Chapter 6

Liam was able to stabilise Joseph's condition but was questioned because Joseph did not sit up like he did when master Christopher treated him.

Christopher  mocked Liam's claim that Joseph's unconsciousness was due to the "Tame Head" curse, a dark Eastern magic involving parasitic creatures.

"Cat caught your tongue?" Cynthia said.

"Tame head curse.” Liam said

"what?" Gabriel said.

“He is unconscious due to the Tame head curse, a dark eastern magic involving parasitic creatures.”He continued.

Christopher, Gabriel, Jessica and Cynthia exchanged disbelieving glances. 

"A curse?" Christopher raised an eyebrow. 

Gabriel snorted. 

"curse does not exist, neither do what you called the creature." Gabriel said

Liam's voice took on a hint of frustration. "You don't understand. This curse has been documented in ancient texts. I've watched my Master treat it."

Cynthia leaned in, "Even if we believed you, how would this curse explain Mr Matthew’s condition?"

 "The Tame Head' curse involves a centipede, it is a parasite that infects the host's brain, making it host unconscious." He explained trying to calm his annoyance.

Gabriel scoffed. "A parasitic curse?”

"Dont blame your incompetency on curses that we dont know if they truly exist Mr Miller." Cynthia said

"This is ridiculous," Christopher scoffed. "Such curses have been banished by the supreme Grand lord.”

“I have always known you are a quack, Liam." Cynthia said

Dr Micheal the attending doctor, still in doubt about Liam’s method questions Liam's theory.

“Our scan did not find anything unusual.” He said

"The Tame Head curse won't show up on medical scans," he explained.

"It's an ancient mystical phenomenon, a centipede who live people's chest.”

Despite scorn from Christopher, Gabriel,Cynthia, and Dr. Michael, Liam stuck to his diagnosis.

Gabriel, seeking to defame Liam, challenged him to prove the centipede's existence. 

“Do centipede exist?” Gabriel asked.

“Yes,I just mentioned it.” Liam responded.

Gabriel, ever an opportunist, challenged Liam.

“if you can prove the presence of a large centipede in Mr Matthew’s chest, then I will eat it.”

Gabriel sees this as an opportunity to expose Liam as a fraud in front of Jessica.

Liam’s hands moved skillfully, removing the seven needles. ignoring Gabriel

“If you're right, I'll eat it," he sneered.

“If I am right, you will leave this place.

"Fine." Liam replied him

Unintimidated, Liam brought out a clay jar containing dried insects and placed it beside Joseph.

 He begin to apply pressure to Joseph's chest.

The room watched, mesmerized, as he worked.

"Chest compression?" Gabriel scoffed. "You expect us to believe this will save Mr Matthew?"

Liam remained focused. "It is not about belief; it is science.”

After compressing for about two minutes, Joshua coughed and a giant black centipede came out of mouth, confirming Liam's diagnosis.

With the needles in place, Liam carefully removed the centipede. The room exhaled collectively.

Joseph's vital signs stabilized, and color returned to his cheeks.

The medical team exchanged stunned glances. 

The grotesque creature was as long as a knife and as think as a thumb. This confirmed Liam’s diagnosis.

"Unbelievable," one of the doctors whispered.

The room fell silent, shocked by the revelation. 

"he will regain conciousness in a  few mintues." Liam said picking the parasite form his chest.

Gabriel’s grin was replaced by confusion. "How...?"

He could not stand the humiliation and stormed off without holding his end of the bargain followed my master Christopher.

The medical team also left in shame including Doctor Michael.

Liam carefully captured the centipede and placed it in a bottle.

"Can i touch him?" Jessica asked.

Jessica immediately went to touch her grandfather.

Liam stepped out his wash hands, leaving Jessica beside Joseph.

"No one should come in or leave the room except you. we dont know who casted the curse on your grandfather." Liam said.

"Refrain from entertaining any vistors for now." He continued.

"okay, Got it." she responded.

"i will be back in few mintues." he said before leaving.

She told Cynthia to stay and guard the door

“Cynthia, Don't not let anyone come.”

She ordered Cynthia to guard the door, ensuring privacy.

After a few minutes, Joseph regained consciousness.

“Pa? Pa?! Can you see me?” she said excitely. She stood up call Liam.

Joseph stopped her. “J… je……es….jess.” 

"pa!...." she held his hand in his.

He tried to smile at her but ended up coughing.

“Wa…..wat…er.” he muttered 

“You need water?”she replied with a question. 

Jessica gently helped her grandfather sit up, supporting his frail body.

She took the bottle water from the bed side and handed it to him after he drank a little, the cough stopped.

His gaze locking onto Jessica. 

As he relaxed, she explained the incident that transpired while he was unconscious.

"A lot happened when you were unconscious."

What happened?

"i dont know where to start from, i am just happy to have you back."

"Start from somewhere princess."

"Pa, I invited Liam Miller, honoring our family's old marriage agreement." She said looking at his face expecting his reaction.

Joseph's eyes narrowed, trying to recall the past.

“Jessica.'” Joseph whispered.

“I must tell you som...ethi...ng..the engagement...it was a drun..ken pact, eightee..n years ago...bet.w…een Liam's m…aster and me.” he said stammering.

Jessica's eyes widened, surprised. 

Joseph continued. A foolish decision, driven by alcohol.

I must speak with Liam to address this outdated promise. I won't let you marry him based on a long-ago drunken mistake.

"Liam also saved you.” Jessica continued. 

"He removed the centipede, proving his skill."

Joseph's expression shifted from confusion to gratitude.

Jessica did not tell him about Gabriel and master Christopher because of his health. The Armstrongs are one of the Matthews oldest business partners.

"Thank you, princess," he whispered.

"For not giving up on me."

"I owe Liam my life." He said sighing.

Jessica smiled, relieved. "Liam's bravery saved you."

"you should rest and recover quickly."

"I have something i want to tell you." joshua said with a serious face.