Chapter 2: Life as a Barons Heir (1/2)

Henrietta re-appeared with the court physician not long after she had left. Though she wore an expression that showed a great deal of concern, the physician did not share her empathy. Berengar sat upright in bed, having a difficult time speaking due to how dry his throat was. Evidently, this body had sweat out most of its excess liquid while undergoing a fever. Few thought he would survive the night.

The Physician carefully examined Berengar and was shocked to see that the young man had recovered from the fever, as there was little hope for his survival previously. Despite being a medieval physician and having virtually no knowledge of practical medicine whatsoever, the man named Ewald showed a degree of competency after making his announcement.

”No need to worry, Lady Henrietta, your brother's fever has broken, and aside from being particularly parched, he is completely healthy.”

After saying that, Ewald handed Berengar a glass of water and allowed the young man to drink his fill until his thirst was thoroughly quenched. After finishing the glass and wiping his mouth with his sleeve, Berengar nodded at the physician and thanked him for his service.

”Thanks, Ewald; I can always count on you in my time of need.”

Internally Berengar's words were insincere; however, if two lives have taught him anything, it is that it was not wise to voice your condescension aloud. Thus he acted in a civil manner befitting of a Baron's heir.

After hearing that her brother was healthy for the first time in a long time, Henrietta smiled ecstatically; this was wondrous news to her. Berengar had always been prone to illness; He was born with a weak constitution and a frail body. Something in which the sedentary lifestyle of a medieval noble only exacerbated.

His next words startled her as it was a question that was out of her expectations for her big brother.

”Dear sister, do you mind fetching the servants and instructing them to get the bath ready. I feel as if cleansing the grime from my body would be good for my health.”

The physician snorted at Berengar's claims. Though baths were not uncommon for nobles, they certainly weren't as frequent of an occurrence as the modern world. Despite the physician's reaction, Berengar insisted on his request to his sister.

Henrietta smiled as she responded to Berengar, ”of course, dear brother, I will go and instruct them this second”

with that said, she had once more left the large stone room that belonged to Berengar and went to do as he had requested. The physician seeing that he was no longer needed, excused himself

”I shall go and inform your father the Baron that you have recovered...”

Berengar nodded once more as he wore an indifferent expression

”You do that.”

with that having been said, Ewald left Berengar to his lonesome. Berengar sighed deeply, looking down and sniffing his clothes that reeked of sweat and filth. After grimacing from the stench, he sighed deeply

”When I inherit the title, there will be some serious changes around here...”

He had made up his mind that his first order of business when he came to power would be instituting laws across the Barony about basic hygiene, maybe even construct some public bathhouses like the Romans used to have. Whatever was necessary to bring a degree of cleanliness to the people of his territory.

After getting out of bed and stretching his limbs for a while, he heard a knock on the door, which came from one of the family's servants.

”Milord, the bath is ready.”

He quickly opened the door with an over-excited smile on his face, which startled the servant.

”Lead the way.”

The servant recovered from their shock and nodded as she did as the Baron's son requested. After a short walk down the hall, Berengar reached the bathroom, where he quickly barred the doors and stripped his clothes.

He carefully examined his frail body with a sense of dissatisfaction, though not quite emaciated; there was no doubt that his bones were weak and his muscles undeveloped. He would certainly need to change his dietary habits to one rich in protein and calcium. Until he could succeed his father and implement the changes that were already brewing in his head, he must first focus on building his body up and maintaining his health.

Washing away the sweat and filth that had accumulated on his body throughout his fever was a good first step. As such, he dipped his toe into the wooden bathtub to gauge its temperature before plunging his body in completely.

After getting into the tub, Berengar stared at his reflection in the pool of water. He had short golden blonde hair and glistening eyes the color of the sapphire gemstone. His facial features were regal and handsome. His skin was a milky white, something that accentuated his regal demeanor. If he had not been such a sack of skin and bones, he would have come across as very princely. Though he may have reincarnated into a weak body, he did not care too much, considering he was very handsome. The body could be refined like steel, but the appearance was set in stone.