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🦋 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒮𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 🦋

I began to pace around the room, waiting for Uzui to return with Hinatsuru. I'm a little scared about what condition she might be in. Will I even have the herbs to help her with whatever condition has? I'm very nervous.

"Y/n." I hear Uzui say. He's definitely serious right now, considering he didn't call me 'Feisty'.

I immediately stop pacing and look at the doorway to see him, holding a woman, Hinatsuru, in his arms. She looks very limp and weak and she's got sweat all over her. A fever? Maybe more?

"What's wrong with her?" I ask, walking over to my prepped area.

"She's got poison in her system, but I've given her an antidote for it already." He answers, carefully laying Hinatsuru on the futon. "Her temperature is up a little bit. I'm sure that's because of the poison." So, she doesn't have a fever. Her temperature is just up a little. Good to hear she doesn't have a fever.

I sigh of relief. "I was so worried her condition would be worse than it is. Thank goodness you had the antidote for the poison. I've not got everything for it, but I've got the herbs I need to help lower a high temperature."

He nods. "Good to hear." He looks down at his wife. "Hina, this is Y/n Sasaki I was telling you about remember? She's the one that works at the Butterfly Mansion for Koucho. She'll take care of you."

She slowly opens her eyes to look at me. "It's nice to meet you..."

"It's nice to meet you as well." I reply, bowing slightly. "I've heard a lot about you."

She chuckles weakly. "Lord Tengen told me a lot about you on-" She coughs, a little blood coming out onto her clothes. "-on the way here..."

I wipe up what blood had landed on her chin, then look at Uzui. "Do you have time to start boiling some water for me? I need to crush the herbs together."

"Of course." He hurriedly leaves the room to go boil some water.

It's strange seeing him be so serious now. He's always in a joking or...flirtatious mood when it's just us. I understand though. One of his wives' health isn't in the best condition at the moment.

I'm thankful the herbs are labeled. I would be able tell which is which if I just smelled them, but this is faster. I sprinkle a few of each dry herb I need to make the medicinal drink for Hinatsuru's temperature in the mortar and then I begin crushing everything with the pestle.

"May I tell you something..?" Hinatsuru asks, slowly looking over at me.

I nod. "Go ahead."

"He'll want me to leave and go home once I feel well, but I don't think I will..." She admits. "Once I'm well enough to move, I will help Lord Tengen the best I can with this demon."

I set the mortar and pestle to the side, as I finished crushing the herbs to the right consistency. "I understand. I will come with you then."

She was going to reply, but Uzui comes back into the room and hands me a cup with very warm water. "How long will the herbs have to set in that before she can drink it?"

"I'll give it five minutes just to make sure it's all good and medicated." I reply, putting the herbs in the water.

He nods. "Alright. The antidote for the poison should start to really kick in around that time." He sighs and crouches down to gently stroke her hair. "Promise me you'll be okay."

"I promise..." She answers, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, Lord Tengen..."

He moves his hand down to caress her cheek, wiping a few tears away. "You've done the best that you could." He leans down to kiss her forehead. "Rest up and as soon as you feel better, leave Yoshiwara and go straight home." Well, it seems she was right. I can imagine how upset he'll be when he sees she hasn't left.