16 The Charming Maid Hailey

Fortunately, although searching for someone in the snowy mountains was incredibly arduous, Miss Kendra Gunhild, the acting leader of the West Wind Knights, proved to be a reliable and warm-hearted person. Not only did she provide Albedo Kōng’s address, but she also arranged for a letter to be sent to an alchemy shop in the city.

That happened to be Albedo’s own store.

Though Albedo rarely appeared at the shop, his assistant Sucrose and apprentice Timaeus were frequent visitors and well-connected as his close aides.

After wandering aimlessly for what felt like countless turns in the vast, snow-covered mountains, a handsome young man cloaked in white approached Kōng.

“Hello, are you the Honored Knight? I am Albedo.”

...

Every place has its own people and customs. Mondstadt, the City of Wind, is constantly swept by breezes. Perhaps accustomed to the ceaseless wind and fond of drinking, combined with the occasional fiery tests from the Pyro and Cryo slimes, most Mondstadters who grow up healthy—except for childhood illnesses—are remarkably robust, with strong immunity.

It’s rare for someone to fall ill simply from the wind.

Still, children with weaker constitutions do sometimes catch colds and fevers in Mondstadt, so medicines are kept on hand.

By the time the tavern attendant called a doctor, Penelope was already burning with fever and delirious.

The doctor took one look and was surprised that such a minor illness warranted emergency care—especially being called in the middle of the night—and was rather displeased.

“Don’t you have fever medicine at home? I assumed any household with children would keep a stockpile. Even if not, one should prepare some if needed.”

Those words made Diluc awkwardly shift his gaze. “...I’ll be more mindful in the future.”

Since the doctor had already come, and even accepted a fee, he swiftly produced some pediatric fever medicine.

The medication worked quickly, and soon the girl’s distressed expression began to ease.

(Thank goodness, she’s alright.)

Diluc wiped the cold sweat from his brow, still feeling the whole situation was surreal. “What exactly happened to her?”

Could she have really gotten sick just from the wind? Or was there another cause?

The doctor was calm and explained, “Excessive fatigue, overthinking, an infected wound, exposure to the wind... combined with this young lady’s inherently fragile constitution, it’s quite normal for her to fall ill.”

Diluc’s eyes involuntarily shifted to her numerous abrasions—each scratch and scrape clearly visible.

But the wounds looked severe only because her skin was exceptionally delicate. In reality, while many, they were all minor surface injuries. Frankly, if left untreated, they would probably fade away by the afternoon.

Could such injuries really cause an infection?

...

The tavern attendant who had helped care for the patient quietly added, “Sir, I believe the doctor was referring to her foot.”

Diluc asked, “You mean those blisters?”

The attendant replied hesitantly, “Well... probably, but when I saw them, the blisters had all been popped, and some of the damaged skin had even been trimmed away.”

Diluc was speechless.

(Underestimated her.)

He turned to the doctor. “My friend just arrived in Mondstadt and hasn’t adapted to the local climate yet. This situation might recur. Could you prepare a medical kit suited to her condition?”

The doctor beamed. “No problem! Tomorrow, send a servant to the apothecary and ask for me. I’ll make sure you get all the medicines for common ailments!”

“Thank you very much.”

Shortly after the doctor left, the ceremonious priest Barbara hurried in.

She wore a cloak trimmed with feathers over a soft, flowing white dress, topped with a petite priest’s cap. Her light golden curls were tied into two long ponytails, exuding elegance and innocence.

By then, Penelope had taken her medicine and looked much better, but Barbara was still startled. “How did it get so serious?”

Diluc repeated what the doctor and attendant had said. Barbara sat beside the bed, took the patient’s hand, and bowed her head in earnest prayer.

Her gentle humming echoed softly on the breeze, purifying the soul. The moist warmth radiating from her enveloped Penelope, nurturing her fevered, burning body.

Gradually, Penelope’s complexion returned to health. Her labored, feverish breathing eased, and she slipped back into peaceful slumber.

Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. Diluc glanced out the window; dawn had arrived.

He bowed in gratitude. “Miss Barbara, thank you for coming all this way. Since the danger has passed, allow me to escort you back.”

Barbara, pure and gentle as a clear spring in early spring, returned his bow serenely. “No need for thanks, Lord Ragnvindr. Protecting the happiness and health of Mondstadt’s people is our duty. I have guardians with me, so no escort is necessary. I will return this afternoon to check on her recovery. May the Anemo Archon bless her with a swift return to health.”

...

By mid-morning, Penelope finally awoke.

Upon opening her eyes, she saw a young girl sitting beside the table. Around seventeen or eighteen, dressed in a brown dress with two braided pigtails, a white apron tied at her waist, busily scribbling and drawing in a notebook.

Penelope moved slightly to rise, but lacked strength. The girl eagerly came to assist.

Her lively teal eyes examined Penelope with the curiosity of a little bird, firing questions rapidly: “Are you hungry? Thirsty? Any pain? Is your head still hurting? Oh, and I need to tell the Lord right away!”

Penelope’s head still ached, overwhelmed by the barrage of questions. She hastily interrupted in a hoarse voice, “Wait, wait... first, please get me a glass of water. Thank you.”

The girl quickly poured some warm water, which Penelope gratefully drank, feeling her throat soothe. Studying the girl, she saw that though her face still bore the pale traces of illness, she looked thoughtful.

“I remember I had a fever before I fell asleep,” Penelope said.

She knew a little fever wasn’t serious; most young people just tough it out. If it persisted beyond two or three days, then they’d see a doctor.

That had been her way before.

See? All better now.

Still, it felt like she had recovered unusually fast, waking up entirely fine after one sleep.

(Could it be that I have some kind of golden touch after crossing worlds? Maybe my constitution has strengthened?)

“Yes! You had a frightening high fever last night! Lord Diluc immediately summoned Mondstadt’s finest doctor, then sent for the famed Barbara from the West Wind Cathedral! You must know Barbara is an idol to many in Mondstadt and always very busy!”

The girl chattered excitedly, carefully gauging Penelope’s expression before continuing, “It’s rare to get her here in the middle of the night. Lord Diluc must owe her a favor. You really must thank our Lord properly! He’s been very kind to you!”

“Also, I’m a maid personally transferred from Lord Diluc’s household. You can call me Hailey.”

She added admiringly, “I heard Miss Penelope was seriously ill before. Lord Diluc worried the tavern staff might not care for you properly, so he sent a letter to Dawn Winery, asking Housekeeper Adeline to dispatch a professional maid just for you!”

“He really cares about you!”

...

Penelope felt a mix of surprise, warmth, and guilt. “Is that so? I’m truly grateful. I’ll be sure to ask Kōng to thank him properly on my behalf.”

Hailey smiled brightly. “By the way, are you hungry? I’ll get you breakfast!”

Hailey hurried off as Penelope sat up, eyes sweeping over herself. To her surprise, the scratches and bruises on her arms and hands had vanished.

Hmm???

She wiggled her toes—her feet no longer ached either!

No need to look further; her feet must have healed as well.

(What’s going on? Could this be some kind of supernatural power in this world? Or the healers Lord Diluc summoned?)

Recalling the girl’s words, Penelope pursed her lips, feeling somewhat uneasy.