The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 441

Chapter 441

Athena hadn’t expected the King to be so easy to talk to. She had merely mentioned the matter, and he was already standing up for her.

What she didn’t know was that this was largely due to Xander’s influence.

While Athena was still confused, Arthur issued a decree. Nicolas would be stripped of his assistant minister rank, demoted to a minor official, and have his salary docked for a year.

Athena was shocked by this outcome. But she soon understood Arthur’s intentions.

Spring was approaching, and with it came a widespread outbreak of typhoid fever.

The disease spread rapidly, infected many, started suddenly, involved persistent high fevers, and had a high fatality rate.

Even the imperial physicians had gone out to help, but their medicines had little effect.

Athena, being a skilled healer, was particularly adept in this area.

Arthur punished Nicolas to uphold Xander’s dignity, to warn the Monson family, and to win over Athena.

“Recently, plague has been rampant in the capital. Athena, do you have a solution?” Arthur asked.

Athena immediately understood. This was why the King supported her. He wanted her remedy.

She nodded. “Your Majesty, there are many types of epidemics. What medicine to prescribe depends on the specific symptoms.”

This was exactly what Arthur wanted to hear. “Saint Jero Clinic is filled with plague patients. I permit you to enter under your title as the Viscountess. Identify the source quickly and prevent further spread. Do this well, and you will be’richly rewarded.”

Epidemics were especially troublesome. A single patient could take months to recover.

The worst part was contagion. It wasn’t a deadly curse, but it was incredibly infectious.

One person fell ill, and the whole household could be doomed.

Every spring, Arthur dreaded this. Not just civilians, even officials got sick.

At the worst times, fewer than one–fifth of court officials showed up for morning assembly. Those who came were often sick themselves.

Each government post was essential. If one person was out, there was no one to replace them.

This delayed government work for days until the sick recovered.

But state affairs waited for no one. Arthur couldn’t afford a day off.

Even when he was sick, he had to take medicine and attend court with a fever.

Athena respectfully said, “I accept the order.”

“Go on, then. Arthur waved them off Athena and Xander exited the palace.

1/2

Michael was still kneeling outside.

Just like when she arrived, Athena didn’t spare him a single glance as she left.

As the time passed, a young official stepped forward and said, “Sir, the time is up.”

Arthur had ordered Michael to kneel for two full hours.

He let out a long breath and tried to stand.

The official quickly stepped up to help him. Once standing, Michael asked, “Do you know why Viscountess Athena came to the palace?”

The official didn’t know the details, so he simply relayed what he did know. “I’m not sure, but His Majesty has been greatly troubled by the plague lately. I suppose it has something to do with that.”

Michael immediately understood. It was because of the epidemic.

Athena was a miracle healer. No wonder Arthur summoned her.

With that, he discreetly handed the official a silver coin. The official accepted it gratefully.

Michael gently pushed him aside and staggered into the hall.

He said, “Your Majesty, I know I’ve sinned deeply. I beg Your Majesty to grant me a chance to atone. I am willing to contribute to combating the epidemic.”

Tasks like managing plagues were exhausting and thankless. No one wanted them.

Arthur had been agonizing over this very issue, so Michael’s volunteering was a timely relief.

“Since you’re willing, I shall allow it,” Arthur said.

Michael was overjoyed. “Many thanks, Your Majesty!”

As long as he could be near Athena, even from a distance, he was content.