227: This Can't Be...

This Can't Be...

Just then one servant entered the room carrying a box in her hand. "I brought some medicinal herbs with me when I heard about Lily's situation. I am not sure if these are the plants you require, but let me know what more you need."1

Oriana immediately accepted the box, and the moment she opened it, a smile blossomed on her face. "All I need is here." She looked at Rosetta with pure appreciation. "Thank you so much, Lady Rosetta. You are one kind woman."

Rosetta simply smiled. "Do you need assistance? My servants can help you create medicine so you can finish brewing it faster."

"Thank you so much."

There was no need to boil the new ingredients, so there was no need for Oriana to head to the infirmary or kitchen. She only asked servants to bring her bowls, clean water as well as a pair of mortar and pestle. As Oriana worked on preparing the medicine for stomach infection, she asked with genuine curiosity, "Lady Rosetta, how did you know these herbs will be needed to treat Miss Lily?"

Rosetta offered her gentle smile. "I am an avid reader. I do hold some special interest in knowing various herbs and their usage. When I heard Lily had a stomach issue, I brought all the possible herbs that I think can help."

"You are wise, my lady." 

"Rather than wise, I think I am only privileged to learn. Isn't it interesting to know how an ordinary-looking plant can be a solution to a severe problem and save a person's life? All people get sick. Many lives will improve if such knowledge can become more common in the future."

A beautiful smile blossomed on Oriana's face, excitement rushing inside her chest. Meeting a kindred spirit in Rosetta, she felt an immediate sense of connection with her. It reignited her passion about medicine, reminding her of her long-held dream. "True, Lady Rosetta. That is also one of the reasons I chose to be a herbalist. I am glad to meet a like-minded person. Not many understand our passion!"

"I can see you are passionate and skilled even at such a young age," Rosetta praised. "I will be honored to learn a thing or two from you."

"No, Lady Rosetta. It should be my honor to have a shared interest with an amazing woman such as you."

The conversation between them was easy and harmonious, both women able to understand and resonate with each other's thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Once in a while Rosetta's gaze would travel towards each herb Oriana touched, and Oriana would happily explain related concepts about brewing medicine. 

After the infection and pain-relieving medicines were concocted, they fed them to the patient.

"We have to wait for the medicine to show the effect," Oriana said. " I will have to check her again after half an hour."

"How about you have tea with me so we can chat a little while we wait?"

Oriana found the noble lady's offer to be sincere and harmless. She did not hesitate to agree. 

Rosetta stood up. "We can go to my room." She looked at the young kitchen servant. "Olivia, take care of Lily. If there is anything, let us know immediately."

"Yes, Lady Rosetta."

'This woman is not like other nobles. She is down to earth and values servants as real people. To think, she even knows the names of servants aside from her personal maids. Reminds me of how Queen Seren treats her servants. Prince Arlan and the others don't seem to like or trust the people of Thevailes, but I guess it is more a bias due to politics.' 

Climbing the stairs towards Rosetta's room, Oriana began to wonder if the lady was an official of the Royal Palace of Thevailes, or perhaps a member of royalty. Though her clothes were modest and without jewelry, Oriana refused to believe that such a beautiful and outstanding woman had no high position. 

Entering the decorated room used by the noble lady, they headed straight towards the lounge area by the large window. The sunlight streaming in gave the place a vibrant albeit peaceful atmosphere.

"Have a seat," Rosetta instructed. 

"With you? Here?"

Rosetta let out a dainty chuckle, allowing Oriana to see a beautiful smile on her face. "Of course, you. I see no one else here."

"I am a commoner—"

Oriana hesitated but heard the woman continue, "Do not think of yourself as a commoner. In my eyes, you are worth more than that. You are my guest, one who saves lives. You are a much more noble person than most noblemen I have met."

Oriana found the respect for this woman increasing in her heart. She was about to sit down when she felt her head spinning a little. She supported her body with the chair, allowing herself to remain on her feet. 

"Orian, what is wrong?" Rosetta asked. "Are you alright?"

"I…" Oriana could not answer and Rosetta walked towards her with a worried face. She held Oriana. "I got you. You look pale. Let me help you lie down a little." Rosetta helped her walk towards the couch. "Lie down here."

"Oh, no! How can I—"

"It's alright. Do not worry."

Oriana lay down and Rosetta even arranged a pillow for her. Oriana wondered if she overexerted herself—it appeared that she was yet to fully recover from the problem with her cycle and falling into the lake. She felt so weak and dizzy, she did not even want to keep her eyes open.

"Let me check your pulse," Rosetta said and held Oriana's wrist. "You can close your eyes to rest. Leave everything to me."

Persuaded by that soft voice, Oriana closed her eyes, unaware of the sudden flash of anticipation in Rosetta's eyes.

'I heard this child has divine powers.'

Rosetta mumbled something as she grasped Oriana's hand. Several heartbeats later, she opened her eyes in shock. 

"This can't be…"

Oriana, who happened to hear her, opened her heavy-lidded eyes. Against the bright sunlight flooding in the room, she was unable to notice the absurd look on Rosetta's face. 

"W-What happened, Lady Rosetta?" 

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