Chapter 69: Confronting the Church
Riku’s jaw tightened, a cold fury simmering within him. The blatant corruption, the callous disregard for suffering... it was a perversion of everything the church should have stood for.
However, he took a deep breath. The intention was not to fight with the church, but to understand more about the creep. So, he did not say anything for now.
Riku guided Lila and a still-hooded Elara towards one of the few occupied cots in their section, where a tired-looking priestess was examining an elderly man.
After a few minutes, the priestess finished, handing the man a small vial. "One dose of Sunpetal Draught. Take it as instructed. May the Light guide your recovery." She turned, her gaze falling on the trio. "Next. What ails you?"
Riku stepped forward with Elara. "Our friend here is suffering from the Crimson Creep. We were hoping to secure a dose of the Sunpetal Draught for her."
The priestess, her face etched with fatigue, beckoned Elara closer. "Let me see, child." Elara hesitantly lowered her hood. The priestess peered at the crimson marks on Elara’s forehead and cheeks, her expression clinical. She gently touched one of the marks, then felt Elara’s pulse.
"Hmm," the priestess murmured, straightening up. "The marks are present, yes. But your pulse is relatively strong, child. Your breathing, steady. You don’t exhibit the severe tremors or the burning fever common in advanced stages." She looked Elara up and down. "Frankly, your condition doesn’t appear critical. We have many others in far more dire need."
"Huh? What is that supposed to mean?" Lila asked, confused.
"That means that she doesn’t need the medicine. At least not yet."