[US] Chapter 4: Seed Deeds, Gather Doom
Rober received the dark brown, bulging paper bags from the apothecary. A mixed scent, both warm and pungent, struck his nostrils the distinctive aroma of dried Windclear Leaf, mingling with the delicate fragrance of Moonbloom Flower, and the slightly earthy smell of Earthsprite Root. He carefully inspected each bag, ensuring the herbs were fresh, free from mold or impurities.
"Thank you" Rober said, after paying in full. He took a piece of paper from his pocket, placed it on the wooden counter, and wrote a few lines on it. "This is a small gift, as a token of my gratitude."
The apothecary, still astonished by Rober's profound knowledge, curiously picked up the paper. His eyes widened as he read the neat, meticulous handwriting. It was not just a list of herbs, but a detailed formula, describing precisely the preparation, combination, dosage, and even important precautions when using it.
"You... you're giving me this valuable formula for free?" He stammered, his voice trembling. "In this mining town... this remedy could make you a rich man!"
Rober smiled, a calm and sincere smile. "Money is important, but it's not everything, sir" he replied. "I believe you are not a greedy, cruel man. If this remedy can reach the hands of those suffering miners, alleviating their pain to some extent, that is what I truly desire."
He paused for a beat, his gaze becoming serious. "However, I have one condition. If this remedy proves effective, helping the old woman improve her health, I want you to commit to providing her with the medicine free of charge, until she has fully recovered. Consider it... the price of this sharing."
The apothecary was silent, his eyes wavering. In his mind, a struggle between personal gain and conscience was taking place. Finally, he looked up, meeting Rober's gaze.
"Alright" he said resolutely. "I promise. If your medicine cures the old woman, I will provide her with free medicine. I will also try to help other miners with this remedy, at the most affordable price."
Rober nodded, satisfied. "That's good to hear. One more thing, could you please direct me to the home of the grandmother and grandson?"
"Just walk straight out of the station gate" the shop owner said, pointing ahead "about two hundred meters from here, there's a small alley paved with blue stones. Turn into it, go deep inside, and you'll see a dilapidated tenement area for mine workers. Just ask around there, people will point it out. They've lived there for a long time, everyone knows them."
Rober thanked the shop owner and, carrying the bags of medicine, hurried out of the shop. The late afternoon sun had turned a golden-orange, casting long streaks on the stone-paved road leading to the station gate.
As soon as he stepped out of the station area, Rober recognized Amalia's familiar figure. She was leaning against the wall of a crumbling brick house, one hand supporting the old woman who was coughing violently, the other gently patting her back. The boy stood beside them, his face showing obvious worry and helplessness.
"Miss Hana!" Rober called out, walking quickly towards them.
Amalia turned, her eyes showing a flicker of relief upon seeing Rober. "Rober, you're here! I was worried, I was afraid you'd gotten lost..."
Rober put the bags of medicine on the ground and inquired about the old woman's condition: "How are you feeling?"
The old woman looked up with her dim, wrinkled eyes, managing a weak smile. "Thank you... thank you both..." Her voice was hoarse, interrupted by prolonged coughing fits.
Rober handed the bags of medicine to the boy. "This is the medicine" he said. "I've bought all the necessary ingredients. When you get home, follow these instructions carefully..."
He began to explain meticulously, slowly, using hand gestures as he spoke:
"First, take the Windclear Leaf and Earthsprite Root, wash them thoroughly, and then grind them into a fine powder. Then, mix this powder with the restorative potion, remember to use only a sufficient amount, to create a thick paste. Next, put this mixture into a pot, along with the Moonbloom Flower, and pour in water, bring it to a boil."
"When the water boils" Rober continued "remember to keep the heat low, simmer it gently. Simmer until the liquid turns a clear, jade-green color. At that point, turn off the heat, let it cool, and then strain out the solids. She should drink a small cup of this medicine every day, in the evening before bed."
"If you do this correctly" Rober concluded "after about a week, she'll find it easier to breathe. Continue drinking it consistently for a month, and her lungs will gradually be cleansed, and the damage will slowly heal."
The boy listened attentively, his eyes wide, not missing a single word from Rober. He nodded repeatedly, indicating that he understood clearly. "You... you are so knowledgeable!" The boy exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration. "I... I want to be like you, I want to learn to heal my grandmother..."
A deep sadness flashed across the old woman's eyes. She reached out a frail, trembling hand to stroke the boy's hair, her voice choked with emotion: "My grandson... I'm sorry... This old woman probably isn't strong enough to help you get a proper education..." She choked back a sob, tears rolling down her wrinkled cheeks. She wasn't refusing, she was blaming herself, feeling helpless.
The boy quickly hugged his grandmother, shaking his head vigorously. "It's not your fault! It's not! I... I don't blame you..." The boy also sniffled, trying to hold back his tears.
Witnessing this scene, Rober's heart ached. He remembered his days back in the village, where he had seen so many intelligent, eager children forced to abandon their education due to difficult family circumstances.
He bent down, rummaging in his worn leather suitcase. After a moment, he pulled out a well-worn, faded book. It was the textbook he had compiled himself to teach the poor children in his village.
Rober spoke gently, handing the book to the boy. "I'm giving you this book. It will help you learn on your own. Can you read and write?"
The boy took the book, his eyes shining brightly. "Yes... yes, I can. I learned a little from the children at the church..."
"Very good" Rober smiled. "So, what is your name?"
"My name is Haris" the boy replied.
"Haris, please try your best to study on your own" Rober said. "This book contains all the basic knowledge. When you grow up, you can come to the Royal Academy and find me. I am Rober Naris, and I will always be willing to help you."
"Really?" Haris exclaimed, clutching the book to his chest like a treasure. "Thank you, Brother Rober! I promise I will study very hard!"
Rober ruffled Haris's hair, his eyes filled with hope. "I believe you will."
He turned to Amalia and said quietly "Miss Hana, we should return to the station. It's almost time for the train."
Amalia nodded, but her gaze remained fixed on the grandmother and grandson. "Rober" she said softly, her voice filled with concern "can we... can we do anything more for them?"
Rober understood Amalia's concern. He looked at the dilapidated, ramshackle house, at the impoverished, gloomy neighborhood, at the weary faces of the miners... He knew that a bag of medicine, a book, was too little compared to the hardships they were facing.
"We will try" he replied, his voice calm and determined. "We will not abandon them."
They bowed to the grandmother and grandson, and then slowly turned back towards the station. The sunset had completely faded, giving way to the encompassing darkness. But in the hearts of Rober and Amalia, a spark of faith, a hope for a better future, still flickered not only for Haris and the old woman, but for all the suffering people in this world.
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