[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Xion belongs to me now, does he not?

"I lived with my teacher before I was taken to the Marquis’ estate," Xion nervously flicked his gaze to Rael’s inquisitive eyes. "Even if I don’t have money, I still have a few medicines with me. My teacher wanted me to sell them if I ever needed to."

Xion forcefully plastered a small smile on his face, hoping it would put some sincerity into his words. Inside, though, he was mentally giving himself a thumbs up.

He had managed to come up with a story that not only explained why he had special items but also subtly hinted at the reasons behind his decision to run away.

How wonderful!

Rael’s grip on his chin loosened. Without another word, the boy leaned back into his pillow.

This much should be fine, Xion pondered. By the looks of it, Rael obviously believed him.

Darius did believe him, however, his query was never what Xion had assumed it to be.

Why is Xion not like other humans? Why does the boy possess such a blinding brilliance?

A few of such queries somehow agitated him. He, who knew every single thing his retinue was doing, found himself unable to decipher even the slightest detail of his new healer.

But he had enough time to unravel all the riddles and mysteries. Did he not?

After all, Xion belonged to him now.

The Archduke closed his eyes briefly, as if relishing the delectable thought, before opening them again.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips, while his bony fingers absently traced the cold pendant resting against his chest.

The ache had always been consistent, thrumming stubbornly through his entire body. It had been such a long time, twelve years to be exact, since his condition worsened.

But now...

The shallow puffs of his breath grew easier, and he almost marveled at the sensation of his own body. It felt light, untethered, and free.

His fingers brushed over the outer golden edge of the green locket.

Perhaps it was due to the fact that the tiny gem had been eating his mana for years. Over time, its once pristine white surface had gradually shifted. And now it resembled the pale color of his eyes.

Whenever his illness flared, the pendant would then use the reserved mana to save his body.

It was not a cure, but a carefully planned buffer that allowed him to slow the progression of his condition and delayed the inevitable march toward early death.

Yet, despite its usefulness, it never gave him a moment of true relief. Atleast, not like this.

He had figured out how to shrink his body to save on heavy consumption of energy and slow down the deteriorating process.

For the first time in years, Darius felt his body so... comfortable.

The effect of the medicine was so good, it made Darius think about all the plans he had made for his future. He might need to change those.

"Do you know what this pendant does?" Darius stopped fiddling with the shiny jewel. His focus was entirely on Xion.

"I know you have too many things to do. But there is an old saying, Body is the temple. We worship it for a better life."

Xion spoke so gently, so tenderly that the words I hate temples, could not slip past Darius’ pale lips.