**Chapter 1: The Royal Concerns**

"Your Majesty, I have grave news," said Impa, Zelda's trusted advisor, rushing into the throne room. "The milk disease is spreading rapidly throughout the kingdom. We have reported cases in the city of Hyrule, as well as in the outlying villages." Zelda, the princess of Hyrule, sat on her throne, her brow furrowed with concern. "How many cases do we have so far?" "Twenty-seven, Your Majesty," Impa replied. "But what's most disturbing is that the symptoms are all different. One patient may have a fever, while another may have... unusual skin lesions." Zelda winced at the thought. She had a list of people in her kingdom who were most susceptible to the disease, and it was a list she dreaded. The Kokiri, with their eternal childhood, were the primary targets of the milk disease. She had always been fond of the Kokiri, with their playful nature and carefree spirits. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted Impa's report. "Enter," Zelda called out. A young Kokiri, with a messy mop of green hair, burst into the room. "Princess Zelda! Please, I need your help!" Zelda recognized the Kokiri as Sparrow, a resident of the Kokiri Forest. "Sparrow, what's wrong?" she asked, concern etched on her face. "It's the milk disease, Your Majesty," Sparrow said, his eyes wide with fear. "I've heard it's spreading fast, and I'm... I'm one of the ones most likely to get it. I want to hide here in the castle, where it's safe." Zelda exchanged a worried glance with Impa. The castle was not a safe haven, not yet. But she couldn't turn Sparrow away. "You can stay here, Sparrow," she said. "But I must warn you, we don't know much about this disease, and we can't guarantee your safety." Sparrow nodded eagerly, relief washing over his face. "Thank you, Your Majesty! I won't be a bother, I promise." Impa frowned. "I'll show you to a room, Sparrow. But first, I must ask, have you experienced any symptoms?" Sparrow shook his head. "No, nothing. But I've heard it's only a matter of time. I've seen some of my friends... they're acting strange. I don't want to end up like them." Zelda's heart went out to the young Kokiri. She would do everything in her power to help him, and to find a cure for this mysterious disease. But as she looked at Sparrow, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time...