"Nethrosine?" Naseria repeated, looking intently at Alesi. "What are its components?"
Alesi replied, "There's Sylva, Aurana, and... Fernyth."
"Fernyth?" Naseria's eyes narrowed. "Who told you to use that?"
"The Governor," Alesi said, noticing Naseria stiffen as her expression darkened. But Naseria quickly regained her composure, her gaze sharp and determined.
Taking a deep breath, Naseria said, "We need to speak with the Governor immediately."
"Right now?" Alesi looked surprised.
Naseria nodded. "If we don’t speak with the Governor, this entire region could face ruin."
The urgency in her voice left Alesi stunned, but she quickly gathered herself, and they hurried to the Governor's office. Once they reached the door, Alesi knocked.
"Governor, we have visitors—it's the king's aides," Alesi called.
"Please, come in," the Governor’s voice sounded from within.
As Alesi reached to open the door, Naseria stopped her, her hand firm.
"Wait here," Naseria instructed. "I'll handle this."
"But—" Alesi began, concerned.
"Let Miss Naseria handle it, Miss Alesi," Odessa said, placing a reassuring hand on Alesi’s shoulder.
Alesi stepped aside as Naseria took a deep breath and opened the door. The governor was surrounded by papers and maps, immersed in her work.
"Wait, Alesi, let me finish this and I'll get back to you," the governor said without looking up.
"There is no time, Revna," Naseria interrupted, her voice firm. Revna looked up, her expression shifting from concentration to shock.
"Na—Naia?" Revna stammered, standing up in surprise. "How? When?"
"There's no time for pleasantries, Revna. How could you use Fernyth? You know how dangerous that plant is!" Naseria pressed.
"How did you—you're the king's aide, aren't you? I've heard that you came back, but I was busy, and I forgot—" Revna began, her voice trailing off.
"Revna! Are you listening to me?" Naseria insisted, her tone sharp. "Why are you using Fernyth?"
"Because it's the only thing that could help the crops!" Revna exclaimed, desperation creeping into her voice.
"Are you insane? Did you not learn from Madam Dalhia about the dangers of Fernyth?" Naseria shot back, frustration evident in her eyes.
"What am I supposed to do, Naia?" Revna replied, her voice rising. "The people here are starving, and it’s my duty to fill their stomachs!"
Naseria felt her resolve harden. "Revna, using Fernyth will only poison the land further. It might provide a temporary solution, but at what cost? We need to find another way."
Revna sat down, feeling utterly defeated. “I—I am not talented as you are, Naseria. You have the solutions for this. I was desperate and pressured by the kingdom.”
“You are as usual pathetic, Revna. Madam Dalhia would surely be disappointed in you,” Naseria snapped before turning to leave, anger boiling within her.
“Rania, report to the king that I am going outside the kingdom to look for Narith,” Naseria commanded, her tone serious.
“What?” Rania asked, surprised.
