Chapter 1767

Austin sat quietly, then rose and left his room. The spacious house was unusually still; no one seemed to be around. He noticed the open back door, crossed the hall, and stepped outside.

In the backyard, the unique scent of various herbs greeted him. Dominic stood thoughtfully amidst the plants, hands clasped behind his back. Austin remained silent, respecting his granduncle's quiet contemplation.

As he turned to leave, Dominic spoke, "Since you've regained some strength, why don't you help me gather some herbs?"

Surprised, Austin nonetheless walked over and picked up the basket Dominic had set aside. "I've written down what I need, but can you still identify them?"

Dominic indicated a piece of paper within the basket with a nod, his gaze fixed elsewhere. Several uncommon herbs were listed, but Austin recognized them all.

He smiled, slung the basket over his shoulder, and began to gather. Although identification was easy, the plants were scattered and unorganized. It took time, and by the end, he was breathless and sweating profusely. His recent recovery felt tenuous; though the torment was gone, exhaustion weighed heavily upon him.

Yet, despite the weariness, he felt significantly better. His energy had returned, his breathing steadier. "Uncle Dom, I've gathered them all!" he gasped, sweat streaming down his cheeks, handing the basket to Dominic with a beaming smile.

The task brought a flood of memories. As a child, Dominic had similarly tasked him with herb gathering. Energetic but ignorant of botany, he relied on his medical texts for identification, frequently making mistakes. Dominic's response was a twig to the head and a sharp rebuke, often punctuated by a declaration that Austin was unfit to be his student, lest his reputation be tarnished. Yet, within the harshness lay instruction. Dominic always explained the differences between similar herbs, meticulously teaching him identification, uses, and dosages.

Through such lessons, often delivered with a twig, Austin learned herbal medicine. As he matured, achieving experience and recognition, others built him up. Yet, he resented Dominic's lack of formal tutelage, believing he possessed sufficient skill. Dominic, however, had secretly taken another apprentice. Austin could only offer vague explanations about his background, unable to claim his granduncle as his master. His brush with death brought the realization that he was not, in fact, ready.

No matter his frustration, Lily's superior skill and talent were undeniable. Her anonymity, in contrast to Austin's self-proclaimed status, further highlighted the disparity. Her achievements in blending scents and herbs were astonishing.

Dominic smiled, a gentle breeze ruffling his hair. Austin, his pale face glistening with sweat, returned a radiant smile. "You..." he began, but was interrupted.

A gasp cut through the air, "Austin?!"

He turned to see the source of the voice. "Mom?"