I Want To Die One Day Before You - Chapter 225
Viren let out a shallow sigh and guided his wife back to the bed.
“You need more rest. Go back to sleep.”
“Your Highness…”
“I’m fine.”
He pulled the blanket up to her shoulders, gently patting her.
“I’ll join you for breakfast, so rest a little longer.”
After ensuring his wife returned to bed, Viren started toward his office but paused as a thought crossed his mind.
He changed direction and arrived at his only daughter Esmeral’s room.
“Your Highness,” the guards stationed at her door straightened quickly.
“Where is Esmeral?”
“She is sleeping, Your Highness.”
“Open the door quietly.”
Viren even removed his shoes to avoid making any noise that might wake the child. On tiptoes, he carefully entered the room.
Esmeral lay on her bed, peacefully asleep. A faint smile graced her lips, as though she were having a pleasant dream.
“Shall I wake her?” the nanny whispered beside him.
Viren shook his head. He didn’t want to disturb her slumber.
After watching her sleep for a moment, he quietly left for his office.
Inside the cold, spacious office, several scholars were already waiting. They had completed the research Viren had requested the previous day.
“Report immediately,” Viren ordered as soon as he sat down.
The scholars, who had spent the night analyzing trade records with the Empire, began their report one by one.
The results were unsurprising. The Kingdom of Hevania imported a significant amount of goods from the Empire, including daily necessities. If trade between the two nations were to cease, the kingdom would suffer substantial losses.
‘We truly must capture Prince Erius and deliver him to the Empire immediately.’
Viren clenched his fists as he listened.
There was too much at stake.
The kingdom had already lost so much during the demon subjugation campaign. To make matters worse, a poor harvest had followed. Losing access to the Empire’s resources in such dire circumstances would be catastrophic.
‘Even if we can’t capture Prince Erius, we must at least show that we’re trying. We need to demonstrate to the Empire that this kingdom had no part in the coup and that we remain loyal to them.’
The King opposed the plan, citing the royal family’s honor, particularly that of Princess Sordid, but Viren could no longer sit idly by.
This was about the future of the kingdom itself.
“Very well. Then assume trade with the Empire is cut off and find alternatives for any essential goods or food supplies we can no longer import. Can you do that?”
At Viren’s question, the scholars exchanged glances. Their expressions were uniformly serious.
“We have already conducted research on that matter.”
“And? Can it be done?”
“Yes, most of it is possible… but there is one issue.”
“What is it?”
“There is an herb we import from the Empire that cannot be replaced within our kingdom.”
One of the scholars spoke cautiously.
“Isn’t the efficacy of most herbs similar? What kind of herb is it that makes you say this?”
“Cytiro, Your Highness.”
Cytiro? Viren stared intently at the scholar, unfamiliar with the name of the herb. He had never heard of it in his life.
Then again, as a royal, Viren had rarely suffered serious injuries and thus knew little about herbs.
“What is this herb used for?”
“Cytiro is preaided for colds, fevers, and stomachaches, especially for children who cannot tolerate stronger medicine. It is often used for those suffering seizures due to malnutrition. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for it in our kingdom.”
“Malnutrition?”
Another unfamiliar term. Viren fixed his gaze on the scholar. Malnutrition—did such a condition still exist?
In the capital, food was abundant, even to the point of rotting. Every noble child Viren had ever met had chubby cheeks, and their parents were often concerned about their children needing to lose weight.
“Yes, children from impoverished families among the commoners suffer from malnutrition due to a lack of proper food.”
It was still difficult to comprehend, but malnutrition wasn’t the focus right now.
“Are you certain no other herb can serve as a substitute?”
“That is correct, Your Highness.”
“What have the royal herbalists been doing all this time?”
The royal herbalists, funded by the crown, worked in research institutions. They were tasked with developing substitute medicines in case certain herbs became difficult to cultivate or acquire, as was happening now.
The scholars bowed their heads in embarrassment.
“It seems that, as priority was given to illnesses affecting the nobility, little research was conducted on malnutrition, which only affects the commoners.”
Ridiculous. Viren clicked his tongue and gave his next order.
“Then immediately take stock of the Cytiro currently available in the kingdom.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
After the scholars withdrew, Viren carefully reread the reports they had left behind.
Malnutrition. That such a condition still existed due to a lack of food… he had only learned of it today. He had thought he was well-informed about the state of the people, but perhaps he was mistaken.
How poor must one be to lack proper food? If they’re hungry, can’t they simply hunt animals in the forest or gather fruit?
For Crown Prince Viren, who had spent his entire life within the palace, the concept of malnutrition was unimaginable.
