Volume 1 - Ch 11
The careful treatment of Empress Elizabeth was moving favorably.
While showing up in the Royal Court with his father everyday, Falma was entertained by Louis (6 years old), the Imperial Prince. Everyday, the prince would be following Falma around and admiring the person who became the savior of his mothers life. Moreover, Falma was made to play billiards with the prince. It was only appropriate for Falma to let Louis win and be delighted about it.
Its your win, your Highness. Youre really skillful, your Highness.
Louis was put in a good mood with the praise.
Yes, well have another game again tomorrow, Falma. So, I will take my leave for today.
Falma sent off the prince to his equestrian practice. Falma was waving his hands happily.
Thats not good Falma, why dont you ask them to take my job instead?
In the same way with Louis, Falma became friends with the 14 year old Noah who was the empress page. His work included guiding and transporting the prince, he was also the princes playmate. Since the prince was always following Falma after his work as an apothecary, there was an increased opportunity for Noah to talk to him.
Your job, huh.
His Highness had been saying that he was tired of me being his playmate, and you would enjoy a nice break too.
Noah said so shamelessly.
I guess so, playing billiards was fun too!
When Falma went out to the playground,
Oh! Oh! I have good news. This is just between you and me, her Majesty is considering giving you a reward even though its too good, even for you. She promised some kind of a position as her Majestys personal Royal Court Apothecary. Damn, Im jealous. I also want to succeed in life like you do.
Noah was a young noble from a famous marquis, serving the Empress since his childhood by the order of his father. He told me he was personally taking care the Empress and the prince. This boy maintained a behavior of full loyalty in the front of the Empress and although he was doing a very nice job at it, he was a potty mouth and stubborn when the Empress was not around.
It comes with some territory, huh? I-Im just the second son, its fine as long it has something to do with pharmacology.
Even though it was called a territory, Falma didnt really get excited about it. His face was so stupidly blank that it made his sharp expression during the time he was working as an apothecary seem like a lie.
Idiot! Is there a noble that isnt interested in getting a territory!? Its usually the second son who is more greedy than anybody else. I wonder why you arent interested at all?
Noah was a noble, all he ever thought about was getting a territory of his own. Falma on the other hand, was straightforwardly thinking about pharmacology. He however would be very interested if it was about researching new medicines.
There was nothing really particular to pay him back.
This idiot, giving up on something he was receiving.
Still Noah was insistently asking if Falma had anything he desired or if he had any goals in the future.
Dont you ever tell anyone what I am about to tell you. This is just between you and me.
Noah stepped in closer to Falma as he was gesturing to keep quiet. Noah was behaving like a good boy.
I want to open a pharmacy. For the commoners.
For the commoners? In spite you being a Royal Court Apothecary, youre a crazy idiotic person. A noble doesnt deal with that kind of despicable business. Thats a job for the commoners.
After continuing the treatment for six months, the Empress had almost completely recoverd. Falma and his father were officially invited to the palace as honored guests rather than apothecaries.
There was a notice beforehand that stated for them to be fully dressed. Falma, along with his father, went towards the palace using a splendid carriage that the Empress had sent. This time Falma didnt forget and brought his wand. It was something like a get well party, at least that was what Falmas father told him.
When they arrived at the palace, the aura of the palace seemed to be different from usual. The palace was decorated with colorful rare flowers, and they were welcomed by the chamberlains in full force in the hallway. Passing through the throne hall, on the 4th floor of the widely spaced domed atrium, a golden throne was placed on the marble staircase.
Numerous nobles of the empire and courtiers sat around the hall.
Falma sat down beside his father and straightened himself up as they waited for an audience with the Empress.
Her Majesty, the Empress, has entered the hall.
The courtiers and the lords stood up while a solemn anthem played. The Empress, who was wearing a long crimson robe, entered the hall followed by her entourage.
The Empress of San Fleuve Empire, Elizabeth II.
Wow. . . so beautiful. . .!
Falma was amazed. He almost didnt recognized her.
Receiving the imperial crown, she sat on the throne with the Emperors Wand and glanced over the courtiers. She wasnt the patient obediently followed Falmas words, but regained the presence of a sovereign ruler. She was overflowing with dignity as the Empress. Rosy cheeks and eyes with lustrous silver hair. She was showing off a radiant beauty.
She greeted all her vassals informing them that she had recovered, and the nobles stated their congratulations.
Finally, the Empress received an imperial script from the head chamberlain and read it out loud.
Archduke and Chief Royal Court Apothecary, Bruno de Mdicis.
Yes, Your Majesty.
It was maybe because her health had completely recovered, the muscle-brained Empress felt motivated.
I give up
The throne is safe.
This is true, but I have to apologize.
I am only interested in pharmacology, and youve also given me a permit to open a pharmacy, so please continue being the Empress.
That was the gist of his reply, Falma indirectly responded to her by writing a letter with the highest degree of honorific language.