"All these past years, you have taken care of me so well. I should do the same now. I want to secure a prestigious job and earn a lot of money for both of us to live comfortably with."
Daphne looked into Eleanor's eyes, clear like jade, soft pools of forest green shimmering with a glow of determination. Clearing her throat, she laughed in response.
"We don't have any shortage of money. Let me tell you, one of my paintings earned millions in the recent auction. Another one is coming up. We're all set for the time being, until I produce a new masterpiece," Daphne puffed her chest, nose in the air. "Why do you need to worry about money and job so soon anyways. You already own a shop and do all the work yourself, along with your studies, when I keep telling you to hire someone to lighten the burden. You never ask me for money when you know I have excess to fulfill most wishes of yours," she grumbled and took a bite out of her food.
Eleanor looked at her with a complicated expression.
"I don't want to rely on you forever. I want to earn it myself and become independent. Besides, you know the flower shop is something mom left me, I can't trust anyone but you and myself with it."
Eleanor's goals were uncomplicated and realistic- graduate from university, become an intern at a hospital in the capital, then promote to a full-time resident doctor.
In this universe, where modern and historical herb medicine, both are in practice, it isn't hard to observe, which is more preferred. With time, the many secrets and effective formulas of ancient herbology got forgotten. It stopped passing from generation to generation. As people got attracted and attached to modern tablets and tonics more and more, the numbers in herb medicine practice dwindled to an all-time low. But not enough for it to be completely wiped out from existence. Till present, not many but still a considerable number of students enter universities and major in Herbology medicinal studies. Most are from influential backgrounds with powerful backers, their households connected in some way with this sacred and elaborate study of herbs. There are even quite a lot many who major in both modern and ancient medicine to gain knowledge of both, which gives them extra points to add to their resume and opens doors to various possibilities in the future.
In the small town where there was only a small clinic which was mostly closed due to the doctor attending to his various appointments with rich households and eminent hospitals, and when it was open by chance it only helped with small injuries and minor medical issues. To get a proper checkup and diagnosis, the towns people would have to travel tens of kilometers to the nearest hospital, which was decent and located at the border of the capital. The clinic in the town was only a formality, which the doctor who had been forcefully transferred from one of the leading hospitals in the country, was forced to complete in the name of the royal majesty. By the Royal highness, it was stated in the imperial order that there will be a small medical institution in every small village and town, no matter how backward and poor it may be. The cost of building and equipment and salary was funded from the royal treasury, the fees free.
The fees was nil, but so was the service. Back then when Eleanor's mother first arrived in the town, she opened the a flower shop in the small grove to support herself and the little life inside her tummy. In a few months time she established a reputation for the shop with her excellent skills in botany. By accident, when she saved an important figure, in front of quite an audience, she became famous overnight for her exemplary talent in herbology. Her skillful hands became busy as she utilized her knowledge in the ancient medicinal art to help others. Free treatment for the poor and a modest fees for those who could afford to give it, she treated everyone equally and never made biased judgements. For her kind and generous nature, everyone loved Grace, Eleanor's mother, and held best interests at heart for the mother-daughter pair.
Similar to her mother, Eleanor was gifted in herbology and botany. Frankly anything she put her mind to, she was able to achieve it with her efforts and intelligent smarts.
Eleanor had long since decided to follow in her mother's footsteps. She wanted to become a doctor in one of the most reputable hospitals in the empire, the leading hospital in herbology, renowned for it's perfect balance between modern and ancient medicine. Eleanor was confident that with her meritorious grades, unmatchable skills and degree majoring in both modern and herb medicine, she would be able to get into "Honor Hospital." The end of her third year in the "University of medicinal sciences" was coming near. It was a mediocre university, which she had selected only because of the close distance from her home and full scholarship that she had won. The final examinations were over, the students relaxing in their short week off and soon the results would approach. In the following days of the result, scouts from various hospitals would come to the university to select interns. Students are allowed to interview for as many as they want, but, if they fail to get picked then the university won't do anything except hand them their degree certificates and bid them farewell. Hence, these few days were regarded as extremely crucial because it was the sole chance of getting contracted into reputable hospitals. Once the campus selection was over, the few students who didn't get into any would only have small, unknown hospitals and clinics to turn to. The representatives from the hospitals looked at the grades of theory and practical exams, communicating skills, professor's remarks and their way of conducting themselves throughout the interview. All these factors were taken in high consideration by the interviewers who only wanted the best for their institute. But, of course, the rich and powerful did get special services and baseless praises. Still, all this was done under wraps due to the strict Royal laws and rules, going against which was a sure death sentence without the actual death part.
So, the rich kids did try and outshine those who are more deserving and capable, but many times failed, because the crippled justice system was still standing.
"I know, darling, and I am very proud of you. I just want to remind you to follow your mother's teachings as well as you can, but not be hesitant to tweak them a little to survive. In this age and time, there are uncountable wolves in sheep's clothing, and it's not untrue when it's said that this world is indeed very small," Daphne advised in a soft and serious tone, concern for her only family as clear as a ringing bell in the dead silence of midnight.
Eleanor did not speak. She only nodded, understanding her aunt's sentiments. She was the only family she had ever known other than her mother. The bond between them was thicker than blood.
The sound of cutlery clinking against the plate resounded in the room as a dull background noise as the two ladies proceeded to finish their breakfast, chatting about their planned events for the future.
But when does life ever let anything go as planned?
"Oh!" Daphne suddenly exclaimed.
Eleanor looked up from her plate and swallowed the bite she was chewing, "What is it?"
"I'll be so lonely when you leave for the capital!" Daphne wailed dramatically.
Eleanor let an amused smile grace her delicate features," That isn't sure to happen yet, you know. I haven't passed the interview nor do I know my result."
Daphne shushed her, disagreeing with her, "Oh Hush, you. That's all just procedure. There is nothing more foolish than doubting a conclusion that is already set. Your success is an eventuality, only uncertain factor is time and way."
Daphne could never doubt her Elle. She knew this girl was born to achieve great feats in life.
Eleanor's enchanting laughter, mellow and musical filled the room. Shaking her head she said," Such wise words. But why do you fail to apply some of this wisdom of yours into your love life. You're in desperate need of advice on how to advance. If you get lonely, then you will finally make a move. How long do I have to wait? I have been looking so forward to hold a little baby brother in my arms. A cute girl is fine a-"
A dusting cloth was flung and it hit the speaking brunette right in the middle of her speech, smack on her face.
"Eww....! Aunt Daffy!"
"What is it child? Did something happen just now? You should finish your meal fast and get out now," Daphne feigned innocence, a blush prominent on her cheeks. Taking a sip of her juice, she rotated her gaze around the room, not once resting it on the girl in front of her who was still glaring at her.
~~~~~
Eleanor heard a bell ring when the door to the small flower shop opened for the umpteenth time since this morning. Groaning she hoisted herself up from behind the counter she was hiding under, checking some old bills. Pulling a natural smile on her beautiful face she turned to greet the customer, who turned out to be someone she least expected.
"You! Again?"