137: [Bonus chapter]Herb Reacts To The Black Magic

[Bonus chapter]Herb Reacts To The Black Magic

"B-Black magic?" She shook her head. "I never. In fact, I don't know what it is."2

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Master. I am just an ordinary girl who wished to live happily with her grandpa. I have nothing to do with black magic."

Erich observed her carefully and he could tell she was not lying. After coming across many different people in his life, he could easily tell from reading their body language. 

He gave her a deep gaze. 

"Other than your true gender, is there anything about yourself that you have never told anyone? Think carefully."

She stayed quiet for a while and spoke, "Master… since you mentioned black magic, then that means… you know magic exists, right?"

Erich did not answer and merely stared at her.

She continued, "I am not sure about black magic but…sometimes, I can use simple magic…I am not sure how I can do it but… it's like instinct."

"What kind of magic?"

"I can create wind the way I want. I only need a thought but…I don't do it often. Only when I am in trouble do I end up using it. Most of the time unintentionally, as my instinct to protect myself."

"Can you show me?"

"Now?"

"Yes, now."

Oriana looked at the opened books on the table and her gaze focused on it. Her right hand moved forward in that direction and soon the pages of all the books fluttered with the continuous gust of wind. She stopped after a while and lowered her head as if she was a sinner. 

"I-I never use it to harm anyone," she muttered under her breath.  "I just live as a normal person." 

To her surprise, the old physician remained calm, not even a single change in his expression. 

"Is there anyone in your family who can use magic as well?"

"I don't know. I only have Grandpa and we never talked about our family."

"Have you told your grandpa about your magic?"

She shook her head.

Erich fell silent for a while. "So there is no one who has talked about it and no one to guide you on this matter."

"Is it anything serious? I mean it's just a small magic trick I happen to end up using. It won't greatly affect my life—"

"Do you know why black nightshade was banned?"

Oriana nodded as she said, "It was banned because it's highly poisonous yet hard to detect because it's odorless and tasteless once mixed with other plants."

"What else?"

"Uhh…" She recalled the books she read in Arlan's private library. "It's also said that black magic practitioners used it for conducting blood sacrifice…" She stopped as her own words made her realize something. "Black magic? That herb reacts to black magic power? That is why the medicinal concoction turned black?"

Erich nodded. I can tell you are not aware of it yourself, but you are among those special people who can use magic, and it was the reason that medicine turned black. There is no other explanation."

"You mean I can use black magic? What is black magic in the first place?"

"I am not sure exactly what it is or why you can use it. I do not wish to make any wrong assumptions, but all I can say is that you won't be able to make medicine for your grandpa's dementia from now on if it contains herb like Black Nightshade."

"So I can make others medicines but not this one?"

"Yes. If you have black magic inside you, it will react with the herb."

"But, Master, I can't depend on others to make that medicine as I cannot reveal the existence of black nightshade. Can the Master suggest anything to me?"

"You need to learn about yourself. Knowing yourself is better than feigning ignorance. Only after you understand your magic can you control it."

"But how can I do it? Master is knowledgeable. Please help me."

Erich thought for a moment and said, "There is someone I know who can use magic. Maybe that person can guide you."

"Who? Where can I meet that person?"

"The person I am talking about is a woman named Celia Voss. She can use magic just like you, a—" Erich stopped as he didn't wish to use the word 'witch' and scare his young apprentice. "She will help you if I send you to her."

"Celia Voss… Where can I meet her?" she asked, her eyes full of hope and pleading. 

"She is in another kingdom. Have you heard of Abetha?"

'Another kingdom? Again? The source of black nightshade is in Othinia, then the person who can use magic is in Abetha. Am I destined to forever lead a nomadic life?' While most people would be glad that they had a supernatural ability, Oriana was grumbling.  "As if my life isn't complicated enough, why do I have to possess magic as well? What about the simple countryside life I'm dreaming of? Damn it!"

"Don't be so dejected towards what you have. There are people who use such extraordinary abilities to help others. You just need proper guidance."

"Apologies. I will do as the Master says. So this Celia Voss, where in Abetha is she?"

"In the capital of Abetha—to be more precise, the royal palace." Before Oriana could react, Erich continued. "That woman used to be a nanny of the third princess of Abetha who is now a Queen of Megaris."

Oriana was now growing confused. "Megaris? I thought she was in Abetha. Do I have to go to Megaris too?"

The physician explained, "Currently, Celia should still be in Abetha as the Queen of Megaris visited her homeland. I am not sure if she will be following her to Megaris. If you hurry, you might get the chance to meet her."

"But I cannot leave now. His Highness won't allow me to quit so suddenly."

Erich chuckled. "Prince Arlan is a good friend of the King of Megaris. You might try your luck through him."

"But if Celia Voss is serving the queen of Megaris, will she meet me? Since she has a family name, that means she's a noble."

"She will as long as you tell her my name. Also, just like me, she uses another name. Instead of Celia, she calls herself Martha there."

"Martha?" Oriana mumbled. "I will see how I can manage it, but for now, my concern is to make medicine for Grandpa. Will Master make it for me as I can't?"

"That is not even a question," he said unhappily. "Not only are you my apprentice, your grandpa was once my patient. Of course, I will help you.

"For now, Master can make medicine with the remaining stalk, and later, I will find a way to get the rest of the stalks from my village."

"Or when you go to your village, you can get someone trustworthy and use them to make medicine," Erich said as there was a small smirk on his lips. "Not everyone is aware of what black nightshade is. Get a person who has no knowledge of herbs, but is smart and skilled enough to follow your instructions as if making some kind of nutritional soup." 

She smiled brightly after that stressful conversion. 

"Master sure is smart!"

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