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Galen was quick-witted enough to realize that Salvador was suspicious about Rafael’s sudden heart ailment.
In the evening, Sophie presented Rafael’s leave request to Salvador, who summoned her to an audience. Seeing her reddened eyes, he believed Robert’s words. It was clear that Rafael’s illness had come on strongly this time.
“Don’t worry too much,” Salvador said gently. “With Mr. Lester’s treatment, he’ll recover soon.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I’ve also sent someone to hurry after Sebastian. He has the best medicine for heart ailments.”
Sophie’s voice was faint, as if her strength had been drained, and she sounded fragile.
“It’s the Snowdrop Pills, isn’t it?” Salvador asked.
He knew of the medicine. The nobility in the capital often kept a few on hand, just in case. But he had heard that the pills had become scarce over the past two years, as some of the ingredients were no longer available.
“Yes,” Sophie confirmed.
“When can he return? Can’t you find the pills at Arcane Sanctum?”
Sophie’s expression darkened with worry. “It will take at least two or three days. Arcane Sanctum no longer carries the pills. Rowan, Sebastian’s apprentice, told me that only Sebastian has two left on him.” “Is there no other medicine that could work as well?” Salvador pressed, though he wondered if the Snowdrop Pills were as miraculous as people claimed, or just an exaggerated rumor.
“Other medicines likely won’t compare.” Sophie hesitated, her face growing more uneasy. “Mr. Jaffe’s late mom suffered from a heart condition and was close to death. It was the Snowdrop Pills that saved her life. Afterward, she had to take a dose every month to maintain her health. It really works.”
Salvador thought he had heard of that incident before, but discussing a dead person at this moment felt rather ill-fated.
Noticing Sophie’s eyes redden again, he tried to reassure her, “Mr. Lester told me the situation is now under control. With some time and proper care, Rafael will recover. Don’t worry too much.”
Sophie lowered her gaze, hiding the redness in her eyes. “Yes, Your Majesty. I’m grateful for Mr. Lester’s help today.”
Salvador dismissed her to return to Rafael’s side, temporarily placing the matter aside.
When Sophie returned to the estate, she finally confided in Jacob and Kyle. Jacob clutched his chest, genuinely shaken by the events of the day. Neither of them opposed the plan. It was risky, yes, but perhaps it was a lesser danger than risking the lives of so many soldiers at the Southern Frontier. Jacob immediately began to consider the situation, weighing the details in his mind. “I think His Majesty will send someone tomorrow. After all, with His Highness’ sudden heart ailment at such a crucial moment, it’s hard to imagine His Majesty won’t grow suspicious.’
“Tomorrow might be the easiest. But you said the medicine lasts for 72 hours. My worry is that they might come over the next few days,” Kyle said.
Sophie reassured them, “There’s no need to worry too much. It will only be two or three days at most. I’ve already told His Majesty that Sebastian is on his way back. Once he arrives, I’ll inform Mr. Lester that he’s no longer needed.”
Despite her words, everyone felt uneasy. It all felt so covert, like they were preparing for something dishonest.
Sophie didn’t speak further. Her mood was heavy as she silently returned to Orchid Hall.
Helen had already been persuaded to leave. This was not something Sophie could share with her. Once Rafael left, she would tell Helen that he had gone to Sebastian’s residence to recover.
As Sophie looked at her husband, pale and lying there, her eyes grew red again. She had been prepared for this, but seeing the bloodstain on his chest from earlier still made her heart race. Tears began to fall uncontrollably.
“Does it still hurt?” Sophie asked softly, leaning down to embrace him. Her throat was tight with emotion. “It’s bearable,” Rafael managed, lifting his hand with difficulty to stroke her hair. “Don’t cry.”
The dull pain in his chest was still sharp, spreading to his back and down his left arm. He had tried taking deep breaths, but the pain worsened each time, leaving him with no choice but to lie there helplessly. Sophie raised her head, her eyes now brimming with tears. “I’m sorry.”
Seeing her tears only made Rafael’s chest ache more. He groaned in pain, his heart tightening. “Don’t cry,” he murmured. “When you cry, it makes me hurt even more.”
Sophie quickly wiped her tears away, her voice trembling as she promised, “Okay. I won’t cry. I won’t.”
As expected, Galen arrived with a few Vanguard Unit guards, accompanying Robert and Derek to Hell Monarch Estate.
Sophie had taken a few days off, leaving the matters of the day to Michael and Max.
Violet was now fully aware of the situation, and upon seeing Robert and Derek’s arrival with the guards, she decided to stay out of sight. If she couldn’t play her part well, it was better not to cause any trouble. Robert and Derek noticed Sophie’s red, swollen eyes, recognizing that she had spent the night worrying. Derek spoke gently, offering some comfort, “Your Grace, please don’t worry too much. With Mr. Lester here, everything will be fine.”
“Thank you, Mr. Walker,” Sophie replied quietly.
The Vanguard Unit guards, including Galen, couldn’t enter the inner chambers, as it was the prince and princess consort’s private quarters. Jacob stood outside with them.
Galen studied him for a moment before asking, “Mr. York, His Majesty is quite concerned about His Highness. He sent me to inquire about his condition. Has His Highness suffered from any illnesses before? What caused this sudden heart ailment?”
Jacob suddenly felt irritated. He had been feeling this way for a while now, knowing that the questioning and probing were rooted in distrust. Though his irritation remained hidden, his face still betrayed deep concern.
With a sigh, he replied, “With His Highness being so busy, his health is bound to suffer. He’s been at the Supreme Court all day, reviewing documents and questioning witnesses.
“Also, he often stays out late and returns only in the early hours of the morning. Sometimes, he has less than two hours of sleep before he rushes out for the morning court meeting. On top of that, he caught a cold while hiding in the mountains in Lunvale, and hasn’t had a proper rest since he returned.”
Galen fell silent. He was here on orders to check on things, but at the moment, he couldn’t help but feel a deep respect for the Hell Monarch. Not many could endure such a grueling schedule. If it were him, after a few late-night duties and no rest, he would barely be able to stand.
The Hell Monarch was, after all, only human-not made of steel-and illness was inevitable.
Galen didn’t understand why Salvador was so insistent on probing. After asking Jacob, Galen steeled himself and turned to question the maids who served in Orchid Hall. They were the ones who knew Rafael’s condition best.
The maids shot him strange looks. Though they didn’t speak openly, he could tell they were displeased. They were well aware that, despite Rafael’s illness, Galen hadn’t shown much concern. Instead, he had come to ask them about every detail.
He had no choice but to say that Salvador was deeply concerned about Rafael’s health and wanted to know more about his condition. Galen felt a twinge of guilt as he spoke, but it was an order from the king, so he had no choice but to carry it out.
Robert stayed behind while Derek and Galen left to return to the palace and report to Salvador. He comforted Sophie, telling her that Rafael’s pulse showed a slight improvement today compared to yesterday. However, as with any serious illness, recovery would take time. It would not happen quickly. Sophie barely acknowledged the words, her mind racing with worry. She only hoped Robert wouldn’t stay here overnight. By midnight, it would be time for the Snowdrop Pills, and Rafael’s pulse should begin to return to normal.
Sensing her unease, Jacob asked to speak with her privately to keep her from making any hasty decisions, like asking Robert to leave.
“I’ve spoken with Rowan,” Jacob said quietly. “Even with the Snowdrop Pills, his pulse won’t return to normal right away. The poison is damaging to the body. When Mr. Lester diagnoses him, he will likely say that rest is required.”
Sophie nodded. “I know, but the situation is critical. After taking the Snowdrop Pills, most of the symptoms will disappear, and with his internal force protecting him, his pulse will appear normal. The problem is his sudden recovery. It will look suspicious to the king.”
“Will Sebastian be back tonight?” Jacob asked. “If he is, we can administer the Snowdrop Pills. Even if His Highness shows improvement, it would at least prove the pills’ effectiveness to His Majesty.”
Sophie had Snowdrop Pills on hand, but she had already told Salvador that only Sebastian had them and she didn’t have any.
“Sebastian should be able to return. He hasn’t gone far,” she said.
Sophie felt sorry for Sebastian. They had really put him through a lot.
Jacob sighed in relief. “Then, it will be fine. Everyone’s nerves are on edge right now, and tempers are short. We’ll have to be patient and not reveal anything.”
At the very least, they had to wait until Rafael had been away from the capital for a few days. That way, even if their plan was exposed, it wouldn’t matter as much.
Sophie composed herself, her eyes gradually regaining their calm focus. “Yes, you’re right.”
Robert was supposed to stay the night, as he was worried that Rafael’s condition might worsen. But by the time it was about nine at night, Sebastian returned. Without a word, he immediately administered a Snowdrop Pill.