Chapter 22: Eisenburg (2)

Mili emerged from the changing room, arms crossed, the loose patient gown making her look even smaller.

Her pale face, set against the blue fabric, seemed drained of color.

The series of procedures that followed left her feeling both unfamiliar and apprehensive.

The nurse led her through various tests:

Blood work, ECG, urine analysis, chest X-ray…

Each step made her palms sweat with nerves.

The slight sting of the needle piercing her vein, the cold touch of the stethoscope on her chest, and the incomprehensible buzzing of medical equipment all filled her with dread.

“Relax, it’s just routine,” the nurse said reassuringly.

But her tone felt cold and detached.

“Her blood type is quite rare,” the doctor drawing blood whispered to Seraphina.

“Good or bad?”

“Good for surgery. Her recovery ability should be strong.”

“Is that so.”

After what felt like an eternity, Mili was wheeled on a gurney into a room filled with sophisticated equipment.

It was her first time in a place resembling an operating room, and her fear peaked.

The bright surgical lights were blinding, unfamiliar medical devices lined the walls, and monitors flickered with green data streams…

“What… what’s this for…?” she asked Seraphina nervously.

She didn’t want to be here.

But after the earlier death threats, she no longer dared defy Seraphina.

Noticing her fear, Seraphina sat by the bed, gently stroking her hair:

“This is Eisenburg’s top medical facility, reserved for my use.”

“It’s just a minor procedure to fix some small issues in your body.”

“What… issues?” Mili mustered the courage to turn her head and ask.

“Endocrine imbalances due to malnutrition.”

“…”

Seraphina’s tone was soothing, like comforting a frightened animal: “Don’t be scared. I’ll be here with you.”

Mili felt conflicted.

Mixed emotions swirled within her, unsure how to face this woman.

The surgical lights dazzled her eyes, and local anesthesia was injected, numbing the area.

Within two minutes, she lost sensation.

The procedure was quick, as promised, taking little time.

Mili only occasionally felt slight tugs and pressure.

She didn’t even know where they operated…

The anesthesia dulled her senses, leaving no pain.

When she came to, the blinding lights were off, and the surgery was over.

She saw Evelyn remove her mask, revealing a cool, refined profile.

Even in this setting, the adjutant exuded an otherworldly beauty, distinct from Seraphina’s, that drew the eye.

Under the overhead lights, Evelyn’s features were sharp, her brows carrying a striking, genderless charm.

“The surgery was successful,” Evelyn reported concisely.

“The implant is functioning normally, no rejection, no complications.”

Implant?

Mili listened groggily to their conversation.

The anesthesia left her dazed, unable to think deeply.

She only felt mild soreness, not as bad as she’d feared.

But… what had they put in her body?

After the surgery, she was moved to an observation room to rest.

Seraphina sat by her bedside, engrossed in a handheld device like a child with a new toy.

The screen displayed jumping numbers and waveforms, complex and intricate.

“What’s that?” Mili asked weakly from the bed, eyeing the flickering data.

“Your vital signs,” Seraphina muttered, studying the real-time data with a satisfied smile.

“All clear as day… perfect.”

Mili watched her focused, gleeful expression, wanting to relax but unable to, sensing something off.

“Why… monitor this?”

“To take better care of you.” Seraphina looked up, her smile strikingly beautiful. “Now I can know your condition anytime.”

“For instance, you’re nervous—heart rate’s up, blood pressure elevated.”

She pointed at the rapidly blinking red numbers, as if showing off a grand discovery.

“…”

“Look, your adrenaline’s spiking too.” She continued, fascinated by the data shifts.

“Your body’s so honest.”

Mili propped herself up, wanting to see her incision, but Seraphina pressed her hand down:

“Don’t move, you just had surgery.”

“I want to see…”

“What’s to see? It’s a tiny cut, it’ll heal soon.” Seraphina said casually, her eyes glued to the device.

“Your Majesty, we can leave,” Evelyn said from the door, having packed the surgical tools.

“Time’s up?”

“No need to rest; she can walk once the anesthesia wears off.”

“Alright.” Seraphina reluctantly put the device away.

Evelyn tested Mili’s residual anesthesia effects, confirmed she could walk, and left the observation room.

Seraphina stopped Mili’s attempt to lift her clothes to see the wound: “We’re out here, want to explore more of Eisenburg with me?”

“Mm…”

“Come on, I’ll show you other parts.” She helped the now-mobile Mili up, and they soon left the medical wing.

“You should get to know your future home.”