359 Saving Magnus Hilda 4 (1/2)
King Richard was a fair and gangly man in his middle age. Compared to the more robust looking queen, he gave off the vibes of a gentle person. While Queen Rosalind had fiery red hair and striking green eyes to match her strong personality, King Richard was the opposite. He had very light blond hair that almost looked white and blue eyes when Zero last checked. King Richard showed signs that he was conscious a few days before when Zero checked on him. The doctor then introduced himself and explained the procedure for the treatment just to reassure the king.
When the king heard that there was a cure, he shed tears for the first time and Zero felt bad for taking so long before he started the king's treatment. Still, he couldn't help but be nervous. According to the palace servants, King Richard was a kind person but he was also a very clever businessman. Zero didn't know what to expect once this brilliant ruler took back his rightful place to manage his kingdom.
The King was steeped in the ginger and cinnamon bath like how Zero had taught the maids. The doctor monitored every single action from changing the water to adjusting the temperature from a special table for him to stand and observe from. So far, so good. Everything was in place.
When the king started to sweat, Zero instructed for the maids to feed the king the cure potion. King Richard drank it without difficulty and now they waited for the long battle ahead.
The first twitches and spasms came ten minutes after the king drank the potion. Without needing to say anything, the maids prepared empty buckets and changed the water as it turned a muddy brown. Zero watched carefully and used appraisal on the king who started dry heaving and choked. Experienced enough, the maids adjusted the king's position and applied some soothing oils to help nausea pass. Zero watched out like a hawk for any signs of fever or unusual displays but nothing happened. Just like this, the first two hours passed.
The bath water colour gradually lightened up after the two-hour mark and Zero was waiting for the king to regain consciousness. The maids were tired but they persevered. Most of the toxins in the king's body had been purged so Zero was expecting the king to open his eyes and started talking very soon.
After six long hours of treatment, King Richard was finally drinking his first spoonful of soup in two years. Queen Rosalind couldn't be happier and Zero watched the couple talk as if they were the only two people left in the world. He witnessed their happiness and felt satisfied. All those long nights of work didn't go to waste if this loving power couple could be happy again.
The moment Zero reached the Turner's house, he climbed into the bed and instantly fell asleep with light snores. Truen wasn't back yet but Zero wasn't worried. After working so hard, all the doctor wanted was to sleep for a long time.
The next time Zero woke up, Truen informed him that two days had passed.
”What? I was asleep for two full days? Why didn't you wake me? We were supposed to pack and leave for Rocket Mountains and find a craftsman!”
Camie who heard the yelling came in and laughed. ”Calm down, Zero. Nobody woke you because you looked very tired and needed the rest. Also, you can't leave Magnus Hilda yet. Queen Rosalind gave an order and said that once you're feeling better you and Truen should head to the palace to receive your payment before you head to Rocket Mountains.”
Zero blinked. ”I get paid? It's finally over? Everybody is cured of the plague?”
Camie giggled. ”No, not everybody. However, there's no need for you to worry. The soldiers have the mushrooms extermination under control and the maids are helping out with the plague victims. We're currently only short of ginger and cinnamon so that might take a while. King Richard has regained consciousness but he isn't well enough to be working yet. Still, he wants to have an audience with you so you'll have to stay for a while.”
Zero made a face. He didn't want to be so familiar with royal members. As a humble doctor, he only wanted to do his job, get paid and get out of the way. Nevertheless, Zero was curious about the rewards that Queen Rosalind prepared. Before he treated King Richard, she did say that it was going to be a reward that Zero would be satisfied with. Could it be mountains and mountains of food and money?
Truen sensed Zero's thoughts and facepalmed hard. Sometimes he wondered how Zero actually viewed the world. At times, the doctor would severely underestimate things and at times, Zero would overestimate them. Right now, he was severely underestimating the rewards a royal family would give. Rewards by royalty involved items or titles with values that are one of a kind. Although Truen didn't know what to expect, he wouldn't be surprised if they rewarded Zero with parts of their land and a title of nobility. He didn't know if Zero would like such a reward but he would have to wait to find out.
They ate leisurely and took their time to have a good bath before changing into more formal outfits to see the Majesties. Zero chose to wear the same dress he fashioned out of stolen fabric and Truen didn't bother to wear anything too different although he did remove the cloak he normally wore. They arrived at the castle just in time for dinner with Joseph acting as their escort.
Queen Rosalind was seated beside her husband who looked slightly weak and only had soup in front of him despite the other delicious dishes across the table. He looked better now and Zero was finally able to know what kind of character the King was.
The dinner was in a formal setting but the location was informal. Because the dining hall was still the temporary shrine and offering room, they were having dinner in the courtyard. Queen Rosalind fed King Richard and tended to him instead of the maids. Truen and Zero who had their little table on the table were tended to by the maids instead. The maids were thoughtful enough to prepare human portions for them and refill Zero's plate until the healer could eat no more. Queen Rosalind was used to the sight of Zero eating a lot but for King Richard, it was his first time.
”Where does all the food go? I've never seen a small person or a lady eat as much,” he chuckled and Zero pouted.
”Healing people and talking to gods make me hungry. I can only replenish my energy with food, your majesty. I apologise if that was unsightly.”
King Richard laughed at the spiffy response and dropped all formalities.
”Please let us know if there is anything else you would like to eat. Unfortunately, the feast is a little humble on our part despite your numbers contributions to Magnus Hilda. On behalf of my people, I would like to thank you once more for saving us.”