Whenever Yasmin looked in the mirror, she saw more wrinkles and gray hair, despite her efforts to slow aging. She gradually stopped looking at her reflection. "So you're saying it's fortunate to grow old?" she asked hesitantly, intrigued.

"Of course!" Dominic slapped his thigh. "It's not easy. I've seen and treated many people during my travels; various strange diseases and illnesses afflicted children—truly heartbreaking."

"So why fear aging? The real regret is not being able to grow old." He paused, then added, "Anyway, I'm really not old, okay?"

The queen laughed. She nodded. "Yes, you're not, but I am."

"You're not. You've only let your negative thoughts affect your body," Dominic said, shaking his head.

The queen was puzzled. "Hmm? Are you sure? Would negative thoughts affect my health?" It was a subject she deeply cared about.

"According to herbal medicine, emotions influence our organs and veins, potentially causing blockages and swelling."

Yasmin, remembering his reputation as a miracle doctor, hesitantly showed him her wrist. "Can you take my pulse?"

"I haven't treated patients in a very long time," Dominic said calmly.

"Can you just check for blockages and swelling? You don't have to treat me."

"Really?" Dominic asked.

Yasmin nodded. "Yes, I won't force you."

"All right then." He placed his fingers on her wrist.

Yasmin watched him pensively rub his beard, nervously observing him. She worried he'd find something terribly wrong, yet suspected he might lie if the news were positive.

As she waited, Dominic withdrew his hand and straightened.

"How is it?" Yasmin asked eagerly.

"It's okay," he said.

She was surprised by the straightforward answer. "Okay? What do you mean?"

Dominic waved a hand. "It means you're doing okay for someone your age."

The queen was even more confused.