Glorious Luck (2)

The poison lingered throughout Sungho's body for hours before it finally triggered itself. When it was set in motion, the poison deliberately affected him by cloaking up his veins and organs; from burning to his stomach before creeping in his lungs, just as it began entering within his heart and rushing toward his brain.

By the aforementioned, it was known as the most noxious poison. Not only this, but the poison was also divided into two types, where said each could exclusively be found in Iseul and in the Empire.

The similarities of these two from the different lands were: both had no antidote and both were required to perform the suction during removal by someone who was conducting a primary treatment.

In addition to this, these poisons could still affect the body gradually although the suction was conducted. However, the difference between them was one could linger for long while the other could not.

One poison could remain trailing inside the body enough to damage the organs, which would possibly lead to death. But despite the other, which could likewise injure the body, it would just naturally suspend and would dissolve after weeks of consumption.

"... And you're saying that we don't know which among the two Her Highness has consumed?" Chun anxiously questioned the old physician in Sungho's stead.

Yesterday, Sungho woke up feeling extremely weak, his body was so shaky that he could barely move a muscle along with the intense yearning to fill the space in his stomach and moisturize his mouth. And after a day of rest, he still could not leave his bed yet, for he could only move his limbs and he could hardly balance himself.

"Yes." With a bob of his head, the old physician continued, "I have never read a script nor have knowledge about these poisons. I have not encountered such for my years of serving within the palace."

"Certainly, you don't," said a mumble, which came from Daewon who stood near Sungho's bed.

The physician became silent as he unfolded the creases he created to Sungho's sleeve when he examined his pulse. "... I knew for much that these varieties were used for the laborers, captives, and assassinations." Another nod when the physician finished fixing his sleeves, he queried, "Have you offended someone, Your Highness?"

A thin whistle trailed their ears before the growl was heard echoing through the room. "Watch where you are going, physician." Sungho caught Daewon flexing the sword on his waist, showing a part of its glinting blade while he tried to frighten the poor old man.

"I do not have any intentions to insult Her Highness. I simply wanted to ask if she had someone in mind," was the calm response from the physician then he stood from his knees.

Following this, he excused himself without an ounce of worry from the threat he just received, telling everyone that he should give another visit by tomorrow. The physician also left a medicine wrapped in a small paper and passed it to Chun, which he explained would help Sungho to recover his strength more efficiently.

How tragic; the suspicious feast which was carried out that evening, and him being poisoned by the meal he had eaten. Yet Sungho thought it would be more tragic if he had consumed the deadliest one of the two.

Sungho pulled the sleeve of his dress, only to see his wrist wrapped with a cloth bandage. The slit wound; when he saw his gauzed wrist, Sungho could not help but recall what had happened that night.

'I should be thanking Daewon for saving me.'

Just as he heard Chun excused herself to fetch some water for Sungho to be able to drink the prescription, Sungho parted his lips before he gently mouthed his name.

"Daewon." Sungho noticed how Daewon's grumbling voice softened when the soldier averted his gaze to the leaving physician and looked at him.

"Yes, Your Highness?" was Daewon's answer to his call.