Her Graceful War Song

"If Sebastian is willing to enter the palace, he will surely do everything in his power," Carissa said softly. Victoria's gaze became distant, and soon, tears began to fall. "He can try his hardest, but even with all his effort, there may be no hope. Now, I only wish for His Majesty to live long enough to set things in order, to secure the future of the kingdom."

Seeing her cry, Carissa couldn't help but feel sorrow as well. She had once heard her mom speak of Victoria as a woman of great strength, someone who wouldn't shed a tear even in the face of the greatest challenges. Tears from her were precious, and now, seeing them fall made everything feel heavier. Carissa didn't know how to offer comfort. It seemed that what Victoria needed wasn't soothing words, but quiet companionship. So, Carissa sat by her side in silence.

-

Meanwhile, Rafael had gone to Arcane Sanctum, where he found Sebastian already prepared. After Rafael and Carissa had been summoned to the palace, Jacob had gone ahead to inform Sebastian. So, he had been expecting the visit.

This time, Sebastian didn't bring any of his apprentices but went alone with Rafael. Ivy and Rowan had tried to follow but were sternly ordered back.

As they traveled in the carriage, Rafael assured, "I will ensure your safety."

Sebastian was inspecting his medical supplies. Without looking up, he replied casually, "It doesn't matter. If my head is to fall, it's my own choice."

"It won't come to that," Rafael insisted firmly. "Since I'm escorting you to the palace, I will make sure you return safely."

Sebastian closed the medical chest with a click, locking it securely. He leaned back against the plush seat, his gaze dark and distant, lost in thought. For a long while, he didn't speak, and when he finally did, his voice was low, reflective.

"His name was Jonah Claude," Sebastian began, his eyes unfocused. "At three, he could recite the medicinal rhymes. By five, he knew every herb by name. By sixteen, he had already mastered his craft, and by twenty-five, he was renowned across the land.

"Though there are others who hold the title of Miracle Healer, including me, Jonah was the true Miracle Healer."

Rafael sat up straighter, his expression serious, quietly listening.

"Physicians are supposed to be compassionate, treating all who come to them without prejudice, be it beggars or nobles. Jonah did just that. If a patient couldn't afford the fee, he'd still offer his medicine at no charge. That's why he was always poor.

"In his most destitute year, he had to pawn his winter coat. I scolded him for it, but he just grinned and said it didn't matter how poor or miserable he was. The more he saw, the more he learned. It was all part of his journey.

"There were actually many ways he could have made money. When nobles came to him for treatment, he could've taken advantage and charged exorbitant fees. But he didn't. He always said the prices were fixed, and he couldn't bring himself to overcharge.

"For patients who couldn't afford the cost of medicine, he refused to turn them away, even if it meant his own suffering. He couldn't bear the thought of watching someone die simply because they were poor." Sebastian's voice faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained control, continuing, "When King Sigmund called him to the palace for treatment, I was in Yorandia gathering herbs to make Snowdrop Pills.

"By the time I returned to the capital

and went to see him, his medical establishment had been destroyed The sign was shattered and had been trampled by others. King Sigmund called him a quack, so no one dared to speak his name after that. Slowly, the world forgot about him."

Sebastian lifted his gaze, his eyes bloodshot and filled with a quiet fury. "This time, I'm going to the palace

with a purpose. I intend to clear his name. Jonah Claude was a Miracle Healer, not a quack."

Rafael felt a wave of guilt wash over him as he listened.

When Sigmund passed away, Rafael had been too young to fully comprehend the situation. He remembered meeting Jonah once but his memory of him wasn't very clear The only thing he remembered was that the man had been very thin and wore a faded blue cloak with several patches.

This impression stuck with him because Helen had privately muttered, "What kind of renowned doctor wears patched clothes?"

It was only much later that he learned Jonah had been executed.noveldrama

"I will speak to His Majesty. I'll convince him to clear Mr. Claude's name," the prince said softly.

"Don't bother," Sebastian replied

coldly. "As I said, Jonah treated

I

every illness, regardless of who came to him. To gain more experience, he even treated many cases of lung disease. The methods I use to treat such condition@are his. If the king refuses to clear his name, I won't use that method."

Rafael felt both excited and conflicted.

If there was a prescription, even if it couldn't cure the illness, it might at least extend the king's life for a while. What made it complicated was that Sigmund had killed Jonah, and now Salvador needed his treatment method to survive.

It was a cycle of cause and effect, but the true victim of it was only Jonah.