[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 400

Chapter 400: The Meeting

"It’s a pleasure to meet you," Xion tilted his head in their direction and nodded politely.

Although his voice was calm, the twinge of fatigue was evident.

"I apologize for not being able to get up and greet you properly, but as circumstances have it, I..."

He gave the sleeping boy in his lap a gentle pat on the head, smiling in that helpless way of his.

"I can’t get up for now."

[Host, just cut the crap. You’re their lord. Why would you need to stand up and greet them?]

The system’s dry voice rang in his mind, as blunt as ever.

Apparently, Lady Bianca — already a shameless admirer of Xion — and Lady Rubina Claude — knight of the grand order, famed for fending off every one of Silas Valari’s unwanted advances — seemed to share the sentiment.

The sentiment of being an admirer of Xion.

"Oh, no, Your Grace, please don’t trouble yourself," Bianca said quickly, her voice as warm and smooth as sunlight and silk.

"We’re just glad you thought of us."

Xion couldn’t see her face, but he didn’t need to. The system’s constant whispering commentary was enough.

[She’s practically glowing at you, Host. Be careful, or she’ll start composing poetry about your hair next.]

"Yes, Your Grace," Rubina added. Her tone was cooler than Bianca’s soft, syrupy warmth, but there was a trace of genuine respect in it.

"In fact, I admire your knowledge and mastery of such profound things. If you don’t mind my asking... did you not get poisoned earlier?"

[Rubina’s definitely on our side. Especially after that school and healing house project. You’ve won her loyalty with full marks.]

Xion simply smiled. Rubina’s straightforwardness was almost refreshing.

"Yes, I did. And that," he said calmly, "is something I wanted to discuss with you both. Please — sit, wherever you find comfortable."

Truthfully, he had called them here on short notice.

It was to do something regarding the plan forming rapidly in his mind.

In his urgency, he had forgotten it was already late at night. A terrible breach of etiquette on his side.

But to his mild surprise, neither lady had protested. In fact, they had arrived with what felt like eagerness.

"You look so handsome, Your Grace," Bianca said in that dreamy, almost singsong voice. Even without the system’s teasing, Xion could tell she was beaming at him.

"I am sure you look lovely as well," Xion replied, his smile widening, "though I would have much preferred to be able to look at you."

The room went dead silent.

[Host... you suck at small talk.]

Xion: "..." Yes. I know. Thank you very much.

The system sighed, a few of its codes dissolving in the air.

[Now they’re both worrying that they might’ve offended you by reminding you of your blindness. Just skip the fluff and get to the point. I am sure, Rubina will appreciate it.]

His smile thinned. He coughed once and then went on.

"The thing is... Lady Bianca, if I’m not mistaken, you know of Zen, yes?"

Bianca’s expression became solemn. "Yes, Your Grace. I’m aware of its effect on orcs... that it can drive them to madness."

Ah. So that was the official story. But Zen’s influence was far more dangerous than they could ever imagine.

"And who instructed you to give it to me?" Xion asked gently.

Bianca frowned, searching her memory. "It was... someone from the guild. White robe... or was it white hair? Forgive me, Your Grace, I can’t quite remember."

That was enough for Xion. The description had confirmed his suspicions.

He shifted slightly, careful not to wake the boy on his lap. "Lady Rubina... how was Silas?"

The question landed abruptly, a sudden change of subject that even left the system momentarily speechless.

[Getting to the point doesn’t mean jumping into their deepest trauma, Host. You should have explained the reason first.]

But Xion didn’t have the time or the brain to use flowery language.

Rubina’s eyes narrowed slightly. "If you mean physically... he’s somewhat like Prince Nikolai in stature."

"What if I mean as a human? As a lover? As a king?" Xion pressed on. "Don’t worry — nothing leaves these walls. So please, speak freely. I would much appreciate it if you would tell me what you really feel."

Rubina’s jaw tightened before she sighed. "Not a wise ruler. Not a good man, either. I understand power requires dirty hands, but—"

"But what?" Bianca leaned toward her, curiosity lighting up her pretty features.

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