[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68: Ferni, the Mother of Ruins

Xion casually strolled until he arrived at the campfire, where the small group had gathered. As they neared the next town, their schedule had become more rigid, more tiresome. _{freēwēbnovel.com}

For other though. To Xion, it only gave him more time to learn from the system.

The only thing he disliked was the food. Meals were now served only twice a day. Once in the morning when everyone freshened up and again at night when the horses were settled to rest.

But beggars should not be picky. So, he had stored some snacks in his space to munch on while on the road.

It was early morning, and taking advantage of the moment, Xion had asked Allen to prepare a decoction.

"Brother Allen, how’s it coming along?" Xion leaned over the crouching alchemist’s shoulder, watching as he carefully stirred a bowl of thick purple liquid over the small, low-earthen stove.

The mixture darkened gradually, and its surface rippled with each slow turn of the spoon. Allen barely had time to respond before a loud voice rang out.

"Brother, look! Mine is better!" Noxian waved his tiny hand. His eyes filled with excitement.

"No, teacher, look at this first."

Ah, right. Xion had almost forgotten. Allen had insisted on calling him teacher.

Xion let him be. It was absolutely not because he secretly enjoyed the title, nor because it left him with a strange sense of accomplishment. No, definitely not.

He simply did not have the energy to argue with Allen over it.

"Mine is more according to your description, teacher."

"No, mine is better! Right brother?"

Somehow, Allen and Noxian had become each other’s rivals in alchemy, or should he say medical learning.

What had started as friendly curiosity quickly escalated into a constant competition.

They listened intently whenever Xion taught them something new, only to challenge and test each other the moment the lesson ended. Really like two toppers bickering over their thesis.

In a way, it was for the best. They were learning quicker than expected, and most importantly, they were enjoying it. Xion was more than happy to just let them be.

He peered into Noxian’s pot, then back at Allen’s. Noxian’s mixture was lighter in color which meant it needed more heat.

"That looks like poison."

Xion turned to see Ray walking by, eyeing the dark concoctions with mild disgust.

He was not wrong. The color of the mixture looked straight out of a witch’s cauldron. It had turned inky black and vaguely menacing.

Before Xion could respond to defend his student’s dignity, Allen swiftly flicked a small wooden clipping toward Ray’s feet. It was coated with a layer of mana.

And it didn’t take long for Xion to understand why Allen had done it.

Ray stumbled over the sudden twig that soared past under his feet. Caught off guard, the knight landed face-first into the mud.

For a brief moment, there was silence. Even the hurried servants froze, holding their breath, before skittering off in nervous haste.

"Pfffttt..."

Xion hastily covered his mouth, trying to stifle his laughter as Ray shot a murderous glare in Allen’s direction.

A servant arrived at the perfect time. "Sir Eldritch, Lady Nazia is calling for you."

Ray scoffed, straightened himself with whatever dignity he had left, and stormed off, not before casting one last glare at Allen. "I’ll get you back for this, Alchemist!"

Before Xion knew it, he had started noticing the small habits of the people around him. Like how Ray always lashed out with "Alchemist" when he was irritated, or how Noxian would constantly hum some strange melody when focused on his work.

He sure was blending in just fine, was he not?

Xion didn’t dare laugh aloud until Ray was well out of earshot. The memory of the knight’s tumble still brought a light chuckle to his lips.

Turning back to the decoction, he nodded at Allen’s handiwork. "Alright, it’s coming together nicely."