Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 78: Hidden or Unused Talent?

Chapter 78: Hidden or Unused Talent?

"Your Highness," the healer said, bowing his head briefly. "I didn’t expect you to come."

"I need to know everything," Damian said without preamble. "How did this start? What are we dealing with?"

The healer wiped his hands on a cloth with a grim expression. "It started early this morning. A few cases at first, but by midday, it spread like wildfire. The symptoms are consistent—fever, convulsions, extreme weakness. I suspect poisoning, but I haven’t been able to identify the source."

Evelina stepped forward, speaking professionally. "Has anyone handled anything unusual recently? Food, water, imports from outside the kingdom?"

The healer gave her a wary glance but answered, "We’ve been checking everything we can think of. So far, nothing out of the ordinary has stood out."

"Then we’re missing something," Evelina muttered, her mind racing. "Is there a pattern? Certain families affected? Certain areas of the city?"

"Mostly those who live near the central well," the healer admitted, rubbing his temple. "But not all of them."

Damian turned to Evelina. "You said you’ve dealt with outbreaks before. What’s your take?"

Evelina hesitated, running the situation in her mind over again. "Like I said before, it could be anything. A contaminated water source, an airborne toxin, something ingested...we need samples to narrow it down. Blood, water, and even soil samples near the well. Anything that might point us in the right direction."

"I can get you the samples," Damian said immediately. "What will you need to analyze them?"

Evelina frowned, already mentally compiling a list. "I’ll need access to alchemical equipment—or anything close to a lab. If this is a toxin, I might be able to isolate it."

The healer stepped forward. "We have some basic tools here, but nothing advanced enough for your description."

Jasper, who had been unusually quiet, spoke up. "A merchant in the lower district deals in rare alchemical supplies. I can get what you need—if you trust me to handle it."

Damian nodded sharply. "Do it."

Eve ran a list for Jasper, "And anything else he has," she finished.

Jasper gave her a quick wink before disappearing out the door, leaving the prince and his mate standing amidst the chaos of the infirmary. Evelina took a deep breath, steeling herself.

"We’re going to figure this out," Damian said steadily. "Together."

Evelina nodded, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Let’s get to work."

Eve worked with the healer, taking all precautions. Despite her protective layers, she remained acutely aware of how dangerous the toxin could be.

If it was strong enough to harm werewolves, who typically have stronger immune systems, it means it’s really, really harmful.

As the hours passed, she took detailed notes on the patients’ symptoms. Fever. Convulsions. Labored breathing. Muscle weakness. She made sure to speak softly and offer reassuring words when possible.

"You’re taking all these notes, but what if it’s not enough? You can’t fight this with kindness and paper, Evie."

"One step at a time, Relia," Evelina responded firmly.

She worked methodically, collecting small blood, saliva, and sweat samples from the patients. Each sample was sealed carefully.

Damian, meanwhile, had taken some empty jars from the healer’s quarters and went out to gather water from the central well, soil samples from the nearby area, and even some plants from around.

His protective gear was similar to Evelina’s, but his natural confidence made it seem like he didn’t notice the curious stares from the townspeople.

The healer looked up from his station as Damian returned hours later. "Your Highness, you shouldn’t have gone yourself."

"I trust no one else to handle this," Damian replied curtly.

He turned to Evelina, placing the sealed jars on a table. "I saw Jasper on the way back. He has the equipment and is setting up in the palace."

Evelina exhaled in relief. "Good. We’ll need a controlled space to start analysing all of this."

Damian nodded, then glanced at her hands as she carefully sealed another vial of blood. "You’ve done enough here. Let’s get back to the palace."

Evelina hesitated, her gaze sweeping over the patients once more. "Are you sure? There’s still more to—"

"You’ve done everything you can for now," Damian interrupted gently. "The next step is figuring out what we’re dealing with."

Reluctantly, Evelina nodded. Together, they left the healer’s quarters, walking briskly through the now-quiet streets toward the palace.

*************

When they arrived at the palace gates, Lord Luther was there... almost like he was waiting for them. His sharp eyes immediately narrowed as they took in the odd sight of their protective coverings and the jars Damian carried.

"Well, this is quite the spectacle," Luther drawled with suspicion. "First, I see Jasper racing through the streets looking like a walking merchant’s tarp. When I questioned him, he said Lady Evelina had the brilliant idea."

His eyes darted towards her, shining with intent. "And now, here you are, parading around the palace and investigating the outbreak after the King specifically told you to stay put."

Damian’s expression darkened, and his tone was clipped. "She’s with me, Lord Luther. That’s all that matters."

However, Luther paid no attention to him, his thoughtful eyes focused on Evelina. "I wasn’t aware you had knowledge of alchemy, Lady Evelina. Quite the hidden talent."

Evelina looked at him steadily, her voice calm but with a hint of defiance. "There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Lord Luther. But I wouldn’t call it hidden—just unused, until now."

Luther’s lips twitched into something that wasn’t quite a smile. "How intriguing. I do hope this... expertise of yours proves useful. I’d hate to see the royal resources wasted on an exercise in futility."

Damian stepped forward. "She’s already proven more useful than most. If you’ll excuse us, Lord Luther, we have work to do."

For a moment, Luther held his ground, his calculating gaze flicking between the two of them.

Then, he inclined his head slightly, though the gesture felt more like mockery than respect. "Of course, Your Highness. Far be it from me to interfere in your... projects."

His eyes lingered on Evelina one last time. "Do be careful, Lady Evelina. Not all experiments end well."