The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 243

Chapter 243

"Why are you up already? You should be resting, Nolan said, striding forward with concern. Just as he reached out to steady her, he noticed Tina supporting Eliza from behind-hidden from view by the doorframe.

Eliza brushed off his hand with a small smile. "No need. I've been lying in that carriage for days. My whole body's starting to. feel still. It's good to stretch a bit. And really, I feel much better after the medicine.

But Nolan knew better.

If she were truly fine, she wouldn't need Tina's help. She was clearly putting on a show-for the sake of those officials

outside.

His hand clenched halfway in the air before he finally withdrew it, hiding the ache behind his composed expression.

"Noganlul's worst outbreak is in Caslig County, Nolan reported calmly. "But Kane is already stationed there. I brought three thousand Black Flag soldiers. It's not many, but it's enough to stabilize the rest of the region outside Caslig

The number, in fact, was a deliberate choice.

As the Prince Regent of Bortenland, with military power second only to the King himself, Nolan could have mobilized far more troops. But Noganlul was Kane's jurisdiction. Sending too many men would draw suspicion.

Three thousand was just right. Enough to protect Serenity, enough to offer real assistance-yet not enough to provoke anxiety among Kane and his allies.

"We'll keep a portion stationed here," Nolan continued, "and deploy the rest to reinforce the less severe regions"

Eliza listened, then added crisply, "Send some of your men with the medicinal herbs I brought. No matter the type, each. soldier must carry one plant with them. The rest should be distributed to local physicians. Let them mix the herbs into their treatments for the infected-no matter how diluted, a trace of spiritual essence is better than nothing"

She had brought ten wagonloads of herbs. A drop in the bucket for the vastness of Noganlul's population, but if used wisely. their efficacy could be amplified-if even a trace of spiritual water merged with other herbs, it would still soothe the

afflicted.

Nolan nodded without asking questions and immediately relayed her instructions.

Just before the local officials departed, the lead officer hesitated. After braving a wary glance at the Prince Regent's sharp eyes, he finally gathered the courage to speak.

"Your Grace," he said to Eliza, "since you've recovered... might we ask... when the blessing ceremony will be held?"

He bowed apologetically. "The people are desperate. Your Grace. If they hear you'll be holding a prayer ceremony. I'm sure ill lift their spirits immensely"

they won't live to see tomorrow. If word gets out the Holy Lady will perform a blessing, what do you think will

Highness. I... I hadn't

he had intended-he merely wanted to give the people a little hope. But Nolan wasn't wrong either. A misstep

“I

flickered across

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Chapter 213

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personally visit every quarantine zone," she continued, and bless

The disappointment vanished, replaced by

"Truly, Your Grace?"

to enter the

that

dangerous? That didn't even begin to cover

nearly cracked from how

to yell. Why?! Why couldn't she wait until the outbreaks were under control? He could've organized one grand ceremony-safe, effective,

i was she t

did she insist on going to every plague zone herself? Was

to hold back, waiting until all the officials had left. Then he finally turned to Eliza and asked, in a voice tight with frustration. "You can't go.

to." Eliza said

illness, slower, quieter, with a gentleness

hoarse from her

him and said, “This plea for my presence came from the people. I know what they're hoping from me,

he didn't know-was that she needed those

the spiritual herbs fully circulate into the new medicine formulas. By then, the

know any

the determination in her

no to

once again... he couldn't

my orders to the letter when the

off. No more risks.

she didn't respond immediately, he narrowed his eyes and added with mock menace, "If you disobey again, I'll plow your herb field