After Emma helped me clean up, I went straight to my work area, excited to try out the DIY water filter system that I learned in high school, and Abu was equally excited.
We built the first water filter system in the mediaeval era, and after filtering the water, I instruct Abu to get the filtered water and boil it. We finished two drums of filtered cured water.
"I believe we require a larger filtering glass jar for large amounts of water," I stated.
"Well, we should talk to the glass maker and see if they can build us a huge water filter," Abu suggested.
"Well, I doubt the glass maker can't make a large glass water filter, but before we ask for one, we need to make sure the water is safe to drink," I explained.
"Well, we have Sara to put that to the test," Abu joked.
"Abu, we can't do that to her because she's still a child and weak; we need someone bigger and healthier," I said as I looked at him.
Abu's round eyes widened as he realised what I was saying to him. "n-no! my lady.. I can't.. I have a sensitive stomach and I easily get stomach upset," he said.
"Well, we really need someone to put it through its paces."
"Why don't you?" he asked.
"I am a fragile lady," I stated flatly.
As Abu looked outside, I opened my work window to look for a possible prospect. "What about that men?" Abu asks, pointing out a large, chubby knight who is currently practising swordplay.
"I'm not sure... he appears unhealthy," I said.
"How about that guy," said a tall but skinny man tending to a horse.
"He's too skinny," I commented.
As I noticed Sir Roger, I said, "How about that guy?" as he waved and smiled at me. "that guy? I don't know? he looks fine and handsome," he replied. "Do you know him?" he inquired.
"Yes.. that is Sir Roger, he wanted to be a friend, and I think this is a great opportunity to test our water, and he will gladly be our guinea pig," I smirked.
"You really scare me sometimes.. do you know that?" said Abu.
As I walked away from the window, I said, "Let's get back to work."
After successfully filtering the remainder of the water barrel, I went in search of Sir Roger, carrying a water chalice with me. I looked around the castle grounds, and someone mentioned that he was with the knights practising sword play.
I saw him with a knight doing sword play; he was only wearing a white chemise, and you could tell he had a well-built macular body because there were many cheering ladies watching him play. I waved my hand at him after his match and he brightly smiled and approached me.
"milady, nice to meet you here!" he says as he reaches for my hand to kiss.
"I'm still not used to it," I murmured. "May I inquire as to the reason for thy visit?" he asked.
"Well, I came here to tell you that I will accept your invitation to become acquainted."
"Really...? I am overjoyed," he replied.
"In fact, as a token of our friendship, I brought you some fresh water."
"fresh water? but, milady, as much as I would like to accept your generous offer, the water in this area is unsafe to drink," he explained.
"I know... but don't worry, because this water has been filtered and cured."
"How?" he inquires.
"I simply filtered the water with chlorine and boiled it," I respond quickly.
"Well... I'm not sure... If I... " he said hesitantly.
"Well...it appears that you don't trust me yet... " I said, looking at the silver chalice, "and I thought I already have a friend that I can rely on in this place, but who am I? " as I turned around, "I will find another person who can be my friend, goodbye sir knight," I said, turning around. As I began to walk away, Roger said, "Wait... milady."
"Yes?" I ask, quietly smiling.
"I apologise if I offended you...it was not my intention, but I trust you and I really wanted to get to know you better," he explained. I watched as he took the chalice of water in my hand and drank it in front of me.
"You...you really drink it," I commented.
"Yes, it's a gift, and that's how I trusted you, and I really wanted to be friends with you."
"Thank you, Sir Roger.. how is the water?" I inquired. "It's surprisingly sweet," he said.
"oh... that's good to hear... I'll be back, I need to get back to work," I said as I walked away,
"and by the way, if you have stomach upset or any health issues, please come by my work room," I said as I turned around to him.
"With illness or no illness, I can still visit you?" he inquired.
"yes.. I don't see any problem with that.. cheerio," I said as I bid him farewell.
Meanwhile, King Baldwin is in his bedroom chamber with members of his royal court.
Aimery POV:
I stood beside him as he cleaned himself and changed his blood-stained robe, and as Bishop Henry waited for his majesty.
"You know that killing Saladin's messenger will start another war," Bishop Henry said as he walked back and forth.
His Majesty heard him, but he never responded to his eminence's question. "With all due respect, your Majesty, you are condemning our people for your foolish action," he said, raising his voice.
"Foolish action, is it?" King Baldwin asks coldly, glaring at him.
He appeared terrified, his eyes filled with terror. "I am still the pope's aid and the Lord messenger! don't you dare forget that! you may be the king but God and the Pope is above us all!" he exclaimed, letting out a heavy sigh" I need your confession for thy sin," he said.
"I shall confess to God when I see him, not to you," King Baldwin responds coldly.
His eminence stormed outside in rage and was greeted by Abu, lady Philippa's male servant, but was ignored.
"y-your majesty?" he said with a squeaky voice as he bowed down. I approached him immediately because his Majesty is in a foul mood and it is best that I tend to him instead.
"My good servant, his majesty wishes to see no one at the moment; if you wish, you may visit him later; if it is something very urgent, I can relay the message to his highness," I explained.
"oh... I see, so I came in at the wrong time, I have a letter from Lady Philippa to give to His Majesty," he said loudly enough to be heard.
"Oh.. I'll take care of that," I said as I reached for the letter, but King Baldwin snatched it from Abu's grasp, much to our surprise.
He silently opened the letter and read it, his grim expression changing to a bright smile. "Aimery, please get me a quill and a piece of paper," he said.
"Yes, sire," I say as I place his quill and paper on his desk.
"Here.. please deliver my reply to lady Philippa," his highness wrote and handed it to Abu personally.
"Yes, your Majesty," Abu said, bowing his head as he walked out the door.
I never imagined our king, who was furious earlier today's event but was calmed down by a letter from a lady; I wonder what kind of influence the lady has on his majesty.
Lady Philippa, on the other hand, had just returned to her room.
Philippa POV:
As I returned to my room, Abu stood at the door chamber, saying, "Lady Philippa, I just delivered the message to His Majesty,"
I questioned, "really... how it goes?"
"Well, as you requested, I handed you the letter, and here is the response," he said as I reached it and read it. I smiled and summoned Emma. "Could you please prepare a dress for me for tonight?"
"Yes, my lady," Emma says.
I spend the entire afternoon working on a massive filter design that may help Jerusalem in the future, as well as testing the efficacy of a current anti-bacterial cream that I am developing and the very first antibiotic tablet that I am testing.
Despite my hectic schedule, I asked Emma to assist me in baking cookies as a token of apology, which she gladly did, and I was covered in flour and cinder for the rest of the afternoon. It had been a long day, and before I knew it, Emma arrived to inform me that it was time to prepare for dinner. Emma assisted me in getting ready for a dinner with King Baldwin.
Emma escorted me to the dining hall; the king was not present when I arrived, so I prepared the apology cookie basket that I had personally baked for him earlier.
I greeted him with a smile and a curtsy, and he approached me with a slight bow of his head, saying softly, "thank you for inviting me to dinner."
"Yes, your majesty, and thank you for accepting my invitation," I reply.
He drew my chair to allow me to sit; he is truly a gentleman, I thought to myself, once we were properly seated. "I apologise for making you uncomfortable earlier," he said.
"No! that is not at all true... " I respond, "you don't need to apologise, I should be the one apologising about my behaviour, it wasn't your fault... I was just embarrassed, that's all," I said as I looked down.
"Well, you don't need to be embarrassed in front of me," he chuckled, "accidents happen all the time, and you were really adorable earlier," he chuckled.
I blushed profusely as I looked at him, "umm.. t-thank you.." he calls me adorable!! I can actually hear my own heartbeat!! I reflected to myself.
I gave him the cookie basket that I had prepared earlier. "I made those... I... wanted to apologise for leaving earlier," I explained.
He took off his mask and reached for the cookies, eating one "it's delicious," he said. "Really?" I ask quickly.
"Yes... thank you," he replied. "I am surprised that you can bake; did the nun teach you as well?" he inquired.
"No, Emma, teach me how to do it."
"You really can do anything," he said with a smile.
"Not at all... I'm still lacking," I say as I fidget with my hair.
He softly smiled as he looked at me, "my lady, I would like to inform you that as a member of my court, you will be required to attend a royal court meeting tomorrow."
"Really?! That is superb! I will be there," I replied quickly.
"s-superb?" he asked, tilting his head.
"It means... Fantastic," I said.
"oh... Alright," he chuckles.
We have a nice dinner together, but I feel very awkward talking to him because he is such a gentleman. After dinner, we walked down the hall to his bedroom chamber for his daily night treatment. Unlike the first night, he is now very comfortable around me, and I cleaned his wound and applied medicine.
Baldwin POV:
"Almost finished," she said as she applied cream to my eyelids, "there done," I said as I opened my eyes.
"Your Highness, I've been meaning to ask you," she said as she tidied up her medicine bottles. "What is it, my lady?" I inquire.
"I'm just wondering if I could borrow a horse," she explained.
"A horse?" I inquired.
"yes... because I need to find herbs that I need, I realised that I might need to search elsewhere, and I don't want other people to bother about it, so I just thought that maybe I could borrow a horse," she explains.
"Of course," I replied.
"But first, I really don't know how to ride a horse, so I was wondering if anyone could teach me," she said shyly, fidgeting.
She's so adorable that I chuckled as I looked at her, "well, I can teach you."
"r-really?" she asked.
"Yes," I said, "but even though I appear this way, I can definitely teach you how to ride a horse."
"That's not it; I just don't want to burden your Highness with the likes of me," she explained.
"You're not a burden, and I'd love to teach you," I explained.
She asked eagerly, "When are we going to start?" with a bright smile.
"We can begin after our morning court meeting," I explained.
"Thank you," she said, and I was mesmerised by her bright smile, which was soothing, and I couldn't help but blush as I looked sideways.
"Is there a problem, your grace?" she inquires innocently.
"n-no.. it's late.. can I walk you over to your chamber?" I inquired.
"t-thank you, your grace," she said softly as she prepared to carry her medicine tray. "s-sure... " she said as she prepared to carry her medicine tray. "let me carry that for you."
I looked at her as we walked side by side down the pitch-dark hall lit only by wall torches leading to her bedroom chamber.
"It appears that we have arrived," she said, oblivious to the fact that we had already arrived.
"Thank you, your Majesty, for escorting me to my bedroom chamber," she says as she takes her medicine tray from my grasp.
"It's nothing..." I smiled as I looked at her hand, which was occupied by the medicine tray, and casually reached for her long soft black hair, kissing it "good night my lady."
She was surprised and turned bright red, and she had such an adorable expression that I couldn't stop smiling at her.
"G-good night!" exclaimed Lady Philippa as she quickly entered her bed chamber.
"Good night," I softly said.
I couldn't see anything because it was pitch black. I've been running nonstop. I tried to yell, but my voice wouldn't come out; instead, I heard someone crying.
"Why do you do that, Mother?" The voice said
It was a young girl's voice. I scream at the top of my lungs, "W-who are you?!" but there is no response. "Help me please," she begs in agony. "Where are you?! " I scream as I keep running.
"Here," a whisper comes from behind my ears, and as I open my eyes, I realise it was just a nightmare. I am back in my bedroom, drenched in cold sweat.
Taking a breath, I sit up. It was already morning since I can hear birds chirping outside my window, yet the dream felt so real that I shuddered.
Emma then entered my room carrying a pitcher of water and a basin. She said, "Good morning my lady." I grinned and responded, "G-good morning." She assisted me in getting ready for the day. I was quite exhausted, "Is everything okay?" concerned Emma.
I admitted, "Yes, I'm simply tired."
"Oh.. dear.. why don't you just rest?" she suggested. "No.. I am fine," I replied, "it is a very important day today."
I reminded myself that today is the day I will officially attend a royal court meeting.
Aimery came by to tell me that the meeting would begin soon, and he escorted me to the royal court hall; it wasn't the first time I'd visited the hall; the last time I came here as a verdict and accused of breaking a royal oath, and now as I walked with my head held high, But when I saw King Baldwin sitting on his throne in the centre hall, I felt embarrassed again; he gave me a slight nod as I quickly walked beside Aimery.
The royal court hall is packed with royal knights from other noble families, patriarchs from various households, Sir Omar, Sir Roger, and some clergymen. Uncle William is correct; I am the only female in the hall, which is why they stared at me the moment I walked in.
Then there is the sound of a trumpet, indicating that the Royal Court meeting is about to begin. The meeting began with Aimery, the chamberlain to his majesty, reporting the status of the royal household, and was followed by Sir Roger, the grand master of the Knight Hospitaller, who shared a report of casualties from the previous war as well as the need for more men to join the knights in case Saladin struck back. The royal court session lasted at least two hours. long discussion about the preparation of the upcoming crusade.
Even though I was in the army, I was never a fan of war, and seeing these guys discuss and argue about mediaeval crusades exhausts me. I was dozing off and slowly closing my eyes to sleep when Sir Omar caught my head and surprised me, "I- I am sorry," I said.
"You appear tired," Omar said curtly.
"y-yes.. I wasn't able to get a goodnight sleep.. that's all," I said as I tried to smile at him. "you.. you don't like listening to this subject?" he inquired.
"Well, it's not my cup of tea," I explained.
"You should pay attention, because after this topic, our division will be the next one to discuss, because in addition to the king's health, we also oversee the health of the crusaders," he explained.
"Oh... well, I'll try to listen," I say.
"hmm... I know you chose to be a part of his highness royal court to help him, but let me also tell you that it is our duty to oversee the health of his people, he is Jerusalem, and his people are his first priority, that is the type of king he is," Omar explained.
I realised how self-centered I had been; I was always thinking about gaining independence, but I had no idea King Baldwin was always thinking about his people before himself.
"I'm sorry," I said, looking down. "Now I realise how selfish and thick-skinned I am."
"I didn't mean that... I just wanted to let you know how our king felt... but at the very least you realise something... that's a good thing," Omar said as he smiled at me.
Following the discussion of warfare, Omar stepped in to provide reports about King Baldwin's loyal subjects, which the economic growth of his Kingdom prospered greatly and there were no problems with his subjects' livelihood except the numbers of mortality for both noble and peasant increased due to plague. "the increase in death was already alarming, sire, and this must be addressed as soon as possible."
"What can we do? I can't let my people suffer," King Baldwin said. "I proposed that we embark on this matter first, before considering another crusade."
I admire him for being a truly dignified and loving King to his people. I smile as I look at him. Hearing King Baldwin's Opinion, the Courtroom was filled with murmurs.
"But your Highness, Where we are going to get the funds for these plague? we are still in need to raise funds for the arms and weapons that we need for the next crusades. As the head of all of the noble families here, we can assure you that the nobles will take care of their family members affected by this disease," Duke Bernard of Ridefort said. "We can send them to a treatment home to help them recover," he added.
"My Lord, what about the commoners?" Omar inquired.
"They are mere peasants! who have made no contribution to this society, why should we worry about them? If they live, they live; if they die, they die; it is their fault that we always have this plague, it is their fault," he sneered.
"The duke is right! If they wanted to be cured, we should raise their taxes; we cannot spend another coin for them!" interjects the other noble.
The crowd's whispers grow louder as they all agree on the Duke's plan.
"Because of them? how vexing," I said as I stood up and confronted him.
"What is this lady blabbering about?" he snickers.
"How can you be so foolish for a man of your noble status, like yourself?" I smirked.
"How dare you!" he exclaimed.
"No! how dare you!" I exclaimed.
"Those mere peasants are his highness loyal subjects, they are the same as all of you, what distinguishes them? is it because they are not of noble blood? is it because they are not as educated as you are?" I smirked. "If that's the case, then you're the plague, not those poor people."
"Lady Philippa! know your place," Archbishop of Henry said, "as the head of the church, I say Duke Bernard is absolutely right there is nothing we can do for those peasants, your grace the plague always happens every year and those lowly peasants are to blame! it is because they are the carrier of this ailment. it is punishment from god for their sins, they are being condemned and this is for the best."
What a selfish motherfucking bastard, I thought.
"Are you kidding me? God's punishment? And you call them a plague? Clearly God will not be pleased to hear you, priest," I scoff.
Archbishop Henry was enraged when he heard my response to him, and he grabbed my arms tightly, yelling, "Sinner!!"
It hurt's... King Baldwin, without hesitation, pushes him away from me and shields me from him, much to his Eminence's surprise.
"That Girl!" he screamed, "is a sinner, my King!"
"Enough!!!" King Baldwin yelled angrily; I never expected to hear him yell; he is usually calm and soft spoken.
"I warned you, touch her, and I'll forget your God's servant," he stated coldly.
"But," he added.
"No more! I will no longer listen to you! Roger, accompany his eminence out!"
"Yes, My King," Sir Roger replied.
The court hall was silent as Archbishop Henry was escorted outside the royal hall.
"My king," I say as I kneel, "I'm sorry if I spoke out of place, but I never regret anything, and what I say is my truth, and you will be the judge of it."
"You don't need to apologise My lady, I want to thank you for sticking by my people and for that you may have gratitude," King Baldwin said as he kneeled down and raised my chin.
"Do you have any ideas to help those commoners, my lady?" Baldwin asked, as the entire court looked at me.
"Actually, I do," I asserted confidently.
"Listen, people's poor sanitation and a lack of clean water sources are the root causes of the plague; I personally saw a contaminated main water source," I explained.
"The only way to eradicate the plague is to construct a cesspit away from the main water source, filter and cure the water, and allow people to practise sanitary conditions."
"How will you be able to do all of this?" Duke Bernard inquires, and the court begins to murmur.
"I need a master mason for the cesspit, and I already have a water filter system that I can share with the town people so you don't have to worry about that, and I can also visit the town people and teach them proper sanitation."
Duke Bernard appears dissatisfied, but he is at a loss for words.
"I believe in you, my lady," declared King Baldwin. "Everyone, listen, I want to focus on this situation, and I need your complete participation," he demanded.
"My lady, my people's faith is in your hands; if you require anything, please let me know," he said.
"Yes...there is one thing I need to ask you."
I invited him to accompany me to the town centre to inspect the water source and to see his people on the outskirts of town. He was astounded by their living conditions. Their predicament had deteriorated.
Baldwin was saddened to witness their plight: "I never knew that my people lived like this."
"It's not your fault... you care about your people, and they knew..."
He sat silently with me in the carriage, and I could tell he was still bothered, so I touched his hands and reassured him, "Everything will be fine."
When we stepped out of the carriage, the people were surprised to see him and said, "It's the King," as they bowed to the ground.
"My good people! please stand up, we are here to help you as I have brought my people from the castle to help and support you, we humbly request your joint efforts," Baldwin said.
"We thought you had forgotten us, my King," an elderly man said.
" I am sorry... if you felt that way, my good sir... but I assure you that I will never abandon you... you people are my priority and the very reason why I still stand as your King... " Baldwin continued, adding, " and I am here to help each and every one of you."
The crowd slowly stands up and whispers. "What can we do for you, My King?" one of the townspeople inquired.
"We need strong men who can work hard to dig a new cesspit," I explained.
"I can do it!" exclaimed one volunteer, "and so can I!" exclaimed the other. More volunteers stepped forward.
We began the Cesspit operation immediately, and the King personally oversaw it. I assist in the examination of people who have become ill as a result of the plague. The majority of their symptoms include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and agitation. If I'm correct, these are symptoms of Cholera, which is contracted through contaminated water.
Many people have already died as a result of this disease, and I need to do something about it. Omar and I were in charge of providing initial care to the patients. while I directed Abu to assist with the installation of Water Filters in every household
We set up a small hut for all patients infected with the disease. It was a difficult two days, but we were able to get through it because we worked together.
"Merci, Milady," one of the patients said, smiling, "just take a rest..." I replied, smiling back.
A little girl approached me as she pulled my skirt "Milady?" I kneeled down to her height "yes... how can I help you?" I asked, smiling.
"milady... my sister... please help her," she began to cry. "It's okay.. tell me what happened?" I wiped her tears away.
"My sister is very ill.. she keeps throwing up... she can't even stand.. I tried dragging her but she is heavy.. she has also been defecating water like stool."
"What is your name?" I inquired.
"Bella," she replied.
"That's a lovely name... how old are you?"
"six... " she replied, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Tell me, how many days has your sister been sick?" I asked as I caressed her dirty yet red cheeks.
"It began yesterday morning," she explained.
"Dry your tears, I'll help your sister... can you show me where you live?" I inquired.