LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 80
[The Great Doctor Point (GDP) system is now accessible.]
‘…What?’
Raciel’s eyes widened in surprise.
He had spent the entire day tending to patients, aiming to depart gracefully after the long and demanding hours. However, just as he was about to make his exit, a wave of dizziness overcame him. In an unfortunate turn of events, he collapsed in a rather undignified manner, an unforgettable instance of shame playing out before a witnessing crowd.
In retrospect, he berated himself for tarnishing what could have been a seamless departure, akin to adding a sprinkle of ash to an otherwise prepared meal. His assumption of leaving the scene with an air of composure and grandeur was shattered; he had merely faltered.
And then, out of the blue, an unfamiliar notification materialized.
‘The Great Doctor Point?’
Almost as if in response to his inner query, successive messages began to populate his screen.
A gentle chime resounded –
Ding-dong!
[The Great Doctor Point (GDP) embodies a reputation-based concept.]
[The Great Doctor Point (GDP) stands as a unique metric that accrues solely through the cultivation of social renown via medical endeavors. It arises from garnering profound respect, touching numerous hearts, and achieving feats that imprint on the annals of medical history.]
‘Reputation points?’
Abruptly, his thoughts veered towards RPG games. Within some gaming realms, a comparable system of fame had been integrated. The Great Doctor Point seemed to echo such a notion.
[Throughout the span of today, you dedicatedly attended to and nurtured a multitude of patients for half a day. Your commitment remained unwavering, culminating in weariness and an eventual bout of faintness.]
[Numerous citizens of Cremo bore witness to this incident.]
[The denizens of Cremo experienced a subtle yet profound sentiment.]
[Genuine admiration for you stirred among the populace of Cremo.]
[Your benevolent actions will propagate your renown organically, augmenting your standing.]
[Accumulation: 101 GDP.]
[Present tally of Great Doctor Points (GDP) = 101.]
‘101 points? GDP?’
Raciel tilted his head, a mixture of happiness and confusion washing over him as he received these points.
‘What purpose do these honor points serve? How can I put them to use?’
He pondered if these points were merely meant for amassing—a notion that would raise concerns.
‘Naturally! Points must possess utility to qualify as true points!’
In his view, points ought to function as such. Even the points accrued at the local supermarket adhered to this principle. Accumulating them over time only to relish the exhilaration of their lavish expenditure, akin to an explosion(!), to claim a complimentary ice cream or cake!
‘So, what exactly can be achieved with these Great Doctor Points, or GDP?’
He ardently hoped they weren’t merely ornamental. At that juncture, Raciel found himself grappling with a tinge of doubt and unease.
Ding-dong!
A cheerful notification chimed in, promptly elucidating the utility of GDP.
[A skillful medical practitioner must occasionally veil their true sentiments! Instances arise where you must subdue the patient’s agony and despair, your own sadness and compassion, maintaining a stoic countenance!]
[The newly accessible GDP points can be employed to procure a <Deception Authorization Ticket>.]
‘…What?’
A Deception Authorization Ticket?
What could that possibly entail?
Raciel hastily perused the subsequent messages that unfurled before him.
[A Deception Authorization Ticket is a voucher acquirable for 100 GDP, limited to one.]
[Upon employing the Deception Authorization Ticket, the designated recipient will unwaveringly and perpetually accept one falsehood you proffer.]
[The Deception Authorization Ticket possesses single-use exclusivity.]
[When deploying the Deception Authorization Ticket, the recipient must be specified.]
[The Deception Authorization Ticket is exclusively applicable to a single individual per usage.]
[The deception facilitated by the Deception Authorization Ticket is restricted to one falsehood per application.]
[Caution during application: Should the intended recipient be of mythic origin or closely linked to such, the employment might be discerned.]
“……”
Astounding.
Should he entertain this notion?
Such was the initial reflex of his thoughts. It seemed almost too fantastical to believe, yet it wasn’t fantastical—it was tangible. The conclusive line in the message pane affirmed its authenticity.
[Current GDP permits acquisition of 1 Deception Authorization Ticket.]
‘…It’s legitimate.’
The system window never lied. So this had to be real. Because of this, his lips involuntarily curled up into a smile.
‘Incredible.’
To induce unwavering belief through the vehicle of one lie—a concept so staggering.
‘So long as the target isn’t a mythical entity, all is well. And encounters with such beings are virtually implausible, allowing me to overlook that drawback. If this tool is wielded with finesse… life could turn considerably smoother, wouldn’t it?’
Even a fleeting consideration affirmed this conclusion. Depending on strategy, the potential applications were boundless. If employed skillfully, one could potentially manipulate the course of a nation or navigate misdeeds unscathed.
‘Such an extraordinary privilege.’
The urge to immediately assess its potency surged within him, swiftly quelled by the awareness of its singularity.
‘Patience. I can only buy one ticket, so I have to save it. When the moment comes to use it, I can check the effect.’
Raciel composed his thoughts, lifting his gaze to survey his surroundings.
“Your Highness, are you alright?”
Demian inquired, providing support as if responding to his sudden collapse, his tone brimming with concern. Raciel offered the man a smile.
“If I were not alright, would you have scooped me up and dashed away?”
“Yes.”
“And where would you have spirited me off to?”
“To a doctor, but… seeing you in this state, it appears unnecessary.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes, fortunately.”
Demian extended his hand, and Raciel clasped onto the robust offer, rising gradually with assistance. Then, a realization dawned upon him.
“But why did you not catch me during my fall?”
“I wasn’t able to catch you.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, your tumble was unexpected.”
“Hmm, I doubt that.”
“Is that truly your perception?”
“Yes, your demeanor contradicts a failure to catch me.”
“… You saw through it?”
“Absolutely. Why did you abstain from catching me?”
“Because I saw it as an opportune moment to stage a more theatrical display.”
Demian’s admission carried an unapologetic note. Raciel was left momentarily flabbergasted.
“… What?”
“Exactly as stated. Furthermore, considering the manner of your fall and the angle, it appeared rather controlled. Given your well-endowed rear, I calculated minimal harm would befall you.”
“…”
“Did you suffer any injuries?”
“Yes.”
“Where are you hurt?”
“My heart.”
“…”
“Sigh. To have this man as my bodyguard…”
“I will ensure your safety when genuine danger looms.”
“Why not express that as a commitment to upholding a steady paycheck?”
“That’s implicit.”
“…”
“In any case, I will ultimately safeguard you.”
“Heh.”
This guy, truly.
However, Raciel didn’t perceive Demian as reprehensible. On the contrary, he found amusement in the man’s responses. He was compelled to, detecting the sincerity beneath it all.
‘Even if he adopts this attitude… he’s the one who’d rush to my aid if the need arose.’
That evening was testament to this. Amid the assault by Uruus, he had striven to shield Raciel, even at the risk of his own well-being.
Understanding the depth of his intentions, Raciel could find mirth in his witty retorts and even partake in a playful verbal exchange.
“Hush. Daring to mock royalty in my presence?”
“Are you implying execution?”
“Yes.”
“Could you not extend clemency?”
“Why?”
“Who would stand guard over you in my absence?”
“There’s Anise, Sergio, and other special duty guards. There are plenty of guards.”
“…”
“You aren’t exceptional. Avoid delusions and complacency. Agreed? Strive harder?”
“…”
Demian’s countenance soured, while Raciel’s eyes twinkled with a satisfied gleam. Assisting Demian down the steps, where a carriage awaited, Raciel couldn’t help but respond to Mayor Cremo, who stood by the vehicle with evident concern.
“Are you truly departing in this manner, Your Highness?”
Mayor Cremo, stationed by the awaiting carriage, voiced his concern. Raciel responded with a sheepish smile.
“Just a slight twist of my leg and a minor discomfort in my posterior. No need to worry excessively.”
“But, Your Highness, wouldn’t it be prudent to rest a night before embarking…?”
“I’m perfectly fine. I can rest comfortably within the carriage during the journey.”
“Isn’t it less cozy compared to a proper bed?”
“No, it’s just as comfortable for me.”
Genuinely.
Ever since his student days, he had cultivated a knack for dozing off on trains and buses. Anyone from South Korea is equipped with this passive skill where they can sleep soundly as soon as they sit down, but automatically wake up just before their stop.
“How soothing it is to nap within a carriage. In any case, I owe you a considerable debt for my time here. Today’s award ceremony was equally delightful.”
“Your Highness, your magnanimity knows no bounds!”
Cremo’s mayor, still displaying his concern, bid them farewell as they departed. Waves of citizens, forming a sea within the square, sent them off with vigorous gestures. Climbing into the carriage, the weight of accumulated fatigue was released with an audible sigh.
“…Ah.”
With a slight jolt, the carriage initiated its journey. The angular silhouettes of the specialized duty guards and the royal sentinels trailed behind. The trotting Uruus formed a subsequent procession.
The party commenced their departure, leaving the bustling square behind. They progressed past the iconic statue of Lloyd Frontera, which for some reason exuded an eerie ambiance. The city gates were traversed, and the urban landscape gradually receded. This departure marked the conclusion of a remarkable chapter.
Rocking along, gliding with ease, Raciel surrendered to deep slumber within the confines of the carriage. The panorama transformed moment by moment.
Beyond the hill that granted a vista of the sea, through the dense morning mist draping the grasslands, traversing the refreshing flow of the river and its accompanying bridge, and galloping through fields that glistened with the remnants of the night’s dew, they advanced. Eight times the sun had risen and set, imprinting the cycle in their eyes. Finally, they reached the Imperial Capital, radiating a luminosity akin to the Milky Way beneath the tapestry of midnight stars.
The return of Crown Prince Magentano.
Four days had elapsed since their departure from Cremo. However, once they arrived at the Imperial Capital, Raciel found himself unable to proceed directly to the Star Palace. This was due to an imperial decree presented by the officer stationed at the imperial gate, who had hurried forth upon receiving word of the crown prince’s homecoming.
“Attention! Captain Mikardo of Infantry Battalion 6, Company 2, Platoon 1, extends his greetings to the Crown Prince!”
With a salute and a bow steeped in reverence, the captain presented himself. His gaze flitted anxiously towards Uruus within the entourage as he proffered a golden-sealed envelope.
“And what might this be?”
“It’s an imperial decree from His Majesty, addressed to Your Highness.”
“The Emperor?”
“Yes, indeed!”
“…”
The Emperor, that figure.
Was he summoning him upon his return for some specific reason? Had he stationed this edict at the gate for that very purpose?
‘Ugh. It’s unsettling.’
Raciel’s brow furrowed as he accepted the decree-sealed envelope. The contents were succinct.
[Upon the crown prince’s return to the Imperial Capital, he is to make an immediate appearance at the palace. That is all.]
“…”
The sense of unease only amplified. The Emperor wished to see him promptly upon his arrival in the Imperial Capital?
‘This is tricky.’
The Emperor wasn’t a figure to be treated lightly. Within him churned a tempest of complexity, each tempestuous gust accompanied by the roar of a lion. Thus, this summons from the Emperor signified… what? There had to be an ulterior motive lurking beneath the surface.
‘He’s not the type to just want to see my face.’
Yet, the decree couldn’t be flouted. Raciel adjusted the carriage’s course toward the Imperial Palace, all while harboring a quiet resolution. Should the Emperor propose something unusual or transgress his bounds…
…He’d utilize a deception ticket without a moment’s hesitation, he silently vowed.
(To be Continued)
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