The room was engulfed with a brief silence after Sloane finished her story. The baroness looked down at the glass table.
"I should have known." She said breaking off the silence.
"Pardon?" Sloane asked partly confused.
Elise got up and went to the cupboard and brought out a small glass bottle tightly sealed.
It contained small herbs that were possibly medicine.
"This is?" Sloane closely looked at the small palm-sized glass bottle.
"They are saffron herbs." The baroness described the oddly red herbs in the bottle.
"As far as I know these herbs are not found in our kingdom."
"Quiet an observation." She agreed with her.
"These are from the Southern Nethiloria. Although the two countries are sworn, enemies they do share the same religious beliefs. So trade is only allowed between the two countries."
-"Wasn't trade banned by the government?"
"Only some selective goods are permitted for trade."
"I see."
"These will surely help the young lady. Take it with you. It's best if you use them by extracting its medical quality tea. It will work more effectively that way."
-"Nectar?"
"Madame, are you sure to give up something like this? I heard you said they are rare even in Nethiloria.No less for Atlanta."
"True, they are worth several hundred gold coins. But I think one should help the other in need. Even if it is giving up something of high price."
Sloane was left astounded by her grand declaration.
She lowered her head smiling to herself.
"I guess I am in debt this time. You have my gratitude."
"No this is nothing more than returning the favor." She pointed out.
The maid asked for permission to enter and informed them about dinner.
The two young gentlemen were waiting for them in the dining hall.
They looked rather uneasy in the new place.
"Please be at ease. This is your place now." Elise reassured them.
After dinner, Sloane was taken to the guest room. It was simple and elegant, Mich preferable to her tastes. The baroness sent a letter to the Nirvanas informing the marques about her overnight stay.
She lay on the bed looking at the glass bottle which she held high in mid-air.
It reflected the light of the dimly lit candle.
"Yulia people whom I never had met before in my past life are concerned about you. You had better not give up on me." She clasped the bottle in her fist.
-----------------
In the morning after breakfast, Sloane informed Elise about their transfer to Valentino's estate as exchange students under the order of the military.
The baroness was a little taken aback by the news. However, she only wished them luck on their journey to the future.
"My dear. The boys will have to make their debut in high society along with the other nobles. I do hope you attend the upcoming ball at the palace." She said hopefully.
"My apologies in advance madame. I cannot guarantee that I would attend the ball under these circumstances."Sloane got on her mare.
" Oh...I am foolish enough to burden you with something unnecessary."
"However, I may drop by for their sake. That is if I can spare some time."
"Thank you for considering my request." She replied bowing lightly with gratitude.
"They are precious to me. Like my own brothers." She smiled pulling the reins of her mare.
"I hope we are by her side soon." Nine said in a low voice.
"We will. After all, we get to go to Valentino's to train." Jack declared.
"You sure have sensitive ears don't you think?" Nine retorted.
"That's my specialty." He replied grinning.
-"He is more lively than before. That's our lady for you. "Nine was relieved.
"Is there something on my face?"
"N-no it nothing."
"Come on my sons. Let's go inside." Elise interrupted forcefully taking them inside the mansion.
"Father, please contact the physician." Sloane rushed to the marquis's room holding the bottle in her hand.
"Sloane, you are back?"Azriel greeted her warmly.
" There's no time father! Yulia! The cure."She panted under her breath.
"Please call the maids!"
"Calm down!" He shook her to her senses.
"First calm down. And tell me everything." He let go of his daughter and listened about the cure.
-"The baroness might have hid it from her husband." Azriel thought examining the bottle in his big hand.
"Father Yulia can be healed with this, right?" She asked anxiously.
"It's worth a try. I am amazed the baroness got her hands on something which even we high-class nobles find it hard to to get."
Jane was ordered to make a herbal tea using half the quantity of them.
The family physician was called to the room where Yulia was lying half-conscious.
"Father how about calling the royal physician and one from the temple.?" Sloane whispered.
"No, it'd be a bad idea to expose something like this outside the estate. News will spread like wildfire. This is something we should be wary of. The baroness most probably got it from the underground auction of her casino."
She understood that it would bring harm to the baroness and her help would be all for naught.
Yulia was forced to drink the hot medicine. But an obedient girl like her refused to have any of it. Azriel picked her in his arms and took the cup from the maid's hands.
She groaned in pain as he gave her the hot liquid bit by bit.
"There, it's done." He said in a low voice placing the cup on the tray held by the maid.
The girl wept in her father's arms as pain aroused by the medicinal effect was intense.
-"Yulia please bear with it."Sloane prayed trembling.
"Waah!"
She screamed in pain. Her small fragile body
was covered in sweat. The temperature began to increase suddenly.
"Hurry bring in cold water and towels. You bring in a glass of water." He ordered the servants as he held her more tightly in his arms.
The servants rushed in and out of the room bringing in all the requirements ordered by their master.
He wiped her forehead with a wet towel.
She trembled weakly and started to breathe heavily.
"Her fever!" He was appalled by the sudden outcome.
"It's down."
"What?"
The servants whispered to each other, in confusion.
But she was still whimpering as her eyes remained closed. After a few minutes, she was left in deep sleep.
"She sleeping soundly," Sloane said as she stood beside Azriel who was sitting on Yulia's bed still holding her in his arms.
"Yes, it worked." He smiled faintly.
"Your Excellency. The young miss has brought a miraculous recovery. She will wake up healthy after a short rest."
"I'm glad she will see me off."
"You will be leaving tomorrow?"
"No, I still have a day left." Sloane pouted.
"Very well, take good care of your baby sister until then," Azriel replied.
"Yes, father I will."