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At once, Desmond and the other physicians turned away, averting their eyes.
In the medical field, certain techniques were closely guarded secrets. Physicians rarely shared details about needle treatment, especially the advanced techniques of needle insertion, with those who weren’t their direct apprentices. Watching without permission was considered a grave breach of etiquette.
But then, Sebastian said, “All of you here are skilled physicians. Watch carefully. If you notice anything amiss, feel free to point it out.”
Desmond’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Mr. Dalton, you mean… we may observe your technique?”
“Why not?” Sebastian said evenly. “You all understand the fundamentals.”
The gathered royal physicians knew full well that understanding needle treatment in theory and applying it in practice were two entirely different things. The selection of energy points, the depth of insertion, and the precise combination of needle placements required meticulous judgment.
And then there was acupoint sealing-the art of numbing pain by temporarily restricting energy flow through specific points. It was not true paralysis, for sealing an energy point completely was dangerous. The skill lay in knowing exactly how much to suppress and how much to release, a mastery achieved only through years of experience.
Just as the gathered royal physicians were brimming with anticipation, they quickly realized that whether they watched or not made little difference.
Sebastian held a needle between each of his fingers. In the blink of an eye, all four were inserted. It was as if they had only seen the fleeting blur of his hand, and in that instant, the procedure was already complete.
Four energy points, each spaced apart. Typically, a physician would need time to locate each one precisely before carefully inserting the needles. Even for an expert, no matter how swift, it should take at least a moment.
Yet, Sebastian had done it in the time it took to blink.
After administering the needle treatment, he handed Salvador a Tranquil Pill to ease the pain. The effect was immediate. Color returned to the king’s face; he was no longer so deathly pale.
Once the needles were removed, Sebastian prescribed a treatment plan. Then, reaching into his medicine chest, he retrieved a small porcelain bottle.
“Most believe Snowdrop Pills only strengthen the heart, but they also nourish the body and support the internal organs.
“The upcoming treatment will require aggressive medication, and Snowdrop Pills will help protect His Majesty’s liver and kidneys. Normally, one pill should be taken every seven days. But with supplies scarce, even my personal reserves are dwindling. For now, this will have to suffice until I can gather the ingredients to make more.”
Everyone understood the rarity of Snowdrop Pills. Given the current shortage at Arcane Sanctum, this bottle was likely one of Sebastian’s most prized possessions.
For Salvador, merely having the pain alleviated was already a great relief.
He opened his mouth to reward Sebastian, but before he could speak, the physician cut in, “I thank Your Majesty for granting me rest. I happen to be quite exhausted.”
Salvador hesitated. Gold and silver seemed far too common a reward. Seeing that Sebastian had no further requests, the king ordered someone to escort him to his quarters for some much-needed rest.
When only Rafael remained in the hall, Salvador instructed Derek to bring the reports. Now that the pain had eased, he had the energy to tend to state affairs once more.
Rafael pulled a chair over, seating himself where Sophie had knelt earlier. Salvador studied him carefully. Since returning to the capital, Rafael had not regained any weight, remaining as lean as ever.
Sophie’s words of how her husband had been too anxious to sleep or eat properly echoed in the king’s mind. It seemed she had spoken the truth.
“Would you like something to eat?” Rafael asked, noting the hollowness of his brother’s cheeks.
The king had grown so thin, with barely any flesh left on him.
“I’m not hungry. Sit with me for a while,” Salvador replied, slowly pushing himself up.
Rafael reached out to steady him, slipping a soft cushion behind his lower back.
No sooner had he settled than he said, “I need to relieve myself.”
“I’ll call someone to bring a chamber pot-“
Salvador waved him off, a look of distaste crossing his face. “No. I want to walk.
My feet haven’t touched the ground in days. Walk with me.”
The moment his feet touched the floor, it was as if he had stepped onto clouds. Unsteady, his legs numb and weak, he nearly lost his balance. But with Rafael supporting him, he managed a few steps Gradually, the feeling returned to his legs and his strength grew.
He let out a faint laugh. “I should thank you for bringing Healer Dalton to the palace. Tonight, I might finally sleep well.”
“I dare not take credit,” Rafael replied.
Slowly, they made their way to the side chamber. Rafael intended to accompany him inside, but Salvador waved him off.
“Wait here. I’ll manage on my own.”
Rafael knew his brother’s pride. Though worried that Salvador might stumble, he had no choice but to wait outside. Only when he heard faint rustling sounds from inside, followed by the halting trickle of urine, did he feel at ease.
When Salvador finally emerged, he no longer needed support. Though his steps were unsteady, he made his way back to his bedchamber and eased himself onto a chaise?ounge, reclining halfway.
His breathing remained faintly labored, but a wry smile played at his lips. “When you went to fetch Healer Dalton, Sophie scolded me.”
Rafael handed him a cup of water. “Don’t hold it against her. She’s always been blunt, but she means no harm.”
“She was right.” Salvador took a sip before waving the cup away, then turned his gaze toward Rafael. “She said I should be the one who knows you best.” Rafael set the cup down, his expression unreadable. “We are brothers.” Salvador’s eyes softened as he murmured, “Yes… You are my brother.”
Salvador sat in silence for a long while, his expression gradually turning solemn. “Healer Dalton says I have three years left to live. The royal physicians once told me I had a year, yet it turned out to be only half that. I’ve come to realize that whenever physicians predict my lifespan, I must cut it in half. So, at best, I may have a year and a half… perhaps not even that.”
“Your Majesty, do not despair-“
Salvador raised a hand, silencing him. “Listen to me. My mind is clear. I am not muddled. The matter of succession must be settled, and swiftly. However, I don’t know whom to name. The future king will require a regent for years, and the prime minister is growing old. I don’t trust anyone with the kingdom’s future… except you.”
Rafael said nothing. He knew well that his brother’s trust and suspicion came in unpredictable waves, never following reason or pattern.
Salvador continued, “I have three sons. Since my eldest son was born of my queen, there should be no question of succession. But Connor is mediocre. If that was his only shortcoming, it would be of little concern.
“But he is lazy, willful, self-indulgent, and without ambition. He lacks resolve, his mind is weak, and even at seven years old, he behaves like an infant yet to be weaned. His grandmother and tutor have tried to mold him into something better, but at best, they are only able to restrain him. They can’t change him. The moment Kylie dotes on him, he reverts-worse than before.
“Caden, on the other hand, is sharp, quick-witted, and devoted. He is barely five, yet already speaks with the eloquence of a scholar. It is clear that Grace has guided him well.
“As for Cecil, he is but three. Too young to judge.”
Rafael listened as Salvador assessed his sons’ virtues and failings. It was evident the king held little hope for Connor, though he had not yet reached the point of despair.
Salvador went on, “If I do not name Connor as crown prince, I must send him far away, bestow him with a princely title, and let him live in idle luxury. But even that would not ensure stability. The moment one of his brothers takes the throne, as my eldest son, Connor’s very existence becomes his greatest crime.”
He exhaled slowly. “Caden’s natural gifts are undeniable. If I am to judge fairly, he is the most suitable. In ability and virtue, no one could find fault with him. And yet…”
His voice trailed off. His brow creased ever so slightly.