With her heart heavy with guilt, Oriana returned to the guest mansion, maintaining a somber silence throughout the journey.
Ana glanced at her mistress, concern etched on her face. "Your Highness, did you not like the palace's interior?"
"It's quite fine," Oriana responded, unable to convey the true reason for her melancholic mood to her devoted servant.
Oriana continued her relentless pursuit of knowledge, engrossed in reading books and striving to decipher the secrets of the mystical pill.
Midnight had come and gone, and she remained in her study, her eyes burning from the relentless glow of the lamps. Her devoted servant had gently reminded her to rest, but Oriana had dismissed Ana's concerns, resolute in her work. Sleep seemed an impossible luxury, given the multitude of troubles weighing upon her.
