When Oriana heard Seren was not well, she found it as a good opportunity to approach Seren’s nanny.
"Your Highness, should I go help?"
"Are you a physician?"
Oriana was stumped. "Not yet, but..."
"There are more qualified people than you in this royal palace to check on the condition of Queen Seren."
Oriana didn’t know how to convince him but she had to. "Your Highness, I might only be a herbalist but I was taught by Master Erich, the best physician in the entire continent."
"You dare claim that after learning from him for a few weeks?"
"I am sure I can do better. I have been treating people for a few years already, and—"
"And do you think that the physicians working for the royalty of Othinia are less skilled than you? Have less experience than you, who is not even an adult yet? Do you hear yourself, Orian?"
Oriana was at her wit’s end.
"Your Highness, it’s just that..." She pulled out a sad face and mumbled, "It’s hard to stay still for a healer when there is an unattended patient around. Just like that boy in the jungle. If I did not act, he would not have made it back to his tribe to receive proper treatment. If I can’t do anything, then it is normal I back down, but what if I am able to...?"
"Alright, go."
"Huh?" She looked at him and he walked ahead.
"Follow me."
’Did he just agree? Am I dreaming?’ She felt like screaming inside, but she held in the happiness of triumph, following him like the most obedient servant.
Arlan sent a message for Drayce who was with his wife at the moment. Soon, one lady servant came out to the drawing room and allowed Oriana to go see Queen Seren.
Under the lead of the servant, Oriana entered the chamber where the Queen of Megaris was lying in bed. The silver-haired man was checking her pulse while the King of Megaris and the Queen’s nanny were standing on the side.
Yorian let go of Seren’s hand and looked at Oriana. "You are a physician?"
"I am trained under Erich Winfield," she replied.
She had intentions behind saying it that way, First, she did not admit that she’s a physician. Second, Erich Winfield was a well-known figure famous for his skills, and anyone trained under him had the qualifications to treat important people. Lastly, she wished to get Martha’s attention.
As expected, there was a change in the older woman’s expression when she heard Oriana say her master’s name.
"You know Erich Winfield?" Drayce asked.
"Indeed, Your Majesty," she replied politely. "I am Orian, one of his apprentices."
Drayce and Yorian once again looked at each other. Yorian spoke, "Go ahead."
Oriana went to the side of the bed where Seren was lying with her eyes closed. She reached out to check the pulse on the young queen’s wrist, but the moment Oriana touched her skin, she felt something strange. She gazed at Seren’s face in confusion, only to find the pair of purple eyes already looking at her.
She lowered her gaze immediately. ’What is it? What did I just feel? So strange. This is not something related to her health concerns but...I felt...’ She could not put her feelings into words. ’Let’s just focus on her health for now. Since I am using my master’s name, I shouldn’t make an embarrassment of myself.’
She was holding her scale-covered hand, and rather than feeling reluctance, she felt curiosity over her skin condition.
’This skin issue, it doesn’t seem contagious. I currently focus on medicine concoction. Maybe when I have time, I should start studying about skin diseases.’
All along, she could feel Seren’s gaze on her but kept herself calm.
After Oriana inspected her, she put down Seren’s hand carefully and said as she looked at Seren. "Your Majesty, have you been exhausting yourself a lot?"
Seren nodded and Oriana spoke again, "Has your body always been sickly, Your Majesty?"
The Queen shook her head.
"Do you suffer from diseases, or does your family have hereditary problems in health?"
Seren shook her head once more.
"What about—"
Oriana’s line of questioning was something she replicated from ’Master Cenric’ two years ago, back when the old man treated plague patients in her village. Each medicine would react differently depending on a person’s physique, diet and living conditions, that was why it was best to confirm several things before administering treatment. Even during his visits to the King of Griven, Erich would always inquire about how Ailwin was feeling, about how much work he did or if there were any changes to his body.
"...I see. Your pulse is weak. Fortunately, it is not anything alarming. It is merely fatigue. You need to sleep and eat well on time, Your Majesty," Oriana said. "I suggest you stay indoors for the next few days. Also, I will have to ask your servants about your diet and the medications you drink. That way, I can check if there are conflicting ingredients and see where you need more supplements to help you recover faster."
"Thank you," she heard Seren say.
"Do not mention it, Your Majesty," Oriana smiled at her lightly and then stood up.
She turned towards Drayce with her head lowered. "Your Majesty, please allow me to prepare medicines for the Queen."
Drayce didn’t agree right away.
’It’s her.’
The moment Drayce entered the Royal Palace of Othinia, he had already felt Oriana’s presence. Hers was a magic essence impossible to mistake. She was the same woman he almost caught on Azures Island, the witch who had black nightshade in her possession.
Moreover, when he saw that pair of hazel eyes, the only part of her face he could see at that time, it confirmed his suspicions of the young woman’s identity.
There was a reason for him to doubt his friend’s aide.
She was a Black Witch, and the practitioners of black magic had been targeting his wife for evil purposes. He would be foolish to think Oriana’s presence in Othinia was mere coincidence.
’Why is she with Arlan? Did she scheme to get his trust and approach us this way?’
His red eyes narrowed. Though he had strong reasons to believe this young woman was not an enemy, there was still a possibility.
’If you are one of them...Zaria, your lackeys sure are capable. I will bite this bait. Let me see what you are up to.’
Not getting any reply from him made Oriana nervous and she wondered what to do.
"I am sure His Majesty means yes," Yorian said. Drayce threw a displeased look his way, but the elf offered him an assuring smile, seemingly saying ’do not worry’.
"Thank you. I will need ingredients and assistance to prepare medicine. May I request someone who knows the Queen’s daily routine well?"
"You will be provided with everything you need," Drayce replied. "Martha will assist you."
Hearing Drayce’s response, Oriana wanted to cheer on the spot. She grabbed a chance to talk with the Queen’s nanny alone!