The Black Swan

Epilogue

"That's insane, High Lady - we can't just use animals to rebuild our Kingdom!"

"I'm not saying that we use them. Of course we should ask them in a diplomatic and dignified manner just as we would with any other human-"

"What about the enchanted trinkets? We need an insane amount of finances to pay my suppliers - and I doubt much of them are even alive after the war on our lands." Yena interjected, as she was partnered with Yujin in the animal-companionship rebuilding efforts.

"You tell them that they will be paid in honour, and service to their homeland. This isn't the time to bicker about money! Our country's security is at stake," Eunbi slapped her fist on the table. "Issue IOUs to the merchants and tell them that we will remit the funds once everything is stable."

"How about the translators? How are we going to find people who know how to speak with the beasts? Who's gonna do that?"

Eunbi raised her eyebrow. Yena facepalmed. Yujin knew where this was going.

"I guess I haven't made myself clear. Yujin,

...how about an ambassadorship for Iz*Land, in the Animal Kingdom?"

———

Focusing on the knight's arm's tendon, she channeled healing energies to rejuvenate torn muscle fibres. Healing required one to extend their senses within the affected party's body, accelerating processes with Mana to help them recover from injuries and ailments. After attending to countless numbers of patients, an arm injury was a menial task for even a fresh graduate like Nako.

"Done," Nako informed the knight as she wrapped his arm in a cast. "Refrain from strenuous activity and you should be alright in the next few days."

"T-thank you, Lady Nako."

She blushed at the word of thanks conveyed, but wasted no time in search for her next patient. She knew that Yoonie had been successful in eradicating the Nightmare Monarch - so she had sworn to dedicate her energy to serving her Kingdom, as a healer. It had been a long time since they last spoke - but she knew that Yoonie as busy with homeland security.

"Hey! Anyone proficient in medicinal herbs?" A healer in red robes raised his voice, apparently looking for some specialised help.

"I've some rudimentary knowledge on that - from Sotia," Nako offered.

"Great. Look for Ms Hyewon - she's the one with the purple cloak by the food kiosk." He pointed her towards the direction.

Doing as she was told, she quickly found the renowned magician, famous for her culinary magic. Amidst her failed magical spell, Nako caught Hyewon grunting in annoyance. There was obviously something troubling her. "Lady Hyewon, <Spark> Nako at your service."

"I see no Spark, Nako - you're considered a full-fledged Ember after this war. Field promotion."

"What do you need help with?"

"I'm trying to concoct a nutrient-blend for the fighters and civilians - canned rations aren't really nourishing nor aiding recovery. But I can't seem to get the ratios right," Hyewon showed the girl her ingredient list and formula.

"That's because you factored too much Vervain into the mix - and that cancels out the blood-clotting properties of the Juniper berries." Nako quickly pointed out. "Instead, what you get is a congealed mess that's immiscible in food."

"You're right..." Hyewon clicked her tongue, almost chiding herself for committing such a careless mistake. "Sorry, I'm just affected with the news about our Kingdom. I just can't believe the King would so heartlessly execute our Saviour."