Updated on grammar and spelling checks. Many thanks to Kartara for proofreading this. :)
Title: Quid Pro Quo
Inspired by: Chapter 27 of the Manga Akagami no Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia
Wordcount: 594
Rating: General
Tanbarun's land is vast. Their trade routes are well known, and merchants from all over the continent have been trading in their street markets: spices, silks and precious minerals from the east; even the superb quality of household items, steel goods and quality grains from the west. Because of the King's shrewd business acumen, the Royal family and Tanbarun citizens enjoyed special rates on goods being sold by the merchants. The same goods which were being sold in Clarines for a slightly higher fraction of the cost.
I flitted to another page, absorbed by what I was reading. Shirayuki's report was the first thing that caught my eye when I entered my office this morning.
Eager to get her report over and done with, I decided to read hers first before proceeding with my other pending works. But as soon as I started on the first page, I was surprised with the amount of details and helpful information she had carefully included in her report after her sojourn in Tanbarun.
Of course, Shirayuki is not the type who used heavy words that I was used to. But I suspect that with the amount of paperwork Garack Gazelt has been known for giving when taking apprentices, Shirayuki had sharpened her skills in writing and research with her day to day learnings within the Pharmacy and Healing ward.
Indeed, I have never been immersed with such a report before. The way Shirayuki describes her journey and her stay in Tanbarun, she has recorded it in minute detail. Everything she wrote is so accurate, I almost felt as if I was there myself!
Pulling a half-smile, I went down to the next paragraph, noting her enthusiasm at all the exotic plants in the castle's herb garden and greenhouse; citing her lack of disappointment that there is little progress with Tanbarun's quest for improved medicine for its citizens. Comparing her visits to its Hospital wards, she noted that Tanbarun still practices some old-fashioned rituals that is pale in comparison to what she had learned under Garack Gazelt.
"One thing that I found interesting during my visit is that Tanbarun has a different approach when it comes to healing its patients and devising a way of shortening the recovery time. Whenever a patient is warded in the hospital, a small room is set aside for their family members as well so that they can be near the patient. It helps eases the mind and emotions of a sick person, knowing that they have the support of their family nearby."
I pause at this, lowering the report down. Taking a crimson ribbon, I place it in between the pages and close the report shut. Pushing back my chair, I stood up and began my pace around my room.
I can see that the trip she took was good for her. No doubt her adaptability is one of her strengths, given that as a foreigner, living in this country has given her enough confidence to interact with a lot of people. People are naturally drawn to her as well; she is kind and doesn't give off an intimidating vibe. Together, with her innocent countenance and wide-eyed wondering look, she can disarm an army by mere words or lower the guard of a cynical political enemy.
Shirayuki's usefulness has certainly increased by several points. I was expecting her to fail, but her talents were put on display instead. Surely, my brother will not object if I intend to use her again in the future. Besides, wasn't he anxious for me to try to spend some time with her?
Notes:
Quid pro quo – latin for "this for that". An equal exchange of goods or services, or of money (or other consideration of equal value) for some goods or services.