation continued to unfold.
