Chapter 165
Eliza pretended not to understand and asked casually, “Why are some of these herbs circled? Is there some special meaning
behind it?”
Just as expected, Lawrence jumped to explain, “Oh, it’s nothing. These are just the ones we haven’t managed to gather yet. Most of the others are easy to find. As long as you’ve got the money, you can get them. But this one here, Bloodshade Blossom. This one’s got us completely stumped.”
His expression turned pained as he spoke of that final herb
Eliza lowered her gaze, hiding the wave of emotion that surged behind her eyes.
She had Bloodshade Blossom. Trying hard to suppress any signs of unease, she tilted her head slightly and asked with mild curiosity, “Bloodshade Blossom? What kind of herb is that? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it.”
A flicker of disappointment crossed Lawrence’s face. But he quickly pulled himself together and explained, “To be honest, none of us have actually seen Bloodshade Blossom in person. I only came across it in an old medical text passed down through our family. No one really knows much about it, but the book described its effects in great detail.
“It’s a calming herb, one that soothes the spirit. Combined with the other ingredients on this prescription, it could work wonders. It might even fully cure His Highness.”
Eliza felt a wave of relief wash over her. So, Lawrence had only read about it in an ancient medical text.
No one had seen what it looked like. No one knew its scent. No one knew if it had a scent at all. That meant there would not be a repeat of the Everlife Vine incident, when Lawrence had sniffed it out and exposed her.
She had just begun to relax. But then, she heard that final sentence and froze.
She wondered, ‘Bloodshade Blossom could completely cure the Prince Regent? That means it’s essential to his recovery. If he can’t find it, will his illness ever go away? Will he keep suffering the way he has all this time?‘
Her fingers tightened around the edge of the prescription as she stared at the name Bloodshade Blossom. A wave of guilt welled up in her chest.
She had been willing to offer the century–old Purple Shroom and Everlife Vine. But no one had ever laid eyes on Bloodshade Blossom, a rare herb that existed only in ancient texts.
If she handed that over, someone was bound to notice. Someone would start asking questions. She wondered, ‘What if they ask me where it came from? How did I manage to get it? What am I supposed to say then?‘
She bit her lip. ‘No. I can’t give it to him, she thought.
“Your Highness, you’re back?” a voice called from outside the courtyard.
Then came a deep, familiar response. “Yes.” Nolan stepped in through the gate.
Ross and the others turned their heads. The tall, striking mran strode into the courtyard without pause and stopped directly in front of Eliza. His eyes softened as he looked down at her, a warm smile touching his lips.
“Hi, Serenity,” he said gently, “His Majesty summoned me out of the blue, so I had to rush to the palace. Sorry. Did I keep you waiting long?”
Both Ross and Lawrence could not help but feel that there was something noticeably softer in his tone now than when he had spoken outside.
Eliza looked up at him. His deep eyes were filled with tenderness, and for a moment, she could not find the words to respond.
But the more gentle and caring Nolan appeared, the heavier the guilt pressing on her chest became.
Bloodshade Blossom could save him. But giving it away might expose her secret.
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Chapter 165
That night, Eliza had confided in Tina about the pocket farm, but only a part of its abilities. If Eliza took out Bloodshade Blossom now, the entire existence of the pocket farm could be at risk.