[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41: His Grace is Acting Odd

Xion knocked on the wooden door again but heard nothing in response.

With a growing sense of unease, he pushed it open only to find the empty room. The bed was a mess, the duvet thrown on the floor, and for a moment, his heart skipped a beat.

He hastily placed the tray on the low wooden table while looking around. He was about to call Ray to search for the missing child.

Just then, a soft splash reached his ears. His eyes darted toward the bathroom, and he exhaled in relief.

"Of course," Xion muttered, shaking his head at his overreaction. "He’s just freshening up."

Moments later, the bathroom door creaked open, and Rael emerged. The tiny droplets of water slid down his pale face as he looked up at Xion. His green eyes appeared both calm and a little drowsy.

Xion grabbed a towel from the nearby stand, his instincts kicking in. "Come here," he said gently, kneeling to Rael’s level.

The boy didn’t protest as Xion carefully dried his face as the soft towel soaked up the moisture. "Did you sleep well? Breakfast is ready."

Darius gave a small nod, and his lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. Even without words, Xion could tell the boy was at ease.

There was a lightness to him now and perhaps a bit of trust that made Xion’s chest warm.

When they reached the table, Rael sat down and reached for the steaming hot cup without hesitation. He didn’t even question where Xion had gotten it.

Instead, he took a careful sip and hummed softly as the rich, velvety sweetness spread in his mouth. Then he took another small sip.

Xion, on the other hand, was too hungry to bother with etiquettes. He dug into his bowl of porridge with enthusiasm, and the rich flavors filled his starving stomach.

"Why are you like this?"

Xion paused mid-bite, turning his gaze toward the boy. His brows furrowed in confusion. Then, he noticed how eagerly he had been eating.

"Um, ’cause I’m hungry?" he responded, the spoon still between his lips.

Darius hummed while savoring the sweet taste. He did not mean that.

What he actually wanted to ask was, Why are you so naive?

Just as Darius wiped his lips clean the door was harshly knocked. The booming thud somehow managed to choke the silly healer.

Ray entered with a respectful bow but didn’t move any further into the room. "Your Grace, a letter has arrived for you. It is addressed to your name... and listed under this inn’s location.

Darius nodded, but his gaze remained on the still-coughing Xion whose cheeks had turned red from the impact. It was when the healer calmed down did he glanced toward the knight.

"My room."

Two words from his master, and Ray bowed before backing out. His Grace had instructed him to wait in the study, and that was precisely what Ray did.

He stepped through the door of His Grace’s room and made his way into the hidden study beyond.

The room was not too big. A big chair dominated the left side, situated beside a large wooden table. By the soft glow of the lanterns hung on the walls, Ray could see scribbled papers scattered across the surface.

Three chairs were there for the archduke’s audience and for the most part, they were reserved for Raymond Eldritch one of the strongest knights, Berry Vornehold, the Ex vice-head of the Guild in the east, and their pretty lady Nazia.

Among all three of them, only Lady Nazia did not need any extra title. Her name was enough to make even Ray sit straight.

Ray slumped on the far left seat. Thinking about His Grace, and Xion, he sighed.

"Odd huh? Wasn’t he fine?" Berry did not look the least bit worried. Anyway, if there was any trouble then they would just have to kill the trouble.

Darius Rael Darkhlem was someone Ray had been serving since he understood what the word serving meant.

His family had done so for the previous archduke and that turned the Eldritchs against the little heir who was born without the archduke’s permission.