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"

fearing they won't live to see tomorrow. If word gets out the Holy Lady will perform a blessing, what do you think will happen? They'll break out of their isolation to reach her. And when that happens-do you think you

paled. "Y-you're right, Your Highness. I... I hadn't considered that. Please

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

gently. “I can't

across

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19

Chapter 213

* S95%#

days from now, I will personally visit every quarantine zone," she continued, and bless every soul

disappointment vanished, replaced

"Truly, Your Grace?"

to enter

isn't that far too

even begin to cover

from how

wanted to yell. Why?! Why couldn't she wait until the outbreaks were under control?

i was she t

insist on going to every plague zone herself? Was

the officials had left. Then he finally turned to Eliza and asked,

have to."

with a gentleness that

was hoarse

I know what they're hoping from me, Nolan. I may not have any divine power, but I can at least use my voice to

he didn't know-was

herbs fully circulate into the new medicine formulas. By then, the danger would be

know any

only saw the determination in

say no to

again... he

my orders

off. No more risks.

respond immediately, he narrowed his eyes and added with mock menace, "If you disobey again, I'll plow your herb field and