[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke
Chapter 119: A Garden of Hidden Intentions

Chapter 119: A Garden of Hidden Intentions

Nikolai left Siena kneeling in the open cell. She could leave when she felt like it.

Her trembling form had already faded from his mind as his thoughts had long since shifted to someone far more interesting.

Xion Vaelis. A bastard who was far more talented than the entire Marquis family including their ancestors.

Not just that. Xion was so, so beautiful!

He really wanted to put Xion on the stage and draw him! But it was not just that.

Nikolai wanted to keep Xion closer where he could look at him whenever he wished.

A smirk curled on his lips. Doll did not seem like the type to be swayed by riches. If that were the case, Darius would have already been the favored one.

The archduke had wealth, power, and the status to provide anything a person could desire.

Yet, despite everything, Xion remained out of reach.

Nikolai ran a hand through his golden locks, shaking his head. Even his face, something that had entranced countless nobles and beauties, had failed to capture Xion’s attention the way it should have.

Xion was just flustered and then... nothing.

It was truly unacceptable.

With a sigh, he changed into fresh clothes and made his way toward the garden. As soon as he stepped onto the stone pathway, the scent of flowers filled his lungs.

His golden gaze swept over the vibrant blooms, satisfied by what he saw.

Anything else aside, that woman sure has talent in this field.

Still, the thought of letting Siena live for a few more days soured his mood. If not for Darius being forced onto the battlefield soon, he would have already disposed of her.

Tsk. What a bother.

The sight of a knight’s blue uniform caught his eye. The familiar figure patrolled the area, looking as sharp as ever.

Raymond Eldritch was Darius’s most trusted sword. Unlike his infamous older brother, Raymond had no noble titles or influence, yet the archduke had kept him close for years.

Nikolai grinned and directly strolled over to the frowning man.

"Raymond," he drawled lazily. "You always look so serious. Has no one told you that scowling like that will give you wrinkles?"

Ray could only properly greet the prince with a straight face, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Nikolai chuckled. "You wound me, truly. Do you not smile at anyone? Don’t speak more than needed to? Are you perhaps copying your master?"

So many questions but Ray didn’t so much as open his mouth to answer. He was used to Prince Nikolai’s way of riling him up. Nevertheless, much to the prince’s dismay, and his pleasure, it never worked on him.

Shrugging as if helpless, Nikolai turned and waved a hand toward the garden. "Since I have an hour to kill before my appointment, why don’t we share some tea? I find it refreshing to speak with someone who is so loyal to his master for a change."

That caught Ray’s attention. "Someone betrayed you?"

Nikolai smiled slightly without answering. However, standing amidst the vast garden with such a tiny smile, made Nikolai look lonely.

Ray ended up responding to the prince in a slightly gentle voice, "I am on duty, Your Highness."

Change in voice meant half the work done. Nikolai arched a brow. "Are you? You’re standing in my garden, far from the palace halls. Unless His Majesty suddenly started growing roses in his throne room, I’d say you’re killing time just like I am."

Ray’s gaze flickered toward him for a moment before he sighed. "...As you wish." There really was nothing much he could do when a prince himself insisted on something.

Nikolai smirked. He’s easier to move than his master.

They walked toward a shaded pavilion, where a servant had promptly poured their tea before leaving them to enjoy.

Nikolai leaned back in his chair while his long fingers casually swirled the liquid in his cup.

"So," he began casually, "why did His Majesty call dear Darius to the capital in such a rush?"

Ray slowly took a slow sip of his tea.

For a moment, Nikolai thought he might ignore the question entirely.

Nonetheless, the knight spoke. "The king wants to see how long the archduke can survive with his curse."

Nikolai’s lips twitched. "That obvious, is it?"

This time he did not reply.

Both knew about the undercurrents of the royal palace.

Nikolai had assumed that the archduke would rush back the moment he heard about the intentions of His Majesty.

Going on a battlefield with his curse was nothing less than a suicide.

"That old bone isn’t as senile as I’d like him to be," Nikolai murmured mostly to himself.

Ray, "But that old bone is crumbling. A mind like that can’t support the weight of a throne."

The king had been showing signs of distrust in Darius, and Nikolai had been aware of the reason. It was the crown prince, Isidor.

Perhaps Darius’ influence as the Hero of the North among the common people had exceeded their expectations, and Isidor’s popularity, or maybe they were greedy for the northern territory.

In short, they wanted to pull Darius under their control somehow. If he went to the battlefield, which was an ideal situation for the archduke to die, everything would be sorted out.

All the northern side would directly fall under the rule of his majesty and soon it would be devoured by the nobles.

And if the archduke refuses...

Ray, "The court is divided, and only pretends to have one front."

That had actually given them some help as there were ministers who were in favor of His Grace, and Ray was grateful to them.

For now, his majesty had only given His Grace some minor tasks and asked him to settle in the royal capital.

It was just their way to keep an eye on the archduke, to make sure that he did not have any hidden army with him.

Only after making sure, would the king formally request them to go to the war.