Kalix Noah's POV
I never expected that my wife would realize what kind of problem this village had. We knocked on every house because most of them were already too weak to come out and went to the plaza just to listen to our announcement.
"Is there oil in our water? The one that can produce fire? Is that the reason why all of us are sick?" the village mayor asks. My wife nodded and sighed.
"Yes. All the food and water that you are using for cooking and drinking should be thrown away. Don't worry. Milord's aid will come again, and this time it will result in a good one. Just wait and see."
They all agreed to stop eating and drinking their contaminated water and food. My wife and I get inside the carriage.
There are still two Navy officers guarding this one. We will be fine. I turned around and was stunned by how my wife sleeps while sitting and hugging her sword.
I got up and looked at her. "What kind of trick are you using, hmm?" I whispered.
I raise my hand, and my fingers grab some strands of her hair. I smell them, and it is fragrant.
'What am I even doing? Why do I have this heaviness in my chest, as if I feel guilty, yet not? Kassandra Escalante… what are your reasons for choosing someone like me?'
She suddenly falls on her left side, but I catch her on time. I was already sitting next to her. Her head is now on my shoulder. I turn around and look at her sleeping face.
I use my finger to trace her brow and nose bridge. "You look even prettier when you're sleeping, my grand duchess."
I moved my face and claimed her lips. I know it will bring her bad luck, but I can't help myself. I felt like her cherry lips were inviting me to kiss them, and so I did.
"Damn! Something is wrong with me," I whispered. I placed my palm on my left eye, and I pity myself. I feel so stupid and...
I was stunned when she held my arms and let go of her sword. "Hey, what are you doing?" I ask.
She didn't answer and continued taking a nap. The way she holds me makes me think that she doesn't want to let me go. I sighed and didn't shake her off.
I wonder if everyone will arrive before dawn. I yawned and relaxed my back. I guess I need to take a nap as well. It will be a long day tomorrow.
When I opened my eyes, I saw the sunrise from the window. I turn around and realize that my wife isn't with me anymore. Her sword isn't here either.
I opened the door and came out. My eyes dilated when I saw the carriage at the entrance. There are barrels of water on them. I also saw smoke from a distance.
"You're awake, your majesty. Let's go to their plaza. Her majesty had cooked something for everyone," Enrique says. Her majesty?
"I mean our grand duchess Kassandra. She's been the busiest person. The doctors, along with Axel, are treating everyone based on Milady's diagnosis. His army doctor seems to agree after he checks the patients himself," he added as we headed to the plaza of this village. I saw my wife as she stirred the huge cauldron. She notices me.
"Good morning, your majesty! Arida, take care of this soup for a moment, please. I'll prepare my husband's meal for a moment," she says.
Her vice general aids her. She grabs a dipper and washes her hands. She grabs a tray and starts filling the bowls and plates with food.
Enrique guided me to a chair. "When did she start helping?" I ask.
He is standing behind me. "She's been awake since she heard our arrival. She helps us clean the food and start cooking for breakfast. Her soldiers set up the tent where the villagers would be treated. Our men and some of hers will start cleaning the resident's houses and make sure to throw away their water and contaminated food," he explains.
I didn't expect her to make an effort like this. She came over and placed the tray on the table. "Your Majesty, you have to eat. We still have things to do. By the way, I sent my men to dig a new well for this village. There are people who are testing their water," she paused, putting the food on the table and looking at me.
I grab the plate and check the food. There's rice and curry. It smells delicious. "There's a chance that the villagers can use their own oil resource for heaT, especially since I notice that most of them were glass makers," she added. I grab the utensils and take a bite.
This is the first time that I have tasted her cooking. "Does it taste weird, your majesty?" she asks. I shook my head and continued eating my meal.
"If that's your plan, then let's do it. I am thinking the same way," I replied. She smiled brightly. "General, can we have you here, please?"
Axel was calling her. She looks at me and says, "Enrique, take care of his majesty. I'll help the others in the meantime. Your Majesty, I have checked that one. Just ask Enrique if you want to have another plate," Kassandra says. I simply nod.
She left and went to the tent, where the doctors and nurses were checking on the patients. I ate as fast as I could. I want to help and put in the same effort as my wife was doing.
As soon as I finished my phone, I rolled my sleeve up to my elbow. I put on my cap and mask at the same time.
"Enrique, I want you to help in distributing their breakfast as well as the decoction of medicines. I'll help the doctors and nurses in attending to the patients," I remarked.
He bowed his head and walked away. I went to the tent next to where my wife was. There are five nurses and two doctors who are checking on the elderly.
"Your majesty," they all said, bowing their heads. I raise my hand. "No need. How's their situation?"
"They've been experiencing pain in the abdomen due to intestine inflammation, Your Majesty. The duchess was right. Their condition had worsened because we still used the water from their well. That's why we will do our best this time," the doctor replied. I notice an old man who is trembling when he grabs the glass of water next to him.
I went to him and took the glass in his hand. I sit next to him and support his back. "Drink it slowly and not too much. Your body was still weak," I remarked.
He seems to be agitated, but I smile. "Here, take a sip slowly," I remarked. He cried and did as I said. He's really weak.