“How does it feel? To kill so many citizens of an Empire that you don’t belong in.” She asked me. I observed her movements and I could tell she was nervous. I knew people like her, they would do anything for revenge but they fear death. I don’t understand why such people even exist. They’re a contradiction of themselves. If you wish to do anything for revenge then you must be prepared for the consequences. Even as she was speaking to me, her voice was trembling and her fingers were fidgeting.
“These citizens will live.” I told her. She looked at me for a moment and then she began to laugh. Her laugh was forced and she was clearly trying to act like a villain. I wanted to tell her that this isn’t a novel, pretending to be evil isn’t worth it.
“How are you so sure? I’ve destroyed everything. You have no medicine left to treat the infected citizens. Their deaths will be on your hands and the people of this Empire will turn on you and sentence you to the most gruesome death.” She said confidently. I shook my head seeing as I wouldn’t be able to get a proper answer from her. She wants to humiliate me and make me suffer but for what? I tried to think about where I’ve seen her face before. I knew she was familiar but I just couldn’t remember where I saw her. Before I left, I decided to ask her once more.
“Who told you to do this?” She looked up at me and I glared at her. I wanted her to know that I wouldn’t be easily affected by her words. I don’t care what happens to me but as a doctor, I just can’t stand it if I see people trying to harm others. This woman, she was clearly scared of me, it makes me think that she's probably seen what I can do, for her to fear me like this. If I think about it, the only time I’ve ever shown my capabilities was back in our Empire, when I uncovered the truth behind the Empress’ schemes. Could she be connected to the Empress?
“You will suffer the way we suffered!” She screamed as she aggressively shook the bars of her cell. This further solidifies my suspicions on who she could be working for. If that were the case then maybe the Empress still has her minions out in the open. But for them to follow me all the way here and cause trouble for this Empire, if they were to be found out, I don’t know what will happen. That could really cause a war between the two Empires. I can’t let that happen. “Make sure she doesn’t try anything funny and always keep an eye on her.” I instructed the guards when I was on my way out. As soon as I walked out, Prince Shiro was waiting for me. He immediately walked closer to me and wrapped me in his arms. I felt his warmth and it made me feel slightly better.
“Did you find out who she was working for?” He asked. I looked up at him and sighed. It’s not like I actually got a confession out of her but these were all my speculations. I don’t know if I should even be telling this to him since this could only cause a lot more drama. If I were to tell him that I think it was his stepmother, two things could happen: One, he’ll get really angry and demand to investigate the Empress once again, or two, he will become wary of what I say. If someone were to look at it from an outside perspective, it would seem to be impossible for the ex-Empress to make a move while I’m out here in the Taiyou Empire. However, I know how cunning she can be and this certainly isn’t something impossible for her. As for now, I just have to keep these
“No, she’s tight-lipped. Don’t worry, the guards will take care of it and I know that the Empress has probably been informed of what happened. While they investigate this matter, I’ll have to go back and recreate the medicine that was tampered with. If I hurry now, it’ll only take me half a day to remake them.” I told Prince Shiro. He nodded and escorted me to the lab. He promised that he would keep guard outside of the lab while I worked. I felt secured when he said that. I immediately went straight to work on remaking the medicine.
It annoyed me that the woman who tampered with the vials knew exactly which ones were the medicine that I was focused on. It made me think that there could be a rat somewhere near me. If there was, it would have to be someone who had access to the lab and would have been around while I made the medicine. I could think of a handful of people who fit that criteria. A proper investigation needs to happen so that we can find out if there are more rats hiding in the shadows. “I’ve brought you some food, Hima. You should eat first. You’ve been working really hard for the past 4 hours now.” Prince Shiro walked into the lab carrying a tray of food. I wasn’t in the mood to eat yet since I’ve been really focused on the recreation of the medicine however, I knew I need
“I’ll eat after I finish this vial.” I told Prince Shiro. I thought he was just going to leave the tray on the table and he’ll go back outside to keep guard but I was surprised when he held a spoon to my face. I looked up at him with a confused look on my face. “What are you doing?” I asked him. He smiled and pointed the spoon to my mouth. “You’re too busy to feed yourself so I might as well help you. I don’t know much about medicine but I certainly am able to feed you.” He said. I was shocked to see the Prince being as lively as he is now. It was certainly a sight for sore eyes. I really couldn’t argue with his logic so feeling defeated, I gave him permissio
When the sun had set, I was already on my 4th vial. At this rate, I’ll be finished by midnight so tomorrow at the latest, I can administer the antibiotics to the patients and they can start feeling better. My determination was revived and I did my best to complete all of the medicine. The ones I’ve been making are quite potent yet effective, 1 vial is enough for at least 6 people. 7 if there were children. “Excuse me, Lady Himawari. The Empress has called for your presence.” One of the guards called up to me as I was finishing my 6th vial.