The trio gathered before a small shrine dedicated to Dr. Funkeâs ancestors. The shrine featured a pastoral painting depicting a countryside village, complete with a majestic pine tree that seemed to welcome visitors. In the center, there were two candles, casting a sacred aura over the scene.
Dr. Funke flicked his lighter, igniting the candles with reverence.
âLydia, come,â Dr. Funke said, glancing back at her.
Without hesitation, Lydia mimicked Dr. Funkeâs actions, placing her incense in the holder.
Next, Dr. Funke poured six shots of clear, strong liquor. He turned to Lydia and said, âAfter this, youâll officially be my apprentice. Itâs not too late to back out now.â
âIf I was the type to get cold feet, I wouldnât be here! Enough talk, letâs drink.â
Thalassaâs eyes widened in surprise.
Lydiaâs forthright manner was nothing short of daring, and Thalassa feared she might have offended Dr. Funke.
To her surprise, however, Dr. Funke didnât seem bothered by Lydiaâs brashness. Instead, he laughed heartily and clinked glasses with her.
Before Dr. Funke could take a sip, Lydia downed her shot in one swift gulp. âAh, thatâs the stuff! Itâs been too long!â
Lydia looked like she was savoring the moment, while Dr. Funke stood momentarily stunned. He then let out a chuckle and finished his shot as well.
Following the same ritual, Lydia toasted Dr. Funke with the remaining two shots.
With that, the ceremony was complete, and Lydia was now Dr. Funkeâs sole apprentice.
âStarting the day after tomorrow, youâll join me at my clinic to learn medicine,â Dr. Funke announced, eager to commence his teachings now that he had taken on a disciple.
âDr. Funke, when are you available to check on Lysander?â Thalassa asked anxiously.
She had done so much just to secure Dr. Funkeâs expertise.
âWhatâs the rush? Go and make arrangements. Iâll visit him tomorrow morning,â Dr. Funke replied after giving Thalassa a reassuring glance.
âAlright, Iâll come to pick you up tomorrow morning,â Thalassa said.
âNo need. Just give me the address, and Iâll make my own way there.â
Thalassaâs brow furrowed with worry, fearing complications.
âRest assured, since Iâve made a promise, I will ensure your husband receives the best care,â Dr.
Funke said, sensing her concern.
With his assurance, Thalassa felt relieved. âOkay, then we wonât keep you any longer, Dr. Funke.
See you tomorrow.â
After leaving Dr. Funkeâs house, Thalassa sped off towards Starhaven Hospital.
The words of the police officer still echoed in her mind. Hertha had been in a car accident the night before, and the outlook wasnât good.
Thalassa should have gone to Starhaven Hospital immediately, but she had to prioritize Lysanderâs treatment opportunity, leaving Alaric to handle Herthaâs situation.
So far, Alaric hadnât called her, and Thalassa was anxious about Herthaâs condition.
Alaric arrived at Starhaven Hospital as fast as he could. He only knew that Hertha had been taken there for treatment but had no idea where she was.
Rushing into the hospital, he grabbed a nurse and asked frantically, âWhereâs Hertha?â
The nurse was startled by his intense anxiety and quickly replied, âSir, please calm down. We have many patients here. If youâre looking for someone, you should inquire at the appropriate department.â
Feeling a throbbing pulse in his temple, Alaric realized he had been too abrupt, his urgency causing him to lose composure.
He hastily let go of the nurseâs collar, took a deep breath, and asked, âThere was a woman involved in a car accident last night, brought in by ambulance. Her name is Hertha. Which room is she in, and how is she doing?â
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