Two days passed.
Slowly, Azaria's eyes opened.
She was awakened by the sound of curtains being drawn back across the immense windows of her room.
Sunlight flooded the room immediately.
"Ah..." Azaria winced and immediately put a hand to her face to shield it from the harsh glare.
Her room was sumptuous.
The walls were adorned with exquisite decorations made of gold and encrusted with diamonds. Several luxurious pieces of furniture filled the room, attesting to the wealth and prestige of the Klausvitch family.
Two magnificent paintings particularly caught her eye.
The first depicted a woman playing the flute, seated aboard a small wooden boat floating peacefully on a river.
The second was a large portrait of her father.
Klausvitch.
A tall, imposing man, with a firm body and an upright posture. His red hair was reminiscent of Azaria's, while his crystal-blue eyes seemed to fixate on anyone who observed the painting.
He stood beside a magnificent white horse and was dressed in formal, elegant attire.
Azaria sat up slightly in bed.
A sharp pain shot through her skull again.
"Argh..." She placed her hand against her head, trying to soothe the headache that hadn't completely subsided.
Her vision was still blurry.
But little by little, her eyes began to adjust to the light.
Then she noticed a figure in front of the window.
It was her butler.
The butler turned to her with a relieved smile before bowing respectfully.
"Madame Azaria, you're finally awake." Azaria frowned slightly.
"What do you mean?" She looked around, still confused.
"How long have I been in bed?" A calm, elderly male voice spoke from beside her.
"For the past two days, Madame Azaria." Azaria jumped slightly.
She turned immediately.
An old man was sitting by her bed.
He wore a tall hat and a formal brown and black suit. His distinguished appearance and serious expression left no doubt as to his identity.
"Doctor?" Azaria stared at him.
"What are you doing here?" She paused briefly.
"And more importantly... what happened to me?" The old doctor clasped his hands in front of him.
"During your training, you pushed yourself far too hard." His expression deepened.
"You consumed an excessive amount of mana and forced the use of your magical nerves beyond what your body could handle." Azaria listened intently.
"You narrowly missed severely damaging your magical nerves." Azaria's eyes widened.
"What?" She sat bolt upright.
"Fortunately," the doctor continued, "the damage wasn't irreversible." He adjusted his clothing slightly.
"Your magical nerves suffered only moderate damage. We were able to intervene quickly enough to heal them and stabilize their condition." Azaria remained silent.
A look of shock crossed her face.
I almost damaged my magical nerves...
She slowly lowered her eyes to her hands.
The doctor continued.
"However, your current condition remains fragile."
Azaria looked up at him.
"You must refrain from any exercises requiring the use of your magical nerves for at least a week."
"A week?!"
"Not before," the doctor stated firmly.
He raised a finger.
"Your nerves need time to fully recover. If you attempt to force your mana again before they heal, the consequences could be far more serious."
Azaria frowned.
The doctor continued.
"And that's not all."
He studied her closely.
"Your physical condition is also not conducive to practicing magic."
Azaria raised an eyebrow.
"How so?" "Your body is exhausted, Madam Azaria." He sighed softly.
"You've pushed your body to its breaking point. Your physical reserves are almost entirely depleted, and your body hasn't fully recovered yet." He rose slowly from his chair.
"You need to rest." Azaria looked away, visibly upset.
"But…"
"There are no 'buts.'" The doctor's tone became firmer.
"For the time being, you are not in a condition to train." Azaria lightly gripped the sheets between her fingers.
A week without using her magic.
After everything that had happened.
After the mockery.
After the humiliation.
The thought was difficult for her to accept.
But the doctor stared at her seriously.
"Magic isn't just a matter of willpower, Madam Azaria." He placed a hand on the back of his chair. "Even the most determined mage must understand the limits of their own body." A silence fell over the room. Azaria watched the sunlight stream through the window.
Then she looked down.
"…I understand."
Dr. Zeng finally left the room.
"Rest well, Madam Azaria."
He bowed slightly before exiting.
The door closed slowly behind him.
"Clack."
Silence fell once more in the vast room.
Azaria lowered her eyes, deeply troubled by her situation.
She had simply wanted to train.
She had wanted to become stronger.
To surpass herself.
But, in her relentless pursuit of exceeding her limits, she had ultimately crossed the line.
And now, she couldn't even use her magic.
Her fingers tightened slightly on the sheets.
"..." Noticing her sadness, the butler approached her gently.
She delicately placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't be sad, Madam Azaria. It's only temporary." Azaria didn't reply immediately. "By next week," the butler continued gently, "you can gradually resume your magical practice." Azaria glanced up slightly. A question had been on her mind since she awoke.
"What was Grandfather's reaction to my situation?" The butler remained silent for a few seconds.
Then her face became more serious.
"He was devastated." Azaria's eyes opened slightly.
"As soon as he learned what had happened to you, he came immediately." The butler looked down slightly.
"He found you unconscious, unable to breathe properly." Azaria's heart sank.
"Why isn't he with me?" She looked away. A look of sadness crossed her face.
"Have I disappointed him that much?" Her voice grew weaker. "He prefers to ignore me rather than come and check on me?"
"Don't say that, Madam Azaria." The butler's response was immediate.
She stepped in front of her.
"Your grandfather cares deeply for you." Azaria looked up.
"He wasn't disappointed at all." The butler smiled gently.
"He was terrified." Azaria remained motionless.
"Terrified… at the thought of losing you." These words struck Azaria to the core.
"In fact," the butler continued, "he personally contacted Dr. Zeng to have him look after your condition." Azaria remained silent.
"His absence is solely due to the fact that he was urgently summoned to the capital on important business."
A faint smile touched Azaria's lips.
She was relieved.
Her grandfather hadn't abandoned her.
He didn't hold it against her.
But even so, her mood didn't completely change.
The butler watched her for a few moments.
Then, as if she'd suddenly had an idea, she stood up.
She walked toward the door.
Azaria looked up at her.
"Where are you going?" The butler placed her hand on the handle.
A faint, mysterious smile appeared on her face.
"Fortunately..." She turned her head slightly toward Azaria.
"A surprise guest came to visit you during these difficult times." Azaria frowned.
"A guest?"
"When she learned what had happened to you, she came as quickly as she could." The butler opened the door.
A young girl then entered the room. She wore a magnificent traditional green Chinese dress, adorned with delicate white stripes.
Her eyes were a splendid golden color.
Her brown hair fell delicately around her face.
For a second, Azaria remained frozen.
Then her eyes lit up.
A huge smile immediately spread across her face.
— ...
— AZARIA!
The young girl rushed towards her.
— SHI LIM!
It was Shi Lim.
Azaria's childhood best friend.
They had grown up together since they were very young, and their families had known each other for a long time.
For Azaria, Shi Lim wasn't just a friend.
She was almost like a sister.
Shi Lim rushed to the bed and jumped onto it without thinking.
— You're finally awake!
Azaria opened her arms.
The two girls immediately embraced warmly. "I missed you so much!"
"Me too!" Little cries of joy echoed through the room.
But suddenly—
"Ouch..." Azaria winced in pain. Shi Lim had just lunged at her a little too enthusiastically.
The butler, who had immediately noticed the situation, cried out:
"Madame Shi! Be careful!" Shi Lim froze.
"Madame Azaria isn't fully recovered yet. Her body is still fragile!" Shi Lim's eyes widened.
She immediately put a hand to her mouth.
"Oh no..." She quickly stepped back, realizing her mistake.
Then she sat down a few inches from Azaria on the bed.
Her face was filled with guilt.
"Please forgive me, Azaria..." She lowered her eyes slightly.
"I won't do it again." Azaria looked at her. Then a small smile appeared on her face.
For the first time since waking up, she felt her bad mood truly beginning to disappear.
Shi Lim's presence did her more good than any medicine.
Before leaving the room, Shizuku turned back to Azaria one last time.
"And, Madam Azaria, please don't forget to take your medication." Azaria looked up at her butler.
"Three times a day," Shizuku continued. "One in the morning, one in the afternoon, and the last one before bed. It's essential for your recovery." Azaria nodded gently.
"Okay, Shizuku. I will, I promise." The butler then indicated a small cabinet to the left of the bed.
"Your medication is in the drawer, just to your left."
Then she added,
"I also need to bring you some other medication that will help you recover better."
"Okay."
"I'll go get it from Dr. Zeng. In the meantime, take the first medication of the day." Azaria nodded.
"I'll also send a maid to bring you some water." A grateful smile spread across Azaria's face.
"Thank you, Shizuku." The butler bowed slightly.
"It's my duty, Madam Azaria."
Then she left the room.
The door closed softly behind her.
Silence fell once more.
Shi Lim waited a few seconds.
Then she turned abruptly to Azaria and took both her hands in hers.
Her golden eyes were filled with concern.
"What possessed you to do this, Azaria?" Azaria lowered her gaze slightly.
Shi Lim gently tightened her grip.
"Is it because of your damned half-brothers and half-sisters?" A brief silence fell.
Azaria finally answered.
"Partly, yes." She looked away.
"But that's not the only reason." Shi Lim listened attentively.
Azaria looked at her own hands.
"I am weak, Shi."
Her voice was calm, but a deep frustration could be heard in it.
"The weakest of the Burning Phoenix family."
Shi Lim frowned.
"Azaria..."
"If I ever want to succeed my father, I must become much stronger."
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"I can't stay behind my brothers and sisters forever." Shi Lim shook her head immediately.
"Come now, Azaria. You're not weak." Azaria looked up at her.
"You simply have obstacles in your path." Shi Lim gave her a reassuring smile.
"And these obstacles won't determine the person you become."
Azaria sighed.
"Easy for you to say, Shi."
She crossed her arms.
"You're an extraordinary swordswoman from the Force Fine family."
Shi Lim lightly scratched her cheek with her fingertips.
"I wouldn't say that..." Azaria stared intently at her.
Without looking away.
Shi Lim remained silent.
A few seconds passed. A light perspiration began to appear on her face under her friend's insistent gaze.
"..."
"Shi."
"Fine, fine!"
She raised her hands in surrender.
"Yes, you're right!" Azaria gave a small smile.
Shi Lim sighed.
"I'm considered a genius in my family."
She lowered her eyes slightly.
"But you're forgetting someone."
"Your older brother?" Shi Lim nodded.
"Yes." Her expression became more serious.
"He's far ahead of me in the line of succession."
She gave a soft laugh.
"To be honest, he'll probably be the next Lord in our family after my father."
Azaria remained silent.
"I see…" Shi Lim smiled at her.
"You see? Even people considered geniuses have someone who surpasses them." Azaria silently considered her words.
Then she changed the subject slightly.
"Did you come here with your whole family?" Shi Lim shook her head.
"No."
"I came alone."
"Alone?"
"Well… with my escort, of course." Azaria smiled slightly.
"When I learned about your accident," Shi Lim continued, "I immediately asked my father for permission to come to Heishan." She gently squeezed Azaria's hands.
"And he granted it." Her smile widened.
"I came as fast as I could." Azaria remained silent for a few seconds.
Then her gaze softened.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Shi." Shi Lim immediately shook her head.
"Don't thank me." She kissed Azaria's head.
"We owe each other much more than that."
Shi Lim stirred slightly and got out of bed.
She gently stretched her arms before turning to Azaria.
A mischievous smile played on her lips.
"How about we go for a walk?"
Azaria frowned slightly.
"Where exactly do you want to go?"
Shi Lim pointed vaguely toward the window.
"To the park."
She smiled.
"You could get some fresh air after spending two whole days without moving from this bed."
Azaria hesitated.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
She looked at her own body.
"Given my condition, I'm supposed to stay in bed. If the doctor or Shizuku find out, I'll get into even more trouble."
Shi Lim folded her arms.
Then she stared at her with an amused expression.
"Why are you suddenly pretending to follow your elders' instructions?"
Azaria looked up at her.
"Huh?"
"In the more than ten years I've known you," Shi Lim continued, "you've practically never followed our advice."
She placed a hand on her hip.
"You've gone soft, my dear."
A provocative smile played at the corner of her lips.
Azaria remained silent.
She hesitated for a few moments.
Then she lowered her gaze and began to think.
She wasn't entirely wrong…
Azaria had always tended to follow her own will.
And being cooped up in this enormous room after two days in bed was really starting to get to her.
Getting some fresh air would surely do me good.
She turned her head slightly toward the window.
Sunlight illuminated the mansion's gardens.
But at the same time...
Her expression became more serious.
Given my condition and the doctor's recommendations, I'm supposed to rest and avoid putting any strain on my body.
She thought for a few more seconds.
Then her eyes lit up slightly.
Wait...
If I'm just going for a walk with Shi Lim, I'm not really breaking the doctor's orders.
He forbade me from any physical exertion or using my magical nerves.
I'm not going to do any training or intense exercise.
A small smile gradually appeared on her face.
I'm just going to get some fresh air.
After several long seconds of silence, Azaria let out a deep sigh.
Then she looked up at Shi Lim.
"Okay."
Shi Lim's eyes immediately widened.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Azaria raised a finger.
"But on one condition."
Shi Lim tilted her head slightly.
"Which is?"
"I want an escort to accompany us to the park."
Azaria crossed her arms.
"And I don't want to walk the whole way. Given my current condition, I'd rather avoid putting too much strain on my body."
Shi Lim remained silent for a second.
Then she chuckled softly.
"If that's all, then fine."
She raised a hand.
"Agreed."
Then she headed towards the door.
"Now, get dressed."
She turned back to Azaria one last time.
"I'll wait for you outside."
Azaria nodded.
"Okay."
Shi Lim then left the room.
The door closed behind her.
Azaria was alone for a few seconds.
She looked around the room.
Then her gaze fell on the light streaming through the window.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"It can't hurt... can it?"
She slowly pushed back the covers.
Then, carefully, she began to get ready.
Azaria moved slowly to the other side of her room.
A large white wooden door, adorned with delicate gold decorations, stood against the wall.
She opened it and stepped into her private bathroom.
The room was just as luxurious as the rest of the bedroom.
Azaria began by washing herself thoroughly, then stood in front of a large mirror to brush her teeth.
Once that was done, she tended to her hair.
Several small vials containing special oils were neatly arranged near the mirror. These particularly luxurious oils gave off a pleasant floral scent.
Azaria delicately applied some to her red hair before arranging it.
She was still getting ready when—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Someone knocked on her bedroom door.
Azaria turned her head slightly.
"Who is it?"
A woman's voice answered her from outside.
"Madame Azaria, it's me, Sho. I've come to bring you your lunch, as well as juice and water. May I come in?"
Azaria continued to adjust her hair.
"Please come in."
She added,
"Please put everything on my bed."
"Yes, madam."
The maid then entered the room.
She carried several trays, which she carefully placed on Azaria's bed.
Then she bowed respectfully.
"Enjoy your meal, Madam Azaria."
"Thank you, Sho."
The young maid then left the room and gently closed the door behind her.
A few minutes later, Azaria finally finished preparing her lunch.
She left the bathroom and went to her bed.
Her gaze fell upon the lunch.
It was a rich and carefully prepared meal, designed to help her regain her strength.
A veritable feast.
Several fresh fruits of different varieties were arranged on a large platter.
Next to it was a lightly smoked steak, along with several finely chopped and seasoned vegetables.
Toast was also present, accompanied by peanut butter sauce and several pieces of banana.
The fruit juice was contained in a large glass container, beautifully decorated with symbols representing the sea.
A second container, in the same decorative style, held fresh water.
Azaria sat up on her bed and began to eat.
"Mmm..."
After two days spent unconscious, her body clearly needed nourishment.
But as she was quietly enjoying her meal, a thought suddenly crossed her mind.
Her eyes widened.
"Shi Lim!"
She had completely forgotten about herself.
Her friend was probably already waiting for her outside.
"Damn..."
Azaria then started eating much faster.
She wolfed down about half of her lunch, then opened another drawer near her bed.
She took out a small bag.
Carefully, she placed several pieces of fruit and some toast inside.
"I'll finish the rest later."
She closed the bag and placed it beside her.
Then she opened another drawer.
Her medicine was there.
Azaria took out one of the small bags.
Inside was a medicinal herb.
The treatment prescribed by Dr. Zeng consisted of several specially prepared herbs, which she had to eat raw before washing them down with water.
These plants were meant to gradually help her magical nerves recover.
Azaria stared at the grass for a few seconds.
"..."
She clearly didn't want to eat it.
But she knew she had no choice.
"Fine..."
She put the grass in her mouth and swallowed it quickly.
Then she immediately grabbed the water container.
Glug. Glug.
She took several sips.
But even so, a particularly bitter taste filled her mouth.
Azaria grimaced.
"Ugh..."
She put a hand to her mouth.
"What a terrible taste..."
Her face expressed profound disgust.
She shook her head slightly.
"How can doctors call this medicine?"
After a few seconds, she grabbed her bag containing the fruit and toast.
Then she finally left her room.
The door closed behind her.
Clang.
Azaria then headed outside the mansion.
Shi Lim was waiting for her.