Cosmic Love - Kusuriya no Hitorigoto | The Apothecary Diaries

The Prince and the Soldier

"Your sister asked me to deliver that to you." Maomao said giving the man a sealed envelope. Ruhio took the letter from her hands.

They were now alone in the Veterinary Department pharmacy. Maomao and Ruhio had just made a list of the medicinal ingredients that they needed to make more medicine and replenish their stock.

"Thank you for that." There was a hint of gloominess in his voice. "So, what did you think of her?"

"She's absolutely lovely. And you are both identical." She stated.

"So that makes me lovely too?" He smiled in a very Jinshish way.

Maomao stared at him with a concerned look. "It would be advisable for you to stop hanging out with the Moon Prince."

Ruhio laughed.

Urgh, why is it that even your laughing is that charming? She thought.

"I'm just kidding. I know that this kind of attitude can't melt the heart of a woman like you." He now gave her his natural smile.

Maomao blushed. "E-Erm, so, were you the one who sold your sister to the Emperor?" She asked.

"Ouch, that was harsh." He replied putting a hand on his chest.

"I only speak the truth." Maomao knew that she was being rude, but she couldn't help it. No one in the world could convince her that the main mechanism by which a woman would become the Emperor's consort was fair.

"I know. I really wished that my sister could marry someone she was in love with. Someone kind and caring who would take good care of her. But life's not a fairy tale, right?" Gloominess was back again in his voice.

"No, it's not." She agreed.

"Tell me, Lady Maomao, have you ever fallen in love?" The soldier gave her the most genuine and adorable smile.

Maomao felt her heart ache a little. She could definitely see herself falling in love with that man. He really looked as someone who would be a good husband and she could have a normal life by his side. But she couldn't dive into those hazel eyes and warm smile. Her destiny was already written to be with someone else. She began to ponder if things would be different if Jinshi wasn't royalty (and if he was less sticky too). Maybe she could have fallen in love for him.

"I'm afraid not." She answered.

"That's a pity. I know why you went along on that trip to the Western Capital." Ruhio said.

"Why do I feel like this was communicated to everyone but me?" She sounded indignant.

"It wasn't, but it was pretty obvious." He said. Maomao frowned painfully.

"Do you hate it?" The soldier asked.

"Hate is a very strong word. The problem is..." She took a deep breath. "Look, the Prince is actually a really nice person, and I'm not talking about his appearance."

"I know he is. We both had the same horsemanship instructor." He said. Maomao was surprised by this information.

"Thank goodness we have one more person who's immune to the celestial nymph's enchantment." She said.

"Celestial nymph?" Ruhio laughed.

"You know, right? It' troublesome as hell." She rolled her eyes.

"Is that what worries you?" He asked. "You know it can't be helped."

"No, he gets more annoyed by this than me. My problem is with the current system of royalty marriage. I don't want my life to be limited to live in a cage giving birth to heirs." She said.