Her Graceful War Song

Salvador remained silent for a moment before giving his orders, commanding that the side hall be prepared for Sebastian. Physicians from the Royal Medical Department were assigned to serve him, while Kevin and Galen were tasked with protecting him and accompanying him wherever he went.

Salvador knew that Kevin was Violet's apprentice, so by putting him in charge of Sebastian's protection, the king was offering a layer of reassurance to the physician. But Salvador himself also needed reassurance, which was why he sent Galen as well.

He also issued a royal edict: the entire Royal Medical Department was to follow Sebastian's orders as law. It was an extraordinary amount of authority to grant, but in truth, Salvador's intent was clear-he wanted all medicines to come from the department's stock.

Sebastian didn't concern himself with such matters. So long as his instructions were carried out, he was satisfied.

Yet, Salvador's selection of Kevin and Galen spoke volumes. He did not even trust his own harem.

Their fates were now bound together. If Sebastian died, Salvador would die. If Sebastian lived, Salvador would at least have three more years.

Three years.

It was not much time, but it was enough to set many things in order.

Once Sebastian's living arrangements were settled, they gathered in the royal bedchamber to discuss the treatment plan. Every physician from the Royal Medical Department was present, standing like eager students around Sebastian, listening intently.

"The first priority is pain relief. If the pain is not controlled, then living is nothing but suffering," he stated.

What Sebastian did not say-though they all understood-was that unchecked pain would make it impossible for the king to govern. In such a state, survival would be nothing more than a slow, agonizing decline.

Salvador's expression tightened. struck deep.

long since reached his limit, those words

Sebastian continued, "There are two methods for pain relief. Given His Majesty's condition, we must use both in tandem-one through medicine, the other through needle treatment to numb the pain. That is why I must stay in the palace. Needle treatment alone cannot suppress the pain for long. The effect will wear off after four hours and must be reapplied."

He opened his medicine chest and retrieved a small vial, passing it to Desmond. "This is a pain-relieving pill infused with Lunarthorn Root, Starflower Essence, and Nightshade Amber. The Royal Medical Department likely has a similar medicine, but I have enhanced it with additional ingredients. I call it the Tranquil Pill. Verify it as you will."

Desmond accepted the vial with both hands and poured out a single pill. He considered dissolving it in water to examine its properties. However, knowing the value of Sebastian's medicines, he merely lifted it to his nose for a cautious sniff. Before he could say anything, Sebastian spoke again, saying, "Take one. It will help with your chronic headaches as well."

Desmond froze for a moment. "You know I suffer from headaches?"

Sebastian glanced at him. "Since I entered, you've pressed your temple several times. Your complexion also gives it away."

Desmond couldn't help but feel admiration. Diagnosing through sight alone was the sign of a true master physician.

Without hesitation, he swallowed a pill, using the opportunity to test the medicine himself. The Royal Medical Department had headache

remedies, but they were only mildly effective. But within 15 minutes of taking the Tranquil Pill, the pain in his temples eased significantly. Stunned, he quickly acknowledged its remarkable effect.

"Pain varies in severity. For you, this medicine works wonders. But for His

Majesty, it will only dull the pain, not eliminate it entirely. Needle treatment mustnoveldrama

be used alongside it to truly relieve the suffering," Sebastian replied, reaching into his medicine chest and retrieving a needle kit.

At once, Desmond and the other physicians turned away, averting their eyes.

In the medical field, certain

techniques were closely guarded secrets. Physicians rarely shared details about needle treatment, especially the advanced techniques of needle insertion, with those who weren't their direct apprentices. Watching without permission was considered a grave breach of etiquette.

But then, Sebastian said, "All of you here are skilled physicians. Watch carefully. If

you notice anything amiss, feel free to point it out."

Desmond's eyes widened in disbelief. "Mr. Dalton, you mean... we may observe your technique?"

"Why not?" Sebastian said evenly. "You all understand the fundamentals."

The gathered royal physicians knew full well that understanding needle treatment

in theory and applying it in practice were two entirely different things. The selection of energy points, the depth of insertion, and the precise combination of needle placements required meticulous judgment.

And then there was acupoint

sealing-the art of numbing pain by temporarily restricting energy flow through specific points. It was not true paralysis, for sealing an energy point completely was dangerous. The skill lay in knowing exactly how much to suppress and how much to release, a mastery achieved only

through years of experience.