The Slave Queen - Chapter 58: Chapter 58

Seven days later
Embergrace House
Thanks to Edgar's prescriptions and Raelynn's daily care, the once-ailing Margot—whom everyone had feared was beyond saving—had made a remarkable recovery.
Her condition improved with each passing day.
When Edgar checked her pulse again, he confirmed that the worst had passed. With just a bit more rest and proper nourishment, she could not only recover fully but even enjoy added years of life.
The atmosphere in Embergrace House was positively jubilant.
Raelynn sat beside Margot, beaming with joy as she clutched her hand.
"Grandmother! I told you—you'll live a long and healthy life!"
"Yes, yes, my good child!" Margot replied, her face lit up with genuine delight.
Over the years, she had tried countless remedies with no effect. She'd long since stopped hoping for a cure. Yet now, after only a few days of Edgar's treatment, she felt better than she had in years.
Naturally, she was overjoyed.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she patted Raelynn's hand lovingly. "My dear Raelynn... it's all thanks to you."
"You're the one with good fortune, Grandmother."
The two sat close, warmth and affection flowing between them. Edgar smiled and bowed lightly.
"Now that Lady Margot's health is well on the mend, I shall take my leave."
He turned to go, but Raelynn quickly called after him.
"Edgar, wait! There's one more thing I'd like to ask."
He looked back at her with a hint of mock impatience. "You only brought me down the mountain to treat your grandmother, didn't you? Now that she's better, surely you're not trying to wring more out of me?"
Afraid he might truly be annoyed, Margot quickly added, "Raelynn, we've already been deeply blessed by Edgar's kindness. Don't overstep."
But Raelynn simply smiled. "You're both misunderstanding me.
"Before I went to Mount Darost in search of Edgar, I made a vow to the gods: if Grandmother recovered, I would give back in her name—distribute medicine to the poor, pray for her long life, and offer blessings to those in need. Now that she's well, I have to fulfill that promise.
"That's why I'm asking for a simple prescription that can drive out cold and illness. I plan to brew the medicine and give it away freely to those who can't afford treatment. I'll also offer food to the poor for half a month. This way, I can repay both God's grace and the kindness we've received."
Edgar and Margot were both visibly surprised.
They hadn't expected such thoughtfulness and compassion from someone so young.
Edgar nodded approvingly. "It's the end of the year now—cold and bitter. Many families are struggling. If you prepare a warming decoction with dried mugwort and scallion root as key ingredients, it'll help fight off seasonal illness. Lady Raelynn... you have a rare and generous heart.
"And since it's for the good of the people, I'll gladly grant your request."
The approval in his eyes deepened as he spoke.
Even if she was acting out of gratitude for Margot's recovery, for someone her age to be this considerate—it was no small thing.
Raelynn immediately stood and gave him a respectful bow. "Thank you, Edgar. I'm deeply grateful."
Edgar chuckled.
Margot looked at Raelynn with deep affection. "Raelynn... you've grown up."
What could bring more comfort than seeing your granddaughter show such genuine care and maturity?
And now that Edgar had openly expressed his admiration for her, it was a rare honor.
For someone of his skill and repute to speak so highly of her—Raelynn truly deserved it.
Her life so far had been far too hard.
But from now on, Margot would shield her from the storms. She was determined to ensure Raelynn lived the peaceful, dignified life she deserved.
Turning to Edgar, she said warmly, "Thank you, Edgar."
"It's nothing at all," he replied, waving a hand dismissively.
"Bring me paper. I'll write out the prescription myself and help brew the first batch. I'll even join you for the free clinic before I return to the mountain."
Raelynn's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Edgar—thank you so much!"
The maids quickly fetched what was needed, and Edgar began writing the formula with practiced ease.
At that moment, Esther hesitated, then asked, "Lady Raelynn... if you made a vow to the gods, shouldn't we repay it by going to a church? Why offer medicine outside instead?"
After all, when Raelynn had once made a similar vow while seeking treatment for Gabriel, she had followed through by going to Serenity Church afterward.
Why the change now?
Of course, she didn't say the rest aloud.
Because Gabriel was no longer the same man who once doted on Raelynn as if she were his world.
Esther had served Margot for decades. Though sharp and capable, she hadn't had much formal education and couldn't fully grasp Raelynn's meaning.
Raelynn seemed to pause for a moment, her gaze turning distant.
Then she refocused and gave a faint, serene smile.
She said softly, "God is always watching. I may not have gone to a church to make my vow, but the gods heard me all the same. Now that Edgar has helped us, I want to pass that kindness on. The gods will see my sincerity.
"And besides... the gods don't live only in churches—he lives in our hearts."
She paused again, her expression growing solemn.
The truth was—she believed more in herself than any deity.
In those four long years in Aether Sanctum, she had prayed countless times for salvation.
But no one had ever come.
In the end, the one who had truly saved her... was Margot.