Chapter 100

In response to Laila's words, which resembled a scream, Amelia and William were unable to immediately respond.

It was Sylph who spoke first.

"Laila, I don't know what has happened, but let's talk about it later. This is an important time for Lady Amelia and Mr. William."

Though Sylph's words might have sounded cold, they were filled with the utmost consideration to avoid making the situation worse.

Laila, a mere maid, should not be disturbing the time of the lord's fiancée.

This could result in a suspension at best, and dismissal at worst.

Sylph tried to minimize the punishment for Laila by urging her to leave the room to avoid taking more of their time.

"No... I have something I must ask of you both...!!"

Laila said this, bowing her head and refusing to move.

She was determined to convey her message, no matter what happened to her.

Amelia could sense Laila's resolve.

"Laila, enough... "

"Sylph, it's fine."

"Lady Amelia..."

Ignoring Sylph's troubled expression, Amelia turned to William.

"Mr. William, I'm sorry. Could we interrupt the lesson for a moment?"

"Yes, of course."

William, who had likely shared Amelia's thoughts after observing the situation, responded calmly.

"Actually, I also want to hear what she has to say. Even if it's not in my field, I might be able to help."

Hearing this, Amelia thought that William was the right choice as a tutor.

Bending her knees, Amelia brought her eyes to the same level as Laila's.

"So... Laila, what's wrong? Take your time and tell us."

Amelia spoke gently.

Laila's face, when she raised it, was filled with various emotions: anxiety, guilt, a sense of tragedy, and a glimmer of hope.

"Thank you, Lady Amelia..."

With these words, Laila stood up and began her explanation.

"Actually, my mother has been suffering from the Red Death for about a month..."

A tense atmosphere spread through the parlor.

The Red Death, a disease named for the red spots that spread across the body.

If left untreated, the spots gradually spread, turning the entire body red.

In the worst cases, it can be fatal.

"Every doctor we've seen says there's no cure, and we can only pray to the gods for a natural recovery... But my mother's spots are getting bigger every day, and her condition is only getting worse..."

Laila's voice was filled with the pain of recalling these events.

Amelia's past memories resurfaced.

– I remember, my mother loved plants and taught me a lot about them when I was a child. Laila, does your mother like plants too?

– Mother...

(That's why Laila's face was so downcast...)

Amelia understood deeply.

...At the same time, a sharp pain shot through her chest.

(What, what was that...)

While Amelia was confused, Laila continued her story.

"Yesterday, I overheard your conversation... You said that a new drug recently developed could cure the Red Death..."

With determined eyes, Laila looked at Amelia and William.

"I'm really sorry for eavesdropping, but I have no one else to turn to... I know it's a rude request, but could you please give the new drug to my mother...? I'll find a way to pay for it, so please...!!"

Laila bowed deeply, her words a heartfelt plea that anyone could understand.

"Thank you for telling us. It must be very... difficult and painful for you."

"Lady Amelia..."

Touched by Amelia's empathy, Laila looked as if she was about to cry.

"However, I can't handle the new drug myself, so..."

Amelia glanced at William, who seemed to understand her intention but had a troubled expression.

"Thank you for sharing your story. I understand the situation, but..."

William averted his eyes from Laila and spoke hesitantly.

"Indeed, a new drug that is effective against the Red Death has been recently developed. However, I think it would be difficult to give it to your mother..."

"Wh-what...?"

Laila's expression turned to despair at William's words.

"Why... why is that...?"

"That's..."

Was it information that should not be leaked, or something he was reluctant to say?

William remained silent as Laila pressed him.

In the midst of this,

"The Zazalily used in the new drug is an extremely rare plant."

Amelia said this softly.

"Probably, right?"

Amelia looked at William for confirmation, who was taken aback.

"Why do you know that...? You said you had never heard of Zazalily before..."

"Well, I studied it between yesterday and today... I couldn't leave it unresolved..."

After dinner last night, Amelia went to the library.

And this morning, from the time she woke up until Sylph arrived,

Amelia had been diligently learning about Zazalily.

"...Lady Amelia, you always surprise me."

After a sigh of amazement, William began to explain, as if resigned.

"As you said, the reason we can't provide the new drug is the rarity of Zazalily. Zazalily is a plant that cannot be harvested within the Truah Kingdom... It is an artificial plant created in the Lashar Autonomous Region to heal soldiers' wounds more quickly."

William's words flowed smoothly.

"Truah Kingdom has been allowed to import a certain amount of Zazalily as a return for its regular dispatch of troops to the Lashar Autonomous Region. Part of this was delivered to the university, and when it was added to the drug being developed for the Red Death, its effectiveness was confirmed."

However, a shadow fell over William's words.

"However, the conflict in the Lashar Autonomous Region has intensified in recent years, making it impossible to import Zazalily. Attempts to cultivate it domestically have failed due to differences in climate and environment..."

Plant growth is very complex, and even slight differences in conditions can affect it.

Soil acidity, fertility, appropriate humidity and light exposure, temperature fluctuations, and more.

If even one of these conditions is not met, the plant may not grow, or the seeds may not even germinate.

With a look of regret, William continued.

"Therefore, the amount of Zazalily available in the country is limited, and the number of new drugs that can be produced is far from enough to meet the needs of all Red Death patients. However, many people are waiting for treatment for the Red Death, just like Laila's mother... In such a situation, what happens..."

William spoke of a cruel reality he did not want to voice.

"The development of the new drug is not a charity; it involves significant costs. Based on financial considerations, the drug is prioritized for high-ranking nobles who can pay large sums of money. As a result, all the special drugs for the Red Death currently available in the country have already been contracted, and no new applications are being accepted. It is uncertain when the import of Zazalily from the Lashar Autonomous Region will resume..."

Laila, who had listened to William's explanation and understood it, was stunned.

"Such... such a thing..."

Laila's knees buckled, and she collapsed.

The words she finally managed to say were tinged with moisture.

Just when she thought she had seen a glimmer of hope, she was plunged back into a dark abyss.

The despair was overwhelming.

"I'm sorry, Mom... I'm really, really sorry..."

Tears fell to the floor, and Laila's words alone trembled in the air.

Sylph, unable to find the right words, remained silent with a pained expression.

The parlor was enveloped in a heavy atmosphere, like the bottom of a dark sea.

"I'm truly sorry I can't help... I'm really, really sorry..."

Kneeling beside Laila, William said this with a strained voice.

"We are trying to find alternative plants... to develop a drug without relying on Zazalily. Researchers, including myself, are working on various combinations of plants and drugs every day. However, we have yet to develop a drug with the same effect..."

William clenched his fists tightly.

He could do nothing for the girl in front of him, who was seeking a drug.

As a researcher, there could be nothing more frustrating.

– However, there was someone who felt even more frustrated than William.

(What is this...)

Her heart beat heavily.

A dull, hammer-like sensation spread throughout her body.

The back of her head began to throb.

– Please! Help my mother...!!

– Hmph! We won't waste our family's precious money on such trivial matters!

– The treatment and drugs cost a fortune! Do you really think we would buy them for you, a waste of food?

Unwanted voices and scenes flashed back.

(My mother... couldn't get treatment because we didn't have the money...)

This situation, where Laila, a commoner, couldn't get the drug because she couldn't pay, was similar to her own past.

Even though there was a treatment, even though lives could be saved.

Money was the reason it couldn't happen.

A burning feeling rose from the depths of Amelia's being.

The passion quickly spread through her body, giving her an indescribable strength.

"...I won't accept it."

"Lady Amelia?"

Amelia's eyes flashed with determination.

"Such a thing... I absolutely, will not accept it!!!!"

Words of strength, unlike those usually spoken by the usually gentle Amelia.

In the next moment, Amelia was running out of the room.

"Lady Amelia!? Where are you going!?"

Ignoring Sylph's voice and the stunned expressions of William and Laila, Amelia dashed out of the parlor.