I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 35: The Dragon Ore

After Lucia became Tanya's disciple, she immersed herself in the study of herbs. Each day and night was spent surrounded by books and scrolls, meticulously memorizing the properties of various plants. She learned to distinguish between herbs that can heal and the toxic ones that could inflict harm.

Her notes filled page after page with detailed descriptions of symptoms associated with different illnesses and the remedies that could alleviate them. Lucia diligently cataloged the applications for wounds, noting which herbs were best suited for cleansing and which could promote healing. She understood that knowledge was not just about recognizing a plant but also about knowing the right way to use it.

Lucia was particularly attentive to dosage, realizing that even beneficial herbs could be fatal in excessive amounts. She created charts comparing the effects of different quantities, understanding that balance was crucial in herbal medicine. As she studied, she also spent time in the garden, observing the plants in their natural environment, and learning to recognize them by sight and scent. Every night, she poured over her notes, constantly revising and expanding her understanding, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep desire to help others. Especially since her brother is an Esper, she wanted to be able to help him when the time came.

Deep in her studies, Lucia was completely unaware of Tanya's presence in the room. Tanya quietly set down a plate of late-night snacks beside her; crispy chips, a couple of cookies, and fresh fruit. As she gently placed her hand on Lucia's shoulder, Lucia jolted, her concentration shattered.

"Tanya...?" she managed to croak, her voice rough from dehydration. 

At that moment, a wave of fatigue washed over her, making her aware of how long she had been lost in her work. She blinked a few times, trying to refocus on her surroundings rather than the endless pages of notes.

Tanya chuckled softly, a playful smile on her face, "I'm glad to see my dedicated student hard at work, but don't forget to take care of yourself, too. After all, if an herbalist falls ill, how can she be any help to her patients?"

Tanya began tidying up the cluttered desk, carefully stacking books and pushing aside empty cups as she reached for a piece of fruit. "Here," she said, handing it to Lucia. "Finish this whole plate and then go rest. You haven't eaten anything since breakfast."

Lucia accepted the fruit, its vibrant color catching her eye. As she took a bite, the juicy flesh burst in her mouth, flooding her senses with a refreshing sweetness that was almost revitalizing. Each chew released more of the fruit's nectar, and she felt a wave of warmth spreading through her body, gently easing the fatigue that had settled in. It was as if the nourishment was waking her up, lifting the fog of hunger she hadn't even realized was there. She savors the fruit in her mouth before reaching out to the plater of refreshment.

"Where's Hunter?" Lucia asked, absentmindedly crunching on a chip.

Tanya settled into a chair next to the open window, her gaze drifting outside.

"He hasn't come back from the job recruitment yet."

"Isn't it getting kind of late for that?" Lucia replied, her voice laced with surprise, "I mean, I know I've been buried in my studies, but Hunter isn't the type to stay out without checking in."

"You're right..." Tanya said, her eyes still fixed on the horizon, "I hope there's nothing to worry about."

******

The enormous red dragon fixed its piercing gaze on Hunter, its eyes glinting with curiosity and menace. Hunter stood his ground, his body tense and alert, every muscle coiled like a spring. He was caked in dirt, sweat glistening on his brow as the heavy, smoky air enveloped him. His face was smeared with streaks of his blood.