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Everyone’s contributions were clearly outlined, but Rafael’s reward had not yet been finalized. For the time being, he was granted 1,000 gold coins, 50 rolls of silk and fine cloth, and his position as Chief Judge remained unchanged.
The reward edict praised Rafael, the Hell Monarch, for his tireless efforts and the great achievements he had made for Starhaven. The words were grand and flowery, but ultimately empty. In the end, 1,000 gold coins felt far more practical.
Rafael did not seek praise, however. He was a prince, raised on the support of the court and the people, and he saw it as his duty to serve.
Salvador’s “chill” kept him absent from court for two consecutive mornings. Even when Rafael went to the palace to request an audience, he was not summoned.
The entire court was buzzing with rumors. No one knew exactly what ailed Salvador, but they were all nearly certain it was a serious illness. Since Salvador had fallen ill, the Royal Medical Department’s physicians had moved into the palace and couldn’t even return home.
On the thirteenth of March, when Rowan came to check on Rafael’s recovery, he passed along Sebastian’s message. “Sage Dalton said that if His Majesty requests his presence, you should simply agree.”
Rafael’s wounds had completely healed, so there was no need for Sebastian himself to come. That was why Rowan had been the one to visit these past two times.
When Sophie heard Rowan’s message, she turned to him in surprise. “Has His Majesty sent for Sebastian?”
“Not formally, just a private request. Sage Dalton had foreseen this and had already left the city. His Majesty must know it was an excuse.”
Sophie’s thoughts drifted to the famous physician who had treated Sigmund, and a complex feeling stirred within her. “Does Sebastian want to treat His Majesty?”
“No, he doesn’t want to,” Rowan replied bluntly, “But he says that if His Majesty passes, it will not be good for Starhaven or the Hell Monarch’s household. If His Majesty is ruthless enough, he might even clear away the obstacles for the crown prince before his death.”
The so-called obstacles referred to the Hell Monarch.
Rowan paused for a moment before continuing, “Sage Dalton also said that while His Majesty may not be a wise ruler, the war has ended, and the Southern Frontier is in desperate need of rebuilding. Our trade abroad is also beginning to grow. If the kingdom falls into chaos now, it will be the common people who suffer the most. So, as long as things can be delayed, they should be.”
Sophie nodded silently. With the future of the kingdom still uncertain, no one knew how disastrous things could become if Salvador were to die.
Rafael understood Sebastian’s meaning as well. If he were to enter the palace and treat Salvador now, he would feel as though he were betraying an old friend.
If a younger person whom Sebastian cared about came to him for help, he might consider doing them this favor. He needed to convince himself. Sometimes, the only way to resolve an inner conflict was to find a way to make peace with it.
Rowan wrote out a new prescription, one to nourish the stomach and strengthen the constitution. It would take at least half a year of treatment before Rafael could stop taking the medicine.
After seeing Rowan out, Rafael and Sophie exchanged a look. Salvador’s sending for Sebastian was a clear sign that his condition had worsened considerably.
It would be a lie to say Rafael was not troubled.
Even though Salvador had always been suspicious of him, the truth remained-they were brothers, connected by blood.
Rafael figured Salvador probably felt the same way-torn between conflicting thoughts. That was why the latter’s attitude was so unpredictable, shifting from good to bad, Sometimes, when Salvador looked at him, it didn’t seem like he was faking it—there was still a sense of brotherhood there.
Before ascending to the throne, Salvador had been a good older brother. It was a shame the throne had such a dazzling pull, one that blinded the eyes and clouded the mind, making everything else difficult to see clearly.
Two days later, Derek came in person to summon Rafael and Sophie to the palace to see Salvador.
Five days ago, Salvador had sent Derek to Arcane Sanctum to find Sebastian. When Derek arrived, he was told that Sebastian had already left the city, with no clear return date.
When Derek reported back, Salvador understood immediately-it was because of the incident with their late father, who had executed a famous physician years ago. Sebastian had no desire to return to the palace and treat Salvador.
Salvador had considered sending someone to retrieve Sebastian, reasoning that no place in the world was beyond the reach of the crown. Surely, he could find him. But he knew that if Sebastian didn’t want to come, no amount of pressure would compel him to help. Even if he were brought back, it would be of little use.
Naturally, Salvador knew there was one person who might persuade Sebastian-Sophie.
But his illness had been kept secret for a reason he didn’t want the entire court to know just yet, especially not Rafael.
Rafael had just returned with great military achievements and a rising public reputation. If he learned of Salvador’s condition now, it wouldn’t be hard for him to start planning and preparing for what came next. But in the end, Salvador was just a man-a frail, suffering man. The pain had worn him down, and his earlier rationality was slipping away. All he wanted now was to find relief.
Sebastian was his only hope.
Rafael and Sophie entered the palace together, and both were taken aback when they saw Salvador after such a long time.
He had lost so much weight that his cheeks were sunken, his complexion pale and sickly. Despite the chilly March weather, his forehead was drenched in sweat, and the clothes next to him, recently changed, were soaked through.
Surrounding him were the royal physicians, their faces equally drawn and weary, likely from days of constant vigil at Salvador’s side.
Salvador sat propped up on the bed, a soft cushion pressed against his back. His neck seemed unable to support his head, which wobbled slightly, giving him a dazed look.
When he saw Rafael and Sophie enter, his nose inexplicably tingled, and his eyes reddened.
“Your Majesty,” Rafael said, his heart aching at the sight. “Are you feeling any better?”
Salvador dismissed everyone but Desmond and Derek, signaling for the others to leave.
“Sit,” Salvador said, his brows furrowing as though he were suppressing pain.
Rafael and Sophie took seats at the bedside, sitting upright and still, the sharp scent of medicine hanging heavily in the air.
“I need you to do something for me,” Salvador’s voice was weak, his head tilting back to rest. “Please… Go to Sebastian and bring him here to examine me.”
Rafael nodded. “I will go to him as soon as I leave the palace.”
Salvador watched him intently. “Do you think you can bring him back?”
“I will do my best,” Rafael replied.
Salvador let out a soft sigh. “Tell him… I will not take my anger out on the royal physicians or anyone else.
He closed his eyes, pressing a hand to his chest, enduring the pain as even his breath became shallow.
“Mr. Desmond, how is the king?” Rafael asked, turning to Desmond who stood nearby.
Desmond had already been instructed by Salvador to speak plainly if the Hell Monarch ever inquired.
“Your Highness,” Desmond began, his voice thick, with emotion, “His Majesty’s illness has progressed to the lungs, a condition of internal lung congestion. The pain is sweating profusely, and theel excruciating. He is feverish, remedies the royal physicians have tried have shown little effect, even failing to ease the pain.”
Desmond’s voice caught. “His Majesty has not slept for several nights-his pain is so severe that he cannot rest.”
Rafael immediately rose. “I will go to Sebastian at once.”
Salvador’s brow loosened slightly, and there was a faint glimmer in his dull eyes.
Rafael turned to Sophie. “Go ahead to Serenity Palace. There’s no need for you to accompany me while I seek Sebastian.”