"To evade insanity and depression, we unconsciously limit the number of people toward whom we are sincerely sympathetic."
-Mokokoma Mokhonoana
Xiaomao and Ren went inside the quiet dim lit office of Naveen. The man was inside brewing some herbal tea, one of his favorites. Rosemary tea. Hearing the shuffles of the two kids, Naveen perked out the kitchen.
"Why hello my dear savior girl whom I still do not know the name of and Ren!" He took the kettle out of the kitchen and presented it infront of them. He placed the kettle on this old fashionable white table.
The two served themselves and took a few sips. Ren had no special reaction, since he came to see Naveen multiple times in the past, due to his father's inconsistent requests. But Xiaomao perked up like a cat with her favorite toy.
The rosemary tea Naveen had made was the same kind Nazeeh used to make for Xiaoamao.
How ironic.
As a little compliment, in which if you didn't know, Xiaomao had great urges on complimenting whichever she felt was of great quality or to her liking. So it was only fair that Naveen's tea needed a compliment.
With great fluster, she managed a small compliment. "...You indeed have exquisite taste for tea. I can mind your lack of knowledge of medicine." Hearing that Naveen began to say a word of thanks, but before he could even start Ren began to chuckle mischievously.
"Oh? Rosemary tea is a liking to the mysterious and most coldest Xiaomao? Shows that we can learn something everyday?" He said in a sly tone.
Xiaomao glared at the boy, giving a small cough, "Nevermind that. We didn't come here to discuss tea. We are here for more significant business, weren't we Ren?"
Ren kept the smirk on his face but now let off a serious and well mannered demeanor. "Ah yes, I nearly forgot. Naveen, this is the girl that gave you the recipe for the medicine right?"
Naveen shook, "Well you see, uh Xiaomao was it," he asked and continued when he saw her little nod, "I understand Jiaguwen quite well, the problem here is that I got no clue what these ingredients are. "
Naveen took the paper out again, reading some of its contents, "...ephedra? ...gypsum? What the actual Flora is this."
Xiaomao shook her head in disapproval, with great hints of disappointment she spoke, "Alright, alright I get it. First off, ephedra is a plant. Very simple as that."
She took a breath and leaned on the wall and continued, "Gypsum, however is a mineral that we use in our everyday farming. Do you require more explanation for your brain? I have no desire to explain more either way. My voice is tired." Her head rested on the wall, as she used her pointer finger to relax her head.
With no idea on what Xiaomao had just said right at the moment, Ren stayed silent. Naveen, still unsure of literally everything, decided he had to go to his last resort.
"Miss Xiaomao!" He said with great emotion, "Please! Please help me oh great magic worker Xiaomao!" He was on his knees now, his head on the ground. He was really begging now. Quite pathetic, but reasonable.
Xiaomao opened her eyes, her shock shown greatly, "No need to beg Naveen sir. I understand."
Oh my Lordy lord he is begging me to do his work.
Still he continued to add on his vulnerable begging,"My magic worker Xiaomao, please help me! My life and death is now in the hands of the emperor and you."
"Mister Naveen." She spoke, her voice stern now, "Get up."
Within a second Naveen sat up, wiping his tears away, a broken smile appeared on his face. "Thank you, so very much."
"Besides, I have no other choice. I can't leave with this burnt sun dude..." Xiaomao said eyeing Ren.
Ren pouted, "Aw come on if I'm the sun you're the dim moon."
"You're the dead artist."
"Then you're an insane writer."
"What do you know about me writing???"
"Oh trust me I know."
"What are these low life insults bro???"
"Wasn't my life and death in your hands now? Why are we caring who's an insane writer or a burnt sun." Naveen said bitterly, clicking his tongue from disappointment.
Both Ren and Xiaomao fell silent, both with unexplainable emotions arising from them. They awkwardly looked away at each other, fiddling with their hands.
"Talk people come on, you were all serious and high and mighty a minute ago, what's wrong now." Naveen said his annoyance was quite visible. He sipped his tea with delicacy.
His short bangs that reached up to his chin nearly fell in his cup. He lowered his cup to the table. His hair, contained of different shades of black shined from the light of the lamps near by.
"...I'll go make the medicine." Xiaomao said standing up abruptly and walking towards the herbal ward.
Ren and Naveen sit there dumbfounded, Ren chuckled after a bit and stared at Naveen.
---------------5 Minutes Later ----------------
"I'm bored."
"What do you want me to about it." Naveen said pinching the bridge of his nose.
Ren eyed the ward where Xiaomao was, he grinned at Naveen and motions him to follow. They both walk toward the herbal ward.
After a few moments of watching Xiaomao fawn over the different types of medicinal herbs, Ren coughed slightly to grab her attention.
HOLY MOLY THIS PALACE HAS THE MONEY
Xiaomao froze and built her demeanor cold and serious now. She gave a small cough a well and began to work.
Within a few moments and thanks to the equipment and ingredients of the empire, Xiaomao was able to finish the making of the medicine.
"Quick question how do you know how to do this?" Naveen asked surprised she was able to make it.
"I helped my dad out when I was little. He was a medic." Xiaomao responded, dazed from her focused state.
As heard from before, medics and practioners were very rare. Reason being? The people of the Shengyu Kingdom were very reliant on their powers.
The protection of the Flowers, that the Shengyu Kingdom received were given by these celestial bodies known as the Constellations.
Constellations, not truly known from their form they were represented on which Asterism they followed. They were unknown and respected celestial bodies, many whom try to keep on their personal side.
By receiving this protection, the ancestors of the Shengyu Kingdom were able to defeat the Titans that were destroying the homeland.
But now since the Titans have no threat to the Shengyu kingdom, the people have been using their powers for their everyday needs.
From the concern of people abusing their powers, the emperor had multiple agents with high status, such as the Spider Lily, Black Dahlia, and Juliette and Romeo Rose.
They usually specialized in telepathy, strength, and stealth. They were as well in a different ward, the Dreamless Azure.
It is quite easy to spot a Dreamless, for they all had a dark coat and a bright blue badge. This was for the predecessors that abused their power as a Dreamless, now people could receive their consequences from their punishable actions.
After the medicine was ready, the three of them set off to the East court of the palace, where the consorts stayed.
On the way Naveen explained to Ren and Xiaomao on how he was to care for Consort Nari who had fell quite ill due to this unusual illness.
So far everything was all good, the guards had let all three of them within the premise, and they reached Consort Nari's ward.
Multiple women all dressed in lilac robes stood infront the door as if they were guarding a mafia secret.
Naveen stood infront of them, bowing he said with a nervous smile, "Good day, young ladies I have been sent by the emperor to heal Consort Nari. Will you let me through?"
The women glanced at each other, perhaps he might actually be able to heal Consort Nari.
They all eyed Naveen and nodded and glanced at the two that wee behind him. As soon as they soon Ren they screeched.
"Rennnnnnnnn!!! You're here?? Must be hard work doing so much!! Oh my god!!!" The ladies spoke interrupting each other without respect.
"Fine work we do up here don't we ladies," he said flashing them his signature smile.
One of the ladies grabbed the sleeve of Rens robe, creating unease all around.
"How've you been!!! Oh my god!!! I can't believe this is happening!!" The women continued saying.
"Ma'am we have to do official business may you let us through?" Ren spoke politely, reminding the women of the urgent business behind the door.
"Very well. However, one moment," one of the women said speaking up, she must be their elder. "Who is that lowly peasant, and why is she following along." The elder said pointing directly at Xiaomao.
The quiet girl stood still as the elder pointed sharply at her.
"Good day ma'am." Xiaomao said bowing politely, waiting for their responses.
"Who is this girl Ren??? Don't tell me this pathetic girl is your friend!" Another one of the women spoke, she had a sharp appearance. Bun slicked back, and no loose hairs wandering around. She was the image of stone. Cold, round, smooth stone.
"She's helping us, she's a student in the same class as me so-"
The girl interrupted, "then she's not important. Only the doctor and you are permissible to go to Consort Nari."
Ren tried to argue but Xiaomao broke it off, "It doesn't matter. Just hurry it up, if you have any questions just ask me."
Ren continued to hesitate but after some more prodding from Naveen and Xiaomao he opened the door to Consort Nari's room.
Xiaomao took a slight glance of Consort Nari through the crack of the door. The women went inside as well and shut the door on Xiaomao, but before so they pushed her against the wall and gave a her a final warning.
"Listen here little Missy. You may take classes with the High Magesty Ren, but there is no way in hell that you think he would want to be friends with you. You got it ugly Missy?" The elder spoke, her words echoing throughout the ward.
People near by didn't take too long to stare as they didn't want a problem with the Nari soldiers.
That's what those women are called by the other folk, for the Nari solders Consort Nari is their life, and their death. Their beauty and their ugliness. Their wealth and their poverty.
As for Xiaomao's response to the elders threat was, "Hmm? Ok." The women's dumbfounded expression and their anger couldn't be suppressed that long, ran into Consort Nari's room closing the door with a slam.
Xiaomao sighed, remembering why she didn't want to come to Consort Nari's ward, it was because of the Nari soliders.
She sat down on the cold floor, crossing her legs and leaning on the wall. She went back through her memories and stared directly at you.
"I'm not going to mess up alright? Don't give me that look." Xiaomao spoke in a low voice.
You stare directly at her, even in your spiritual form you can still glare just like the old days.
"Just know, if you mess up. It will be your fault and your fault only. " You respond, your white hair let down loose as your sharp eyes pierce the quiet Xiaomao.
"Shut up I get it, don't think I didn't plan my next year's for nothing. " Xiaomao scowled at you.
Sparks flew around your spirit, making odd buzzing and frizzing noises, "Well I gotta go back I guess. Don't worry I'll keep talking!"
Xiaomao rolled her eyes, "Do me a favor and just not talk at all." She stared at the empty space where you were before, thinking to her self.
Everything is correctly placed, right?
Expecting an answer she waited, until she heard, "Yes. Don't worry."
The voice you heard, the name truly doesn't matter. But to reduce confusion for your monologuing mind we can call it The Second Reality.
What the Second Reality is truly a mystery, even to Xiaomao. So she wouldn't able to give a meaning to what it was.
A great set of coughs broke her out of focus, she looked to see where the sound was coming from.
The noise was coming from Consort Nari's room, a great of fit coughs and the sound of people panicking inside.
Xiaomao stood up, and opened the door. The ladies saw she was trying to come in and stood infront of her to block her path. Xiaomao pushed them aside, with a bit more force than expected they fell to the ground.
From the scene of the ladies being pushed to the ground, Ren and Naveen stared but immediately told Xiaomao what was going on.
"She's choking, I don't know what to do water isn't doing anything." Naveen said with great amounts of panic.
Xiaomao walked next to the bed, and immediately brushed Naveen glass of water away.
She brought the Consort to a sitting position, and wrapped her hands around the Consort's waist and struck her fist against them.
She did this repeatedly until the Consort's coughing ended and she spit the thing that was choking her.
It was a piece of chicken. After seeing that Xiaomao glanced at the plate next to the nightstand. She was being fed chicken curry with rice. Unbelievable.
The weak and sick Consort took the hands of the girl and clasped them against her. "Thank you child, you saved my life."
Xiaomao bowed gently and turned to Naveen, "Did you give her the medicine."
As response he nodded, showing the empty bowl.
"Peasant! Who let you come in here!" The elder screamed at Xiaomao. Hearing this Consort Nari held her hand up, making the girl quiet.
"It's fine Airen. She saved my life," she said then turning to Xiaomao, "how will you like me to repay you dear?"
Xiaomao nodded to dismiss her want, "No need ma'am, just doing what's best."
"Forgive me if I am wrong, are you a new medic the emperor has appointed?"
Xiaomao gave a soft smile nodding her head, "No ma'am I am but a student."
"A Rose member talented in healing? Wow that's amazing." The Consort said giving Xiaomao a proud smile.
The Consort tried to stand up, but before she reached the ground Xiaomao stopped her, "Ma'am you are still in a critical position, it'd be best that you rest in bed for a few days."
The consort nodded and layed back in bed, slowly closing her eyes and falling into slumber.
Xiaomao placed the blanket on Consort Nari and eyed the ladies in waiting. "Which one of you are in charge of her food. "
One of the women raised her hand, a nervous and hesitant look on her face.
"This food is not for the sick." Xiaomao said handing plate of chicken curry to her, "One who is sick should have lukewarm soup. Make sure she gets good amounts of water as well."
The lady in waiting scowled, "Are you saying that the foods I choose for Consort Nari are not good enough?? Peasants like you shouldn't get to choose. Besides probably all you ate in your lifetime is just weeds. I know what is best for our Consort." She folded her arms to her chest, walking Xiaomao to make her back face the wall.
"You may know what is best for Consort Nari however this case is different. She is sick. And this doesn't matter whether or not I eat exotic foods. A person who is sick should not eat greasy or fatty foods. Sugar is also a good thing to avoid." Xiaomao said unbothered from Airen towering over her.
Airen placed her hand next to the space Xiaomao was, blocking her path, "Awww is little miss mad that she wasn't born into a rich family? Don't worry I'm sure you can find some chicken curry in the trash just for you." She said with a laugh, pushing Xiaomao to hit the wall.
After watching, Ren decided to act, "Miss, I am sure you can both resolve this in a different way. Harming people shouldn't " He said reassuring her with his soft smile.
Airen paid no heed to Ren's words, Ren and Naveen stared in a panicked and fearful manner.
Xiaomao however had no fear shown in her face which agitated Airen. She pulled Xiaomao's white long hair, seeing no reaction she let it go.
Airen gritted her teeth, "You poor people are so weird. No wonder your parents sold you to the empire."
"Are you done? You sure sound rich by seeing how much time you waste." Xiaomao said walking away.
Ren and Naveen followed behind her, bowing as they left.
"You ok?" Ren asked concerned about how Xiaomao felt.
"Yeah, why." Xiaomao said shrugging, like she wasn't just threatened a fee minutes ago.
"You are scary..." Ren said shivering and inching away.
Naveen stayed silent throughout the full walk until he spoke, "Where are we going anyway?"
"The cafeteria, we are going to talk to the Consort Nari's chefs. They need to change her meal. "
"I see."
"Ren you're going to tell them." Xiaomao said looking at Ren's direction.
"Ehhh??? Why me??" Ren said sly grin and inched closer, "Have you realized how amazing I am?"
"That's not what I meant." She said with a annoyed grin.
"So your saying I'm not just amazing but perfect?" He said giving her innocent angel eyes, with his sly grin he looked like a demon mistaken for a angel.
"Want me to smack you..? Where did you come up with that?" Xiaomao said raising her hand to gesture a slap.
"NO. alright, alright. What did I say Naveen? Women are scary." Ren said inching next to Naveen. After a few minutes of silence Ren decided to ask again, "You still didn't answer why I have talk to them." He said in a much more quieter tone.
Xiaomao stayed silent for a moment hesitating but then spoke, "The people will listen to you more."
"...listen to me more?" Ren said moving next to Xiaoamao now walking at her pace.
"This is a empire Ren. No normal person let alone a Rose member who's a student maid will be taken seriously," she said looking at Ren, "Besides, you have a higher status than me. My father is a village medic. Yours is the captains personal guard. In the land of kingdoms, politics are everything."
Ren paused for a moment, then understanding he spoke, "I see, your quite knowledgeable for a little Missy, you know that.
Xiaomao said nothing to that walking in silence, then speaking quietly,"Politics are above all. Power comes along politics. You have no power you aren't worth within the role of politics. Life and Death are in politics as well."
Ren hummed in response, "Life and Death?"
"A simple commoner, if committed a mistake, would be executed within a second. A nobleman however might get a second chance."
"Are you saying you are at higher risk of dying. That's absurd, you know? Everyone is at risk of death. Whether it be from politics or disease.
"Everyone is at risk." Ren said huffing, eyeing Xiaomao's expression. It was filled with melancholy and nostalgia.
You speak to Xiaomao, "After we put the final puzzle piece, politics will truly never matter. It will all be a better place. The perfect world."
Xiaomao listens to Second Reality from her mind responding, "Is it the perfect world really?"
But to that question, not even Second Reality answered.
They all walk in silence now contemplating these words that Ren and Xiaomao had spoken of their thoughts of politics. It truly was unnerving.