[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke
Chapter 82: Like A Fallen Angel

Chapter 82: Like A Fallen Angel

At first, Xion wasn’t sure if what he saw was reality or just an illusion. The girl standing near the open doors bore little resemblance to the freckled maid he had once called a friend.

But as soon as their eyes met, he knew.

"E-Eli...?" The words left his lips before he could think. His breath caught in his throat as Eli walked toward him, and for a brief moment, something flickered in her deep brown eyes.

Perhaps recognition. Or hesitation. But just as quickly, it was masked by a dazzling smile, so perfect it almost seemed unnatural.

"I knew you would be here, young master." Her voice was warm and gentle, yet it oddly made Xion’s ears itch and not in a good way.

Xion took a step forward, his brows drawing together. That wasn’t the way she used to smile.

There had been a time when Eli’s laughter had been restrained with shyness, but it was bright, nonetheless. Her freckles used to dance across her cheeks in the sunlight whenever she grinned.

But now... now they were hidden beneath a layer of pale powder. Dressed in a frilly pink gown, she appeared every bit a Barbie doll.

Xion noticed it now. She was acting like a noble lady.

"Why are you here?" His voice was softer now. He wanted to ask how she had been, or how Boris was treating her, but suddenly the questions felt a bit too personal.

Eli tilted her head, eyes gleaming. "I came with my husband, Lord Boris. He has given me the title of his main wife, you see." Her lips widened and a high-pitched laughter spilled from her red-painted lips, "They all have to bow to me, now. Is that not amazing, young master?"

Xion’s breath hitched.

That explained everything. Her sudden transformation, the extravagant pink gown that clung to her thin frame, the glistening jewelry that adorned her wrists and neck.

It explained why her once dull, tangled hair now shone under the bright lights. They were curled and styled with meticulous care just like her entire personality.

But most of all, it explained that new look in her eyes.

Ambition.

Greed.

Xion swallowed, pushing down the discomfort rising in his chest. "Congratulations, then." He forced a small smile. That was all he could utter.

Eli let out a soft chuckle, lifting her delicate hand to touch the pearl necklace at her throat. "And look at you," she spoke wistfully. "Dressed like a prince. I envy you."

Her words carried a lighthearted tone, however, Xion caught it. That flash in her eyes and the way she measured him. It was not as a friend, not even as an old acquaintance, but as something else entirely.

For a second, Xion felt like a stranger standing before her. He wanted to ask, was this truly what you wanted, Eli? Are you happy?

But he knew better. Some things were not meant to be asked. And some answers weren’t meant to be heard. Not when the said friend looked at him as if she were assessing his worth.

Eli had always known that despite being huddled under heavy scrutiny, Xion was beautiful. He was pretty in a quiet, almost unassuming way.

Back in the Marquis’ household, his attractiveness had been muted, hidden beneath the exhaustion and quiet suffering.

Even then, it had stirred young master Soren’s desires.

Now that he was out of the Marquis’ estate, he looked taller and happier than before.

His pristine white suit accentuated his slender frame to perfection.

It was the same pair of clothes she wished to wear tonight. She had wanted to flaunt herself before all those concubines.

However, someone bought the entire set. Both the lady’s gown and male suit were gone.

She had to settle for the second best she could find. Her pink dress suddenly lost its charm as she noticed how the fine golden embroidery on those white cuffs shimmered under the light.

The high collar framed his pale neck. His slightly long black hair, tousled from his earlier attempts to tame, framed his pretty face. Coupled with those clear eyes, everything made him look... otherworldly.

Like a fallen angel.

There was something about him that even if he stood among all the nobles, he would not belong to them. It was not that Xion would look out of place like her. No, not at all.

Albeit with a trusting smile, Xion was too distant, too untouchable, as though the filth of the rest of them would never dare to reach him.

And that made her feel cold.

Because Xion... Xion was supposed to be like her!

Eli had once thought that time and status could change everything. With enough effort, she could erase the past and shape herself into someone new.

Someone who was worthy of admiration, of respect, of power. Yet standing before Xion now, she felt like a clown.

He was still the same. Untouched. Unstained.

She clenched her fists beneath the folds of her pink gown, nails digging into her palms as she swallowed the bile rising in her throat.

The powder dusting her face suddenly felt suffocating. The fine fabric of her dress started to constrict against her chest.

No matter how lavish her clothes were, no matter how high she climbed, she still failed to achieve what she had desired. And it was all because of Xion!

In the very next breath, she crushed that hate down, smoothing her countenance into something gentle and serene. Something Xion was familiar with.

"Are you ... fine?" Xion finally asked the only thing bugging him. "Are you alone now?" It would do no good if there were people listening to their conversation.

When Eli shook her head, he hesitatingly asked "Do you... maybe, need help?"

Eli simply smiled. "You never change. And no, young master. I am fairing so much better now."

Xion nodded. As long as she was okay. He opened the system map as he conversed with her, "Do you want me to show you the way to the banquet then?"

In this era, it would be frowned upon if Eli, a married woman, was caught with her former master’s son.

"No. I-I," she wavered before gathering her scattered thoughts, "I came here secretly."

Xion glanced at the map clearly showing two individuals standing outside the room. They were not there before. These guards or whoever they were, came here with Eli.

He did not expose her lie though. "What’s the matter?" He asked as nonchalantly as possible.

"I can’t tell you now. Though I do hope I’ll see you at the back garden at midnight, young master," her voice was hushed as if telling something very secretive.

Xion hesitated only for a moment, then gave a small nod.

"...Alright."

A smile curved Eli’s lips. Soft. Sweet. Carefully controlled. After achieving her goal, she turned around.

But inside, her fingers trembled. All she needed to do was bring Xion to her master. And she would finally secure what she longed for.

I apologize, Xion. She mused as she walked down the hallway. I am just trying to survive. And I also hate the way you look now.

Eli chuckled softly as she covered her red lips with the silk handkerchief. She seemed to understand why young master Soren took such pleasure in toying with Xion.

Xion indeed looked far better when he was a broken mess, and she found herself growing eager at the thought of that sight.

Have I become like young Master Soren? She silently questioned herself but there was no regret on her face. Just a soft smile.