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The inherent degeneracy of the two individuals trying to argue over some rudimentary nonsense about hats in the middle of a theatre play was not ignored by the theatre occupants. Many who recognized the all too familiar ferret-faced duke had their eyes rolled all the way to the back of their skulls, cursing to whatever gods or religion why they would put them in the same theatre as the Duke of fucking Vikena. Others close by were visibly uncomfortable, staying mostly quiet so as not to tarnish their names and reputation. However, the commotions seem to suddenly die down as the lady simply just leaned back on her chair and went completely quiet. Just out of nowhere, quiet. 

The Duke's lukewarm response combined with him putting his fingers on Ruby's neck made one man sitting on the other end of her suspicious. While he seemed calm afterwards, it is the Duke of Vikena. One has to check twice on him to make sure he sees correctly. And upon shaking Ruby's body several times without response, the man stood up hastily, almost tripping on the seat next to him and hurried outside. She wasn't well![hr]
John's strolling did help his exhaustion a little bit. Hopefully things would unwrap itself more after all the debacle the day before. This was supposed to be more of a relaxed assignment after all, even with the sudden responsibility plopped onto his shoulders. He also got to enjoy some of the stuff he actually missed from Caesonia. The food, the view, and people that still remembered him as the son of an innkeeper rather than Dr. John Harling Williamson.

"John, let me just say that if Prince Wulfric or the King found out about your return, they will not be happy."

A man a head shorter than John's walked with careful stride, his aging time warned him of the inevitability. John considerately paced himself to match his steps, and with a chuckle he replied. [color=5486ae]"Not this time around, Mr. Anderson. I'm their guest. Or part of them."[/color] 

"Wait..." He raised a finger, confused. "How? I thought you were..." 

[color=5486ae]"I'm a royal physician. They can't refuse me."[/color] John said with some pride. [color=5486ae]"But I met them too, I don't think they even remember me."[/color] Probably too used to execute or punish their dissidents already, they couldn't remember the face of those they sent to certain doom.

"Royal Physician..." The older man - the teacher, his first mentor, the man who set the foundation to John's success - stood in awe, eyeing the man over in disbelief, before being corrected by John who realized he didn't specify it was Varian physician, not Caesonian. But still, from a dead man walking to one of the crucial backbones of a kingdom is an astonishing turnaround. "It must have been a tough journey. I'm proud of the man you have become, John."

[color=5486ae]"Thank you very much, Mr. Anderson."[/color] John gave a deep bow upon hearing. [color=5486ae]"I couldn't be here without you. If there's anything I can do in return, always let me know. A new house? Some money? Or even immigration to Varian, I can always sponsor."[/color] 

"Haha, I'm good, thank you." Anderson gave a hearty grandfatherly laugh. "My wife and I are good where they are. We are away from the limelight completely, just doing our day job, minding our business. We can go home to die the next day and it would not be a regretful life. No need for glamour or a new home."

Probably for the best too. John let out a faint smile, knowing that his empathy for that statement felt a little bit chilly, for the man was barely over his prime youth, and yet he was yearning for that kind of life. Just minding his business, ready to die a peaceful death if it came to it. What happened exactly to him, very few were aware. The doctor kept it quite secretive as well. 

"Anyway, it was nice to meet you John. You know where to find me if you're down for a chat." Anderson gave John a wave before heading off on his own, the doctor stopping in his track, watching him from behind. 

[color=5486ae]"Have a great day..."[/color] John serenely waved back. With a satisfied smile, he moved on, looking for more things to reminisce. 

Not for long! Duty calls once again. Not of an official capacity, but out of his own volition. A man burst out of the Edin Theatre shouted for a doctor, any doctor. He would look somewhat like a madman if one wouldn't take a plea for one seriously. Hearing the plight, John came over to answer the man. Judging from the ravish looks, nobility was written all over his body, and of course he spoke in flowery language that described nothing of importance. Much that was filtered would be that this lady just dropped to her chair, not responsive. Not exactly promising, but such vagueness of the situation could mean anything.

John quickly hurried into the theatre, past the curious theatregoers, approaching the seats of the patient in question. John slowly recognizing both these individuals. It's that pancake girl this morning, and the Duke of Vikena. The doctor didn't greet the Duke much, however, only an acknowledging nod if he even paid attention. His countenance faced the petite freckled girl. He knelt by her, putting his fingers on her neck. 

[color=5486ae][i]'Still pulses, good.'[/i][/color] 

John quickly went through the mental checklist in his head. Next, he would shake Ruby by the shoulder a little, before tapping on her cheeks, more forceful with each tap, hoping she would awake from outside forces.

[@SausagePat][@FunnyGuy]