[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25: All attention on Cherry Lips

Xion was unaware of the heavy sight on his back. He was solely focused on mashing the roots with Golden Umami Glaze and a drizzle of pepper oil. It created a velvety base with a faint, enticing glow.

He tasted it and was very satisfied with the flavorful taste. Its sweet and spicy scent even seduced Ray, who had been looking back and forth between Xion and his master.

Xion picked a plate Lady Nazia had set aside. He spread the glowroot mash evenly, topped it with the golden crystal fungi, and nestled the sautéed silverleaf greens beside it.

Finally, he drizzled the emberberry glaze over the top. The vibrant red sauce contrasted beautifully against the orange and green color beneath.

"Perfect," he whispered, stepping back to admire his creation.

He stood aside as the red-haired lady stepped forward and ate a spoonful first. She halted for a moment before taking another spoonful and nodding toward him.

It was her duty to bring the food to Darius, and without any extra word, she did exactly that.

No gasp of amazement? No lavish praise? Xion was a bit disappointed that she did not give him the reaction he was hoping for. Lady, At least widen your eyes a little, alright!

The little narcissistic chef had no idea about the strict training methods used to teach anyone serving in the Arch-duchy.

Nazia had always been a proper lady, showing just enough emotions on her impressive face.

After living such a long life, she had long since perfected her fake mask. No one could guess if she genuinely liked someone or was just treating them with simple courtesy.

Her taking another spoonful had nearly made Ray's mouth fall open let alone all those servants peeking at young master Xion with curiosity.

They all knew he had made some special delicacy, only the silly chef was oblivious, and was now pouting slightly.

He filled his own plate and went to sit on the side of the big tree. It was the perfect place to sit and eat his food in comfortable silence.

He had no idea what Darius' reaction would be. So, if he was going to die, it was better to do it with a full stomach. He did not want to become a hungry ghost.

The moment he ate the hot dish, its flavours burst on the tip of his tongue. Before he could enjoy the taste to the fullest, his throat moved and his mouth went empty.

The rich umami taste with a hint of smoky spice left his mouth craving for more. And that was exactly what he did. Spoonful after spoonful, he slowly chewed the mash before swallowing it.

After eating his fill, Xion slowly peaked behind the tree. Everyone seemed busy. Rail was eating while sitting under the shade as Ray stood near him.

Xion was too far to hear what they were saying, though he could see their lips moving. Suddenly Darius looked in his direction. The scared little Xion got startled and instantly ducked behind the tree trunk.

Patting his chest, Xion leaned against the tree. Why am I getting so afraid? It wasn't like I was trying to do something bad!

Though he said so, the chill he felt from those eyes was too oppressive. Like a little rabbit afraid of a big snake, it made him subconsciously look for a hiding place.

"I knew it. This is the end. Should I run? But I just ate... Running on a full stomach could kill me faster than he would!"

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, he clicked on the system panel. In an instant, a bamboo tube, the size of his hand fell on his lap.

Twisting the tiny wooden piece away from the hole, he took a drink of the cold liquid. The refreshing taste of Coke filled his mouth. He gulped down a few more sips and sighed.

"Now, it's perfect!" A good way to treat his taste buds before, maybe, his possible death.

"What are you drinking?"

A low voice rumbled near his ear, startling Xion so badly that he choked on his next gulp.

Xion coughed violently, patting his chest as the fizzy drink burned his throat, and also his nose. His startled gaze shot upward, meeting the intense stare of his "patient".

Darius's cold eyes flicked to the bamboo tube in Xion's hand and then to the faint sheen left on his lips.

Xion shifted uncomfortably, clutching the bamboo tube closer. "Just... a drink," he muttered.

Darius arched a brow. "Let me try-"

"No."

The refusal slipped out without hesitation, and the world around them seemed to freeze. Almost every servant paused as their breaths caught in collective disbelief.

Ray silently rotated his wrist as if preparing to drag a lifeless body away from this impending disaster. How could someone dare to refuse his Master?

The sheer audacity of addressing him by his name, and a mispronounced one at that, had them bracing for the explosion of wrath they were certain would follow.

Ray's jaw dropped for the umpteenth time before snapping shut. His steps fell heavily on the ground, "Young master Xion," he began, his tone as sharp as the blade of his sword, "that is his grace, Arch-"

"It's Rael. Ra-el. Not 'Rail,'" Darius's lips twitched ever so slightly.