A few days later, I completed my work in Luke’s laboratory.
Fortunately for me, thanks to Luke’s research and the papers my father left behind, the cure was almost complete. I just needed to make minor adjustments when adding the Moontear Flower. The formula itself wasn’t much of a challenge.
“What an impressive display of skill, Lady Philia,” said Luke. “Your expertise is truly remarkable.”
“Not at all. If anything, I should thank you for allowing me to look at your research, Luke. It was incredibly enlightening.”
“Don’t be silly. You finalized the remedy so quickly. ‘Extraordinary’ doesn’t even begin to describe your talent.”
Before us lay a sparkling golden powder, the remedy for the devil’s seed I had made using the Moontear Flower.
Once Luke took it, he would be as right as rain. I was sure of it, and yet…
“This is a scary medicine to take. The Moontear Flower should counteract the toxic effects of the other plants in the formula, but if I didn’t balance the elements correctly…”
“Hold on there, Philia. Are you saying that if the Moontear Flower doesn’t work properly, things could go horribly wrong?”
“Indeed. This medicine could even be considered a poison. Of course, in theory, it shouldn’t have any detrimental effects—but that’s still only theory. Luke, you will be the first patient afflicted with the devil’s seed to take it, so—Oh!”
Before I had the chance to finish, Luke swallowed the remedy without a shred of hesitation. As an apothecary, he should have understood the risk better than anyone.
“I always believed that my brother, Kamil, was the greatest apothecary in the world,” he said. “And now, his daughter—Lady Philia—has completed the research he never got the chance to finish. How could I not trust you?”
Luke flashed me a smile. He had faith in my father—in his brother. That thought filled me with inexplicable joy.
I spent the rest of the day at Luke’s cottage, monitoring his condition.
The next day arrived.
“It’s been a while since your last dose of the medicine that suppresses your symptoms—”
“Yes. It’s been more than twenty-four hours now, and I don’t seem to be experiencing any further attacks. The cure must be a success!”
“That’s good to hear. It will probably take some time before you recover completely, but most of your symptoms are likely to disappear within a few days.”
“Yes, I already feel stronger. Lady Philia, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me.”
Luke bowed his head repeatedly, his eyes welling up with tears. I could see the strength of his life force in his eyes.
I would have preferred to stay with him until he made a full recovery, but I couldn’t neglect my duties in Parnacorta any longer. I just needed to have faith in my family’s research and pray that my uncle recovered.
“Raise your head, Luke. We will meet again. Please stay well.”
“I’ll do my best. Take care, Lady Philia and Prince Osvalt. I’ll make sure to be there on your wedding day, after my illness has subsided.”
“It’s okay, Luke,” said Sir Osvalt. “You don’t have to push yourself while you’re still in recovery.”
“I insist. I need Philia to see me in good health.”
After saying our farewells, we decided to head back to Parnacorta. We had Erza and the others with us, so there was no reason to prolong our trip.
“It’s a little sad to think that our journey together is coming to an end.”
“Finally admitting it, huh?”
“I suppose so. Still, we can always visit when we have free time. All is well.”
“That’s true. The next time we meet, it’ll be at the wedding. I can’t wait to see you dazzle in your wedding gown.”
Without this pair, I never could have completed the cure. Erza gave me the push I needed, and Mammon assisted me on my quest. I couldn’t thank them enough.
“Erza, Mammon, I just want to say—”
“Hey, no need to thank us. We did this because we wanted to. And like I’ve said before, I still owe you for the whole Asmodeus situation, not to mention the debacle with the pope.”
I wanted to express my gratitude properly, but Erza wouldn’t hear it. “That’s not the case at all, Erza. You’ve given more than enough back already.”
“Sorry, Little Miss Philia. When it comes to Big Sis, stuff goes in one ear and out the other. Now then, the gate is ready. Quick, get inside.”
Without further ado, Mammon hurried us through the portal leading to Parnacorta.
My initial objective had been to ask Mother to walk me down the aisle. When I left my country, I never could have envisaged that it’d turn into a life-threatening mission to find a cure for a deadly disease.
As soon as we emerged in the garden of my mansion, Sir Osvalt stretched, his face the picture of contentment. “Whew! I felt the same way when we came back from Dalbert, but nothing feels as right as the air back home.”
“Sir Osvalt, I’m sorry for keeping you away from your kingdom for such a long time.”
“Oh, I wasn’t complaining. After a long, enjoyable journey, the familiar air tastes better than ever. I love that feeling.”
I couldn’t help smiling. It was just like him to enthuse over even “familiar air.”
“I’ll go open the windows to let some fresh air in,” said Lena.
“All I left behind were non-perishable ingredients,” said Leonardo. “I ought to fetch groceries.”
“I’ll start cleaning!”
Upon our return, Lena, Leonardo, and Himari swiftly sprang into action. They, too, looked happy to be back on familiar ground.
“On that note, we’d better head home.”
After watching Lena and my other attendants hit the ground running, Erza and Mammon told us they were leaving.
I was reluctant to say goodbye. I doubted I would ever get used to the fleeting sadness I felt when I bid someone farewell.
“Lady Erza and Sir Mammon,” said Sir Osvalt, “I know you said we didn’t need to thank you…but stay well.”
“Yes, please take care of yourselves,” I added. “I look forward to the day we meet again.”
“Same to you two, okay? I promise we’ll be at the wedding.”
“See you later, you two!”
With bright smiles, the pair—who promised that we’d meet again—stepped through the teleportation gate and returned to Dalbert.
“I owe you an apology, Sir Osvalt. I refused to take no for an answer and pushed through with my own desires. Mia interrupted before I had the chance to say this earlier, but the truth is—”
“I’m sorry, Philia. I never should have doubted you. I should have had faith. I’m embarrassed that you had to see that side of me.”
As I attempted to admit that I’d nearly died, Sir Osvalt interrupted me with an apology of his own.
Why would he say such a thing? I was the one who should have been apologizing.
“Please listen to me, Sir Osvalt. I—”
“No, I’d rather be spared the details. The way Lady Mia was acting, I can guess you had a close call. I’m just relieved that you’re here by my side. To be honest, I’d hate for you to do something so reckless again, but from now on I’ll always stand by you.”
It seemed as though Sir Osvalt had already figured out what I was going to say. He was staring at me with a solemn gaze.
He was truly kind. I felt even guiltier about making him worry.
“Thank you, but please let me apologize for worrying you.”
“All right. This situation got a little messy, but if there ever comes a time when you have no choice but to do something crazy, I’ll go with you. I’ll support you.”
“Thank you, Sir Osvalt.”
Our journey had taken unexpected twists and turns, but it was almost at an end. There was still one thing left to do.
“We need to visit Elizabeth’s grave and share the news.”
“Oh, good idea,” said Sir Osvalt. “I’d better tell my brother the news, too. After all, I went against his fierce opposition. I sent Himari ahead of us with a message to let him know we’re safe, but still…”
“Yes, that’s true. I need to thank Prince Reichardt.”
On that note, we made our way to the royal palace.