Chapter 125: Queen Titi came into power. Lakeman’s realization.
After a night of indulgence and revelry that stretched into the early hours, Lakeman slept soundly, undisturbed by the world around him.
Meanwhile, inside King Cobra's chamber:
The king lay motionless on his grand bed, his once-vibrant face now pale and etched with a sickly hue. His breathing was shallow, and his body seemed frail, a shadow of its former self. Two seasoned doctors stood nearby, their expressions tense, as they addressed Chaka, Pell, Queen Titi, and several high-ranking ministers who had gathered anxiously in the room.
"How is His Majesty still in a coma? And why is his condition worsening day by day?" Queen Titi demanded, her voice laced with a blend of frustration and feigned grief. Her piercing gaze bore into the doctors. "You told us it was just a simple cold and fever. Why hasn't he recovered yet?"
"Your Highness," one of the elder doctors began, bowing slightly, "it was indeed a common cold and fever at first. Within two days, we nearly cured him. However, his condition inexplicably began to deteriorate. Despite our best efforts, we've been unable to identify the underlying cause."
Titi narrowed her eyes, tears welling up but not spilling over. Her voice trembled, though the emotion behind it felt oddly controlled. "Chaka, why didn't you inform me the moment his health worsened? Were you planning to hide this from me until it was too late?" she accused, her tone sharpened with faux indignation.
Chaka, the loyal leader of the royal guards, lowered his head in shame. His voice was heavy with regret. "Forgive me, Your Highness. His Majesty forbade us from telling you. When he was still conscious, he insisted that you not be burdened with this. He believed the ongoing project for Alabasta's livelihood was too important to be disrupted by his illness."
Titi pressed a delicate hand to her chest, her face painted with an expression of sorrow. "His loyalty to this kingdom is undeniable, but at what cost? Look at him now!" She gestured dramatically toward the frail king. "This is no ordinary illness. These so-called doctors can't even provide an explanation!"
"Your Highness," the older doctor interjected cautiously, his voice almost pleading, "we have exhausted all known remedies. At this point, we believe it would be prudent to seek help from the Drum Kingdom. Their expertise in medicine is unparalleled."
Titi's expression hardened with resolve. "Then I will personally travel to the Drum Kingdom. I will plead with their king to send the finest doctors to save His Majesty."
Chaka's eyes widened in alarm. "Your Highness, you mustn't leave! The kingdom needs you now more than ever. Who will govern in your absence if you depart while His Majesty is incapacitated?"