Chapter 631
With Carissa and Violet present, and Abigail pleading for Sebastian to remain in the delivery room to save Leona, the others in the outer room remained silent. Though Heather initially hesitated, her daughter's shallow breathing spurred her to acquiesce.
Sebastian focused solely on Leona. Saving the baby was no longer the primary objective; saving Leona's life was paramount. He boldly increased the dosage of the labor-inducing medication after administering a Snowdrop Pill and a Heartshield Pill.
Gavin, the royal physician, felt his heart race at Sebastian's boldness. However, aware of the pills' efficacy, he remained silent. Hidden behind a partition, he couldn't see which acupoints Sebastian was using; had he seen, his astonishment would have been even greater.
Sebastian then used Bloodmusk and Heartsage concoctions. The Bloodmusk's pungent smell caused onlookers to blanch; its precise dosage was crucial, as it affected not only the current pregnancy but also future fertility.
Gavin, witnessing Sebastian's choices, thought the famed physician was resorting to desperate measures.
Finally, Leona's cervix dilated. The Snowdrop and Heartshield Pills took effect, restoring some of Leona's strength. The golden needles stimulated violent uterine contractions, causing a strong downward pulling sensation.
The midwife urged Leona to push. With every ounce of remaining strength, the duchess pushed, and the baby was born. Sebastian had already stepped outside, leaving Ivy and the midwife to attend to the aftermath.
The baby, a boy, was stillborn, his body bruised. Abigail, noticing the baby's resemblance to Samuel, wept softly. Heather's tears flowed freely: "Oh, my poor grandson!"
Sebastian coldly replied, "You might want to pity your daughter first." Heavy bleeding, a consequence of the excessive blood-circulating medicine, had begun. They urgently needed blood-clotting medication and acupuncture to stop the hemorrhage. Leona's life remained in jeopardy, even after the delivery.
Carissa anxiously held her cousin's hand at the bed's head. Leona had fainted, and Ivy, diligently following Sebastian's instructions, worked to stabilize her.
Violet felt numb. Despite her initial fear of childbirth, the urgency of the situation overshadowed her dread. Her focus remained solely on Leona's survival.
Violet witnessed Leona repeatedly near death; even now, the danger persisted. Her heart ached. She questioned Leona's suffering for such an unworthy man, wondering if she would even survive. It wasn't worth it.
Violet's contemplation of a life without marriage intensified. This world, unforgiving of unmarried women and childless wives, solidified her resolve. Her body, future, and life were her own; she wouldn't entrust them to an unknown man. True love wouldn't allow such suffering. If a man disagreed with her choices, it proved his love insufficient.
Why should Violet settle for less? She acknowledged her privilege; the Inferno Guild's support allowed her this perspective, a luxury unavailable to many women.
Remembering Carissa's proposed academy for women, Violet shifted her focus. While initially favoring a martial arts class, she realized the need for a broader mindset change. Carissa was right.
Violet pledged her support—manpower and financial—to the academy. But for now, Leona's survival remained their paramount concern.