Chapter 13: Beneficial To Both Of Us
"Your Grace, do you truly believe it is wise for you to be wandering around the Capital? Your condition is deteriorating, and it would be preferable for you to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary for you to venture outside!"
Felix watched as the Duke removed his black attire and casually tossed it onto the couch in his study. It had indeed been so ti since Damien had experienced a relapse, and his symptoms were manifesting rapidly, hinting at an impending and unpredictable outbreak of the Fever.
Nevertheless, Damien refused to endure the confinent of his own mansion, feeling trapped and withering away like a sick old man.
"I'm fine, stop nagging."
Felix swallowed an invisible lump stuck inside his throat, then ran his gloved fingers through his long silver hair, and let out a subtle sigh, hoping that it would not irritate his Lord even more. And although he knew that his next question would be asked in vain, the man still had to voice it, rely out of duty and, most importantly, genuine concern,
"Should I already request the High Priest to assess condition, Your Grace?"
"No, it's still too early."
Since the Temple had yet to find a way to break Damien's curse, the only respite he found from the symptoms of Ac Fever was through the use of the High Priest's Holy Power. Although the process appeared straightforward, resembling the Priest's usual power for healing injuries and ailnts, when the Holy Power was directed toward Damien's body filled with Demonic Ac, it caused a clash between the demonic and heavenly forces within them. This clash felt as if their very souls were at war, inflicting both of them with trendous pain and exhaustion. Consequently, Damien always endeavored to delay his treatnt for as long as possible.
Another sigh, tinged with discontent, escaped Felix's lips. He observed as his Lord skimd through a pile of papers awaiting his signature, and winced, seemingly recollecting sothing of considerable importance.
"His Highness, the Crown Prince, sent a ssenger while you were away. He ordered
to inform you that if you do not attend this year's Hunting Banquet, he will have no choice but to move your Duchy to the Northern border and leave you there alone to guide the North from the Magic Beasts."
Damien leaned back in his chair and crossed his big arms in front of his chest, his lips curling into an unbothered smile.
"Very well. Let him. I would rather battle Magic Beasts each day than endure the presence of those vexing socialites once a year."
Felix could not help but shake his head in total disapproval. His Lord was simply hopeless.
"Your Grace, you know that Prince Lloyd has only good intentions in mind. His Majesty the Emperor is very concerned because you are still not married at the age of twenty-five. I am afraid that he really might end up sending you all the way to the North to live out your days alone there."
At last, it was Damien's turn to sigh.
"Felix..."
A frown line etched between the Duke's eyebrows as he struggled to suppress his annoyance.
"How am I supposed to marry soone when every single woman is afraid of
because of my curse? Sending
away to rot alone will be the most rciful gesture for both
and the Empire at large."
Though Damien's words held a modicum of truth, they carried an overwhelming sense of despair whenever the topic of his curse arose. Felix deeply respected his Lord, particularly because he understood and knew him like no other, and witnessing him wasting away pained him greatly. Yet, there was still absolutely nothing he could do.
The man took out a piece of paper from the paper holder in his hands and said, sowhat quietly,
"I can send a rejection letter, citing Ac Fever as the reason, Your Grace. I am certain His Highness will not insist on your attendance at the banquet upon learning of your pain."
Upon hearing the word "pain
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