His fingers fumbled for a moment before he grasped the hilt, the cool metal pressing against his palm. He pulled the knife free with a deliberate, slightly jerky motion, the small blade glinting in the golden light of the lantern. The room seemed to hold its breath as he turned the knife in his hand, its sharp edge catching the light with a menacing glimmer. Mav's movements were slow, almost hesitant, as if he were testing the limits of his own resolve. The air grew thick, each creak of the floorboards under his shifting weight amplifying the tension.
Suddenly, the rhythmic rumble of hooves on cobblestones intruded on the tense silence. Mav's gaze flicked toward the window, the approaching clamor breaking through his intense focus. The sound of the carriage wheels grew louder, drawing his attention away from the knife. The growing noise outside seemed to punctuate the gravity of his situation, and he briefly lost himself in the curiosity of the commotion.
Ana's voice broke through the suspense, her concern escalating as she misinterpreted his actions.
"Hey, hey, don't resort to violence just because you can't get what you want," Ana said, her eyes wide with alarm.
"You don't understand," Ana continued, stepping back.
"Harming a healer, especially one as respected as me, carries severe penalties, even if you're the son of a noble."
Mav adjusted the knife, its cold edge now poised near his wrist. He felt that showing his skill directly might be more convincing than mere words. Inside, his heart raced, and doubts gnawed at him. Is this really the only way? He thought. The knife felt heavy in his trembling hand, each shift of the blade a reminder of his desperation. He glanced at Ana, her face a mix of irritation and growing concern. Her shifting expression only fueled his determination. I have to make her understand. Mav's resolve hardened as he steeled himself for the consequences of his actions.
Ana's irritation shifted to concern as she met his unwavering gaze. Her professional facade wavered, her fingers gripping the counter as she processed the gravity of the situation. The tension in the room intensified, mingling with Ana's growing sympathy.
"Stop! Are you really going to hurt yourself over a mana potion? Are you out of your mind?" she shouted.
Before Mav could act further, the clamor outside grew louder. He turned to see a large, ornate carriage pull up outside the shop, its black lacquer gleaming under the sun. The horses, their flanks glistening with sweat, pawed restlessly. The grand vehicle drew immediate attention from the onlookers, their murmurs rising in curiosity. The presence of such a distinguished carriage signaled an urgent development, distracting him from his immediate crisis.
A knight clad in polished armor, bearing an insignia and a sword at his hip, stepped out of the ornate carriage. He entered the shop through the door, his authoritative presence cutting through the tension in the room. His sharp gaze scanned the scene before finally settling on Mav, who still held the knife at his wrist.
"What's going on here?" the knight demanded.
"Is this person giving you trouble?" he asked Ana.
"N-No, we were just testing a new health potion with his consent," Ana said quickly, trying to defuse the situation.
"Y-Yeah," Mav added nervously.
"I need to get away for now," he thought, looking at the armored man.
Before Mav could make a move, two more figures emerged from the carriage. The first was an older man with a white mustache, dressed in fine clothing. The second was even more striking—a tall man in a flowing red robe, adorned with a sparkling crown. Despite the regal attire, there was a visible burden on his shoulders as he carefully carried a small, unconscious girl.
Mav's eyes widened as he recognized the king. A mix of awe and fear paralyzed him for a moment. Ana immediately knelt, and he followed suit, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
"Voithos, close the door and block the windows. Flora, stand guard outside," the man with the crown commanded.
"Yes, your majesty," the aides responded in unison.
Flora went outside, while Voithos shut the door and blinds, darkening the room. The lantern's light was now the only source of illumination.
"Are you Ana Miktis?" the king asked, his voice firm.
"Yes, your majesty," she replied, still kneeling.
"And who is this?" the king inquired, nodding towards Mav, who had failed to escape.
"He's my assistant, your majesty," Ana said, lying.
"Both of you, stand up," the king ordered.
Mav and Ana exchanged a brief glance before rising to their feet. Mav's heart still raced, but he stood tall, trying to mask his nervousness. Ana, though composed, looked tense, her eyes flickering with apprehension as she met the king's gaze.
"What brings you to my shop, Your Majesty?" she asked, her tone respectful and curious.
The king sighed deeply, his face etched with worry. "My daughter, Adelfi, has been gravely ill. It began several months ago with a loss of appetite, and despite our efforts, her condition worsened. Two days ago, she fell into a deep sleep and hasn't awakened since," he explained, his voice thick with sorrow.
Mav gazed at the child, noting her pallor and the sunken appearance of her cheeks. Her limbs were unnaturally thin, almost skeletal. She wore a delicate blue dress and a small tiara that sparkled faintly, its size emphasizing her fragile state. Her shallow breaths were barely audible, and her frail form seemed almost too delicate for this world. Her closed eyes fluttered intermittently, as if caught between dreams and reality. The sight tugged at Mav's heart, painfully reminding him of his mother's worst state.
"Unfortunately, the Blue Flame Guild is based in another kingdom, and reaching them would take too long—time we simply don't have. I've heard you're the most skilled Blue Flame User in our kingdom, and the best healer after your guild leader. That's why I came to you for immediate assistance," the king explained, his voice tinged with urgency.
"Yes, your majesty, that's correct. I'll do my best to heal her. Since she's unconscious, a healing potion isn't an option, but I can use my Blue Heal skill. I can't promise it will be effective, but I'll try," Ana said.
"Please, do whatever you can to save her," the king implored, his voice laced with a glimmer of hope.
"Very well. Please, lay her gently on that table," Ana instructed. "And you, kid, fetch a pillow from the back."
Mav nodded and swiftly made his way to the back of the shop, where he spotted several beds with blankets. He quickly located a pillow among them and hurried back, driven by urgency. With steady hands, he placed the pillow carefully under the child's head. Meanwhile, the king gently laid Adelfi on the table, carefully positioning her head on the pillow.
"I'll begin now," Ana said, her voice steady as she held her hands above the sick child.
Her resolve firmed, and she stood a bit taller, her eyes narrowing with determination. The weight of the responsibility was heavy, but she knew she had to do everything she could to help.
With a focused breath, Ana invoked, "Blue Heal." A brilliant blue flame emanated from her hands and extended to envelop the child. The soft, soothing glow wrapped around her frail body, casting a gentle, calming light over her.