MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 10

"Greetings to the Sun of the Empire and Her Royal Highness. I am His Majesty's personal physician. I am here to provide a comprehensive update regarding His Majesty's condition and recovery. With your permission, may I present the results of the ongoing treatment?"

John sensed an immediate shift in the atmosphere, becoming palpably tense. The woman before him exhibited an exceedingly rigid demeanor. Her formality was customary in his experience, yet there was an additional layer of coldness to her manner. Elizabeth, in contrast, appeared untroubled by the tension. She turned towards the woman, gesturing for her to come nearer, and said:

"Please, come closer, Mey. Be seated with us and partake of this newly brewed tea. There is no need for haste."

The woman responded with a note of formality in her voice, "I cannot in good conscience sit at the same table as the royal family. Permit me to deliver my briefing from this position."

Elizabeth's tone grew firmer as she replied, "Mey, I insist. Do as I request. Join us for tea and then you may present your report on His Majesty's health at your leisure." The woman, without further protest, complied, taking a seat.

"Ah, so you are Miss Mey. I have wanted to converse with you, though I understand you have been occupied," John remarked as she settled into her chair.

"I would never be too preoccupied to respond to a royal summons. It is both a duty and an honor to serve," Mey replied with gravity.

"Observe, my dear," Elizabeth said, addressing John with a cheerful demeanor that strongly contrasted with the surrounding formality. "Isn't she most intense? She is stubborn and persistent just like you. Young people today need to learn to relax. I am undoubtedly the most fun among us. Now, let us not dwell on this matter. What is it with you two? Lighten up!"

With an equally cheerful disposition, Elizabeth moved forward and poured a cup of tea for Mey. The woman accepted it with both hands, as if receiving an accolade.

"Now, Mey, enlighten me. How do you fare these days? I am aware that the medical staff has been under considerable strain. You and your team must be exceptionally busy. Is it tough on you? "

"Not at all, Your Highness. We are diligently working to develop treatment methods for the influenza epidemic. We are currently considering a new drug and are engaged in research, hoping for favorable results in due course."

"A new drug? Please provide a briefing. Why has this not been reported to the central office?" John inquired with an investigative tone.

"The concept of this drug is relatively novel. Antiviral treatments have not been extensively utilized in the past, and their efficacy is not yet well established. We intended to conduct preliminary tests to ascertain the feasibility before informing the royal court," Mey explained.

"Regardless of its potential efficacy, it remains imperative to report such developments. Tests should not proceed without court notification," John stated with firm resolve.

"I have personally received His Majesty's authorization to pursue any necessary experiments, provided there is even a marginal chance of success," Mey asserted, meeting John's gaze with an equally resolute and somewhat detached manner.

"Nevertheless, proper documentation and records are essential," John insisted.

"I acknowledge that, but all research expenses have been sanctioned by His Majesty, and his decision and understanding is above everyone else's," Mey replied.

John felt irritated, though he could not precisely identify the cause. The woman's rigid attitude, indifference, and formality seemed incongruent. It was as if she were performing a role, her recent display of emotion just days before that he had witnessed accidentally, now giving way to an act of indifference. Although her professionalism was evident, something about her approach unsettled him.

The ensuing silence grew increasingly uncomfortable. Elizabeth, observing the interaction, endeavored to diffuse the tension.

"Come now, both of you. Let us not prolong this matter. Mey, continue your commendable work, but ensure that your team provides a detailed report to Him. He is known for his meticulous nature," Elizabeth advised, shifting the focus. "Now, on to more pressing matters. Tell me. How is the King? Is he in good health?"