[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61: Return of a Wayward Child

The blue pills had worked like a charm, allowing Darius to freely revert to his true form.

The Archduke, now in his adult state, sat in a massive chair. An aura of dominance radiated from him, pressing against everyone in the room.

"Where is he?" His voice was calm, almost detached, but the tension in his jaw betrayed the quiet facade.

No one in the room dared to take his words lightly. How could they, when the very healer entrusted to their care had been abducted right under their noses?

"Did I not instruct you to protect him?"

This time, Darius’ question was directed at Berry. The old man, though seasoned by years of service, felt a cold sweat trail down his back.

"I apologize for my negligence," Berry bowed his bald head. His long, gray beard brushed against his knees as he added, "I should have been more vigilant."

Berry had been handling the herbs as directed by Xion. He needed to give them to the neighbor’s shop.

The healer had told him to be careful not to mix the dosages. However, when he returned, Xion was nowhere to be found.

Darius waved his hand, dismissing Berry, who stepped aside without another word.

All attention turned to Noxian, the only one who had witnessed Xion’s last moments before his disappearance.

The poor boy trembled as he clung to the back of Ray, his small figure barely peeking out from behind the knight.

"Come here." Darius did not call the boy by name. His cold glare was enough to command Ray to step aside and nudge trembling Noxian forward.

"Y-Your Grace," Noxian bowed as he had been taught to. Despite his effort to maintain composure, his small hands quivered uncontrollably.

"Tell me everything," Darius opted to look at his rough hands. He was well aware his gaze was unnerving to others, especially to children.

Noxian repeated everything while trying hard not to stutter more than he already had. "T-then Brother said, ’I’ll be back soon... baby.’ And then... he never came back."

Noxian gulped when a sharp gaze looked straight at him.

"What did he call you?" Darius’ eyes narrowed as he asked.

Noxian honestly had no idea how he had offended the archduke, or perhaps he just could not bear the scrutiny. But for the sake of my brother, I will hold on!

Little Noxian could not understand why it was important, however, if the archduke had asked then it must be necessary.

Hence, he replied, "Brother calls me b-baby."

I like animals and children. They are cute. A cheerful voice echoed in his mind.

They had planned to leave in the evening. Everything had been ready, until they realized Xion was nowhere to be found.

Darius’ first instinct was to suspect betrayal, but he dismissed the thought just as quickly. Xion was too gentle... and far too dim-witted to orchestrate such a scheme.

Thinking about the face brimming with a blinding smile Darius scoffed under his breath.

He might as well believe that Xion was enticed by something on the roadside and got kidnapped... like a wayward child.

"Find him."

The group almost fled from the archduke’s room. Noxian silently followed behind Berry while praying for his brother’s safety.

After going through all the clues, Ray soon managed to find the traitor in their group.

Well, yes, he had killed a few priests and self-proclaimed holy servants. But hadn’t they been the aggressors?

Darius watched with cold eyes. The Circle of Truth was an ancient rune only the church had access to.

A muscle in Darius’s jaw twitched. Xion, fooling me...