Chapter 138
If the initial concoction was meant to fine–tune the body’s functions, then the addition of aged. sandalwood’s soothing qualities would perfectly enhance the characteristics of each ingredient, minimizing any side effects. However, this approach was rather old school. Its complexity required a pharmacist’s keen judgment and precise blending, and since the recipes and methods had been lost to time, hardly anyone practiced it anymore.
The man only knew of it because his family had been steeped in the traditions of alternative medicine for generations. It seemed that this young lady must have a real sage of medicine in her family.
The man composed himself and spoke with added politeness, “I have a friend who deals in spices. He’s got sandalwood, and his shop isn’t too far from here. Let me give you his card. You might find what you need there.”
Had it not been for the presence of someone in the back room, he would have been tempted to escort the young lady himself. Competent herbal specialists were hard to come by, let alone those versed in ancient remedies.
Quickly, the middle–aged man packaged the herbs and found the business card, handing both to Mirabella.
“Thanks a bunch, mister,” said Mirabella, taking the items and getting ready to leave.
As she headed for the door, the man hesitated, and then called out to her, “You know, I don’t have Greatheart Ginseng, but I do have some other gingsengs…”
Mirabella stopped in her tracks, turning slightly, and said in a calm voice, “No need. Although the efficacy might not be much different, precision is key in medicine. A slight difference could lead to a huge discrepancy.”
After saying that, she pushed the door open and left.
The middle–aged man stood there, stunned. His mind was a whirl until an older man emerged from the back room, snapping him back to reality. “Ethan, what are you daydreaming about? Lock the front door, will you?” the elder chided.
Ethan replied as he moved to the door, “Sir, there was a young lady here to buy herbs, and her prescription was quite unique.”
The older man, disinterested, pulled out a worn book from a drawer and asked casually, “Oh? What did she get?”
Ethan recounted the herbs Mirabella had requested and added, “I told her we were out of Greatheart Ginseng. She didn’t want another batch either and then asked about aged sandalwood…”
The old man’s expression showed a flicker of surprise, but he glanced towards the back room. and cut Ethan off, “Enough, we’ll talk later.” Then, he disappeared into the back room with his
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belongings. Ethan hummed in acknowledgment, locked the door, and followed him.
Inside, the scent of sandalwood was more potent than outside, clearly emanating from within these walls.
James lounged in a mahogany chair, idly toying with the incense utensils on a small table beside him, appearing nonchalant yet somehow too pale.
“James, with the state you’re in, besides medicating and taking it slow, I’m afraid I’ve got no other tricks up my sleeve,” the elder who had just walked in spoke to him.
Standing next to James, Wyatt, with a hint of despondency, inquired. “But the medicine doesn’t seem as effective anymore. Isn’t there another way to stem this?”
The elder gave a wry smile, shaking his head, and then handed over the old book to Wyatt. “This tome is handed down from the previous generation. It holds some potential solutions, but even if I am able to concoct the remedy, there’s no saying how effective it would be or if it might be rejected by James‘ condition…”
