Unused to the smell, Fred covered his nose and gagged. Dominic glanced over his shoulder before returning to his brewing.

"Sir, it's been quite a challenge to meet with you," Fred said, approaching a chair opposite the physician.

Before Fred could sit, Dominic said, "No!"

Startled, Fred froze, looking from Dominic to the chair. "What's wrong?"

"That chair's about to collapse. Use this instead." Dominic indicated a small stool, bellows in hand.

Fred was speechless. It was a child's stool. He decided to remain standing. "I'll stand, it's fine." He continued, "I don't like beating around the bush. You know who I am, and I'm here to ask for your help—to save someone."

Dominic shook his head. "Save someone? I haven't done that in years."

"But this is different. I know you're a hermit, but aren't you going to ask me anything? Are you sure you don't want to save a life?" Fred asked.

Dominic continued tending the fire, seemingly ignoring him.

"Don't you want to save your student?" Fred stepped closer, smiling meaningfully.

Dominic looked up, squeezing the bellows and sending a plume of smoke that choked Fred.

Fred scrambled back, coughing violently.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Dominic shot Fred a cold glance and continued fanning the fire.

Tears welled in Fred's eyes as he coughed, pulling out a handkerchief to cover his nose and mouth. "I told you, I don't beat around the bush. Cut the act. Lily's your student, isn't she? She's in a coma, dying. Aren't you going to do something?" he asked, staring at the old man.

Fred had recently learned of Dominic and Lily's connection. Though Lily was skilled in herbal medicine, he'd never imagined she was the miracle doctor's student. He only discovered their recent visits to this place; otherwise, he never would have guessed. He'd initially assumed Alexander was the student, but Alexander lacked herbal knowledge and had nearly succumbed to the pandemic. Therefore, Lily, so proficient in the field, must be Dominic's student.

Fred stared at Dominic, confident the old man would save his beloved student. Rumor had it Dominic favored his last student, making inaction unlikely.