Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Your Highness, really are you sure youll be alright?

The royal kitchen lay vacant.

Within the abandoned culinary chamber, Gardin gulped down his parched saliva. Observing Gardins poorly concealed unease in his inquiry, Raciel offered a subtle grin.

Hmm, still not reassured?

Well

I understand. Its hard to feel at ease. This is, after all, used in poison. Isnt it?

Raciel picked up the root.

Unlike before, its surface was now covered in hardened salt crystals. It was thanks to diligently soaking it in saltwater and drying it in the sun for the past few days.

However, Gardin still couldnt feel at ease.

No, to be honest. He was so anxious that he spent the last few days tossing and turning in his sleep, biting his nails.

Will this really not cause a big problem?

He felt uneasy every now and then.

Even if His Highness seemed knowledgeable about the root, even if His Highness explained the mysterious terms, even if His Highness swallowed that poisonous root

No!

The mere thought of it made him dizzy. It felt as if the ensuing tragedy was vividly playing out before his eyes.

His Highness effortlessly drank a bowl of poison. His Highness seemed to smile as if he was alright. But then, His Highness vomited blood

Your Highness-!

Ah, geez. You startled me. What now? What is it this time?

I apologize for saying this now, but could you please reconsider once more?

Reconsider? What?

The root.

Ah, this. Why?

No matter how much I think about it

Its okay. I wont die.

Your Highness!

Ugh, thats so loud. My ears are about to fall off.

Raciel held back a bitter smile.

He was about to boil the medicine using the properly prepared and cleaned root. However, Gardin, who had cooperated well so far, was now causing a fuss. Of course, Raciel could understand why he was acting like this.

Hes still uneasy.

It wasnt unreasonable. The root was indeed an ingredient in poison. From Gardins perspective, it must have been extremely worrisome.

Raciel cleared his throat.

Gardin.

Yes, Your Highness.

Actually, I anticipated that you would react this way, so I thought of a method last night.

A method? What is it?

If I make medicine with this poisonous root, would you be willing to try it before me?

Of course.

Your Highness?

Ah.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Ah, just surprised.

Raciel was genuinely surprised.

He didnt expect Gardin to nod without even a second of hesitation.

In truth, it was just a question he asked. Asking if Gardin would be willing to try the medicine before him. To check if it was toxic or not.

Then, wouldnt Gardin also feel relieved? Wouldnt he willingly help with the preparation of the medicine? Thats what Raciel thought when he asked.

Well, this is also a way to check Gardins reaction.

How loyal he is to him.

How dedicated a person he is.

Raciel wanted to see that.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

There would be many situations in the future where he would need to rely on Gardin.

But I really didnt expect him to nod without any hesitation like that.

He was honestly a little surprised.

Raciel asked Gardin, Really? Are you willing to try the medicine first instead of me, to check if its toxic?

Yes, Your Highness.

Are you serious?

Of course.

That sincere gaze. Hes for real.

Yet he remained until the end.

And he was executed for the death of the Crown Prince he served.

It was the consequence of being held accountable for that death.

Steadfast, loyal, reliable, and faithful. Without tricks or deceit, simply innocent and devoted to fulfilling his role. That seemed to be the essence of Gardin.

Such a person should succeed.

Thinking of the futile end Gardin met in the original work, Raciel felt a bitter taste in his mouth. In fact, it was often the case in the world. It wasnt any different in South Korea.

For a diligent, silent, and responsible person to succeed, its like a dream. Its such a rare story that it feels like a fairy tale. In reality, those who are more cunning and resourceful have a much better chance.

That was the reality.

If you live diligently and silently, fulfilling your responsibilities you would only end up being a silent and voiceless tail that gets cut off. Just like Gardin in the original work, disappearing under the executioners blade.

Raciel smiled bitterly.

Sigh. Never mind. Why are you so extreme, my friend?

Pardon?

Stop testing dangerous things yourself. If you really think its dangerous, there are other ways.

Other ways, you say

Like feeding it to a frog or a rat.

Ah!

Right?

Should I catch a rat right away?

Wait a little bit. This medicine is supposed to be taken after cooling.

Is it?

Originally its supposed to be taken after cooling. Especially the decoction with Aconitum.

Originally you mean?

Yes. Thats why Im waiting for it to cool down enough.

What now? What are you curious about this time?

You just said originally

Oops.

Raciel quickly spoke.

I saw it in a dream. Lately, every night, a wizard with the energy of a great sage comes to my dream and teaches me how to handle medicinal herbs and how to maintain health with acupuncture. Is that enough?

In a dream you say?

You might not believe it. But I think youll believe me. Thats why Im telling you. Im giving you a heads-up, but youre the only one who should know. Understood?

Yes, Your Highness. I understand.

He spoke with a somewhat strict tone.

Gardin lowered his head with a devastated look on his face.

Did I give myself away? I need to be careful.

Gardins loyalty was probably directed not at him, but at Crown Prince Raciel. Therefore, he must always be Crown Prince Raciel.

But he was careless just now.

He said it as if he knew oriental medicine well. He must be careful next time. As Raciel thought this, he checked the decoction. In the meantime, the cup had cooled down enough.

Good. Please let there be efficacy. So that I can extend my current life.

Raciel reached out, hoping and praying.

He didnt give Gardin a chance to interfere.

He quickly picked up the moderately cooled cup.

Brought it to his lips.

Tilted it.

Gulp!

Ah!

Gardin let out a startled cry as Raciel consumed the entire decoction in one swift motion, without any hesitation. As the liquid went down, Raciel felt a tingling sensation piercing through his throat.

It was at that moment

Ding-dong!

A clear notification rang.

And then

[You have consumed Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction, prepared in the correct method.]

[Mahuang and Xixin stabilize the bronchi, soothing sore throat symptoms. It supports antipyretic, expectorant, and anti-cough actions.]

[Fuzi eliminates cold and pain and actively supports metabolism.]

[Fuzis proper cardiotonic action ensures smooth circulation in the heart.]

[The smooth stimulation awakens the king of the five internal organs and six bowels, the heart.]

[The royal bloodlines hidden power, Asrahan Core Technique, which had been engraved in your heart but was unused due to your weak constitution, is awakening.]

Trivia:

Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction, also known as Ma-Huang and Aconite Decoction with Asarum, is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat conditions such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory issues.

It consists of four main ingredients: Ma Huang (Ephedrae herba), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi ramulus), Fu Zi (Aconiti radix lateralis preparata), and Xi Xin (Asari herba cum radix). This decoction is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for centuries to help alleviate respiratory symptoms.