[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke-Chapter 210: A Stroll In The Herbal Garden

The smile on Xion’s face didn’t falter, but his eyes sharpened ever so slightly at the mention of the North.

It was subtle, so subtle that most wouldn’t have noticed. But for someone like Ravik, trained to pick up even the smallest cues, it was as clear as a drawn blade.

Still, Xion’s voice remained light, almost amused. "The North, hm? That’s quite the walk for you."

Ravik nodded. His hair fell over his eyes, hiding the emotion stirring within. "We were here to find some mana-rich ores, and then I got into an accident."

"So, did you find those ’ores’?" freewёbnoνel.com

"My fellow members did, my lord."

Xion tilted his head, studying him with quiet scrutiny. "And you were thought to be dead when they left you, I presume."

Ravik just stood there without saying anything. He didn’t need to when it was not even a question but a statement.

"No accent," Xion murmured to himself, but his voice was loud enough to fall on Ravik’s sharp ears.

"Your dialect is neutral. But the way you say ’my Lord’... that’s drilled-in formality. Military background?"

Ravik didn’t answer immediately. His gaze dropped to the ground. But Xion wasn’t in a rush to find everything about this stranger.

Although he had a policy of treating every patient equally — regardless of color, gender, or status — he was very strict when it came to details.

In the past two years, there had been more than just a few spies lurking in the shadows.

Many posed as sick thinking that it was the best strategy. Some even went as far as breaking their own bones to seem convincing.

Luckily, he had his auntie Serena who somehow always knew what the person was up to.

Nonetheless, she would never tell him anything. It was only when he was almost caught in trouble that she would come forward to offer help.

However, thanks to all those troublesome times, Xion had become more alert and better at handling troublesome individuals.

Just like right now, even when he was highly suspicious and didn’t hide it, his smile still managed to put Ravik slightly off guard.

"I served once," Ravik said at last, voice low, almost regretful. "But that master didn’t like me much."

"Is that so?" Xion stepped a little closer, his boots making a soft sound against the wooden floor. "Well, the North doesn’t send many old soldiers wandering south without a reason. Especially not ones who wash up half-dead by the river."

Ravik remained still. He didn’t lie, but he didn’t offer more either.

Xion turned his head slightly, giving Bard a look that made the healer pause mid-scroll.

"He’s clean," Bard said quickly. "No wounds, no poison traces. Just malnourished and a bit anemic."

Xion patted Ravik’s tense shoulder and sighed, "Good to know you’re not injured. But don’t forget to eat more," he said so with a visible relief as if he was really asking all those questions casually.

The atmosphere in this village was very pleasant. It was neither as cold as the North nor as scorching as the furnaces of the East, and yet Ravik’s neck was already wet with sweat.

"I understand, my lord. But..." Ravik hesitated before helplessly saying, "I don’t have any money to pay you. Everything was washed away in the river."

Just from the fact that he was willing to bear the extra hours of strict training to get selected as a knight for the Saintess, it was obvious that Ravik was a proud man.

And now, that prideful man wore a flush of embarrassment on his tanned face. His eyes, despite being filled with shame, were looking straight at Xion. As if he was silently telling Xion that no matter what my situation is, I won’t hide like a coward.

Xion, somewhat pleased by such a straightforward reply, laughed. "Mind accompanying me on a walk?"

How could Ravik say no? He was also curious to know more about the owner of such a special healing house.

Hence, with a hand on his chest, he bowed slightly, "It would be my pleasure, my lord."

Soon, the two were strolling in the huge garden.

Calling it a garden didn’t feel quite right. There were no decorative flowers in sight.

From his personal experience, Ravik could tell these were all medicinal herbs, and without a doubt, they must be very expensive.

Is he testing me? Thinking if I would steal them? Ravik silently wondered what kind of test he had to go through.

Unbeknownst to all his fussing, Xion’s focus was entirely elsewhere.

"How is the North? I’ve heard there have been quite the changes there in the past few years."

"Ah? Ah, yes." Ravik hastily followed behind the black-haired healer. "His Grace defeated the enemies, and thanks to his achievements, His Majesty declared him Sovereign of the North."

Xion knew that much. After all, there were many stories of the bloodied battles on the warfront.

But that was not what Xion wanted to know.

"How is the ruler of the North?"

Ravik’s flat lips finally tilted upward. "His Grace is a devoted believer and consistently makes the lives of his subjects better. Although there are some rumors saying that His Grace is very ruthless, in my personal opinion, the lord of the North deserves that title."

"Is His Grace loved by his people?" Xion stared at the distant horizon while asking, "Is he ... happy?"

If there was anything Ravik knew it was to pay back the favor.

Thinking that the answers would not affect him in any way, he was very honest with his words.

"His Grace is indeed loved by everyone. People are always traveling to the North despite the heavy snow. They want to live under the shadow of a ruler who can protect them. As for your second question..."

Ravik hesitated. He had seen the Northern Archduke a couple of times. Darius’ presence was enough to set Her Highness off for some reason.

Even when they met at the royal capital, there was no courtesy of being cousins.

Darius had a cold face. Colder even than his alchemist, Allen.

It was nearly impossible to tell if that stone-cold man was ever truly happy.

"I’ve never had direct contact with His Grace. But judging by his growing territory and rising fame, I dare say he must be happy."

After all, who wouldn’t be happy when he was strong enough to scoff at the royalty?