Chapter 134

Emma selected a rich brown chocolate cake, its chocolate imported from Shalor, and lavishly decorated with cherry sauce. Cold, fragrant, and exquisitely sweet, it was simply delicious.

"Dessert is indeed a treasure that saves a woman's mood!" Emma declared.

"Is it good?" Liam asked.

"It's so delicious!" Emma exclaimed, feeling her fatigue melt away. The beautiful, flower-filled setting only enhanced her joy. Were she not already married to Liam, she might have mistaken this for a proposal.

Liam, watching her blissful expression, felt his heart swell with happiness. He knew Emma was incredibly powerful, and despite her clinginess, he understood she had many responsibilities. Seeing her so happy, he felt an overwhelming joy, wishing he could bestow upon her all the world's treasures. To any observer, it would have been clear that they only saw each other. The air hummed with an almost visible sweetness.

Then, Liam's phone rang. He hesitated, but seeing it was Simon Hall, he answered. "Hey."

Simon's voice was devoid of emotion. "You're with Emma?"

Liam's gaze lingered on Emma's radiant face. "Yes."

Simon collected his thoughts. "My previous behavior toward Emma was unacceptable. Especially after learning Tess Curry's true nature, I regret interfering in your relationship. However, I need a favor. My grandfather's old comrade, the abbot of St. Grace Church on Spirit Mountain, Reverend Otis Hart, is gravely ill. Given our families' three-generation friendship, I hope you'll ask Emma to see him."

News of Emma possessing the Holy Orchid Hero Emblem had spread throughout Troln City, including to Simon. He'd swallowed his pride, finally seeking Liam's help.

Unexpectedly, Liam refused. "Emma's been exhausted lately. I won't let her treat anyone else."

"Hey… Liam! Hey!" But Liam hung up before Simon could finish.

Emma looked up from her flowers, a small piece of cake in her mouth. "Did your father ask me to treat someone?"

Liam's handsome face clouded slightly. "Yes, but I refused."

Emma, still savoring the cake, smiled, her silver fork dancing playfully. "It's not as if I can't go, since your father asked." She knew of Reverend Hart, a benevolent man who'd aided many villagers during the Spirit Mountain flood. Helping him felt like the right thing to do.

Liam frowned. "But Emma, you've been so tired."

"Then let's rest a few days before going," Emma said gently. "Didn't your father say he's seriously ill, not critically ill? He'll be alright for now."

Seeing Liam's reluctance, she added, "At most, I'll extort a large sum from your father." She'd recently spent considerable money treating Lane's grandfather and recruiting soldiers, and a few million from Simon would greatly improve her finances.

Two days later, rested and prepared, Emma set off for Spirit Mountain. Located in the suburbs, it was over an hour's drive from Icovine Estate. They arrived at St. Grace Church around noon.

Emma reviewed the information Liam had sent. "Reverend Hart's illness is peculiar. He's bedridden, yet experiences no pain."

Liam explained, "My father consulted numerous overseas specialists, all to no avail. He even contacted Mr. Blake Shorts from Phara!"

Emma was surprised. "Mr. Shorts, the Grail Hero Badge owner? Even he couldn't cure him?"

Liam nodded. "Yes. That's why my dad wants you to try." Besides Blake, Simon knew of few other Holy Emblem holders.

The challenge, a disease even Blake couldn't cure, ignited Emma's passion.

The car stopped at the church entrance; they continued on foot. Hand in hand, they entered. They were met by Fred Paul, Reverend Hart's trainee.

"Mr. Hall, Miss Wilson, please follow me," Fred, a man in his thirties, said, leading them. "The Reverend hasn't eaten or drunk recently. His organs are failing; the doctors attribute it to old age."

"Let me examine him first," Emma replied, uninfluenced by Fred's assessment. Her skill relied on her own judgment.

A distinct medicinal scent hung in the air around the reverend's quarters. Emma approached Otis's bed, checking his vital signs. His features were gaunt, his eyes closed, yet he possessed an aura of vitality. His face, however, was pale and stiff from prolonged illness.

She sat patiently, meticulously examining his indicators. Her brow furrowed, then deepened in concern. After a minute, she stood.

"Miss Wilson, how is the Reverend? Can he be saved?" Fred asked anxiously.

Emma's voice was low. "The Reverend isn't suffering from organ failure. He's been poisoned!"

Fred's expression changed dramatically. "Impossible!"

Emma explained, "He shows no major signs of organ failure, indicating no serious bodily abnormalities. However, his weakness is indicative of poisoning. If untreated, it will be fatal."

Fred was astonished by her swift diagnosis. Suspicious, he questioned, "But the other doctors found no signs of poisoning. Is your conclusion truly sound?"

Fred's doubt clearly irked Liam. "Even without medical knowledge, you should respect professional opinions."

Fred attempted to retort, but Emma interrupted, smiling. "Since previous doctors failed and you called me, why not try a different approach?" Emma was certain of the poisoning, and the perpetrator was skilled, aiming for a silent, deadly outcome.