Long Dry Season

Immediately after receiving the all-clear from Prince Arya, the group of physicians from the Lokapala palace moved towards the disaster area. 

Along the way, the people who happened to pass by the troops gathered at the roadside. They cheered and honored the troops as if they were going to war. But this time it was different, because what they were going to face was not an enemy, but a disease that attacked the villagers. 

From inside the horse-drawn carriage, Nalini and Radmila occasionally looked out. Nalini looked happy because this was her first time joining such a large group. Being part of the palace army was something she had never imagined before. 

Nalini realized that she was now living a much different life than when she was in the village. She often smiled when she got a wave from people who were encouraging her. 

"Nalini, are you very happy?" said Radmila, who Nalini hadn't realized had been watching her.