[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke
Chapter 122: A Flustered Kitten

Chapter 122: A Flustered Kitten

Xion was definitely not drunk, but he sure was acting like he was.

What the hell had possessed him to ask if the Archduke liked him?

The words had come out all wrong, so wrong that he had to take several deep, forced breaths just to steady his racing heart.

It did not help him a bit that Darius was staring right at him. With his one eyebrow raised in silent scrutiny as if waiting for him to explain himself.

Xion parted his lips, ready to fumble through some sort of damage control, only to be completely derailed by the last thing he expected to hear.

"Sure, I like you."

Xion became a tomato.

Rather than the archduke, who was asked such a ’flirtatious’ question, the silly healer was more flustered. He hastily shook his head, "N-No. No. Don’t answer."

What he actually meant to say was that if the Archduke held him in good regard, that would mean Xion was someone trustworthy.

After all, no one would willingly share their mana with someone they did not trust completely. And Xion had only known Darius for a little over a month.

If it were him, he wouldn’t have taken that risk unless he was absolutely sure.

But... but!

Why had his words come out like some kind of confession?!

Oh God on duty, please grant me a functioning brain!!!

Darius looked at his healer who was utterly panicked and baffled by his own question.

It was... quite a sight.

Xion truly was one of a kind, was he not?

But Darius had not been lying. He did feel a certain fondness for Xion.

When had it begun? He really was not sure.

Perhaps it was the moment Xion had so ridiculously asked him for protection, from his father, no less.

Or maybe... even earlier. That night at the Marquis’s mansion, when Xion had come crashing into his arms.

Darius had been interested in Xion from the very beginning. At first, it was simply curiosity because he could not see his real soul.

But curiosity soon turned into amusement.

And now? If he had to put a name to it, liking would not be a lie.

Darius tilted his head slightly, strands of his long silver hair pooling onto the ground. His gaze lingered on Xion’s flustered expression before he finally spoke.

"Then why did you ask me if you didn’t want an answer?"

Because clearly, my brain had been kicked by a donkey before I asked that question...

A certain emotional drunkard, though not on alcohol, but on his own reckless feelings, suddenly realized something.

He had been crouching at the entrance of his room this entire time.

And worse... he had somehow dragged the Archduke down to the ground with him as well.

"You should stand up, Your Grace."

Darius hummed lightly as he stood up.

Xion, however... remained seated.

He glanced helplessly between the towering man and his own legs. After staying in the same position for so long, his feet had gone completely numb.

Now, no matter how much he willed them to move, they refused to cooperate.

Darius, as if understanding his troubles, offered his hand like a gentleman. "Come up."

With no other choice, Xion placed his hand in Darius’ large palm, intending to use it as support to stand.

But before he could even steady himself, a sudden force yanked him upward.

Then, he was lifted right off the ground, and directly into Darius’ arms.

Xion froze.

The warmth of the Archduke’s body seeped through his clothes, and the distinct scent of cedar and something subtly sweet filled his senses.

Xion’s mind got so overwhelmed that his brain momentarily short-circuited.

By the time he managed to process what had just happened, he found himself looking straight into Darius’ face.

The archduke’s handsome features were impossibly close, so close that if Xion wanted to, he could count every single one of those long silver lashes framing his pale green eyes.

But now was definitely not the time for that.

Because he, Xion, a fully grown man, was currently being held in a princess carry!

"Where are y-you taking me?" he sputtered, flailing slightly in the hold.

Darius barely spared him a glance before answering, "Somewhere."

Xion, who had no strength to fight with Darius, finally gave up"..."

Fine, you are the boss.

Xion could only tighten his grip on Darius’ shoulder, his fingers curling against the fabric. He had a sneaking suspicion that this was revenge.

But could he ask?

Of course not. So, he wisely chose to keep his mouth shut.

That resolve lasted exactly until they turned the corner.

There were many servants in the huge mansion, and Xion saw how meticulous they were. As expected of a household run under the prince.

Even when they saw His Grace carrying someone in his arms, they tried their best to continue with their duties.

That was if one ignored how their gazes subtly flickered in his direction filled with blatant gossiping looks in those eyes.

Xion felt that he might have a fever by now. The heat from his face was not reducing a bit. Rather it had only increased.

In a voice so small it could have been mistaken for a mosquito’s hum, Xion muttered, "Can you put me down, please?"

Darius glanced at the flustered mess in his arms. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

Rather than following the request, he did the exact opposite. His hold tightened on the small frame, securing Xion even closer.

"I remember you once carried me like this."

Xion, "..."

I knew it!

So, this was revenge.

Realizing there was no escaping this, Xion wisely shut his mouth. Every time they passed a group of servants; he did the only thing that made sense.

He directly buried his burning face into the crook of Darius’ neck.

Anyway, this was entirely the Archduke’s fault for carrying him in the first place.

If he had to suffer, then so did Darius.

As if venting his silent frustration, Xion deliberately rubbed his head against the Archduke’s neck, his dark hair brushing against his skin.

However, to Darius, the sensation wasn’t irritating in the slightest. If anything, it felt ticklish.

Like a soft little kitten, trying to show its favor by coquettishly nuzzling against its owner.

So soft... so very cute.

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