[The Prince’s POV]
Himawari has left the Empire yet everywhere I go I still see traces of her. Is it because she still lingers in my head? I’m not sure why I still see here in the places where we used to go. The Empire has been peaceful and it’s all thanks to her. She had single-handedly stopped a rebellion and cured my father from being poisoned. I wanted to be there by her side but I believed in a fake letter instead of her. I know I hurt her feelings and I’m not proud of that.
“Your highness, the Emperor is requesting your presence.” One of the imperial guards came up to me and told me that my father wanted to see me. I just returned from capturing a bunch of slave traders out in the city by the border. I’m sure my father would ask about that so I made my way to the audience chamber. When I got there, I saw my
[The Prince's POV]The journey towards the Taiyou Empire would take me a few days at most if I stop and rest during the night. I was carrying a lot of medicinal herbs with me so I decided to just be quick about getting to the empire. I knew in my heart that the herbs weren’t the only reason why I wanted to get there quickly. I wanted to see her and I wanted to be able to talk to her properly. I don’t know if she has forgiven me but one thing is for sure, I will try and win her back this time.“Your highness, will you be taking some guards with you?” The chancellor asked me as I was preparing for my departure. I turned to him and lowered my head as a sign of respect. He nodded at me and I raised my head to meet his gaze.“I will be travelling alone. It will take me much longer to get to the Taiyou Empire if I were
[The Prince's POV]The trip was long and I was able to pass by the town by the border where I caught the slave traders. I was quickly recognized by some of the residents, mostly the children and the young women who were once captured. They all bowed their heads at me and they told me how grateful they were. I knew that their gratitude was not for me. The person deserving of that gratitude is in another Empire. It was getting dark so I had decided to let the other guards who were with me to set up camp. We’ll leave first thing in the morning.“Your highness, the tent has been set up.” One of my men told me. I nodded and thanked them for their hard work. Usually the guards accompanying me will take their turns keeping watch. I went to our supplies to double check that everything is still well and complete. As my father instructed, I gathered different kinds of herbs to be broug
[The Lady’s POV]I had been up for a few days now trying to take care of the patients. I couldn’t live with myself if I let even one of these people die. I had a responsibility towards these people and I made a promise. In my time, the plague was still around but it was curable. With the proper treatment and the proper care from the health workers, we can surely eradicate this infectious disease.“We have successfully finished spraying all of the houses as well as the streets with this liquid that you’ve given to us, my lady.” One of the physicians whom I asked had reported to me. I thanked him for his help and I continued to look after the patients.“My lady, do you want to rest for a while? You have been awake for the past few days and I haven’t seen you sleep
“I haven’t been completely honest with you, Himawari.” The Empress said. This caught my attention and I turned to her. Usually when I hear that phrase, I would get nervous and wonder if something bad has happened. She averted her gaze when I turned to her which made me even more nervous.“What is it, Empress?” I asked. My hands started to sweat and my anxiety just went up. The longer she stays in silence, the more nervous I get. I just want her to start talking before I lose it. And just as I had thought that, the Empress spoke.“The Emperor, my husband, sent a letter to your Emperor regarding the situation here and the deal between the two of you. I was opposed to the idea however, it was necessary. In any case, it could start a war between our two Empires if we didn’t tell them about what you’re doin
“I should be going now, Empress. Thank you for taking the time to visit me.” I said while bowing my head. All of a sudden, the Empress put her hand on my chin and she made me raise my head and meet her gaze.“When you’re with me, there’s no need for all of this formality. I’m sure you’re not quite used to it yet. It’s fine if you talk to me normally, after all we came from the same place.” The Empress said with a smile. This was the first time I felt comfortable in another person’s presence and the weird thing is,she’s the Empress. Someone who’s way above my own rank to even be my friend but I guess things work out differently for some people. The Empress left and I sat there for a while. I really need to help these people get better as soon as possible. I want to go home.The f
“Lady Himawari, please come in. I’m sure you can already tell why I called for you.” The Emperor said. I couldn’t even comprehend his words as I felt my heart beat so loudly in my chest. I felt mixed emotions and I don’t know how to express them all. I felt excited yet terrified, I have no idea why the prince is here, he didn’t even spare the time to meet me when I left the Empire so why is he here now? It’s impossible that he’s here for me so maybe he’s here under the order of the Emperor.“You must be confused, Lady Himawari. Allow me to explain, when you first arrived here and offered me that deal, I had secretly sent a letter to the Nanto Empire regarding your presence and your contribution to my Empire. The Emperor quickly responded by sending his son carrying various herbs from your empire. I’m hoping that you’ll find these
“My, it seems that Lady Himawari has found something interesting.” The Emperor said. The moment I heard his voice, I quickly realized that I’ve been acting weird ever since I grabbed this herb. I composed myself and lowered my head at the Emperor.“I apologize for my odd behaviour, your majesty. However, I’d like to tell you that I have found a very important herb that will allow me to help those people suffering from the disease. With this, I will be able to speed up the process and soon the patients will all become better.” I could hide the excitement in my voice. I knew that this was the breakthrough that I’ve been looking for. I’m glad that they managed to get this herb from the mountains. I guess they had help from all of those other people who always came to the mountain to pick herbs.“I c
“A fine selection indeed. I do see that the lady is already holding some herbs in her hands. I suppose you’re eager to use these now however, may I take a look at those herbs?” Empress Yukina asked me. Of course I immediately obliged and I gave her the basket filled with the herbs. She examined them and she even sniffed a few sprigs. She knows what this is but I doubt she knows how I’ll be able to use this since she did mention she had very little medical knowledge that she retained from her previous life.“I see, well then Lady Himawari, it seems that you’re indeed in a rush so I won’t hold you in here for much too long. You are excused.” Empress Yukina said to me as she looked back at the Emperor, who was smiling and nodding his head. I thanked the both of them and I excused myself as I went back to the affected area. I requested a small laboratory to