After the applause, Prince George continued, “As the victor, Dr. Leo will have the privilege to go to Albion to treat my sister!”
“If Dr. Leo can cure my sister, my mother, Her Majesty the Queen, will bestow upon him the highest honor, the Golden Eagle Medallion!”
The audience erupted in astonished gasps.
The Golden Eagle Medallion was the highest honor in the Albion Empire, symbolizing supreme prestige.
Leo, sitting calmly, felt a surge of displeasure upon hearing Prince George’s superior tone and the mention of his ‘privilege’ to go to Albion. Remembering how Prince George had met Seung Kim before the competition but ignored him, Leo felt even more uncomfortable.
Standing up from his chair, Leo looked at Prince George and said slowly, “Your Highness, I’m sorry, but I never agreed to go to your country to treat your sister, nor did I agree to accept any Golden Eagle Medallion.”
As soon as Leo finished speaking, the audience was in an uproar.
Refusing Prince George directly in front of so many people was tantamount to slapping the Royal House of Albion in the face.
Before Prince George could react, his assistant’s face darkened, and he said coldly, “Dr. Leo, what do you mean by this? It’s just a competition win; what’s the big deal?”
“It’s not a big deal,” Leo replied with a cold glance at the assistant. “You want me to go to Albion to treat your little princess, but did you ask for my opinion first?”
The Royal House of Albion considered themselves noble and arrogant. Leo would be even more arrogant!
Treating a patient required the right attitude. Not only did they not seek him out for treatment, but they also ordered him to fly to Albion. It was outrageous.
Leo’s rebuttal left Prince George’s assistant speechless.
He hadn’t expected this Atrarian to be so ungrateful and unappreciative.
Globally, having the opportunity to serve the Royal House of Albion was a rare honor and privilege.
Leo ignored the assistant and turned to Prince George. “Your Highness, as far as I know, before the competition, you met with Seung Kim and officials from the Goryeo Kingdom’s Ministry of Health but ignored us Atrarian traditional doctors.”
“Can I assume that in your mind, Atrarian traditional medicine is worthless?”
“If Atrarian traditional medicine is worthless, why should I treat your sister?”
Leo’s series of questions left Prince George extremely embarrassed.
Brennen hadn’t expected Leo to confront Prince George so directly in front of so many people. He quickly stepped forward to mediate. “Leo, calm down. I’m sure His Highness didn’t mean any harm…”
In Brennen’s view, regardless of whether Leo could cure Prince George’s sister, just having the Royal House of Albion invite Leo for treatment would significantly elevate Atrarian traditional medicine’s international status.
“Mr. Holland, this matter must be clarified! Otherwise, internationally, everyone will think Atrarians are easy to bully!”
“To gain respect and recognition from others, we must first respect and recognize ourselves. Atrarians are no less than any other race and will not be bossed around!”
Leo’s words were met with immediate applause and cheers from the Atrarian audience.
Prince George’s face was stern as he listened to his translator relay Leo’s words in real-time. A look of interest soon appeared in his eyes.
As for the other members of the Royal House of Albion, including the princess, they were somewhat dismissive of Leo’s words.
After a moment of contemplation, Prince George looked at the audience and said loudly, “Dr. Leo is right. Since arriving in Atraria, I have not given Atrarian traditional medicine enough attention or respected Dr. Leo’s opinions.”
“Here and now, I sincerely apologize to Atrarian traditional medicine and Dr. Leo and hope for their forgiveness.”
After speaking, Prince George bowed not only to Leo and Brennen but also to the Atrarian audience.
Such an attitude was unexpected by both the Atrarian audience and the members of the Royal House of Albion.
A noble prince apologizing was unprecedented.
After a brief moment of astonishment, the audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
At that moment, everyone felt a deep sense of pride in being Atrarian.
Prince George turned back to Leo with a sincere expression and said earnestly, “Dr. Leo, I hope you can accept my apology and treat my sister. Regardless of whether you can cure her in the end, I will donate one million dollars to support the development of Atrarian traditional medicine in Albion.”
This statement was met with another round of enthusiastic applause.
Prince George’s attitude swept away Leo’s earlier displeasure and significantly improved his impression of the proud prince.
Leo stepped closer to Prince George and extended his right hand with a smile. “Your Highness, respect and understanding are mutual. You’ve shown your attitude; now I’ll show mine. I will treat the little princess and do my utmost!”
“Thank you, Dr. Leo!” Prince George said gratefully as he shook Leo’s hand firmly.
This scene was a precious moment captured by journalists from various countries who raised their cameras and took countless photos.
Afterward came interview time.
When the tedious interviews were over, Prince George and his entourage bid farewell to Leo.
It was agreed that after returning home, Prince George would bring his sister back to Langstel for treatment by Leo.
“Leo, you’ve really brought great honor to Atrarian traditional medicine!”
Initially reluctant to join them for dinner, Leo eventually accepted Brennen’s invitation and went to a restaurant with Sophia Martin and Jessica.
At the restaurant, Martin was seated next to Brennen.
Knowing Brennen’s status made Martin both excited and nervous; he had never dined with such a high-ranking official before, especially one from the capital.
When the food was served, Brennen raised his glass to toast Martin with a smile. “Leo, let me toast you. Thank you for nurturing such an excellent son-in-law for Atraria and Atrarian traditional medicine!”
“Dr. Holland, you’re too kind!” Martin raised his glass and bowed slightly in respect, grinning from ear to ear.