[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke
Chapter 93: All Nobles Have It. Do You Have One Too?

Chapter 93: All Nobles Have It. Do You Have One Too?

"What do you think about Lord Klein, brother?" Xion had been meaning to ask.

The Nocturne family had ties to the Archduke, and Xion was under Rael’s protection. That put them on the same side. Well, at least in theory, they were harmonious.

But glasses did not just shatter on their own. Klein had used his mana to break that glass, and he had done it while Xion was holding it.

There was no way that was an accident.

Either Klein had been trying to intimidate him, or he had wanted to test something. Perhaps to see if Xion’s blood was worth his attention. Judging by the sharp glint in those crimson eyes, Klein had found his answer.

"Lord Klein is the heir of Duke Claude. Unlike his brothers, he possesses a sharp mind. He has the qualities needed to lead the Nocturne family forward."

Xion glanced at Allen, unimpressed. That was the kind of answer a noble would give. It was formal, polished, and utterly useless to him.

He wasn’t asking for a résumé.

What he wanted was the impression people had of Klein, the kind of whispers that followed him in the dark. But judging by Allen’s response, he had asked the wrong person.

"Have you heard any rumors about the Nocturne family? Something about... killing people and such?"

"Not that I am aware of."

Allen blinked as if considering the question, but the slight furrow of his brows told Xion otherwise. The alchemist was truly only interested in alchemy.

Xion nearly chuckled at how seriously Allen treated every question, no matter how trivial.

Taking advantage of the moment, he continued pressing for answers. This time they were about royalty and, more importantly, Nikolai.

Lucien Valaria had fought alongside his younger brother in a bloody battle, securing his place on the throne. As a result, Lucien became the esteemed royal brother, primarily responsible for handling external affairs.

During his travels, he fell in love with a princess from a neighboring kingdom. They married happily and later welcomed their son, Nikolai.

Because of his unique lineage, Nikolai had the right to contend for the thrones of both nations. However, much like his father, he chose to forgo that responsibility, embracing a carefree, happy-go-lucky lifestyle instead.

"Teacher, you should keep your distance from His Highness." Allen hesitated before adding, "He’s not someone you can trust. And he..."

Xion chuckled. "He likes pretty people. Is that what you’re trying to say?"

Allen, clearly flustered by the question, paused before giving a small nod in agreement.

It was not that Xion had forgotten Nikolia’s enthusiasm. The male had gripped his hands so tightly that it left bruises. Even Rael got mad when he saw the marks.

Yet, despite that, Xion didn’t feel disgusted by Nikolai. Perhaps it was because the prince’s intentions felt different from Soren’s or Caspian’s.

Nikolai seemed to simply appreciate beauty, and not in the way Allen was thinking.

Xion had seen many artists with the same gleam in their eyes as Nikolai.

"He might come off as weird, but he doesn’t seem like a bad guy. If he had any ill intentions, wouldn’t last night have been the perfect opportunity? After all, calling a prince by his name is no small offense."

Allen fell into deep thought, his brows furrowing slightly. "Even so, I still think you should stay away from him."

Xion couldn’t help but be amused by Allen’s seriousness. With a smile, he replied, "Of course. It’s always best to avoid potential trouble."

As they continued their conversation, a servant arrived to deliver breakfast.

The trays were full of exquisite-looking dishes. After everything that had happened the previous night, Xion was starving. His hunger became even more apparent when his stomach let out a loud growl.

"Oh, I’m starving," Xion mumbled, grabbing a pancake without hesitation. The moment he took a bite, his eyes lit up. The pancake was warm and fluffy, drizzled with just the right amount of honey. Perfect.

A pleased hum escaped him as he savored the sweetness. He was about to take another bite when he noticed Allen sitting quietly with untouched food in front of him.

"Brother, you can eat with me."

Only then did Allen pick up his cutlery.

"Oh, I forgot to ask. Where’s Ray?" Xion inquired, taking a sip of the warm tea. The flavor was mild, almost like drinking warm water, though with a faint hint of sweetness.

Allen’s fingers paused briefly before he resumed eating. "He’s busy with something. You won’t be able to see him for a few days."

By ’busy’, Allen meant that Ray was punished. Even if the knight had arrived at the time mentioned by Xion, he was still a step late.

Everyone knew His Grace hated his things being damaged, and Xion had somehow managed to wiggle his way into those things.

Xion hummed in response, swirling the tea in his cup. "Say, brother Allen, why do we call Rael ’His Grace’ while also using the same title for his father? Shouldn’t we address him as ’Lord Rael,’ like we do with Lord Klein?"

His sudden question nearly made Allen choke on his tea. Good thing he didn’t.

For a moment, Allen hesitated. Should he tell the truth? But doing so would mean going against His Grace’s orders.

"Don’t tell him anything. Not until I say so."

That was what the Archduke had instructed them all.

"Ah, that... There are three dukes, but only one archduke, which makes His Grace’s position a bit more... special," Allen said, tapping his finger against his plate. "He’s also the only child of His Grace. That makes him the direct heir of the archduchy. So, we all address him the same way."

"Oh, got it." Xion nodded thoughtfully. "I just thought it was kind of weird. Wouldn’t it make things confusing when they’re together?"

"They are never together," Allen answered with confidence this time. After all, it really was the truth. "They do not have a good relationship."

That was how Xion ended up knowing that Rael was actually a child of a princess and Archduke Theodore Darkhelm.

So, when later, Xion sat in the familiar carriage with Rael, he could not help but recall everything he had learnt in the morning.

His gaze lingered on the archduke, a little too bright, a little too curious.

Sighing, Darius relented, "What is it?"

Xion leaned forward, his knee rubbing against Rael’s, "I mean, you’re the future archduke, right?

Darius simply hummed in acknowledgment. His gaze flickered to the bandage wrapped around Xion’s arm. What an eyesore...

"It’s usually expected for people in your position to have one for political reasons. So, do you have one too?"

The carriage jolted suddenly as the wheels rolled over a stone, throwing Xion off balance. His head smacked against the window pane with a dull thud.

Darius’ hand shot out instinctively, steadying Xion before he could topple over completely.

He frowned, making a mental note to have the carriage interior modified for the return trip. Or his healer might have a constant bump on his pretty little head.

"What?" The archduke finally asked. He honestly had no idea what Xion was talking about.

Xion rubbed his sore head. Thankfully, the hit wasn’t too hard. Putting his hand down, he flashed a sly smile at the utterly baffled Rael.

"Your fiancée. Who is it?" he asked in a teasing tone.

Then, with a playful wiggle of his eyebrows, the silly Xion added, "Is she pretty? Or maybe... is he pretty? Handsome?"

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