I am, fortunately, still alive. I sincerely apologize for not uploading for a while now. Life got in the way, and spending time with my Mom is something I haven't been able to do for a few years now, and I intended to focus my attention on her solely-because my Mom is the best mom in the world for sacrificing so much when I was growing up.

Updates will slowly come back to its regular schedule, although I need to wait for a bit, until my current beta has finished the future batch of chapters. I also realized that the manga may be coming to an end soon, and possibly the hype for this fandom may die as well because readers come and go.

Of course, I will try my very best to finish this work as soon as I can without compromising on the plot. I am also still writing stories with my other fandom, Uta no Prince Sama, albeit, I am not uploading any yet, as I deemed it not complete. So if you stick around, you might see more new works from my side.

Enjoy the latest chapter. And Thank you for continuing to support this work and this fandom.

Title: Olin Maris

Inspired by: Chapter 38 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Garack Gazelt, Shirayuki, Obi, Ryuu

Wordcount: 1023

Rating: General

Status: (22 August 2017) Chapter beta-ed by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works.

"Chief Pharmacist!"

Shirayuki's face lit up as soon as she entered the receiving room. By now, the room's occupants have gotten considerably larger, each wanting to get near to Garack and share their information regarding the disease. Possibly earn a rare compliment from her. Garack's reputation is certainly cemented here.

"Make sure the Chief Pharmacist's escorts have eaten and rested." I turned to Maruko, "I will go back to Alullionne Keep on my own in a short while."

Maruko nodded and left, followed by my other aides. There is no need for them to stay while I still maintain my persona as Luen, an assistant to the Chief Pharmacist. I do not want my cover blown. I relegated myself in the background to observe them, wanting to make sure things go smoothly from here on. Now that the Chief Pharmacist is here, I can take a step back and let others take charge. I had already meddled too much in Lyrias' affairs.

Instead, I diverted my attention to Shirayuki, observing her.

She looked tired and cold and wet. I almost bit the inside of my cheek to prevent myself from reprimanding her for being out too long. Her hair is plastered to her neck and forehead, fine snow already turning into droplets of water with the help of heaters inside the room. The scarf that she often uses to wrap around her neck is now used as a sack, bulging with something she carried in her arms. I noted that she carefully handles it, refusing to let Obi hold it, even as he surreptitiously offered yet again to carry it for her.

"Shirayuki! Good to see you!" Garack's sharp eyes never let anything escape, her eyes welcoming one second and a little stern when she spied the tall man standing behind Shirayuki.

"Shidan..."

"Ga-Garack! Why are you here?!"

For a moment, I was diverted from my attention aimed at Shirayuki and watched the exchange unfolding between Shidan and Garack Gazelt with curiosity.

The Chief Pharmacist closed the gap between Shirayuki, Obi and Shidan and stood there, drawing to her full height. Despite the fact that she stands tall, Shidan and Obi still tower over her easily, and yet something in her countenance made them cower in fear.

Obi inched away from the two. He failed to catch Shirayuki's eye to instruct her to do the same, but I reached out and caught an elbow and pulled her away. "Stay away from the crossfire," I stage-whispered.

Shirayuki's brief glance didn't seem to register my presence and I felt a little jealous that she paid more attention to the two people rather than I. But before I ask more on where she has been in the last six hours and thirty-four minutes, my attention is diverted.

"Recently, why haven't there been any reports?" Garack casually fired the first of her questions.

Shidan seemed to flinch but stood his ground. And I was suddenly struck by a memory of Garack during our rare long talks, sharing her fondness for her research partner whom she spends a lot of time with during her stay in Lyrias. Was this the partner she was talking about?

"There's just wasn't anything worth reporting-"

Garack snorted. "Oh, pishhh... Since way back then, you've always been silent even when you had something to say."

"Ever since I've known you, you've been someone that just doesn't listen to people anyway!" He replied, irritated and flustered. Shidan's face has turned into a shade of red, realizing that they are in the center of everyone's attention.

Garack shrugged dismissively. "You and I have a lot of things to catch up, Shidan." She turned and noticed Shirayuki standing close to me, her eyes immediately trained on my hand still holding her elbow.

"I gather that you found the plant causing the illness?" She beamed like a proud aunt at Shirayuki's accomplishment.

As if she was suddenly out of a trance, Shirayuki blinked and held out the bulging scarf she was holding. "Yes, I was about to report this." I felt her take a step away from me, and I was forced to let her go.

Garack opened the bundle, and for a moment, we were treated to a dazzling display of brightly shining flowers.

"Olin Maris," Garack whispered. "It's been awhile since I have seen the likes of them, and these varieties are the best examples I have ever seen."

"The seeds from the flowers dropped into the hot spring waters, activating the toxins that caused the dull, shining water," Shirayuki explained.

Garack Gazelt froze for a moment, as if remembering something. "Oh, I see." She glanced at Shidan, forgetting about Shirayuki in front of her.

"Excellent work, Shirayuki. Shidan will fill me in the gaps. I am sure he knows the way where the plants can be found."

"Olin Maris," Shirayuki said, "It's a beautiful plant. But the seeds are highly toxic…" her voice trailed off.

I narrowed my eyes a little. Shirayuki's tone seems a little off and scratchy.

Garack seems to have spot it too. "Well then, Shirayuki, Obi, take a rest. You are not allowed to wander off without my knowledge." She gave a resounding clap. Shirayuki murmured something inaudible and took a few steps back followed by Obi.

Thinking about following them, we were suddenly swarmed with pharmacists and healers all too eager to share news. I can hear Garack asking about the cure, and Ryuu answering that they need to wait for it to crystallize overnight before it can be tested for use.

"Luen, my assistant has shared a lot of the information with me. I am eager to see the patients and review their condition."

I felt a hand clutch me at the wrist, and I was brought forward to her side. Garack Gazelt leaned a little and whispered.

"Assistant Luen, I have a favor to ask from you. I think you already know what it is. I place my trust in you." She moved away.

I felt my heart pounded with worry... We both came to the same conclusion:

Shirayuki has been afflicted with the disease as well.