Chapter 158
Memories sway,
Every time he closes his eyes,
No, even when they are open, always.
This father is immersed in memories, restraining a smile. Striving not to be just a father but an emperor. Each time he gazes upon him, he is transported back to that first moment he cradled him as a tiny infant, and thus, the father grapples with concealing his smile. Ultimately, he chose to remain not as a father, but as an emperor.
Even now, the emperor persists in doing so.
.
The emperor silently lifted his gaze. With stern, resolute eyes, he suppressed his true emotions and cast a glance that feigned cold rationality and severity.
Where his gaze landed,
stood Raciel.
A child bereaved of his mother at birth. A child too fragile to frolic properly. A child who always tore his heart in two every time he saw him.
The fathers heart perpetually ached.
The emperors heart was eternally desolate.
Viewed through a fathers eyes, there was fervent support. Seen through the emperors gaze, there was stern urgency. Always torn between these two conflicting hearts. But what always prevailed was the emperors heart.
Even now, it must be so. As the ruler of a vast empire, he must remain unyielding. However, in recent days, it has become increasingly challenging. The fathers heart continually shakes his chest, imploring him to regard that child with a warmer gaze, as if to console.
That is why.
The emperor hardened his gaze. With an even more stringent tone, he spoke.
How dare you? Can you boldly claim to have comprehended my intentions? Truly?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you confident?
Absolutely, Your Majesty.
.
Is it true?
Has that child truly grasped his intentions from the beginning? In a peculiar anticipation, the emperor covertly clenched his fist. He sternly looked down at his eldest, Raciel. Yet, he could not entirely conceal a trace of delight in his eyes.
Thanks to that, Raciel could discern.
That gentleman, he is incredibly joyful.
It was more than mere happiness. If no one were observing, he might even pump his fist in the air and cheer. The emperors genuine emotions, barely contained, were subtly perceptible. Observing his clenched fist and the faintly trembling wrinkles at the corner of his eyes left no room for doubt.
That is why.
Raciel felt his heart settle even more. A strange guilt creeping into one corner of his heart. Does he deserve such a gaze from him? In reality, he is not his son.
Nevertheless, he set aside that fleeting ripple of emotion. Now was not the time for unnecessary sentimentality. It was not the time to heed the voice of conscience. There was a task to accomplish, and he had to execute it.
So, its showtime.
He readied his heart. He filled the void left by the fading guilt with a confident smile. He gazed at the emperor. He carefully placed the prepared words on his tongue. And he launched them.
Actually, from the very beginning, from when Your Majesty personally presented me with the bundle of marriage proposals, I had a faint inkling. It became clearer as time passed.
Hmm, what?
That Your Majesty had no intention of accepting any of those proposals?
All of them? By me?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Thats preposterous.
Isnt it, though?
On what grounds do you make such a bold deduction?
Because, Your Majesty, you did not arrange a marriage for me at an early stage.
What?
The emperor hesitated.
Raciel inwardly suppressed a smile.
Bingo.
It was astonishing.
A child who had lost his mother at birth. A child too frail to even properly play around. A child who always tugged at his heartstrings every time he saw him.
The child who had been perpetually bedridden was gradually becoming healthier, causing various incidents and now it felt like he had risen to an impressive level.
The emperor had to give credit where it was due.
It was hair-raising.
And he couldnt help but feel elated.
Thats why the emperor hardened his expression even further.
To act so self-assured merely by speaking a few words, as if youve comprehended my intentions, is truly absurd.
I apologize, Your Majesty.
Youre not even afraid now?
I have simply expressed some thoughts in accordance with Your Majestys will.
You persist in relying on your silver tongue to the end, I see.
I apologize for that as well, Your Majesty.
Hmm.
The emperors snort filled the room. It seemed like he was greatly displeased, but in reality, he was struggling to contain the satisfaction that threatened to escape through his nose like a melody.
Enough of this idle chatter. You must have come to me today with a request, havent you?
That is correct, Your Majesty.
Then, lets hear it.
Would you be willing to consider my request?
Do you dare to make a commotion before even stating your request?
The emperors gaze grew stern.
But Raciel knew the truth.
Outwardly, the emperor appeared angry, but deep down, he was immensely pleased. He was ready to reward the one who had accurately understood his intentions. And that reward would likely be
To willingly grant my request.
Raciel bowed with a pretense of respect.
Then, if I may dare to make a request of Your Majesty
His mind worked quickly and efficiently. He recalled the long-term plan he had been nurturing lately expanding the palace clinic into a comprehensive hospital.
That way I can extend my own life.
Had it been during his time in Anbouaz?
Serving undercover as military physician Rihan, he had realized something crucial. He couldnt handle all the medical treatments on his own.
Thats simply inefficient.
Thinking about it, it made sense.
No matter how diligently he treated patients, there was a limit to how many he could see in a day. And in the future? As the palace clinic grew and its reputation spread, the number of patients seeking treatment there would only increase.
Thats why.
I cant manage all those treatments by myself. In fact, its already overwhelming. Besides Gardin, I need other doctors.
Internal medicine, surgery, urology, otolaryngology, and more. He felt the need to hire various specialists.
But what about himself?
Ill focus on treating critically ill patients who can definitely provide me with bonus life, and delegate the rest to the hired doctors.
That would be the solution. He could avoid the fate of being overwhelmed by endless treatments and dying from overwork while trying to gain extra life. It would be much more efficient in accumulating bonus life.
So
Based on the achievements Ive accumulated so far, I request the title of honorary professor at the Imperial Magentano Medical College.
Raciels audacious request sent ripples through the emperors heart.
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