A few weeks ago:
Wolfram burst into my study unannounced. "Duke, come quickly! Something is wrong with the young prince", his voice filled with urgency. "Ryota? What's happening with him?" I asked, my concern mounting, as I quickly got up from my desk and followed Wolfram. "He has fallen suddenly ill. The doctor is with him already", Wolfram replied. We hurried to Ryota's chambers. I swung the door open and found Ryota in his bed, surrounded by two maids and Dr. Weber. As they noticed me, they bowed respectfully. "What's wrong with him?" I inquired as I approached Ryota.
It was only then that I noticed the strange purple rash on his skin and his pained expression, struggling to breathe. "I've never seen anything like this before", Dr. Weber said with concern. Hours passed, and the doctor worked tirelessly to heal Ryota, but nothing seemed to be working. The uncertainty and helplessness nearly drove me to despair. "Wolfram, gather everyone!" I called out and headed to the conference room, where Sir Silberstein, Aspheart, Malvoren, and Wolfram were already waiting for me.
"What's going on, Your Highness?" Malvoren cautiously inquired. "What's going on?!" I exclaimed angrily. "How could something like this even happen!" I shouted in frustration, pounding my fists on the table. The others flinched. A heated discussion ensued, but in the end, we reached no solution. I assigned Sir Silberstein to investigate the matter and dispatched knights to the nearest towns to find a healer, no matter the cost.
Days passed and Ryota's condition continued to deteriorate. More and more knights returned with bad news. At the same time, more cases of illness began to appear, although their conditions were not as serious as Ryota's. Desperation and anger overwhelmed me. There had to be a way out of this. I stared at a map laid out before me on the table, examining the areas where no knights had been dispatched yet.
My gaze landed on a particular area: the territory of Duke Aurelius, the most powerful healer family in this world, or so they say. I had only met Duke Aurelius once in personâa rather arrogant person. Our families had never had a good relationship. I picked up writing materials and drafted a message, which I handed to Raven and sent him off. I had to seize every small chance.
Days passed. "What? Duke Aurelius agreed?!" I heard Wolfram exclaim in surprise from outside my study. I opened the door and saw Raven standing before Wolfram. "Did he really agree?" I asked in surprise. Raven nodded. "He agreed to all the conditions". Relief and skepticism mixed within me. It had been too easy, but I could contemplate the consequences later. "Prepare everything for their reception", I ordered.
More days passed until the news came that a carriage was approaching the estate. Finally, the moment had arrived. I gently stroked Ryota's head. "Hold on a little longer", I whispered to him before leaving his room and heading to the reception hall. Hours passed and Wolfram entered the reception hall alone. "Your Highness, knights from House Aurelius have arrived. They demand an immediate conclusion of the agreement... They also insist that you go out to meet them". The servants were shocked by this disrespectful demand. I had to swallow hard. These arrogant individuals wanted to issue orders to me within my own territory. I took a deep breath and unclenched my fist to control my anger. "Let's go and bring the mana stones", I ordered the servants.
As I viewed their arrogant faces, I had to restrain myself from striking them. "We greet Duke Drakonov. As agreed, we have come and brought a healer with holy blood", said one of the knights, handing me a scroll. "If you sign here and hand over the mana stones, we can depart immediately".
"You wish to leave already? Why the haste?" I inquired. In truth, it suited me just fine, as I didn't want them to stay any longer than necessary. However, something about the whole situation seemed suspicious.
"Forgive our haste, but if you have no further need of us, we'd like to depart as quickly as possible", replied the knight with a disdain that was hard to miss. It would have been satisfying to teach them a lesson, but I knew it would only lead to more trouble. "Fetch the mana stones", I ordered. The knights received the heavy mana stone chest. I signed the magical contract and a bright magical light sealed the deal.
A small figure in a white robe now stood before me. Silence hung in the tense atmosphere. This arrogant boy seemed too proud to show even the slightest hint of respect. "Forgive him", one of the knights explained with a mocking grin, "but it seems our young master is quite exhausted from the long journey". The other knights, who were busy loading luggage onto the carriage, struggled to contain their mischievous laughter. Apparently, they found the situation quite amusing.
While Wolfram escorted the healer to his chambers, I went into the woods to vent my frustration. It didn't take long for a few monsters to appear. I drew my sword and let my anger run free. When I returned, Wolfram hurried towards me. "Duke, Ryota, he..." "What's happened to Ryota?!" I interrupted him in panic. "He's healed," Wolfram said with relief. "What? It's only been a few hours since their arrival". I rushed to Ryota's chambers. His rash had disappeared, and his breathing had returned to normal. He was indeed healed. "Where is the healer?" I asked Wolfram. "He fainted and is now asleep in his quarters". How had he managed this? "There's something else, Your Highness... I was present when the healer healed Ryota", Wolfram reported. He told me about Hikaru's appearance and the miracle he had performed. I decided to form my own opinion of him and instructed Wolfram to inform me immediately when Hikaru woke up.
The next day, Ryota finally woke up. "How do you feel?" I asked him. He was still sleepy and rubbed his eyes. "Tatsu?" he yawned. I inquired about his condition from Dr. Weber. "He's completely healthy, but he should rest for a few more days", the doctor replied. I ruffled Ryota's hair and bid him farewell.
A lot of paperwork had piled up in the past few days. In the evening, Wolfram informed me that the healer had awakened. He also told me about Ryota's visit to Hikaru's room and Dr. Weber's report. What a peculiar healer. Why was he here? If what Wolfram said was true, he possessed immeasurable powers. Why would they send such a powerful healer to us? So much didn't make sense.
I gathered everyone once again in the conference room to discuss the current situation. There was a knock at the door. "You have requested my presence, Your Highness", spoke the small healer in a respectful manner. His appearance reminded me of a porcelain doll: small and fragile.
"Please, have a seat", I invited him. I had never seen eyes like his before, as red as rubies. Is he truly human?
"I didn't even know Duke Aurelius had another daughter", Malvoren scoffed.
"Forgive me, but I am a boy and my name is Hikaru. You've probably never heard of me because I am the illegitimate son of Duke Aurelius", Hikaru explained calmly and politely, but his words invoked horror and confusion among those present.
"His bastard, that makes more sense", Malvoren commented mockingly and drew his sword, pointing it at Hikaru. What audacity!
"Forgive me, Your Highness", Malvoren apologized as he sheathed his sword.
"You all may leave. I wish to speak with him alone". They left the room without further words, leaving me alone with Hikaru. He seemed to regard me like a frightened rabbit.
I decided to test his reaction. "You have fulfilled your part. You can return to your family now".
Hikaru's voice trembled as he replied, "But what about the others who are still sick? What about those who still need help?"
His behavior was definitely not normal. "I will consider it. You may leave now".
As he exited the room, Wolfram entered once more. "Your Highness, may I speak honestly?" he asked.
I nodded.
"It was strange that Duke Aurelius agreed to the contract without further conditions", he began hesitantly. "It makes sense that he would send his illegitimate son for that, but there's something odd about it"
"Go on"
"His powers... I've never seen anything like it before. I know the Aurelius family is considered the most powerful healers, but how he healed the young prince... it was like he performed a miracle right before my eyes. Why would they provide us, whom they only have scorn and contempt for, with such a powerful healer?"
What Wolfram told me made sense. "Duke Aurelius is not someone to be blindly trusted. Perhaps he sent his son as a spy to gather information on our weaknesses and plans. Furthermore, we still don't know who or what is behind the outbreak of the illness. We cannot rule out that all of this was planned well in advance". Suspicion laced my voice.
"Find out everything about him and assign an experienced knight to keep an eye on the healer. We must ensure that he poses no threat to us", I ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness". Wolfram responded respectfully, bowing deeply. Until I knew more, I could not rule him out as an enemy.
I waited for lunch to be served, my gaze fixed on Haru, who entered the room with Ryota. Haru exuded calm and determination, but his expression revealed that he was on guard. Ryota politely took his seat beside me, while I kept my focus on Haru. Wolfram entered, followed by the servants who were serving the meal. However, something was amiss.
Suddenly, Haru flinched and jumped up. He knocked the fork from Ryota's hand before he could take a bite. A howl of shock filled the room and swords were pointed at Haru, including mine. My anger threatened to boil over and I demanded an explanation from him.
Haru's words that the food was poisoned hit me like a shock. A threatening silence fell over the room. A kitchen servant dared to question the unbelievable, but I was determined to uncover the truth. Tension hung heavily in the air as the servant hesitantly took a bite and collapsed into a sudden, suffering fit of coughing. Haru rushed to him and used his healing powers, while those present watched in shock at the scene unfolding before them.
My anger and disappointment over this near-fatal assassination attempt were hard to contain. I ordered Wolfram to summon the knights and immediately lock up all the kitchen staff and anyone who had come into contact with the food in the cells. This incident was an unforgivable threat to the estate and I was determined to hold the guilty party accountable.
As the commotion in the hall escalated, my gaze shifted to Haru and Ryota. Ryota stared at Haru in astonishment, his eyes widening with amazement. There was a question in his gaze that Haru seemed to sense. I felt a pang of envy rising within me. Haru, exuding calm and self-assuredness, explained that his unique magic allowed him to detect poisons and foresee dangers.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from Haru, who spoke with such determination and confidence. A new thought began to form in my mind. This young healer possessed not only extraordinary abilities but also the courage to use them in my presence.
But before I could dwell further on this, Sir Valerian entered the room. He informed me that all the suspects were in the cells. I nodded curtly, the anger and disappointment still simmering within me. This assassination attempt could have had devastating consequences.
I made my way to the cells where the staff had been locked up for questioning. They all protested their innocence and begged for mercy. In the end, only one suspect remained: the assistant cook. He was tied to a chair in the middle of a small, dark, and cold room.
"I haven't done anything, please! I know nothing, I swear!" the man cried out in desperation. Tears ran down his cheeks as he looked into my eyes.
"I won't harm you" I said in a calm voice. The man breathed a sigh of relief. I caught a passing rat and held it in my hands.
"It seems the pest problem has gotten worse" I observed and placed the rat on his lap. The man tried to shake it off but couldn't because of his shackles.
"Do you know that on particularly cold nights, rats sometimes try to crawl into people to avoid freezing to death? Of course, it's not so easy to get into a human body, so they look for the softest spot on the abdomen and simply dig in, making themselves comfortable among the guts... Tonight is said to be particularly cold" I told him with a grin. I headed for the exit.
"No, please! I'm innocent!" the man shouted after me.
"Perhaps you'll feel like talking tomorrow... should you survive the night" I said and bid the man farewell. I looked at the guard outside the room and ordered him to throw more rats into the room so that he could be among his kind.
It was likely not his plan, but he had indeed mixed the poison into the food. We found traces of the poison on his work clothes. But who was behind all of this? Nothing suspicious was found in his room during the search. While I was looking for more information, some knights informed me that Ryota and Haru had been attacked by a monster in the garden. They were unharmed and the monster was slain.
First the illness, then the assassination attempt with poison and now a monster that had managed to infiltrate the garden. None of this could be a coincidence. I examined the monster's corpse and the garden, but there were no traces. The absence of tracks could only mean two things: the perpetrator must be familiar with the estate and the person had to possess magic. So it was someone from here or at least they had help from someone within my ranks. I ordered Wolfram to bring Haru to my study.
While waiting for him, I went through some documents on my desk. My study, usually a place of tranquility and contemplation, was abruptly interrupted by Haru's presence. I stood up from my desk and walked towards him. My gaze lingered on Haru for a moment longer than was perhaps appropriate. His appearance captivated me and his attitude exuded determination. Just a few days ago, he had seemed like a frightened rabbit and now he radiated strength of will.
Haru obediently took a seat on the sofa, facing me. My heart raced as I felt his eyes on me. They roved over me and I could practically sense them penetrating me. It was as if he were trying to look into my soul. His gaze on me felt more intense than I had expected.
However, I noticed that he wasn't following my words; his gaze remained fixed on my lips. A slight irritation welled up within me. "..." Silence hung between us. I felt my patience slowly wearing thin. Both of them stared at me as I demanded his attention and only now did I realize that Haru had focused only on my physical appearance, not my words.
"Could you please repeat that?" he stammered awkwardly. I sighed inwardly, but my annoyance went unspoken. "...You have my thanks" I replied, my tone slightly irritated. Wolfram could sense the tense atmosphere between us.
"There's no need to thank me", he replied, seemingly attempting to lighten the mood. "Since I'm here anyway, should I fulfill my promise and give you a blessing?"
"That won't be necessary" I answered coolly, and the tension between us seemed to thicken even further. Wolfram suggested having a drink to ease the situation.
"A drink would be appropriate" I agreed. Wolfram went to the sideboard and retrieved a bottle and two glasses. The wine poured into the glasses, its dark red hue shimmering seductively in the candlelight. My interest in Haru and his powers was evident as my gaze lingered on him.
Haru took the glass in his hand and tasted the wine. His enjoyment was evident as he downed the glass in one gulp. Wolfram poured him another and with each sip Haru began to open up. His words, which suddenly flowed from him, surprised us. His desperation was intense as he spoke of his fear of being sent back to his so-called family.
I stared at him, both puzzled and curious. The words he spoke hinted at a dark conspiracy and I could hardly hide my doubts. "Why would Duke Aurelius want to kill his own son?" I asked, my expression serious as I considered his words.
"His son... that's a laugh. To them, I'm nothing more than a sacrificial pawn in their twisted plan. If it were up to them, I'd be dead already and they'd have pinned it on you!" Haru explained, his voice trembling.
"Tell us more," I finally urged, directing my full attention to him.
"Okay, but on one condition" he whispered.
"And what would that be?" I asked, prepared to agree to his terms.
"I want to touch them first," he said, clearly tipsy.
"Touch them?" I repeated, surprised, a trace of confusion in my voice. The request was unexpected and I found myself momentarily unsure.
"Yes, your horns" he clarified.
I clenched my hand into a fist and considered for a moment. Then, I lowered my head and allowed it to happen.
"Go ahead" I whispered, my heart rate quickening.
Haru stood up, and his fingers gently brushed over my horns. I felt a tingling sensation in my horns. It was a strange feeling, this touch. An involuntary growl escaped my throat.
Haru seemed to relish the closeness between us, his fingers running through my dark hair. Then his hands touched my horns again. I needed to do something before this strange sensation drove me mad. Suddenly, I lifted my head and our faces were only inches apart. I could feel his breath. I tore myself away from him and turned away. This was strange. Why was my heart pounding like this?
"That's enough" I said curtly and the tension in the air was palpable. Wolfram returned with another bottle of wine. We drank several more glasses and Haru told me about Duke Aurelius' plan and how he could be of great use to me. He promised to make healing potions for me. Later, Raven joined us, and I entrusted him to Raven's care.
I chuckled a bit. How could someone be so reckless? The young healer was truly vulnerable. His naivety worried me, but at the same time, I now knew about his powers, and I knew he had no one to protect him. I could even easily kill or imprison him and force him to work for me. To tell such things to a stranger, if not an enemy, was both brave and foolish. For now, I would honor his request.