Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Why do you think I brought you to the imperial capital and had you stay here for six months? Arent you curious about the actual underlying reason?

Raciels expression showed no hint of a smile. Princess Adeline hesitated as she locked eyes with him.

The reason he summoned me to the imperial capital?

Her brow slightly furrowed, and a feeling of unease began to emerge.

She had thought he had simply pressured the king and the royal family, using the Cremo incident as an excuse to embarrass them. However, there was another purpose for bringing her here.

What kind of plan is he devising?

She couldnt even make a guess.

She took a seat and gazed at Raciel in silence, almost as if she intended to communicate that if he harbored any concealed motives, he should expose them.

Upon witnessing her demeanor, Raciel concealed a smile within.

Its fortuitous that this opportunity has presented itself so early, he thought, a sense of contentment washing over him.

At last, an occasion to engage in a substantial conversation with the princess had emerged, a desire he had held since the previous day.

I must address her gallstone ailment. The gallstones that likely occupy her gallbladder need removal. But foremost, she must be cognizant of her symptoms.

Awareness of symptoms.

Identifying where discomfort resides, acknowledging the presence of the illness, and embarking on the journey of treatmentRaciel held the belief that these constituted the foremost stride in any curative process.

Undoubtedly. Despite the efforts of doctors, traditional healers, or pharmacists to grasp onto the patient, if the patient lacks the volition to be treated, all endeavors are futile.

Primarily, the patient must possess the determination to convalesce. They must adopt a mentality that propels them toward treatment. Only then can the curative course proceed seamlessly.

Yet, the princess was currently far from that initial stage. She hadnt even attained the awareness of her discomforts location.

The rationale behind this was straightforward.

Gallstone disease seldom manifests self-evident symptoms.

Barely any signs such as excruciating pain in a specific region, elevated fever, or insufferable unease are evident. Such was the hallmark of gallstone disease.

In fact, Raciel was acquainted with a Korean web novelist named Moon Baek who had encountered this situation. Moon Baek had been urgently rushed to the emergency room due to intense abdominal pain. Only subsequent to the examination did he realize that a gallstone had obstructed his bile duct entirely.

Likely the princess shares a similar experience. Perhaps her sole indication of the gallstones presence is occasional bloating post meals. Apart from that, she likely experiences no distinct pain or discomfort, analogous to Moon Baeks ordeal, much like many others.

This enigma is precisely what renders gallstone disease intricate. Most remain oblivious until the condition escalates, compelling them to seek medical attention. In reality, research in the United States has revealed that a substantial 15-20% of the adult population possesses gallstones.

However, a majority of them remain oblivious to their gallstone condition.

Naturally, Koreans are no exception. The princess falls within the same category. She doesnt even entertain the notion that she harbors gallstones. But were Raciel to initiate treatment abruptly? Cooperation would not be forthcoming. She would likely scoff.

And thus, the remedy.

Awareness of her ailment must take precedence.

Raciel resolved firmly.

This opportunity had been a long time in the making. He meticulously formulated his utterances, delivering them with the gentleness one might employ while softly crooning, much akin to the style of Bill Gates Microsoft.

Foremost, allow me to impart, Your Highness, that you possess a mere two years before your demise.

What?

I jest not.

Yes, its not a jestits a poor one.

Princess Adelines visage solidified, yet Raciel remained unperturbed.

Feel free to dismiss it as an inane jest. Nevertheless, its accurate. This is intelligence garnered from the imperial familys direct intelligence agency.

What?

Information of your life expectancy being under two years is classified intelligence disseminated by the imperial familys direct intelligence agency.

Raciel articulated, his countenance unwavering.

Imperial familys direct intelligence agency?

Classified intelligence?

Of course, it was an untruth of grand proportions. Nonetheless, he enunciated it with an unwavering mien, as if it bore the weight of truth.

Princess, you might not be aware, but our imperial intelligence agency has eyes and ears in nearly every corner of the globe. Even your actions, as a part of the royal family of Anbouaz, are not exempt from their observation. Thanks to this, we were able to detect and analyze subtle symptoms of an illness that has escaped your notice.

What are you implying?

You harbor a severe ailment within you, unbeknownst to you.

So, youre asserting that I have only two years to live due to this illness?

Yes.

Yes. But today, its role will differ slightly.

What might that be

Adeline furrowed her brows, her confusion palpable. The crown princes intentions eluded her.

He claimed Im facing death, that an unnoticed ailment plagues me, and cautioned against skepticism. He promised evidence.

So why, at this moment, was he introducing an unfamiliar Phantom Beast into the equation? What purpose did he have in mind for this creature?

She remained clueless.

An enigma in its entirety.

Then, Raciel addressed the situation.

Poboki, shall we commence?

Pooo booo?

You know, that thing.

Pooo!

With a significant glance from Raciel, Poboki nodded, extending its fiery wings as wide as they could stretch.

Poooo booooo kiiio!

Swoosh!

Pobokis wings unfurled in a perfect 16:9 proportion, resembling a floating tablet suspended in the air. Adelines eyes widened, yet the true astonishment lay ahead.

Lets initiate the examination now. If you would be so kind as to offer me your hand for a moment.

Raciel took a deliberate step forward and extended his hand toward Adelines shoulder. His touch caught her off guard.

!

Reacting instinctively, Adeline swatted Raciels hand away. Her gaze turned icy as she stared at him, her eyes sharp and frigid.

What do you think youre doing?

I apologize. Nevertheless, weve already amassed all the required data for the examination. Kindly bear with us for a moment longer.

What?

Adeline tilted her head.

Data for the examination?

Already gathered?

What?

What in the world is he talking about?

Utterly confounded, she couldnt help but speculate about the crown princes intentions. Was he plotting something? Or perhaps he was merely a facade of sanity concealing madness beneath.

She could no longer contain her exasperation.

Swoosh!

Adeline shoved her chair aside abruptly and rose from her seat. She no longer wished to tolerate the crown princes peculiar behavior.

Her determination solidified: she would exit the examination room without delay, repel any attempts he made to obstruct her, sever all ties with him, and pay him no mind even if they chanced upon each other in the future.

Embracing this resolution, she pivoted to leave.

But then, in that very moment,

.Pooooobobobobobobobobobo!

Out of nowhere, Poboki erupted with a hearty cry, and a transformation unfolded across its fiery wings, elegantly stretched in a picture-perfect 16:9 ratio. The flames danced brilliantly, hues shifting in a frenetic display. Soon, they started to depict something.

A prolonged, pouch-like structure took form. The pouch appeared to undulate rhythmically, housing a collection of brown beads within. The beads exhibited irregular, unattractive shapes.

Whats going on?

Adeline found herself in a state of bewilderment.

The crown prince had promised evidence of her ailment. Yet now, what was this peculiar image being presented to her?

Princess, this represents your gallbladder, visualized through a CT scan.

What?

Adeline hesitated.

Raciels enigmatic smile persisted. At this instant, he recollected the meticulous preparations he had undertaken a few days prior in anticipation of todays CT scan.

(To be Continued)

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