“Alright,” Austen said before turning and leaving.

Katelyn watched his retreating figure for a moment, then took a deep breath, forcing herself to regain her composure. She had to focus. After steadying herself, she headed back to the attending physician. She had to keep her word, after all.

The attending physician had nearly given up hope when Katelyn reappeared. For a moment, he simply stared, then a relieved smile spread across his face. “Hades, you’re back.”

Katelyn gave a small nod and walked into the office. She took a seat and looked at him. “Let me see the medical records.”

The physician quickly handed them over without delay.

Katelyn flipped through the file. The patient was in their eighties, suffering from both a stroke and a brain tumor. The tumor’s location made it particularly challenging.

After carefully reviewing the case details and medical history, she determined that the surgery was possible—provided it was performed by a highly skilled surgeon. No wonder this physician had sought her out.

Noticing she had finished reading, the physician hesitated before cautiously asking, “Hades, do you think you can perform the surgery?”

He was careful with his words. It was, after all, a favor. And he wasn’t sure what kind of person Hades truly was. The physician didn’t dare say too much directly but proceeded cautiously.

Katelyn met his gaze. “I can. The risk isn’t particularly high.” Since she would be staying in Yata to investigate her parents, performing the surgery wouldn’t be an inconvenience.

The physician’s tense expression relaxed into a relieved smile. But before he could say anything else, Katelyn added, “However, I don’t deal with the patient’s family. My role is limited to the surgery itself.” Her days were already filled with enough complications. She had no patience for unnecessary interactions—especially with difficult people.

The physician nodded eagerly. “Of course! No problem at all. As long as you’re willing to operate.” The hospital would handle the rest.

Katelyn gave a curt nod. Just then, her phone rang unexpectedly.

Katelyn checked her phone and saw Alfy calling. A small smile appeared on her lips as she stepped outside to take the call.

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She answered with a warm voice, “Alfy, how’s everything going? Are you having fun staying with your uncle?”

Alfy was perched at the vanity in her upstairs room, her lips pouting. She looked clearly upset. “Not at all! I’m so bored just being at home studying all the time!”

Though she was beyond the typical school age, she was still burdened with studies. The mere thought of it left Alfy feeling deeply depressed. Her lips were tightly drawn, and her expression showed complete discontent.

Katelyn smiled wider as she let out a soft laugh and said, “Once things calm down here, I promise to take you out for some fun.” Her current surroundings were fraught with danger. It was uncertain what those lurking in the shadows might do next. To bring Alfy over now would be extremely dangerous.

Alfy was aware of the precarious situation Katelyn was in and refrained from insisting on staying with her. Alfy was well aware of her own limitations. Staying by Katelyn’s side would only hold Katelyn back.

Katelyn noticed Alfy’s downcast mood and gently comforted her, “Don’t be sad. Jaxen might be here in a few days, and then you’ll have someone to spend time with.”

With Jaxen there, Katelyn would worry less about Alfy.

Alfy, still sagging at the vanity, murmured softly, “Okay, I understand. He mentioned it a few days back.” Katelyn raised her eyebrows slightly, noting that Alfy and Jaxen seemed to be in touch quite often.

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