[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175: Too Late for Redemption

The moment the orcs’ jagged teeth inched closer to the panicked servant’s throat, Xion knew he was too late.

Even as his mana blast tore through the beast, sending chunks of flesh and bone scattering into the mud, the damage was already done.

A sickening gurgle escaped Joy’s throat as blood spilled from his neck, pooling beneath him. His fingers twitched once ... then went still.

Those lifeless eyes stared right at him as if silently accusing him.

Xion staggered from the sheer pressure weighing on his chest.

If only I had acted faster... If only...

But there was no medicine for regret, especially not for regret.

He needed to get away. Not to his lab — no, not really. He just needed to escape, even if only for a moment.

The archduke’s presence was suffocating.

So, when they set up camp at the valley’s edge, Xion took his chance to slip away.

Under normal circumstances, slipping away alone was near impossible.

But when the Archduke became engrossed in discussions with Ray and the others, Xion knew this was his moment.

Still, he wasn’t reckless enough to wander off alone. So, when he asked the soldiers stationed under Ray if they could accompany him, they readily agreed.

"Of course, Lord Xion. Just tell us how many you need."

Xion glanced at the tall man, Mike who addressed him with respect.

They used to call him Young Master. When had that changed? When had the simple title shifted into something as distant as Lord?

Xion smiled just the way he would to his patients, "Just two will do."

But the soldiers, secretly warned by their captain to both protect and watch over him, wouldn’t dare comply so easily.

Was that not just asking for a beating from their captain?

Sir Knight Captain was ruthless. Every recruit knew that well.

So, in the end, Xion ended up with four soldiers and one servant.

"My name is Joy, my lord," the servant had introduced himself with a polite bow. His fluffy, curly hair fell over his forehead with his actions.

Joy was no more than twenty, or perhaps it was just the way his face looked. Age in this world was a very hard thing to guess if one based it on someone’s face.

Xion used the excuse of gathering some herbs. Before leaving he left a handwritten note for the archduke stating that he would return in at most two or three hours.

This would prevent them from directly following him.

Fully prepared, Xion handed the soldiers a list, ensuring they could recognize the herbs before setting out.

Even as they stayed close, they still needed to search separately to be efficient.

"We need to find them quickly and return. How about we spread out? We’ll stay within earshot, so no one will miss a call for help."

Joy looked at the afternoon sun which would soon settle down. They indeed need to hurry back.

He was the first to agree, prompting the others to follow suit.

As they searched the forest, Xion slipped away.

Finally back in his lab, he directly slumped on his chair. With one motion he tossed his ring and Darius’ green pendant on the table.

Ray had told him about some Ethen guy, his Grace’s friend before he betrayed Darius.

The same heart that trembled at those legal documents declaring him as His Grace’s

Xion swallowed the bile rising in his throat. Don’t be a coward, Xion. Not now. Get up and fight!