[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 202

Chapter 202: Setting Foot In Avondale

The cold wind howled, rattling the branches with a ferocity that seemed almost alive.

Xion carefully guided Noxian along the rough path, his eyes flicking between the ground and the faintly glowing map hovering in his vision.

A neon blue screen displayed a town situated at the foot of the mountain.

Avondale was a prosperous town, filled with locals and travelers.

Many who wished to go to the Royal capital would mostly pass through this town while others stayed here for the precious items they could get from the nearby valleys.

And that was going to be their next destination.

They would either spend a night in an inn or continue traveling. In the end, all of it depended on the weather.

As if on cue, thunder rumbled low in the distance, pulling him out of his musings.

Noxian barely noticed the weather turning foul, or the cold wind slapping his face. He bounced with every step, his little feet splashing through puddles scattered along the path.

"I can really have my own room?" the boy asked with his wide sparkly eyes, "Like those nobles?"

Xion chuckled softly, ducking a low-hanging branch. "Of course. A whole room. With a window. And a bed you don’t have to share with anyone."

Even when they’d been under the Archduke’s care, Noxian had slept crammed in with the other servants.

Having his own space was never something he even thought to wish for. His focus had always been surviving one more day until he met Xion.

And after that, all he wanted was to stay with his brother.

The idea of how they lived didn’t even cross his mind. That was until Xion said they would build their own big home.

The boy skipped ahead, practically glowing. "Then... then I want blue curtains! And a bookshelf! Can I have a bookshelf?"

"Of course, you can," Xion replied, ruffling his hair. "You can even have a table and a chair where you can study. How about a special rack for your swords?"

Although Noxian had never said it out loud, Xion knew the kid was fond of swords.

Sure enough, the little purple fur ball jumped excitedly. "Yeah! That would be so good!"

Those little shimmers of life— so pure and bright— bounced from Noxian and went straight into Xion’s heart. Despite the gravity of his escape, a real smile bloomed on his pale lips.

"Hmm," he hummed lightly, "We will live a good life."

As they reached the edge of Avondale, the light tickle of water droplets began to fall from the cloudy sky.

They could only rest in the inn now, at least until the rain stopped.

Xion glanced at the town nestled between the shallow river and the mountain.

The townsfolk did have two rich resources in their hands. No wonder, even at night, the place was still bustling with life.

But then again, anyone heading to the royal capital would have to pass through here. And this little prosperous town welcomed every stranger with open arms.

Lanterns gleamed in windows, casting a warm golden glow into the night, flickering against the silhouettes of people still haggling with shopkeepers.

Xion walked down the cobbled street, which glistened under the thin drizzle and the soft, wavering streetlights.

As the duo walked forward, they could hear people rushing to get home before the rain grew heavier.

Thunder rolled low in the sky, flashing light across the clouds before a deafening boom echoed overhead.

Noxian trembled, his grip tightening on Xion’s clothes. The droplets hitting the ground were getting bigger, carried by the sharp wind.

Xion adjusted the strap of his bag and pulled the cloak tighter around Noxian. "Let’s stay here for the night, yeah?"

Noxian bobbed his head. His lips, though stretched into a smile, were shivering.

Xion was one hundred percent sure that he had never told anyone about his plan other than Noxian. So, how did she know?