Page 140 of The White King's Favorite

Chapter 17

Forgetting about her hand, Cessilia went to help again. With so many volunteers to help erect the new tents, it only took a matter of minutes before a good fifth of the queue was now shielded from the rain. Moreover, the large tent made to treat medical emergencies was ready too, and they had brought out tables and chairs. The ground wasn’t dry yet, but the water was now down to ground level or almost, and they could walk around normally again without water to their ankles. Cessilia’s and Tessandra’s shoes had even been given to some people who didn’t have any, since their scales covered their soles at the smallest scratch. They had grown up pretty much barefoot, anyway; this was nothing. Plus, they were both too busy to bother. Soon enough, the first patients arrived under the medical tent, and Cessilia, along with some of the Hashat Family doctors that had arrived, began tending to the worst cases, while Tessa went back outside to help organize everything and keep order.

Cessilia was a bit glad to be helpful with something she was extremely knowledgeable about; having been one of her mother’s best students, she was fully confident in her medical skills. Not only that, but she soon realized the other doctors present were regularly seeking her advice as well, and even taking notes on some of the medicines she explained, or how she manipulated the patients with twisted muscles. It wasn’t until Tessandra came back to update her on the situation outside and Nana insisted they both eat something that she and Ishira agreed to take a short break.

“We still need more medicine,” said Ishira, who had come by and grabbed a beignet while they were under the tent, “but I think we will be fine.”

“D-do you have news from your c-cousin?”

“They should arrive any minute now with more supplies, and perhaps take the more urgent patients we can’t handle here away.”

“And give you a break! The rain is calming down a bit,” noted Tessandra, her mouth full. “At this rate, it won’t stop until later tomorrow morning. ...I don’t want to be pessimistic, but the wind has changed.”

“It will be fine,” said Sabael, gently wiping a piece of food from her cheek.

A little silence followed his cute gesture, Cessilia, Nana, and Ishira were all stunned and embarrassed by the couple. Sabael’s boldness was so unexpected. As she noticed this, Tessandra glanced at them and suddenly turned red, hurriedly pushing his hand away.

“D-d-d-don’t do that!”

She stepped away from him, as if he was some dangerous, unpredictable beast, almost hiding behind Cessilia, who exchanged an amused glance with Sabael. She wasn’t sure what had happened between them, but it seemed like the young soldier was getting closer to taming the beast...

“Sabael, c-could you ask more Royal Soldiers t-to help us d-deal with the crowd, and request more b-buildings to host those who need p-places to sleep? It might just be t-temporary, but...”

“We’re already on it, my lady,” said Sabael, his eyes still going to Tessa. “The soldiers have volunteered their barracks here to offer beds and temporary housing for the families who haven’t found one. We also have more shop owners who donated, and even some of the restaurants. If the rain doesn’t get worse, I think everyone will be fine until tomorrow morning.”

“G-good, then. T-Tessa?”

Her cousin sent her a warning glare, clearly knowing what Cessilia was about to do. The Princess ignored her, a smile on her lips.

“C-can you g-go with Sabael and make sure the families g-get priority?”

“Cessi...” she growled.

“Come on.”

Without warning, Sabael took her hand, and pulled her out of the tent. As soon as they were gone, Cessilia chuckled and Ishira sighed.

“Can those two be any more obvious? It’s almost painful to watch!”

“...I don’t get it,” muttered Nana. “Is my brother chasing Tessandra now, or...?”

“It’s what you c-call push and p-pull,” chuckled Cessilia.

“Ah... Oh, well. I’m glad they don’t seem to be fighting anymore! I will get back now! Let me know if you need more beignets, we are preparing a new batch. I think the Yonchaa Tribe is bringing us more ingredients too!”

Naptunie left. She looked as tired as them, but rather happy to be helpful in organizing the distribution around. She had put up an efficient system to have the recipes and dosages all ready to be measured up, so more people could help both in the temporary kitchen and for the ingredients preparation. Plus, she had an incredible memory, being able to tell who had how many buns and cups of tea since they had begun distributing.

“...I never thought I’d say this one day,” muttered Ishira, “but that Dorosef girl is more capable than I thought. I thought she was just always busy studying, but to think she can use all she learned on the field...”

“N-Nana is much m-more than she seems,” said Cessilia proudly. “She’s very b-brave too.”

“Indeed... Our Kingdom has some really capable young women around. You’re even more impressive, Lady Cessilia. You know, I’m thinking of expanding that system you created.”

“The system I c-created?” she repeated, surprised.

“The visiting doctors! I never thought about the doctors visiting the patients rather than the other way around! We have so many patients visiting our doctors offices and hospitals every day, I never realized there might be so many people in need of a doctor who wouldn’t go to see one themselves. I’ve been talking with some of those people we saw, and I was a bit surprised. Some people don’t dare come into a doctor’s office, or can’t, for some reason. Many overestimate the cost of medicine, or don’t even know my family offers free consultations for the poor twice a month...”

Ishira smiled, putting one of her braids behind her ear.

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