Anxious Philip

As Philip continued to press for information about the drug, Constantine decided to shed some light on the reasons behind his cautious approach. He spoke of the intricate web of geopolitical interests that surrounded the emergence of artemisinin and the potential consequences of premature public disclosure.

"Philip, you must understand that the strategic significance of this drug goes beyond its immediate medical applications. It holds the potential to become a powerful tool in our efforts to secure and strengthen Greece's position, especially in regions like Africa," Constantine explained, choosing his words carefully.

He went on to share his vision for the Royal Guards' mission in the Congo River Basin, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by malaria in that region. Constantine painted a vivid picture of the harsh conditions his men would face, explaining how malaria could significantly impact the success of their mission.

"Artemisinin is not just a cure for malaria; it's a safeguard for the health and effectiveness of our troops. Releasing it into the market without proper control might compromise the strategic advantage we're aiming for," Constantine added, hoping to convey the broader context to Philip.

Philip, though driven by the immediate need to address the suffering caused by malaria, began to grasp the complexity of the situation. The clash between the urgent demands of public health and the strategic imperatives of a nation unfolded before him.

The director of the Athens City Hospital, however, couldn't completely set aside his mission as a healer. "Your Excellency, I understand the geopolitical concerns, but the suffering caused by malaria is immense. If there's any way we can ensure wider access to this drug without compromising your strategic goals, it would be a tremendous leap forward in the fight against this disease," Philip earnestly proposed.

Constantine appreciated Philip's dedication to his medical mission and the broader cause of humanity. The exchange underscored the perpetual tension between immediate humanitarian needs and the intricacies of geopolitics.

In the coming days, Constantine found himself pondering the delicate balance between these two realms. He faced the challenge of navigating the expectations of a world in need of a medical breakthrough and the strategic imperatives of a nation seeking to ascend on the global stage.

As the experiment results with artemisinin continued to show promise, Constantine knew that he stood at the intersection of medical advancement and geopolitical strategy, with the fate of a groundbreaking solution hanging in the balance.