Chapter 82

Chapter 82 I Next

Raciel felt content. Its been a while since hes been back to this place. Its been a while since he had heard this welcoming voice.

Your Highness-!

Gardin rushed out, sobbing. He had even lost one of his shoes somewhere. Raciel couldnt believe Gardin was dashing across the yard in his socks without knowing that.

Whoa, whoa. Hold on!

He wouldnt run toward him and suddenly hug him, would he? Raciel didnt want to encounter such a creepy situation, so he quickly stopped Gardin.

Fortunately(?), there was still a trace of reason left in him. He stopped abruptly, leaving a distance of one meter between them.

And then he cried out again.

Your Highnesssss!

Oh, my ears are gonna burst.

Yourrrrrr!

People will think Im dead if they hear you.

But, Youuu!

Are you that happy to see me?

No!

Gardin firmly shook his head. However, he looked very weak. Although he hadnt seen him for just about three weeks, his handsome face had become thin, and he had dark circles all around his eyes.

Gardin?

Yes, Your Highness!

Did you eat something bad? Why is your complexion so dark?

Its because my work has been so rewarding, Your Highness!

Rewarding?

Yes!

What kind of reward?

You, Your Highness! You left all those numerous patients at the clinic to me alone!!

Ah, right. That was true.

But it appeared that Gardin had not neglected his duty. In fact, he might have worked harder than necessary.

Raciel gave a wry smile.

So, you must have had a tough time alone?

Yes, Your Highness!

And are you happy that Ive returned?

Yes, Your Highness!

Do you think you can now relax and enjoy some carefree days ahead? Do you feel a surge of hope? Something like that?

Of course, Your Highness!

Really?

Really?

Kuhuhk!

Gardins tears burst forth again. But Raciel knew it wasnt an act. He was genuinely happy. Happy that he had returned safely. Joyful and pleased. But he was a bit shy to express it openly. How could Raciel not feel a sense of pride?

Raciel smiled contentedly.

Anyway, thank you for holding down the fort while I was away.

Yes, Your Highness.

You look tired from overworking, so Ill prepare some medicine for you later.

No, thank you, Your Highness. Im fine.

Tsk. Youre not fine. Your cheeks are sunken. By the way, did you hear about the incident in Cremo?

Yes, Your Highness. I was very surprised.

Really? Well, brace yourself for an even bigger surprise.

What do you mean?

Gardin tilted his head.

At that moment,

Moo?

Suddenly, a massive shadow enveloped Gardin and Raciel. It approached Gardin swiftly, extending a large tongue.

Lick

The King Minotaurus, Uruus, licked Gardins garment with his broad tongue. But Gardin wasnt startled. He neither screamed nor fainted. He simply stared blankly at Uruus.

And then he tilted his head again.

Your Highness?

Yes.

Am I, by any chance, feeling very sick?

Huh? Why?

Im seeing hallucinations, and they feel very real.

Oh, thats not a hallucination.

Was it the influence of the limited edition? The nobles competed even more fervently to make purchases. The symbolism of a medicine crafted and sold directly by the crown prince. The concept of an upscale limited edition luxury item. The fear that they might fall behind the trend if they didnt secure such a luxury item in time.

As a result, Raciel was so ecstatic that his grin nearly reached his ears.

O God of Money, thank you.

He was exhilarated and started producing the Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill. However, he didnt manufacture all the reserved quantities at once.

He couldnt.

He had to attend to the inpatients and outpatients of the Star Palace Oriental Medicine Clinic. In the meantime, he gradually reduced his rest time to create the Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill. Naturally, the production quantity was intentionally kept manageable. But this unintentionally led to another stroke of luck.

Your Highness?

Hm?

The inquiries from the nobles are skyrocketing again?

Inquiries? What kind of inquiries?

It was when he had just finished the morning treatment at the palace and was trying to catch his breath. Gardin brought unexpected news.

So, um, its about the Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill.

Weve already filled the reservations for the entire year. Tell them to apply when we open reservations for the next season.

No, thats not it.

Then what?

The nobles who have already made reservations and received waiting numbers are constantly making inquiries.

What are they asking?

Mostly, the inquiries are about whether they can expedite their reservation number by paying more money, Gardin explained.

Heh heh?

Gardin continued, Currently, theres a frenzy among the nobles of the Imperial Court. Despite having made reservations for the Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill, they cant get their hands on it immediately, causing their impatience to go through the roof. Furthermore, word is spreading about a few nobles who have received the medicine in quick succession.

Word is spreading? Whats being said?

A few days ago, one of the nobles, the Duke of Trca, suffered from chest pain, but he recovered after taking the Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill.

Heh heh, did it alleviate his angina?

But thats not all. Those who have taken the medicine are all reporting incredible sleep, praising it so much that theyre talking non-stop about how refreshingly they slept.

That was the catalyst.

The perception of a luxurious image, coupled with enthusiastic testimonials from those who had personally experienced the benefits. Thanks to this, reservations were sold out, and the popularity of the Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill soared even higher.

However, production was still limited. Thus, an unexpected aura surrounded it. A medicine that was worth waiting for. It carried that premium image.

This is like the Honey Butter Chip phenomenon.

Suddenly, a memory stirred a snack that had taken Korea by storm. A product that people would patiently anticipate. An item that gained massive recognition just for that reason. This was the impact that Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill was having.

Come to think of it, there were similar instances. Like a Volvo, the Honey Butter Chip of the car world, where youd have to wait a year to get one. Or a Rolex watch that required rushing to the store at opening to secure a spot in line.

At any rate, it was a favorable development.

Thanks to that, Raciel relished the sensation of being completely booked for several days. The finances of the Star Palace were gradually replenishing. The treatments were proceeding smoothly. He was even accumulating a decent amount of surplus. It had been ideal days genuinely content times.

He hoped that this flow would persist. He would savor the enjoyable life as a crown prince. The optimistic routine carried on, welcoming the morning.

However, after ten days, unexpected dark clouds emerged. It was the summon from the Emperor, conveyed by Gardin.

What? Summon to the palace again? Why?

Im not certain, Your Highness.

Tsk.

Raciel furrowed his brow. The imperial summon disrupted his planned schedule for the day. But there was no way he could disregard it.

Get the carriage ready.

He removed his medical attire, exchanging it for formal clothing for the audience. He boarded a carriage bound for the imperial palace. Guided by the head steward, he proceeded to the audience hall, using the time to mentally prepare himself.

What is he trying to find fault with this time?

The emperor was an adversary against whom he could never let his guard down. A minor misstep, and he could pounce on it. Thus, meticulousness was crucial in everything. Raciel made vows and reaffirmed them, reinforcing his determination as he walked.

However

Isnt this the route to the audience hall?

Raciel tilted his head.

Not that it wasnt the correct way, but the corridor guided by the head steward diverged from the usual path. Instead of leading to the familiar audience hall, it veered deeper into the palace.

Whats happening?

A growing sense of unease gripped him, causing him to tightly clench his fist. Eventually, he arrived at the location where the emperor awaited.

Here we are, Your Highness.

As the door gradually opened, revealing the Emperor on the other side. What kind of vexation would he stir with his cantankerous demeanor today? Raciel sought to fortify his mental preparation as he braced for potential conflict.

However, Raciel abruptly halted. He loosened his grip on his fist. Unintentionally, his eyelids quivered.

Beyond the open door.

Lay the emperor, swathed in white sheets. His facial muscles contorted on one side. Feeble and unconscious. Essentially, this was a very typical

Stroke?

Comprehension washed over him, accompanied by a sinking sensation in his chest.

(To be Continued)

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