Chapter 976

The Westhaven envoys looked first at Javier, then at Sebastian. They were inclined to trust Javier, given his long-standing loyalty and years of service to Lisandra. His dedication had earned their trust. However, Sebastian's exceptional medical skills and renowned reputation in Westhaven were also compelling.

Winona translated Javier's words, and Sebastian withdrew his hand from Lisandra's wrist. He turned to Winona and said, "Tell them—it's poison."

Garrick quickly interjected, "We understand you perfectly. No need to translate." Most of the envoys were fluent in Stellish; only one or two had limited proficiency.

"So, tell us," Garrick asked, "what kind of poison is it?"

Sebastian glanced at Carissa. She recalled a case from Brightmoor District—a woman infected with Soulgrip Threadworms who had become incredibly strong and violently frenzied. However, this case was different; that woman had been controlled, while Lisandra was deeply unconscious. Carissa hesitated to draw a conclusion.

Javier, however, remained firm in his opinion, explaining, "Her Highness has always been frail and suffered from persistent headaches. With her blocked blood circulation and increased intracranial pressure, I suspect a brain tumor or swelling. My diagnosis is sound."

Winona relayed this to Sebastian, who shook his head. "There's no swelling," he said. "Her blood flow is obstructed by a poisonous worm in her brain. I call it poison because it is—though atypical. It doesn't affect the heart rate, but it disrupts the mind and intensifies headaches. If left untreated, it will be fatal."

"Impossible!" Penny exclaimed, clutching her handkerchief, her eyes wide with disbelief. Switching to Stellish, she angrily spat at Sebastian, "What poisonous worm? Ridiculous! To claim it endangers Her Highness's life—you're a quack, not a renowned physician! Preposterous!"

Sebastian, having seen countless patients, immediately recognized Penny's fear of exposure. He remained silent, calmly opening his medicine box and retrieving a small wooden case. Inside, they saw a small, black object, about the size of a finger, emitting a faint, mysterious fragrance.

He handed the object to Javier, then turned to Winona. "Have him light this in front of Grand Princess Lisandra. That will prove my assessment."

Winona translated. Javier took the object, sniffing it. Despite his extensive experience, he couldn't identify it. He found the scent refreshing and soothing.

"What kind of incense is this?" he asked.

No translation was needed. Sebastian replied, "A medicinal herb soaked in a special solution to combat Soulgrip Threadworms. Grand Princess Lisandra has Threadworm Toxin. Those infected can be controlled by the infector."

"Her unconsciousness stems from her body resisting this control. The chances of success are slim. I've only seen one person resist, and it resulted in death. Unconsciousness is the first stage. If the threadworms aren't removed within twelve hours, they'll corrode her brain, causing death."

The mention of death paled everyone's faces. Penny's color drained as she murmured, "Impossible… That can't be true."

Her reaction drew curious glances from Garrick and the others. "Penny," Garrick asked, "why do you say it's impossible? Why are you so certain?"

Penny's gaze lingered on Lisandra, whose face remained unnaturally flushed. Uncertainty clouded her expression. "I just feel… it's far-fetched. A poisonous worm? I've never heard of such a thing."

"The world is vast," Garrick replied. "There's much you haven't heard of. If this cures Her Highness, why not try it?"

Penny hesitated, conflicted. "We can't be sure. What if this is the real poison?"