I Next
Rumors wield a formidable influence.
Information travels via word of mouth within communities. The accuracy or authenticity of such information may not hold significant weight. What truly matters is the re existence of the rumor itself. Even individuals who consider themselves sagacious are not immune to its effects. They find themselves, albeit minimally, swayed by these circulating whispers.
Rumors mold initial perceptions and cast a mold for future perceptions. Nurous illustrations of this phenonon abound in our surroundings. On occasion, we encounter firsthand instances that push the boundaries of believability.
I found myself in precisely such a situation.
Raciel suppressed a sigh mingled with remorse. Each recollection that surfaced brought forth a pulsating ache. It was an ordeal he had undergone back in Korea.
A rumor circulated within the apartnt complex and our Oriental dicine clinic that a COVID-19 patient had visited there on two separate occasions curse it.
Just the notion caused his fists to quiver. The trauma ran so deep that he dreaded the potential ergence of post-traumatic stress even during his slumber. And even in the present mont, the injustice of it all still lingered.
The patient had rely transited through the premises. Fortunately, on both occasions, no one within the clinic had contracted the virus. Stringent protocols for quarantine, disinfection, and preventive asures were ticulously adhered to. In reality, no issue existed whatsoever.
However, the perception within the community was divergent.
The rumor that perated the vicinity cast an image of the COVID-19 treatnt center. Folks harbored concerns that stepping inside might expose them to the virus. They chose to journey a bit farther to other places instead
And that marked the conclusion.
Once such a notion took root, the most adverse impression beca indelible. Reversal beca an unattainable goal. Redemption faded beyond consideration.
The abandoned clinic stood eerily silent, devoid of any visitors. That final evening in the consultation room, before removing the signboard, Raciel reminisced about the tears he had shed while consuming an entire bottle of soju in solitude.
That ordeal had granted him a profound comprehension of the supremacy of rumors. He bore a profound recognition of the kind of sway and outcos that rumors and publicity could wield.
The present situation mirrored that past experience.
A crowd of thousands gathered for the first ti in a while. Not just for anything, but to hear my speech. To see the face of the crown prince, which they might see once in a lifeti, they gathered in large numbers. Hence an opportunity laid out before .
Raciel lifted his gaze to observe the throngs of people amassed in the square. Unexpectedly, the square had fallen into silence. They awaited the crown princes speech. He could sense it.
They likely anticipate an emotive discourse. That the royal family draws trendous strength from the prosperity of the port city of Cremo. That they are indebted for the diligent efforts of the mayor, which have steered this prosperity, and even more appreciative of the contribution made by the citizens who have propelled the developnt of the harbor and the city. That they are moved by the determination of those who rise and pledge to rebuild even when faced with unforeseen catastrophes, and so forth, extolling your excellence, and so on The customary platitudes.
Presumably, such were the expectations for speeches. Most likely, everyone foresaw such a discourse.
This thought prompted a smile to creep onto his countenance. Raciel moistened his lips. He clutched the crystal ball embedded with the sound amplification spell. The citizens in the square, awaiting his oration. He comnced, uttering the lines he had ticulously prepared.
Greetings to you all, citizens of Cremo. As you are already aware, I am Crown Prince Raciel Adria Magentano. And furthermore, I preside as the director of the Star Palace Oriental dicine Clinic.
Murmur.
His salutation bore an unexpected twist, prompting a ripple of murmurs to course through the crowd.
Raciels smile deepened.
Today, an opportunity lay before him. An optimal occasion to propagate the rits of the Star Palace Oriental dicine Clinic.
I cant let this chance to promote the clinic elude !
He couldnt afford to squander this opening. Letting it slip through his grasp would be nothing short of imprudent.
Promotion and advertising constituted bedrock principles for all enterprises. Even recently inaugurated restaurants in neighborhoods expended efforts to attain visibility, hiring part-ti staff to distribute flyers.
And now, an opportunity had erged to promote to a multitude of thousands, devoid of cost, unilaterally. Such an opportunity demanded exploitation. Every ounce of advantage must be extracted. Truly, this was the creed of a shrewd entrepreneur.
With this conviction in mind, he unapologetically launched into his sales pitch. He unreservedly delivered the lines he had rehearsed the preceding night.
Thus, as the director of the Star Palace Clinic, it would be a disservice if I were to rely discuss the clinic and depart, dont you think?
Murmur.
The murmuring of the people intensified.
The pivotal mont approached.
Now is the instance to gently draw them in.
Like a fisherman cautiously reeling in his catch, alluringly, he piqued their curiosity, softly laying the bait.
Hence, I address you today. What is Cremo? Is it not the most splendid trading hub within the North Sea, the very heart of the northern empire? Yet, who are the true architects of this locale? Who imbue it with a vibrancy teeming with life? It is all of you. If you are in good health, Cremo shall flourish even more. If Cremo prospers, so does the empire. In essence, your well-being bolsters the empires might! Your health equates to the empires power, dear citizens.
His voice deftly rose and subtly fell, like a lody crafted to resonate with their emotions. He established eye contact with each individual in the foremost row.
I extend my earnest wish for your continued well-being. It is my sincere hope. Thats why I implore you. If any among you here feel even the slightest discomfort or ailnt, I encourage you to step forward. It matters not if the condition is not severe. Be it a common cold, body aches, headaches, toothaches, muscular discomfort, neuralgia, postnatal discomfort lingering, arthritis, rheumatism, chronic indigestion, or gastrointestinal issues. I shall thoroughly assess them all, as the director of the Star Palace Oriental dicine Clinic.
The susurrus in the crowd intensified!
The murmurs within the crowd gained strength. Their gazes shifted to their neighbors. Each individual had a mont of introspection.
Did I have an area of discomfort? Now that I think about it, my mothers knee hasnt been in the best state lately. Can I genuinely seek treatnt from the crown prince for such a reason? A substantial number of those gathered in the square found themselves grappling with similar quandaries.
In response to this spectacle, a contented smile blossod on Raciels countenance like a profusion of roses.
Oh dear, my patrons no, my valued patrons for extended life.
His patrons were grappling with a dilemma. So, what next? The ti had arrived to deliver the decisive blow. Raciel moistened his lips. He aid a definitive statent at the hesitating assembly.
Those who step forward now will receive a complintary treatnt coupon, limited to the first 100 individuals.
What?
Complintary, first co, first served, comnce.
What in the!
Exploiting the crowds stunned state perfectly, he achieved victory. Raciel had executed an impromptu advertisent and sales pitch for his oriental dicine clinic under the guise of a speech. The outco was a resounding success.
Jackpot. This is a jackpot, haha, lulu!
Joy erupted organically.
Within the port city of Cremo, every result resembled a series of jackpots. Unexpectedly obtaining a King Minotaur for free(?). Securing the chance to consistently obtain top-grade Minotaur-bile. And not to forget, the prosperous promotion of the oriental dicine clinic.
His lips curled into a smile effortlessly.
Form a line, form a line!
No cutting! Wait your turn!
Chaos reigned in the square.
Lines of individuals extended ceaselessly. It was akin to the queues forming for the launch of a new seasonal tumbler or picnic set at Starbucks, or the lines seen on the morning of a new iPhone models release. Or, as if a store had initiated an almost unbelievable 1 10 promotion, prompting people to rush in like a tide.
Raciel raised his head, a sense of contentnt enveloping him. He observed the individual seated across from himan unnad grandmother from Cremo.
Madam?
Yes, yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince.
Your digestion appears to have significantly weakened, am I correct?
Yes? Absolutely, youre right. How did you discern that?
I inferred it from your earlier remarks.
..
In any case, its challenging to enhance digestion that has declined with age. Endeavor to chew your food thoroughly and avoid lying down imdiately before and after als.
Oh, at your command, I shall do my best.
And opt for seafood and poultry over pork and beef.
Yes? Could you explain why
That aligns better with your constitution.
The grandmothers eyes widened.
Raciel bestowed a radiant smile. His previous statent held truth. After analyzing her pulse, he deduced that the grandmothers constitution did not favor red at. Likely, she experienced mild delayed allergies and inflammation each ti she consud it, resulting in a sensation of stuffiness.
And furthermore
You might have encountered reddish spots appearing on your neck or body, accompanied by itching. Am I correct?
How did you know about that?
Thats an allergic reaction stemming from continued consumption of foods rich in histamine. Endeavor to minimize your intake of aged pork. Likewise, steer clear of ripe fruits and vegetables like avocados, bananas, and tomatoes. Ah, the sa principle applies to mackerel.
Will reducing my consumption of those items alleviate the itching?
Its quite likely. Additionally, please accept this.
What is this, Your Highness?
A coupon.
Really?
The grandmothers eyes widened even further. Raciel offered a sowhat awkward smile.
I diagnosed your condition on the spot today, without having any Star Palace herbal dicine prepared. I couldnt even write you a proper prescription. Thats why.
He gazed warmly into the grandmothers eyes, hoping his sincerity would be transparently communicated. He wished for his genuine sentints to perate.
Present this coupon at Star Palace Clinic, and I shall have a tailored constitutional enhancent dicine crafted for you. Naturally, its complintary. Ill even cover all the travel and lodging expenses to and from the Imperial Capital.
!
Free.
A magical word capable of instantly touching anyones heart in the world. The grandmothers eyes sparkled with a surge of emotion.
Observing this, Raciel nodded to himself. He had managed to touch the grandmothers heart. His earnestness had genuinely resonated.
Sales success!
Internally clenching his fist, he raised his head.
Next patient!
Anises voice resounded. A man with a sailors deanor took the spot previously occupied by the departing grandmother. Raciel assessed the mans pulse and activated his Palpation skill, simultaneously utilizing the ridian scanning feature.
Your shoulder joint doesnt feel well, does it? When you raise it to this extent, do you sense a stabbing sensation here?
How did you know, Your Highness?
The sailors eyes widened. Raciels eyes crinkled at the corners, evoking a smile.
Allow to explain when this occurs do such-and-such blah blah and here, accept this. Its a coupon.
Really?
Swoosh.
The culmination of each treatnt was invariably marked with a coupon. Given the necessity to diagnose dozens, if not hundreds, of people on the spot, there existed no alternative. Preparing and concocting a substantial volu of customized herbal redies for everyone was essentially unfeasible. Acupuncture would demand excessive ti.
Thus, todays focus was solely on diagnosis. If genuine treatnt was desired, the coupon was proffered, inviting recipients to visit the Star Palace Clinic. As a strategic maneuver, they even bundled the costs for a round-trip journey to the Imperial Capital.
He diagnosed nurous citizens, selecting up to a hundred who seed to necessitate an actual visit to the Star Palace Clinic, and bestowed upon them coupons. He tended to a total of 481 citizens until dusk.
The achievent with the coupons was truly remarkable.
Excellent. Truly excellent. A hundred free coupons dispensed. So, even if only 10 percent of those individuals decide to visit the Star Palace Clinic? That amounts to a secured count of 10 patients.
However, that wasnt the sole feat.
Courtesy of todays gratis treatnt event, there was hardly anyone in Cremo City left unaware of the Star Palace Clinic. And Cremo Port, the northernmost trading city, teed with activity.
The outco was evident without necessitating observation.
Rumors will traverse by ship and horse, spanning all directions. Within a month, they will perate the entirety of the northern empire. Star Palace Clinic, overseen by the Crown Prince. Unacquainted? You might even hear whispers from informants.
Initially, its crucial to foster recognition. Thats how congregations form, results materialize, and why businesses allocate resources for advertising.
Phew.
Raciel gasped for breath. It had been a tempestuous day of diagnosing patients, stretching on for a grueling nine hours.
Did I perhaps overexert myself?
His head throbbed rcilessly. His eyes were parched, and a wave of faintness washed over him. Every inch of his body seed to ache in protest.
Ding-dong!
[Your internal organs call for adherence to labor standards.]
[Heart: Hey! When are we allowed so rest?]
[Lungs: Huff heh heh ]
[Large intestine: Nine hours straight without a break? This human is genuinely insane.]
[Liver: And what of overti compensation? What about night shift incentives?]
[Stomach: Yeah right If you expect us to perform, at least offer us a al, ha]
Undoubtedly, he was struggling.
Nine hours of continuous treatnt might not sound too arduous, yet for his frail constitution, it was akin to heavy toil. However, he couldnt reveal it. Raciel gave no indication of his fatigue. All eyes were on him.
Ive successfully promoted and completed the treatnts. Everythings done, so its ti for a swift exit.
Nows the mont.
He must depart with composure. That way, the impression of the promotion would be impeccable. Fueled by this resolve, Raciel tensed his legs. He endeavored to spring up, but his attempt t with unexpected resistance.
Huh?
!
Did I possibly strain myself too much?
For an instant, the world appeared tinged in yellow. Nausea and dizziness overwheld him. Despite his resolve, his legs buckled beneath him.
I shouldnt appear like this.
Onlookers abound. He must maintain his composure till the very end. Thus, collapsing wasnt an option.
Nonetheless, his body proved uncooperative.
Thud!
Ugh!
He toppled over, landing in a rather inelegant posture. In that mont, Raciel bit down on his lip.
Ive ruined it.
All eyes were fixed in his direction.
His heart sank, and a bitter tang coated his mouth. After executing everything correctly, he fumbled at the finale. He begrudged his ongoing health struggles and his constitutions feeble endurance.
Yet, in an unexpected turn,
Ding-dong!
An unfamiliar notification tone resonated in his ear. An even more unexpected ssage materialized before his eyes.
[You have diligently treated nurous patients in rely half a day. Consequently, you have succumbed to a state of weariness and fatigue.]
[Cremos denizens have observed your presence.]
[The sight of the crown prince succumbing to exhaustion following his altruistic treatnts is profoundly touching the hearts of Cremos inhabitants.]
[The sincerity you emanate resonates with Cremos populace.]
[Cremos inhabitants are captivated by you.]
[The amalgamation of emotionsadmiration and comndationfrom these individuals has kindled newfound potency in your dical expertise.]
[The Great Doctor Point (GDP) system is now accessible.]
(To be Continued)
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