Chapter 92

Chapter 92

Surprised, Princess Adeline came to a halt. She gazed at the item presented to hera pink candy. Its sweet scent wafted through the air, carrying her favorite plum flavor.

Her gaze shifted to Raciel.

Was this just a coincidence? Or did this human truly understand her preferences?

Most likely the latter.

Perhaps an attempt to win her favor. Maybe an effort to dismantle her guard. Likely a ploy. The princess furrowed her brows in deep thought.

What is this?

A piece of candy. Plum-flavored.

What is the purpose behind this?

After enduring bitter medicine, a sweet candy. Its customary.

Arent you planning to consume it?

Adeline hesitated, compelled by the atmosphere to take the medicine. Eventually, she succumbed. However, it was painfully bitterbitter, sour, and revolting. Did the taste resemble that of licking an elephants armpit? Her stomach churned relentlessly, and the urge to vomit overwhelmed her.

But there lay a piece of candy before her, and not just any candyit was her cherished flavor.

Instinct implored her to seize it, to consume it immediately, to chew it without melting it. Yet reason shook its head.

Are you out of your mind? To accept that?

Her pride smarted.

The sensation of being toyed with by the crown prince left her feeling tainted. She longed to slap away the slender hand proffering the candy.

I

Instinct yearned to escape the unimaginable gustatory torture, while reason exhorted her to cling to her dignity. A fierce tug-of-war erupted between the two.

Adelines eyes trembled, cold sweat breaking out.

Raciels words struck a decisive blow to her dilemma.

Here, I also have grape flavor.

Swoosh!

She could endure no more.

Adelines hand moved at the speed of light. She seized the two candies Raciel had offered and stuffed them into her mouth in one swift motion.

Crunch!

Aaah

A heavenly sweetness enveloped her palate!

The taste that had been trapped in the realm of hardcore displeasure found deliverance. It felt as though the Earths mother was casting a radiant light upon her path. Blessings from the sugar gods in plum and grape form. A smile of relief, as if she had dipped a toe into paradise, naturally spread across her lips.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Then, Adeline realized that Raciel was fixated on her.

Ahem! Hm! Hm!

She hastily attempted to regain her composure, but her flushed face remained conspicuous. Perhaps thats why she blurted out something she didnt truly mean.

Hmhm! Magentanos candies are quite underwhelming. I held some expectations due to the familiar taste, but I wasnt prepared for the disappointment. Truly disheartening.

Is that so?

Yes, indeed. After enduring such a lackluster dessert, I believe I made the right choice in declining the meal you suggested.

Though I heard you hadnt eaten lunch yet.

Its fine. My appetite wanes when faced with subpar fare.

Is that the case?

Yes.

Truly?

Yes. Absolutely.

Adeline fought to control her expression and nodded with conviction. She met Raciels gaze with a self-assured smile.

It was at that moment.

Grrrrrrr?

The scene was profoundly unusual.

Scores of individuals who seemed out of place within the Star Palace milieu. Numerous patients queued up and entered the main structure. Adeline, too, blended in and entered alongside them.

Compelled by curiosity, she maneuvered past the line of patients.

At the queues terminus was a room.

What is this chamber that patients are individually entering?

Stealthily, she entered the room.

And there, she bore witness.

Hmm, the heat in your liver is the cause. For now, abstain from alcohol. Cut down on greasy foods and avoid activities that induce excessive fatigue.

Is that so, Your Highness?

Crown Prince Raciel sat across from an elderly man, earnestly and kindly explaining something to him.

Absolutely. So, for todays session, Ill be performing cupping therapy to balance your qi. Remember to take the herbal medicine I prescribed consistently at the same time every day. Do you have that clear?

Ill make sure to remember, Your Highness.

Then lets proceed with the cupping treatment. This wayhuh?

!

Raciels gaze locked onto someones.

Could this individual be up to some kind of mischief again, like yesterday? Just as the woman was about to knit her brows, something happened.

Why are you here?

Raciels inquiry carried a sharp tone, catching the person off guard. Adeline was taken aback.

What?

Yes, what? This is a treatment room. Did you fill out the treatment registration form? Are you in the queue?

What are you talking about?

Adelines perplexity deepened.

After all, she was a princess. Could Raciel be displeased because she had disregarded the line of ordinary patients, whose names he likely didnt even know? Raciels response shattered her assumptions.

Do you think Im jesting right now? This space is for tending to patients. Its an equitable place. Everyone, save for the Emperor himself, is treated fairly, irrespective of status, gender, or age. Do you comprehend?

Well

If you intend to enter, complete a treatment registration form first. Get in line and await your turn. Is that understood?

Adelines throat constricted. This was an experience she had never encountered before. It felt belittling. Simultaneously, she felt a sense of shame. She found herself resembling those members of royal families who abused their authority and standing.

She departed the treatment room as if driven away, but she didnt depart entirely.

If I leave like this, itll seem like Ive conceded defeat.

That was unacceptable.

Particularly not to the Crown Prince, not to that man who might form an unfavorable opinion of her. She desired to rectify her error. She aspired to prove that she wasnt that kind of individual.

She joined the back of the patient queue and dutifully completed a treatment registration form in her own hand.

Standing in line among the other patients, she endured both tedium and impatience. How long did she wait? Finally, after a prolonged two hours, she received permission to enter the treatment room.

Upon entering, she spoke with an accusatory tone,

I followed the procedure and waited my turn, as you can see. I am not that type of person, not one of those royals who exploit their authority and position.

So you wished to demonstrate that?

Yes. The prior experience was humiliating enough.

Is that so? Well, in any case, welcome. I wanted to have a serious face-to-face conversation with you in the treatment room, at least once.

Pardon me?

Adelines brow furrowed. What was he implying? She felt perplexed.

Arent you curious as to why I invited you to the Imperial Capital and requested you to stay for six months? Dont you want to know the true reason?

Raciel queried with a smileless countenance.

(To be Continued)

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