“Please, help us.” One of the people who were just lying in the streets reached out to me. A lot of them looked to be in a bad condition. I doubt the Empress knows about this part of town that’s why none of them are getting the attention they need. As I observed, they seemed to be in pain and there were marks on their skin. I wanted to take a closer look but I knew that I shouldn’t touch them. I could tell that the marks on their skins were a result of bleeding under the skin. If my guess was right, they might be suffering from the plague. This was a desolate part of town and none of the other citizens would even think to come here so that’s why they’re in the shape that they are. They need immediate medical attention but I don’t have any authority in this Empire. I need to speak to the Empress again.
“I’ll come back, I promise.” I reassured
I coordinated with the doctors and palace physicians on where to get the resources to make the cure. I’m still not quite sure if I’m dealing with the bubonic, septicemic or pneumonic plague and the first thing I should do is isolate that part of the city so no one else can get the disease. Second, I need to observe the affected patients. I can only check the symptoms to see what kind of plague it is and then start the medication from there.“How’s everything?” I turned around and saw that the Empress was standing by the doorway. I was inside one of the rooms in the palace since I had to stay and plan out what I was going to do first. She walked closer to me and I showed her what I had in mind so far. I’ve written everything I set out on doing and the materials I needed. The Empress looked over it and smiled.&ldqu
The next morning, I immediately set out to get the materials to quarantine the part of town where the disease seems to be located. There were tarps made out of the same material they use to make tents and I was planning on making a big tent-like building so we can contain all the patients. I also need to instruct a few of the physicians how to handle the infected persons so they won’t get infected as well. It’ll be a big job but we need to do it as fast as we can.“Please help me set this up.” I asked the guards to set up the isolation room. We don’t have the proper materials to make special suits for the physicians but we can make do with gloves and masks. The isolation tent was set up and we placed about 15 beds inside since it could only house a small amount so as to not let it get too crowded. I instructed some of the guards that were there to help us to prepare grav
[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