Chapter 98

Chapter 98

Is today finally the day?

Emperor Asterion opened his eyes. For a month, he had been reclined, gazing at the ceiling of the VVIP ward. Today might mark the final instance he would lay his eyes upon this ceiling. There would be no justification for his presence here again.

It must be so.

Your Majesty, we shall commence now.

A weathered, aged voice reverberated. With significant effort, the emperor shifted his head, a motion that occurred with great difficulty. His eyelids were partially raised. Through them, he beheld an elderly man attired in a pristine white robe.

It was the archbishop.

Several more figures stood alongside him: the chamberlain, the captain of the guard, and his eldest son, Raciel.

Upon seeing Raciel, a recent rumor suddenly came to the emperors mind. Was it true? If so, how should he address it? The emperor briefly pondered, but his contemplation was short-lived. More pressing matters were at hand.

Well, Ill entrust it to you.

The emperor faintly nodded toward the archbishop. Today was the day the day when the archbishops divine blessings would become possible after a month of anticipation. It also marked the end of his tiresome time in bed and his month-long intensive rehabilitation.

His heart raced.

He was also worried.

Meanwhile, the archbishop approached the bedside, extending his hand.

He closed his eyes.

Whoosh!

A soft glow radiated from the archbishop. Through his touch, a warm sensation was felt; it tingled across his shoulder, coursed through his chest, spread throughout his body, reached his toes, traversed his spine to his nape, and then from his face to his mind.

He felt invigorated.

Every trace of illness, even the last bit of distress, was completely cleansed. The cerebellar tissue, damaged from the stroke, was restored. The twisted nerve tissues were repaired. Muscles returned to their proper places. Joints were realigned.

Before he realized it, the emperor sat up.

Your Majesty!

The chamberlain and the captain of the guard exclaimed in astonishment. The drained archbishop stepped back. Meeting their gazes, the emperor looked at his hands.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

His previously contorted wrist was now normal. He felt all his sensations return. Emotions surged within him.

The emperor raised his head.

Crown Prince.

Yes, Your Majesty.

When do you plan on setting the date?

Pardon?

Im inquiring about the date.

I apologize, but Im not quite comprehending.

Raciel slightly furrowed his brow, perplexed. What did the emperor mean by date? A sudden unease enveloped him.

Date? Whats the significance of that? Why would the emperor bring up something irrelevant? Could there still be lingering effects from the stroke?

But that couldnt be the case.

He had been monitoring the emperors condition through meridian scanning and had verified the complete recovery of the emperors cerebellum and nerve tissues, thanks to the archbishops divine blessings.

So, residual effects are out of the question. He underwent intensive rehab for an entire month.

Then what could it be?

Just as the mysterious unease began to overwhelm him, the emperors gaze sharply pierced him.

It concerns the princess of Anbouaz.

Yes?

What do you mean by yes? I heard that while I was bedridden, you were quite crafty.

Crafty?

I wont inquire about how you charmed the ambassador of Anbouaz. Nor will I delve into how you dealt with their sly old king. Whatever methods you employed, they reflect your skills. However-

The emperors gaze turned stern.

Did you resort to such tricks and strategies just to flirt with a lady?

Of course, thats not entirely negative. However, one day, you will bear the burden of our dynasty. You are accountable for millions of citizens in our empire. So, are you suggesting you can enter into such a marriage without any discussion or consultation?

Why dont you respond, Crown Prince?

Um, about that

Raciel forced an awkward smile. As he listened to the emperors reprimand, he realized the serious misunderstanding.

Does he think I have some kind of relationship with the princess?

On reflection, it made sense. Initially, even the ambassador of Anbouaz had the same misconception. And recently, the princess had been visiting regularly for gallstone treatments. It wasnt unreasonable for people to misconstrue their interactions.

However, he had no intention of correcting the misunderstanding. Because he didnt want to offer a weak excuse.

Indeed, he must be.

Naturally, Raciel also picked up on the Emperors demeanor. It left him feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Such playful banter. Such affectionate teasing. Did he truly merit such treatment? He had his doubts. The rationale was simple.

After all, Im not your biological son.

He wasnt the real Raciel. He was merely a foreign presence that had entered the body of Crown Prince Raciel for reasons unknown. He was an outsider in this world. Embracing such warmth without reservation would cross a boundary.

He stared intently at the Emperor.

Amid the Emperors constant scolding, there were hints of fondness in his stern expression. It made Raciel feel awkward and remorseful. The realization that he was deceiving the man who regarded him as a son struck him anew.

However, he couldnt unveil the truth. Raciel took a step back, as if setting a boundary.

I understand your concerns. But I must rise and depart.

Where are you headed?

There are other patients waiting.

Deceiving the Emperor while being treated as a son even though he wasnt one. Engaging in such amiable moments would make him feel disgusted with himself. Hence, he stood up before being detained, bowed respectfully, and exited the sickroom.

Phew.

He took a deep breath. He hastened to his familiar treatment room. A familiar voice welcomed him.

Youre finally here. A doctor who keeps his patients waiting. You do realize thats impolite, right?

Princess Adeline immediately scolded him with a cheerful smile upon seeing him. Somehow, it seemed like being reprimanded was his theme for the day.

I apologize. I was finishing up with another VIP patient.

Another VIP?

Yes, a highly important one.

More important than me?

Absolutely.

My, arent you heartless?

If I were any colder, Id be freezing. Did you perhaps consider yourself exceptionally noteworthy?

Adeline glared at him with intensity, and he responded with a wry smile.

Regardless, lets begin. Youre aware, right? Only one gallstone remains.

Yes. You mentioned the final one is the largest.

You should be ready for it.

Shouldnt the Crown Prince be the one preparing?

Im always prepared, but

But?

I might grumble a bit if breaking the last gallstone becomes painful or challenging.

You dont really expect me to tolerate that, do you?

Perhaps just a bit?

Not a chance.

Oh, how unsentimental.

If I were any colder, Id be freezing. Did the Crown Prince think very highly of himself by any chance?

Raciel found himself backed into a corner, and his wry smile deepened.

Lets begin. Get ready. Start.

Alright.

Ouch!

Upon activating a potent technique, he felt a powerful shockwave engulf him. Yet oddly, his heart didnt ache. It was because hed just come to the realization that he was on his own.

Therefore, he should direct his attention solely toward his goals. Tending to the princess. Preventing the major war. Living well and enjoying life. Concentrate on the present moment.

Inhale!

Raciel intensified his focus even further, enduring successive shockwaves.

Meanwhile, simultaneously, on a road dozens of kilometers away from the Imperial Highway Magenta6.

Thud thud thud thud!

A rider was racing atop a horse with fervor. He sped toward the Imperial Highway Magentano. It was a messenger from Anbouaz, hurrying to deliver urgent news from the homeland to the Princess.

(To be Continued)

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