Chapter 16

Then Elna nervously turned toward the doctor and asked, “T-tell me, Zariché… What of Mother’s condition?” “I’m afraid I…” “There is no need, Zariché,” said the queen with a grave nod. “Speak freely.” “In truth…Her Majesty’s condition is anything but favorable. If only we had some Phantom Leafs, I would be able to prepare Elven Nostrum…” “I…see…” A gloomy hush fell over the room. Lorna stood there amid the awkward silence. Uh… I kind of feel like I don’t belong here… Lorna wanted to disappear, and she quietly shuffled herself to the farthest corner of the room. Hold on a sec… I feel like I’ve heard the name Zariché somewhere before… Not thinking much of it, Lorna searched the woman’s name on the internet, and… Character: Zariché Venomgarden A boss appearing in the Hidden Village of the Elves side quest, The Toxic Ambitions of Dr. Zariché. Under the orders of the Guugelheit family, Zariché uses her Plant Control skill to spread poisonous pollen and wreak havoc on the elven village, selling their special nostrum for profit. Her greatest ambition is global domination, which she plans to accomplish by enslaving the people of the world using pollen from the Queen’s Heart Rose. Oh… Okay, then… Looks like I know it all now… Lorna felt like she might have learned a little too much. She’d pretty much spoiled these people’s whole story. “I beg your leave, Your Majesty,” said Zariché. “I must attend to my other patients.” “Yes, of course. I entrust my people to you.” “I will do my utmost,” replied the doctor, lying through her teeth before leaving the queen’s chambers. As soon as she stepped outside, Lorna saw countless hands shoot out to greet her, begging for her help. “Nngghh… Mistress Zariché!” “Medicine, please… My daughter… She’s taken a turn for the worst…!” “Take my family’s heirlooms, take anything…! But please, the medicine…!” “Eee-hee-hee. Please give me a little time. I’ll bring the medicine at the usual hour.” Hearing that, the throng of elves cried out in joy. Zariché was beloved by the people of the village. They didn’t have the slightest inkling that she was the source of their strange illness. Back in the queen’s chambers, a terrible hush had fallen over mother and daughter. “Elna…I’m afraid I don’t have much time left in this world.” Elna looked up in shock at the queen’s words. “B-but, Mother! S-surely you’ll be well in no time. The Savior is finally here, and—” “I’m afraid it’s too late. I know more than anyone how dire my condition has become… If only we could procure the mythical Phantom Leaf, then…perhaps we might be able to brew Elven Nostrum. However—cough, cough.” “M-Mother! Please, you mustn’t speak!” “Ah, how regrettable… Were I to be granted but a single wish…I would have loved nothing more than…to see the Savior…d-deliver the world from…dark…ness…” “Mother?! No…! M-Motheeer!” Lorna, having been present for the unfolding drama, hesitantly raised a hand. “………………Um, e-excuse me.” She was hesitant to say something so ridiculous at such a solemn time, but she felt she could no longer stay silent. “If you need Phantom Leaf, I, uh, have a thousand of them. Do you…want some?” ““…What?”” All of a sudden, dozens of herbs began to emerge from Lorna’s hand. Pop, pop, pop. They were all Phantom Leafs, a medicinal herb that had only been seen a handful of times throughout history. “Oh, and another thing. If you’re curious about the source of the illness: It’s caused by poisonous pollen that Zariché person has been spreading around the village. So if you deal with her, that should stop the illness from spreading.” ““………………………………”” The queen and princess of the elves froze, their mouths agape. Lorna felt like she’d totally ruined the mood. And that wasn’t all. Sorry, Zariché, she thought earnestly. I might have just destroyed your ambitions, too.