Chapter 141 |
[Kidney: …I have succeeded!]
“Hmm?”
Raciel’s eyes widened.
He hadn’t anticipated that a new member of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels would awaken at this moment. In the meantime, a rewarding message stimulated his visual cortex.
[Kidney hosts a personal celebration.]
[Members of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels attending the celebration extend their congratulations for your increased power and contribute 1,000 HP to you.]
[Current HP: 2,700]
‘Excellent.’
At least the fundamental HP from the reward pool had been secured.
[You have gained a new member of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels: Kidney.]
[As a result, the diagnostic range of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels during pulse examination will be expanded.]
[Kidney can diagnose illnesses by directly communicating with the patient’s kidneys.]
‘…This is significant!’
Raciel clenched his fists internally.
Every time a new member of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels emerged, his HP rewards increased. The same applied this time. Now, the Kidney could directly communicate with a patient’s kidneys, significantly enhancing his diagnostic precision.
‘Because with pulse diagnosis alone, I can only roughly identify symptoms.’
Conversely, when the Five Viscera and Six Bowels consulted directly, even intricate details that were difficult to detect through pulse diagnosis alone became diagnosable. The likelihood of misdiagnosis decreased substantially.
‘When I return to Star Palace Clinic, I can put this to immediate use.’
Thinking about the numerous patients waiting for him at the Imperial Capital, his heart naturally quickened with excitement. But then—
Ding-dong!
Another notification. Could it be another reward? He tilted his head slightly with that thought.
[By awakening the Kidney, you’ve only left the Spleen to complete the collection of the Five Viscera.]
[Special collection quest rewards will be given when you awaken all the organs belonging to the Five Viscera and the Six Bowels.]
[Your current collection status for the Five Viscera / Six Bowels]
[Five Viscera (4/5): Heart(☆), Liver(☆), Lung(☆), Kidney(☆), Spleen(X)]
[Six Bowels (2/6): Large Intestine(☆), Stomach(☆), Small Intestine(X), Gall Bladder(X), Bladder(X), Triple Energizer(X)]
[The path of collection is long and hazardous, but a splendid reward awaits you at the end.]
[Fighting♡]
‘…What is this?’
Raciel scanned the message with a momentarily perplexed feeling. And quickly realized. This is exactly…
‘A collection quest?’
It felt like something he had encountered in Korean games he used to play. It seemed probable.
‘Could it be that I’ll gain new abilities when I complete both the Five Viscera and Six Bowels?’
He hoped that was the case. His expectations soared. However, there’s no way to confirm it yet. All he can do is await the awakening of the Spleen and diligently carry out his tasks.
With this in mind, Raciel shifted his gaze. Rewards are rewards, but at present, there was a more immediate matter before him.
‘King of Anbouaz.’
Where his gaze turned—
There stood an elderly man in splendid attire. It was the king of Anbouaz. He expressed gratitude to Raciel and scrutinized him with a serious gaze.
It was a probing look.
So, how should he respond?
‘First and foremost, stay composed.’
Raciel wore a faint smile.
“I, too, would like to extend my gratitude to the rightful ruler of Anbouaz. It’s through serendipity and luck that someone as unremarkable as myself was able to provide some modest assistance to your kingdom… And for that, I’m genuinely delighted.”
“Heh heh heh, is that so?”
“Absolutely.”
‘Please, let’s not bring up the letter I sent earlier. And let’s leave out the jest about the father-in-law thing.’
Raciel offered a graceful smile with a heartfelt request in mind. King Anbouaz, who was observing him, responded with an even warmer smile and crushed his desperate hopes with a single statement.
“By the way, regarding the letter from the crown prince the last time…”
“……”
‘Oh, please, no.’
“In that letter, the crown prince referred to us as…”
“……”
‘Oh, please, stop.’
“Father-in-l…”
“Ahem, ahem!”
He hastily interrupted with a feigned cough, speaking rapidly and with little regard for decorum.
“I apologize. I was too hasty at that time and committed a breach of etiquette.”
“……”
“At the time, I meant it sincerely. But after meeting and interacting with the princess, I’ve come to believe that it’s best for us to remain just friends.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
He nodded resolutely. Since the king had brought up the father-in-law joke from the letter, he believed it was wise to address it directly.
‘Otherwise, misunderstandings could lead to complications.’
For both him and the princess.
Misunderstandings on both sides could arise, and that wouldn’t be beneficial.
He held no personal feelings for Princess Adeline. To entangle her father in a web of misunderstandings and false expectations was both unfair and vexing.
It was akin to playing with people’s emotions regarding a marriage proposal. That was unacceptable. He had to draw a clear line, even if it meant earning disdain.
Determined, Raciel spoke earnestly.
“I am truly sorry. I cannot express how remorseful and apologetic I feel. I made a significant mistake back then due to my impulsive and immature thoughts.”
“A hasty mistake, you say? Like calling me your father-in-law?”
“Yes, I am genuinely sorry.”
“Then, referring to my daughter as the crown princess was equally meaningless.”
“I have no excuses.”
In reality, he could have mentioned that he saved the princess from the risk of gallstones. But he refrained from doing so. He didn’t want to add any unwarranted justifications. That’s why he was ready to shoulder all the blame.
However, the king’s reaction was…
“Heh, heh, heh. Hehe.”
“……”
“Hehehehe.”
“……”
Was the king laughing out of anger? Raciel briefly flinched, but it wasn’t the case. The king’s subsequent words were surprisingly gentle.
“Ah, youth is a wonderful thing.”
“……Pardon?”
“I was the same way. Quick to ignite and quick to extinguish, especially when it came to the opposite sex. Youth is like that, so I won’t hold it against you. However-“
The king gave him a meaningful look.
“I’m concerned that my daughter may have breached decorum due to your fickle nature.”
“A breach of decorum, you say?”
“Yes.”
“Could you please elaborate?”
“Considering my daughter’s carefree disposition, did she happen to make any advances toward you?”
“She did.”
He admitted honestly.
“I endured around 500 blows, to be precise.”
It was the truth. He had to undergo daily shockwave treatments to remove the gallstones. But the king appeared to take it as a jest.
“Heh, heh, you withstood that many blows and you’re still standing. You seem much hardier than the rumors suggest.”
“Yes, I’m also grateful for that. Anyway-“
Luckily, the matter concerning the ‘father-in-law’ reference in the letter appeared to be resolved smoothly. Now, it was time to make his exit. Sensing the opportune moment, Raciel moistened his lips.
“Have you heard the reason for my visit here?”
“Indeed.”
The king nodded calmly.
“I learned of it from my daughter. You decided to join the war as soon as you heard about the civil conflict?”
“Yes.”
“Furthermore, I appreciate your deliberate concealment of your identity and your compassion for our injured soldiers. Also, on your way back to the Empire, I extend my heartfelt condolences for the hardships you endured during your abduction by Javillon.”
“It’s not necessary. So, what’s become of Javillon?”
“He’s earmarked for experimental purposes.”
“…Excuse me?”
What on earth was that about?
Trying to change the subject and ease the tension, he inquired about Javillon, whom he had been curious about, and received an unexpected response.
“He’s a traitor. Naturally, traitors are not entitled to forgiveness or an honorable death. Additionally, he’s a highly valuable Swordmaster.”
“Is that so?”
“Did you notice?”
“While it might appear externally appealing to subject him to a disgraceful end, you’re suggesting that his value is too great to simply execute, correct?”
He mentioned the possibility that had crossed his mind.
The king seemed pleased and smiled.
“Exactly. The robust physicality and mana reactivity of a Swordmaster would be exceedingly valuable for various magical experiments.”
“I see…”
“No need to pity him anyway. A miserable end as an experimental subject suits him.”
“…”
Suddenly, thoughts of Javillon, who had been obsessively attached to him, came to mind. He remembered the moment when Javillon spoke of his aspiration to elevate his country and people. Though he was an adversary, he briefly felt sorry for him. But that was it.
‘Tsk, in any case, the issue is the art school entrance exam.’
If only he had passed it, his life would have taken a completely different path. Entrance exams, whether in this world or Earth, were the problem. With this in mind, Raciel let out a wry smile.
“I understand. Well, I’d like to rest now.”
“Heh, I was about to get up as well.”
…Thus, successfully diffusing the tension.
After King Anbouaz graciously departed, Raciel reclined on his bed. He stared absently at the ornate ceiling. It was the ceiling of a proper building, not a tent, and he was seeing it for the first time in months since leaving the Empire.
Finally, it began to sink in.
‘The civil war is truly over.’
It was time to return to the Empire. His heart naturally quickened.
♣
Preparations for the journey back to the Empire consumed a solid three days.
He would have preferred to depart immediately, but King Anbouaz did not allow it. He argued that he couldn’t casually send off the crown prince of the Empire, especially not the hero who played the most significant role in the decisive battle of the civil war.
As a result, after three days of preparation.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
On the day of departure for the Empire, splendid fireworks illuminated the Anbouaz kingdom’s sky. Tens of thousands of people cheered, showering colorful paper confetti. Hundreds of flower bouquets were tossed. A total of 500 elite knights served as escorts.
“…You must be feeling quite burdened by all this, Your Highness.”
“You know me well.”
“Naturally.”
Shoulders shrugged and smiling, Princess Adeline stood before Raciel, who was about to board the carriage. He smiled and offered her some advice.
“In any case, you must take the herbal medicine as per the prescription I wrote for you, without missing a single day.”
“Even if it tastes awful, right?”
“Absolutely. It’s the only way to prevent gallstones from coming back. However…”
“After taking it, can I have one piece of candy?”
“You know me too well.”
“Of course.”
Princess Adeline’s smile grew even brighter. However, her smile didn’t last long. Soon, she regarded him with a mysterious gaze.
“I’m always grateful for everything to the Crown Prince.”
“Is, is that so?”
“Yes.”
“…”
Something felt suspicious. Why was she suddenly so friendly? This wasn’t typical of her. He sensed a strange and ominous vibe. And indeed, his intuition was correct.
“I heard you came up with quite a clever excuse?”
“…”
“At the time, you made a hasty and immature mistake, didn’t you? You initially, earnestly, referred to my Father as your father-in-law, but after meeting and interacting with me, you wisely decided that maintaining a friendly relationship would be better for both of us.”
“…”
“My, my, what was that? I was simply standing there, minding my own business, and I got dumped without even realizing it?”
“…”
“Furthermore, what’s this? I lost my temper and attacked you? As many as 500 times?”
“…”
Dangerous. That subtle emotion in her eyes as she looked at him… it was menacing!
Raciel reacted swiftly.
“…It was a pleasure to meet you! I felt fulfilled the entire time! May you enjoy success and prosperity in the days ahead! Well then, I’ll take my leave!”
He attempted to board the carriage at lightning speed. However, the princess’s hand grasped the hem of his clothing, preventing him from leaving.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“What?”
He was perplexed. The princess was taller and much stronger. He couldn’t break free from her firm grip, and there was no way to avoid her explosive statement.
“Give me another chance next time.”
“…Excuse me? Another chance? Next time?”
What did she mean by this?
He was so shocked that he asked again.
However, there was no response. The princess simply released him, wearing an enigmatic smile. She blended into the crowd of people who had come to see him off and vanished.
“…”
And so, he boarded the carriage. Escorted by the elite knights, he set off down the royal road amidst cheers. His journey back home began.
The journey was comfortable. The carriage was spacious and so smooth that it hardly jolted at all. He wondered if flying first class would feel like this, even though he had never experienced it.
But Raciel couldn’t focus on the princess’s perplexing words or the remarkably comfortable carriage. There was something far more urgent and worrisome.
“Demian.”
On the first evening of the journey.
Raciel called for Demian.
Now, it was time to assess how far Demian had progressed in awakening the Reversal Core Technique—a moment that made his heart race and his skin tingle.
(To be Continued)
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