Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Living with a predetermined end date can evoke feelings of melancholy. The sensation of taking each step towards an inevitable demise, with no means of declining or delaying it, is a sentiment that is difficult to grasp for those who have not undergone it.

This theme is ubiquitous in dramas, movies, and other forms of media.

Despite the various depictions of a life with a deadline, Raciel believed that individuals who have cared for a terminally ill loved one may have a better understanding of the experience.

In Korea, Raciel had personally witnessed this phenomenon when his father battled with an incurable illness, and the family had to come to terms with his passing.

But this is

[Your expected lifespan has increased by (+)1 day.]

[Estimated lifespan: 92 days]

Gulp.

Raciel involuntarily swallowed the dryness in his mouth, as he couldnt believe what he was witnessing before his very eyes. The realization that something he thought was completely impossible had materialized left him stunned.

Is this really happening?

Despite witnessing it firsthand, he struggled to come to terms with the reality.

He was now the patient with a limited lifespan, as confirmed by examining his pulse with a medical skill. The diagnosis revealed that he had a mere 91 days left to live, which was shorter than the duration of a standard mobile phone contract.

Although it was difficult to accept, the prognosis was undeniable.

Has my life expectancy increased thanks to acupuncture?

Was his acupuncture that great?

Raciel didnt think so.

Its just acupuncture thats usually given to ordinary patients at a Korean medicine clinic, but done a little more carefully.

Nevertheless, there was no denying the effectiveness of acupuncture. His breathing had noticeably improved, and the wheezing, reminiscent of a damaged flute, had diminished considerably.

Lets try it again!

Like a spring gushing out from a deep mountain, the motivation that had been sleeping deep in his heart burst forth.

Have all the needles been sterilized?

Yes, Your Highness. But are you going to pierce yourself again?

Of course. Come here. Hurry.

Raciel urged Gardin and received eleven new needles. After assuming the correct position once again, he held the needle with his left hand and inserted it into the right side of his body, targeting the UB 13 acupoint, following the same order and depth as before.

Thud! Thud-thud! Thud!

He worked methodically, starting from the central point (Zhongbu) meridian, moving on to Arm Yin (Unmun), Heavens Circle (Cheonbu), and Converging at the Throat (Hyeopbaek), while appropriately stimulating each point along the way. Finally, he thoroughly pierced the Small Intestine meridian without skipping any.

Then, a message appeared in front of his eyes.

Ding-dong!

[You have completed your acupuncture treatment targeting the right half of your bodys UB13 acupoint.]

[However, your body is still struggling with excessive acupuncture.]

[At your current physical level, acupuncture is recommended once every 3 days.]

[Your internal organs show resistance to excessive and overly aggressive acupuncture.]

[The lungs are cringing due to excessive stimulation.]

[The lungs mental state is evaporating with a sobbing sound.]

Uh-oh.

Raciel had overlooked a crucial aspect of acupuncture it was not a panacea. The process of stimulating nerves and blood vessels with needles demanded a certain level of physical strength from the patient, which was why many people experienced needle fatigue during treatment.

However, in his case, his body had no strength to begin with. It was as if the energy residing in his body was equivalent to the meager happiness index left in hastily poured sweet and sour pork sauce.

Hoo, huff.

Raciel experienced a faint dizziness, which indicated that his body was indeed experiencing strain, as the message had warned. He took a deep breath and carefully removed the needles.

Simultaneously, he quickly performed mental calculations in his head.

Lets summarize. If the content of that message is true, acupuncture does have an effect. My life expectancy increased by one day. But theres a downside. I can only use it once every three days.

Acupuncture once every three days.

If his life expectancy increases by one day each time, he could postpone his death by about a month.

But thats not enough. He couldnt be satisfied with just delaying death. A more reliable method is needed.

Or, I could build up my strength to receive acupuncture every day.

Then, he could increase his life expectancy every day. He would be able to push back death significantly.

To do that

Elixirs are the best!

The solution seemed obvious when it came to rejuvenation and energy restoration, elixirs were undoubtedly the best choice.

Ill eat more meals and take elixirs as well. Ill consume everything that is good for my body while gradually exercising.

Then, he could break free from the confines of his weak physical state. He began to contemplate the details of his plan, considering what type of decoction he should prepare and how he could acquire the necessary medicinal herbs.

Thinking and reviewing the early development of the story, he spent the night exploring, searching, and contemplating.

The dawn broke, and as soon as Raciel woke up, he raised his hand to inspect it.

That was the sad ending he met.

Raciel raised his head.

Gardin, who was uneasy due to his untimely morning scolding, and he himself, who had possessed a frail body in a strange world, felt truly fortunate to have such a loyal subject.

If I want to execute the plan I made last night such a loyal subject is essential.

No matter what he did.

No matter what kind of crazy thing he pulled off.

He needed someone who would trust and follow him, like Gardin, who was right in front of him.

So, Gardin?

Yes, Your Highness?

I have a task for you.

What kind of task?

Why? Are you already worried and scared?

Are you afraid Ill make you do something strange like last night?

Sigh. Instead of looking at me with such strange eyes, just nod your head.

Nod nod.

Gardin, who was watching his cue, nodded his head.

Raciel couldnt help but smile.

To reassure you in advance, Im not going to do anything strange.

Really?

Of course.

But, Your Highness.

Hmm?

Last night, you harmed yourself with a needle, didnt you?

It wasnt self-harm.

Still, you poked your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands with a needle.

It wasnt like that.

I was scared.

Do you know what your expression looks like right now?

Whats wrong with my expression?

Its the same as when you told me to bring needles last night.

So, are you worried about me?

Yes, Your Highness.

Are you afraid Ill do something crazy?

Yes, Your Highness.

Tsk. Its okay. You dont need to worry about that. I wont make you do anything strange or crazy.

Really?

Of course.

Raciel snorted.

So, I wanted to ask you, in this palaces food storage, besides regular food ingredients, are there any toxic ones?

Yes? If its something special

Ingredients for making poison.

Of course, we have those. This is the palace, after all.

Right. That makes sense. Then, do you have monkshood root?

Yes. Its a good ingredient for making poison.

Great. Its good for the body. Bring it to me.

What?

Bring it.

You cant be serious.

Yes. Im going to eat it.

Raciel beamed with a radiant smile, intending to instill a sense of confidence and positivity.

Gardin, on the other hand, appeared overwhelmed with emotion, his expression conveying a sense of concern and uncertainty, as if wondering how to handle this unpredictable and eccentric prince.