ㅤChapter 46 (Part 1)
ㅤA crowd had gathered in the courtyard of the South Harbor Municipal Hospital.
ㅤThree days after the stormy seas, which had continued for several months, had subsided. The residents had seen a 『rare notice』 posted with the joint names of the Emperor and Empress, inviting them to come and enjoy a special meal.
ㅤAn enticing, rich aroma was already wafting from the cooking area set up at the edge of the courtyard. Knights and city officials bustling about in preparation added to the lively atmosphere.
ㅤHowever, some were frowning.
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ㅤ”The Empress is a Poison User, isn’t she? Is it alright to eat the food?” “A patient who received treatment just collapsed. I can’t trust her.” “I came because I heard there was free food…… What kind of dish is it anyway?”
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ㅤRuby and Theodore appeared before the murmuring residents.
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ㅤ”Everyone. Thank you for gathering here today.”
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ㅤAs Ruby bowed deeply, a hush fell over the crowd like an ebbing tide.
ㅤIt was unheard of for an Empress to bow to commoners. A sense of tension filled the air, suggesting this was no mere food distribution.
ㅤShe slowly raised her head and looked over the assembled residents.
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ㅤ”I sincerely apologize for the worry and inconvenience my powers have caused. I would like to take this opportunity to explain and apologize.”
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ㅤRuby paused, taking a deep breath. Theodore placed a reassuring hand on her back, and she smiled faintly, nodding in acknowledgment. Turning back to the crowd, she spoke in a resolute voice.
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ㅤ”I am a 『Poison User』. However, I had never used this power before I came to the Langley Empire as a bride. But after meeting His Majesty and experiencing many new things, I began to think that even I, who was once called a monster, could be of use. This journey is not only about getting to know the Langley Empire, but also about finding myself.”
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ㅤA silence so profound it was as if water had been poured over the crowd. Everyone waited for Ruby’s next words.
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ㅤ”To put it simply, the ability of a 『Poison User』 is to fight poison with poison. My inherent deadly poison can neutralize weaker poisons. That’s why I was able to dispel the miasma in various places, and it’s the same reason I was able to detoxify the patients who were poisoned.”
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ㅤHaving said that, Ruby lowered her eyes slightly.
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ㅤ”It’s not like the Saintess-sama who purifies the world and heals people with light. Therefore, if it’s used on people or things that are not poisoned, it will cause harm. — I learned the truth of my power for the first time the other day when I hurt a patient. I apologize again.”
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ㅤThe female patient who had coughed up blood and collapsed that day was standing where Ruby bowed her head. The patient interjected, “It’s alright! Empress-denka has already apologized and compensated me sufficiently.”
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ㅤ”Listen everyone. Empress-denka came all the way to my hospital room to apologize and bowed her head just like she did now. I told her that I was alright, but I was worried about my son who was alone during my hospitalization. She then arranged for him to attend a boarding school. Even though I said it was enough, I’m also going to be transferred to the Imperial Capital’s hospital next week…… She really responded with sincerity! If anyone dares to speak ill of Empress-denka because of my case, I won’t let it go!”
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ㅤA small murmur rose from the crowd in response to the patient’s words.
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ㅤ”Anyone who cannot receive adequate treatment at their local hospital can be transferred to the Imperial Capital’s hospital. Those who wish to do so should obtain a referral letter from their attending physician and apply through the Mayor.”
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ㅤTheodore solemnly added, silencing the residents once more.
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ㅤ”–I thought about stopping using the power of the Poison User.”
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ㅤRuby’s voice echoed through the hushed courtyard.
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ㅤ”However, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to protect this country as Empress if I did that. As long as His Majesty keeps me by his side, I have a duty to live and die for all of you. And that is the greatest happiness for me now. So I decided to keep moving forward. I want to earn your trust not just with words but with actions. — I hope for your continued support.”
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ㅤHesitant, small applause arose from a section of the crowd. Ruby bowed once more and stepped back behind Theodore with a relieved expression.
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ㅤ”To regain the trust of the people of South Harbor, the Empress defeated the monster that caused the heavy storms of the past few months. Take a look at this.”
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ㅤTheodore looked to his left, and the residents’ gazes followed in unison. Something was covered with a cloth on a large cart.
ㅤAt his signal, the knights pulled back the cloth. The head of a large fish with horns appeared, and gasps and cries of “It’s a Bighorn Fish! It’s huge!” arose from the crowd.