True. Had that happen, the likelihood of me dying would have been high.
Of course I can't tell him.
"It was the most efficient method"
I can't tell him that I can't make decisions on the spot.
"Based on his behavior, trying to take my life hostage was the best possible action to take"
I could never tell him that I am not as smart and skilled as he think that I am.
"Although his behavior and actions were a total surprise"
Showing my weak side here in the empire would be mean my death.
"But just as planned, he backed away did he not"
As if I could ever lower my guard in this den of monsters.
John undress and wore his uniform. He wore his belt, adjusting his sheath as if he was preparing for battle.
"Next time... please don't do anything reckless anymore my lady"
"What's with the get up?"
"Well, I thought that it was going to be a long night for us"
"Ha, haha. It sure will be"
Just as John had promised to me, he mobilize some of his trusted men to get the flower of Daitikos using any means to save time.
While he was busy with obtaining the flower, I went to the imperial library with a letter from John. Because of the personally hand written letter and John's badge the imperial knights let me pass and do as I want.
Though I have been here in the empire for about two months now, I was accustomed to the imperial library's design. I knew where to look for the book I needed.
Two hours later, I found the needed plants to create a medicine.
-Master, someone's coming!
"What are you doing here?"
I didn't even had the time to move when Almas informed me.
"Lady Emond"
After the second time the man spoke, I recognize the voice.
"Prince Henry?"
The moonlight showed that it was indeed prince Henry.
"Your highness, I need your help"
"You do?... I mean of course, what do you need?"
"Please come with me to the imperial laboratory. I need to find herbal medicine to create a cure"
Without asking me for who the medicine was, he simply nodded and agreed to help me.
With prince Henry beside me, entering the imperial laboratory was easier than when I entered the imperial library.
"I have one last thing I want to ask you, your highness"
"What is it?"
"Please inform her majesty and the captain of the imperial knights to come here immediately"
"Understood"
He quickly left to do as I say. Though it was odd why he is doing what I am telling him to, I did not had the leisure to worry about such things in a time like this.
In the book, it was written that after a month of taking the plant the taker won't be cured anymore.
Perhaps that was the reason why he never associated himself with others and became a total war freak in the future.
Half an hour later, her majesty, Sir Aiden and prince Henry arrived while breathing heavily and rapidly.
"Surely you have some good reason why you made my brother to wake me up in the middle of the night"
"Yes. Your majesty, I want you and Sir Aiden to knock prince Diego and tie him up using the strongest rope or chains you have"
"Why?"
"I believe he was poisoned. And based on the book I've red it would be impossible to cure him if we don't act now"
"Where is John?!" Sir Aiden shouted in anger.
"He is currently looking for a very important plant I need to create the cure"
Knowing that nothing happened to John, Sir Aiden let out a relieve breath and smiled.
"I will do as you say but know this" Empress Lucia unsheathed her sword. "Know that giving false information, wasting the empress' time and accusing a member of the imperial family to be poisoned or something is punishable with a fate worse than death"
"You don't have to say that as I am already aware of it"
With my cold remark, it left the empress to burst into laughter.
"I am hoping that you are right. After all, I don't want to kill someone as capable as you"
The empress run to go to the emerald palace with delight as Sir Aiden followed her.
John finally came back with several Daitikos flower after another two hours.
"Please step back. The unprocessed pollens contains hallucinogenic inducing effects"
John sat down on the chair to catch his breath while the one who was assisting me, prince Henry took several steps back and continued to watch me work.
"Where... is her majesty... and Aiden?"
"The two most likely are in an underground prison with prince Diego"
"Why?"
"Do you seriously don't know?"
"Would I be... asking if I knew my lady?"
"It is a unique trait for the imperial family to possess abnormal physical strength. And both her majesty and prince Diego possess this trait despite being very rare. You are the vice-captain of the imperial knights, how come you don't know this?"
"Well... I never really ask her majesty about her family or anything. I only do as she says after all"
The fact that I can't even make a comeback somehow irritates me.
The cure was made.
I wasn't completely sure but thanks to Almas who verified that it is the medicine to cure the first prince the tension and stress that was building up on me let loose.
My body became heavier.
A knight then showed up saying that her majesty was waiting for us in the third floor dungeon under the imperial palace.
"I... we will be there in a moment"
"No need to push yourself"
"What?"
After saying those words, prince Henry abruptly took me onto his arms, carrying me.
"Lead the way"
As I did not had the energy to complain anymore I stayed silent. It's not like there was any other way that is more efficient than this.