Chapter 428 Before the Audience
It was 3 days after Sophia had asked Marquis Grandchester to act as her intermediary that she received permission for an audience with the King.
Dressed in her finest attire as Sophia, she and Marquis Grandchester ascended to the palace and were led to a waiting room that preceded the audience chamber.
Only Sophia and Marquis Grandchester remained in the room, but faint sounds of footsteps and the rustle of dresses could be heard from outside the door.
If they continued talking like this, someone was bound to overhear them.
Marquis Grandchester made eye contact with Sophia and, with a gesture of his finger, indicated the outside of the room.
Sophia immediately cast a magic spell to prevent eavesdropping and peeping.
"Sophia, the fact that you have been brought to this room means that His Majesty is prepared to listen to you in a formal setting. Of course, many nobles and officials will be present. Remember that once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back."
"I understand."
"Then good."
With that, Marquis Grandchester fell silent.
While Sara had met the King before, it was as a "child" and a few minor breaches of etiquette had been overlooked.
But as Sophia, in a formal audience, any misstep would be unacceptable.
Before important nobles, officials, and perhaps even royal merchants, she had to stand as the Guildmaster of the Sophia Merchant Guild.
Sophia's heart pounded with nervous anticipation.
A small knock came from behind.
Thinking it was time to move, she straightened her face, but when someone outside announced permission for entry, to her surprise, Rihito and Amelia walked in.
"Rihito! Amelia!"
Sophia couldn't help but embrace Amelia.
"Hehe. It's very heartwarming to be so warmly welcomed by Lady Sophia."
Reacting to Amelia's soft voice, Sophia gently pulled away from her and looked back and forth between Amelia and Rihito.
Both of them were smiling serenely.
"I'm so glad to see you both are doing well. Sedrick had told me about you two, but I couldn't help but worry until I saw you myself. I'm so sorry for acting recklessly and getting you both involved."
"Don't worry so much, it's fine. If things get really bad, I could get us out of the palace, you know."
"Her Highness Princess Mathilda is recovering, her fever has broken."
"The doctor probably wouldn't share the patient's condition in detail with anyone besides family. But, as expected, Musashi seems to be keeping her entertained. Musashi even encourages her to take the bitter medicine when she says, 'Come on, you can do it.' That stuffed animal should be in a children's hospital."
"Musashi's not doing too badly either. He must be enjoying being a grandpa."
"You're probably right."
Marquis Grandchester joined the conversation.
"My master's new medicine seems to be working wonders in the Grandchester territory. While there are still new cases, the situation is definitely heading in the right direction. As the lord, I am deeply grateful."
"Those are kind words. Before I left the Grandchester territory, I had already received reports that the number of patients was decreasing. But I believe that preventing infection, proper knowledge of treatment and care, and, most importantly, the abundant funding to provide resources are far more effective than a single cure. It's undoubtedly thanks to your lord's efforts."
"If you must say that, then Sophia and the Merchant Guild deserve the credit."
Marquis Grandchester gave a slight smile and glanced at Sophia.
"However, the Royal Capital still faces its toughest challenges ahead."
"And here, Sophia is already working with various guilds."
"I'm aware of that matter. Thanks to the Sophia Merchant Guild reaching out, we've been prioritized for sourcing hard-to-obtain materials. Fortunately, with the support of Her Highness the Princess, the Academy's apothecary has been dedicated to producing the medicines."
Next to Rihito, Amelia pulled out a bundle of reports tied with string from her bag.
The thin wooden boards used for the cover and spine reminded Sophia of the ledgers from Grandchester territory, and she smiled softly.
"Lady Sophia. This is the list of vendors who are helping us create the Oral Rehydration Solution. In fact, many small shops that make fruit wines and juices have been very cooperative. A representative from the Commerce Guild visited us with the Oral Rehydration Solution recipe and suggested that 'if the apothecary oversees it, shops skilled in beverage production can also make the Oral Rehydration Solution.'"
"I see. That's something I hadn't considered. You're absolutely right."
"We reached the same conclusion. While only apothecaries and alchemists can handle medication, making the Oral Rehydration Solution isn't too complicated. Each shop is filling their beverage bottles with the solution, so we can secure quite a bit. On the next page, we've listed those who provided food, clean cloths, blankets, firewood, and many other supplies. I hear representatives from these contributors will also join today's audience."
"That's wonderful. It's even more cooperation than I imagined!"
"I think it's because everyone feels it's their business. I've been told that the transport of supplies is being assisted not only by the Commerce Guild but also by the Adventurers Guild."
"That's really reassuring."
Amelia smiled warmly at Sophia.
"Yes. Even while treating Princess Mathilda, we've received many letters from various healers and alchemists. This report was delivered today from the Pharmacist Guild. Everyone seems to be expressing their gratitude towards the Sophia Merchant Guild for releasing Mr. Paracelsus's recipe."
"That's Rihito's achievement, not mine."
Rihito spoke to Sophia in a slightly casual tone as she shook her head.
"Sure, I was the one who developed the miracle cure, but it was the reputation of the Marquis Grandchester family and the financial power of the Sophia Merchant Guild that allowed it to spread so quickly. Don't forget, it was over 40 years ago that this cure was completed. I wanted to make it available sooner, but it was impossible with just my efforts."
Marquis Grandchester's expression twisted slightly at this remark.
It was the previous Marquis Grandchester who had stopped Rihito from submitting his paper to the Academy.
If the cure had become widespread back then, Eleonora, who was the wife of the Marquis Grandchester, and Jeffrey's wife might still be alive today.
A mix of guilt and regret welled up within him, but he couldn't let the royal family or other noble households realize that he had kept the miracle cure a secret.
"Mr. Paracelsus, I'm very sorry, but..."
"I understand completely. The medicine was only recently completed. In fact, the clinical trials just finished a little while ago."
"I appreciate your concern."
"Let's not go any further. The important matters will be discussed from now on."
As Marquis Grandchester bowed deeply, Rihito responded by lowering his eyes slightly, bowing his head as well.
A subtle tension filled the air, and a moment of silence ensued.
Noticing Rihito's expression that seemed to say 'I've messed up,' Amelia sensed that he had made a poor choice in the topic of conversation, and while maintaining a gentle smile, she turned to Sophia.
"Speaking of which, I heard they distributed pamphlets on infection control to each guild in the Royal Capital too."
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