Chapter 32

Chapter 32

It was painful.

Demian kept his eyes closed, feeling the burning mugwort rub against his back. Surprisingly, he found himself laughing. How could he not feel the pain when his back was being treated this way?

Yet, it was a strange sensation. This pain was not unwelcome. It felt different from anything he had ever experienced before.

Pain had been a constant part of his life. In his youth, he suffered from poverty. As he grew older, he endured the agony of loneliness. And as he gained a better understanding of the world, he faced the torment inflicted by others.

To escape from pain, he took up a sword and inflicted pain on others. During those moments, he could temporarily forget his own pain. No, he believed he had forgotten it.

But he hadnt.

The pain, which he had mistaken for being postponed, always returned multiplied. Just like the indelible brand engraved on his back, the pain he had pushed aside came back every night, as if he were paying the price for residing in an illusion. It was a day when his soul was gnawed away.

Then, he met him.

Raciel Adria Magentano.

Demian didnt know why the prince had sought him out. He couldnt fathom why he had readily extended his hand to him.

The same thoughts crossed his mind at this moment.

To heal myself Im testing the treatment method on you.

When Demian had questioned why he was doing this, the answer the prince had given resurfaced in his mind.

He had definitely said it. It wasnt for them; it was for himself. There was no such thing as free in this world. So, they shouldnt feel burdened. The prince even told them not to thank him.

But Your Highness, you

Despite saying all that, he never once cared for himself. It had become evident over the past two weeks. The prince never paid attention to his own well-being.

All his focus was directed towards Demian and the other gladiators. He would check if their withdrawal symptoms worsened, if they slept well, if the moxa marks deteriorated, or if any signs of illness appeared. From dawn till bedtime, he would visit multiple times a day, meticulously checking on each one of them. And after confirming that everyone was fine, he would wear a satisfied smile.

A smile because his experiment was successful?

No.

It was a smile of pure joy.

Pure satisfaction and happiness.

It was akin to a farmer surveying their golden fields or a caregiver witnessing the recovery of a patient under their care. That kind of smile.

Demian wanted to ask the prince what pleased him so much about them.

But he couldnt.

That smile, brimming with happiness. That laughter, savoring a great sense of accomplishment. Pure joy, despite no personal gain. Just by observing the prince in that state, Demian experienced an unfamiliar emotion.

At the same time, Raciel himself was also engulfed by a peculiar feeling.

Its here!

Could this be the satisfaction of a farmer gazing at golden fields swaying with the promise of a bountiful harvest? Or perhaps the sensation of witnessing stocks that were bought without any expectations now skyrocketing, piercing through the ceiling, and reaching the pinnacle of success in the universe?

He looked up, brimming with happiness and a sense of accomplishment. His gaze landed on the messages that conveyed the joy of a successful harvest.

Ding dong!

[You have successfully alleviated the chronic pain of Gladiator Demian Cayenne and 13 others through acupuncture and moxibustion. The gladiators are now free from the torment of their long-standing suffering and are no longer at risk of premature death due to the branded curse.]

[The Medical Billing (Lv. 1) skill has been activated.]

This is it!

His fist instinctively clenched as the messages continued to pour in, fueling his anticipation.

[Patient: Demian Cayenne has gained an extended lifespan of 71 years and 9 months through your treatment. You will be rewarded with a bonus lifespan equivalent to 1/2000 of 71 years and 9 months.]

But the messages didnt stop there.

In fact, they were just beginning.

[Patient: Sergio has gained an extended lifespan of 27 years and 1 month through your treatment. Therefore, you]

[Patient: Montero has gained an extended lifespan of 23 years and 4 months through your treatment]

[Patient: Pedro has gained]

[Patient: Julian]

Ding dong! Ding dong! Ding ding dong dong!

Are you serious?

Yes. Even though you were receiving moxibustion, you would still experience some neuralgia around midnight. You would wake up from sleep due to the pain, right?

Yes.

But thats over now too. It wont hurt anymore. Congratulations.

Demian stared at him with a peculiar gaze.

Was he about to express his gratitude?

Raciel swiftly took action before that could happen.

Wait. Before you say thank you, listen to my proposal.

?

Ill be direct. Your swordsmanship has captivated me. I dont want to send you away just like that. I dont want your talent to go to waste. So, I want to entrust you as my personal escort.

He presented a straightforward offer, without any tricks or gimmicks. He believed this approach was the best.

In truth, there were many ways to win over Demian. Demian was on the verge of reaching the advanced level of a Sword Expert, and with that, he would soon experience Sword Master Syndrome.

A stage where all senses become overly sensitive, a stage where he would struggle to control his senses, leading to a torturous bout of insomnia.

Raciel could have proposed to help him overcome it, to treat his insomnia. He could have made a tempting offer. Honestly, that proposal might have been more effective. No, it definitely would have been.

Demian knows his own level well. He knows that he will soon reach the advanced level of a Sword Expert and experience Sword Master Syndrome.

So, if he proposed a treatment for insomnia?

Most likely, Demian would choose the beneficial option. But he didnt make that proposal. The reason was simple.

If I appeal to his needs and ask him to stay, he will leave when he no longer needs me.

In the worst-case scenario?

After overcoming Sword Master Syndrome, Demian might leave because he no longer requires treatment. Thats how people are. A relationship should not be based solely on needs. Otherwise, it will always be dependent on those needs.

Im not asking you to stay out of gratitude, friendship, loyalty, or any other creepy reasons. Lets start with a practical give-and-take arrangement. I will compensate you well. Consider it a special position as my personal guard, separate from the royal guards. You will receive a higher salary and allowances compared to the royal guards, along with benefits like monthly and annual leave, and a generous pension plan.

..

Of course, I will provide you with an employment contract.

..

If you marry while employed, you will not only receive a house but also a birth bonus for each child. Oh, and Ill guarantee parental leave as well.

..

And you will have the freedom to retire whenever you wish.

..

Well, those are the conditions. Take your time to think about it. See you.

Raciel left Demian in silence and walked away first, giving him time to contemplate. Then he waited.

He hoped for a positive response from Demian. He hoped that the protagonist of the novel would choose to stay by his side. He hoped they could forge a relationship of equals.

After leaving so nonchalantly,

Raciel spent an anxious time alone. He tossed and turned throughout the night, unable to sleep.

And the next morning,

He was faced with an unexpected situation.

Crown Prince! We want to protect you too!

Your Highness! I can protect you even better!

Your Highness! Please consider us as well!

You said we would receive better pay than the royal guards!

Are you going to exclude us from the generous welfare and pension benefits?

We cant overlook the housing support, birth bonuses, and parental leave!

Please take care of us too!

In other words, the other gladiators, who had heard about the employment conditions through Demian, were rushing in, bombarding Raciel with pledges of loyalty.