I Became a Sick Nobleman

***

Ruel opened his eyes again. 

The things hanging around his arms were reduced to two.

He turned his head at the sound of Leo’s snoring and the sound of a sword being wiped.

“Have you woken up? It’s still far from morning, so you can go back to sleep,” Cassion said. 

“Did Fran go?” Ruel asked. 

“Yes, after checking and confirming your stable condition, Fran left with various things.” 

After answering, Cassion stopped cleaning his sword and looked at Ruel. 

Cassion hadn’t been able to inquire about the situation since Ruel had taken a stabilizer and fallen back asleep after the examination.

“I can’t tell you about this,” Ruel said first. 

Cassion pointed to his own heart with a calm expression. 

“Do you know this? When your heart stopped, so did mine. Of course, I managed to hold on for a moment.” 

‘Your heart stopped and you held on? You’re a monster.’

Ruel frowned at the unbelievable statement. 

“How’s Noah?”

“He’s fine.”

After the response, Cassion’s expression twisted slightly. 

“Honestly, I really didn’t expect our hearts to stop together. It was one of the most terrifying experiences in my life.” 

“I think my heart stopped because I figured something out.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t know exactly either. My heart stopped because I found out something I shouldn’t have known, and I guess I survived thanks to the power of recovery. So, you shouldn’t know about it,” Ruel explained. 

Cassion didn’t have the power of recovery. 

If his heart stopped, he would definitely die. 

“I understand,” Cassion stepped back as he seemed to have understood enough. 

But still with a face full of dissatisfaction, he called out to Ruel. 

“Ruel-nim.” 

“Speak,” Ruel replied. 

“Are you okay?”

“Oh, I’m used to this kind of thing now,” Ruel said nonchalantly as usual, but Cassion could see Ruel’s irritation that was briefly revealed. 

“Is it related to you, Ruel-nim?” 

“Yes, what about Uncle and Aris?”

“They went out for a moment. Fran said your condition had stabilized, so they should be fine,” Cassion said. 

“That’s good. I’m sure Uncle was worried a lot,” Ruel replied. 

“He was worried,” Cassion confirmed. 

Ruel turned his head towards the window where the sun had not yet risen. 

“Cassion.”

“Yes.” 

“…Sorry.” 

“…!”

Cassion froze at the unexpected apology. 

He hesitated several times, wondering if he should ask Ruel to repeat himself, doubting what he had just heard.

“Ganien asked me to thank you for letting him know the weakness of the black-blooded man,” Ruel quickly changed the subject. 

Cassion chuckled and smirked, realizing that Ganien wouldn’t normally express gratitude in such a manner. 

It must have been quite embarrassing for him to admit it.

“Thank you. It was a good catch,” Cassion said. 

“I didn’t say it to make you feel good,” Ruel snapped.

“Yes, I understand,” Cassion resumed wiping his sword, barely able to contain his laughter. 

He wanted to see Ruel embarrassed.

But then Cassion’s hand stopped again for a moment. 

He remembered a fact that he needed to tell Ruel. 

“Ah… Ruel-nim, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?” Ruel asked, his voice tinged with annoyance due to Cassion’s constant laughter. 

“Yesterday, Ganien contacted me urgently,” Cassion continued. 

Ruel turned to look at Cassion again. The word ‘urgently’ caught his attention. 

“What did he say?” Ruel inquired. 

“He said that the gates of the Tonisk Empire have opened,” Cassion replied. 

“What…?” Ruel was taken aback.

“They say that a group of supposed soldiers came out, and when they were spotted, they suddenly disappeared, and in their place were traces of magic.”

‘…Did they use warp magic like Uncle?’ 

Warp magic required a large amount of mana. 

Tyson now used it comfortably after crossing the wall, but it was difficult before. 

Ruel clenched and unclenched his fist. 

However, the Tonisk Empire’s gates had indeed opened. 

Where could those suspected soldiers have gone? 

Ruel asked after inhaling Breath. 

“But the gates didn’t open after that?” 

“No, they didn’t,” Cassion confirmed. 

“Cassion.” 

“Yes, please speak.” 

“How many people are there who have reached Uncle’s level at such a young age?” 

“I can count them on one hand,” Cassion replied. 

Tuk-tuk.

Ruel started tapping his thigh. 

The opponent was the Tonisk Empire. 

Given the name ‘Empire,’ there must be someone who had reached Uncle’s level. 

However, Ruel was puzzled as to why the Tonisk Empire had moved at this ambiguous time. 

The news of Leponia and the Cyronian Kingdom forming an alliance, and the rumor that the Kran Kingdom had sent an envoy to Leponia, must have reached them. 

There was deep animosity between the Tonisk Empire and the three kingdoms, so the fact that the Tonisk Empire was making a move now only seemed like a provocation to the alliance. 

‘If they really wanted to make a move, they should have done so before Leponia and Cyronian formed an alliance.’ 

Ruel furrowed his brow.

Hoswell, the king of Cyronian, valued peace, but it was difficult to predict how the Kran Kingdom would react since their stance was unknown.

‘There was a Red Ash hideout in the Tonisk Empire, so I suspect that the individuals presumed to be soldiers who came from there might actually be Red Ash. They sent an elite unit to kill me.’ 

It wasn’t a groundless assumption.

In any case, the gates of the Tonisk Empire had opened.

‘Each country will start making moves, whether it’s their relationships or anything else.’ 

For Ruel, it wasn’t a favorable situation. 

If each country remained still like stagnant water, it would be easier to identify who the Red Ash was.

‘This is frustrating.’

Ruel pondered on what the shadow operatives sent to the Kran Kingdom might uncover. 

He knew he had to wait patiently without making any hasty decisions.

“Ruel-nim, please refrain from thinking too much and rest deeply for a while,” Cassion advised.

“Cassion,” Ruel called out as Cassion was about to finish speaking. 

Cassion’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

“Have the shadow operatives taken the measures I instructed?” 

Ruel hadn’t just sent the shadow operatives to the Kran Kingdom without precautions. 

Uncertain of what might unfold, he took out an insurance policy. 

He demanded that the operatives, who bore a striking resemblance to three individuals – Cassion, Aris, and himself – assume the guise of adventurers using their names. 

The added benefit was that they could raise their adventurer rank using their names.

“Yes. I told Flenn to create separate adventurer badges for the Shadows to use, and named them Han, Cassion, and Aris.”

“Okay.” 

“Ruel-nim, I asked before, but do you have any plans to go to the Kran Kingdom?” 

“Cassion,” Ruel called out, feeling annoyed by Cassion’s suspicious gaze. “Why would I go to the Kran Kingdom?”

During the previous trip to the Cyronian Kingdom, he had to go there because of the power left by Ganien and the hero, but the Kran Kingdom was different. 

He didn’t know anyone there, and he had already acquired the power of the hero. 

There was nothing more to gain.

Ruel felt unjust that Cassion couldn’t trust his words. 

He explained, “Just in case. It’s just insurance, a precaution.”

“Understood,” Cassion reluctantly replied. He couldn’t shake off his suspicions completely, but he acknowledged Ruel’s request.

“Cassion, prepare more food than usual for today. I don’t know if I’m dizzy because I didn’t eat, or if I’m dizzy because I lack blood.” 

“The latter.” 

Cassion answered neatly and got up from his seat. 

“Still, I’m glad that Ruel-nim’s stomach is as strong as ever.” 

“I think so too. Oh, while you’re at it, please call my uncle. I have something to confirm.” 

“Understood. Even without that, Tyson-nim has been waiting for you to call him.” 

Cassion bowed and walked towards the door, pausing briefly in front of it. 

“Ruel-nim.” 

“What?”

Ruel looked at Leo, who suddenly started flailing on all fours, and then turned his attention to Cassion. 

Even though he didn’t know what he was trying to say, Cassion’s voice was infinitely serious. “Whatever you know, you don’t have to force yourself to keep it to yourself.” 

Without listening to Ruel’s response, Cassion left the room. 

‘…Geez. I told him there’s no need for unnecessary concern.’

Ruel looked at the spot where Cassion had left, then inhaled Breath, and turned his head back to the window. 

Wasn’t it said that it’s the darkest right before the sunrise?

‘That’s true.’ 

Outside, there wasn’t a single star visible, and it was still dark. 

Since he had slept a lot, sleep didn’t come to him, and he just wanted to see the sunrise. 

He petted Leo and quietly waited for the sunrise. 

A moment later, there was a knock on the door, and Tyson cautiously opened it and entered. Ruel greeted Tyson warmly as he sat up. 

“Uncle, good morning.” 

Despite Ruel’s smile, Tyson approached him with a fearful expression and tightly held his hand. “Don’t get up yet. It hasn’t been long since your body recovered.” 

“I’ve been lying down for so long that my back was sore. I’m fine.”  

“You don’t have to force a smile in front of me.” 

“I’m not forcing a smile. I missed my uncle, so I called.” 

Ruel smiled at the warmth he felt in Tyson’s hand. 

Tyson also looked warmly at Ruel. 

“Yeah, I feel the same way. Lie down now, I’ll be here.”

“It’s okay. I just wanted to see the sunrise. It’s better to sit and watch than lying down.” 

Ruel turned his head back to the window and looked out again. 

The darkness was gradually fading as the light of dawn spread across the sky. 

Ruel wanted to hold onto the warmth he felt in his uncle’s hand, even if he was called Ruel Setiria for the umpteenth time. 

That was enough for him. 

Since the moment he decided to live as Ruel, nothing had changed, and he was content with that. 

Ruel raised the corners of his mouth, smiling once more.

***

Two days later.

“Ah, are you awake?”

Ruel blinked a few times at the familiar voice and then rubbed his eyes.

Why was Banios in his room?

“Sorry for coming so suddenly. I just arrived, so don’t be surprised.”

“…Is it you?”

“If you’re curious, do you want to pinch me?”

Banios readily extended his arm. 

Seeing the medical equipment attached to Ruel’s arm, he couldn’t bring himself to ask Ruel to pinch his arm.

Ruel hurriedly sat up. 

His head spun briefly due to the fever. Leo, who was sleeping next to him with his belly exposed, was startled when Ruel suddenly moved.

—Wh-what happened?

When Ruel gently stroked his belly again, Leo fell back into a deep sleep.

Leaving what shouldn’t be known aside, Ruel had been in bed without doing anything due to his poor health condition. 

He was in pain last night, so neither of them could sleep well.

“That fox is always cute.”

Banios playfully extended his fidgeting hand, coughed awkwardly, and crossed his arms again, spitting out a fake cough under Ruel’s gaze.

“You don’t have to get up so suddenly. It’s not like we’ve only met once or twice, and the time has passed for us to show courtesy.”

“Your Highness, I am someone who knows courtesy. I am deeply sorry for greeting you in this state.”

Despite being the one to apologize, Ruel’s expression was very stern.

Banios, who knew that this was an insult to himself, smiled and said.

“I did apologize in advance, didn’t I? Sorry about that.”

“Did something urgent come up for you to come here personally?”

“Do I have to come only if it’s urgent? That’s disappointing.”

“Even though you haven’t officially inherited the throne yet, isn’t it a busy time for you?”

Ruel looked behind Banios as he spoke. 

He followed Ruel’s gaze and replied, “Ah, your butler has left for a moment. He must be busy.”

Cassion was always busy, but it was frustrating to see the Crown Prince, who should be even busier, sitting idly.

“What do you have to say to me, Your Highness?”

“What’s so urgent? I’m not busy at all, so take your time. I came to Setiria before, but I couldn’t properly tour around and had to leave, which was very regrettable.”

“Did you come to Setiria for refuge?”

Becoming a crown prince from a prince, the amount of things to learn would be overwhelming. 

If Banios, who had come out of a web novel as a work addict, was like this, how much more would there be to learn?

Banios avoided eye contact. 

“You don’t need to worry at all. I brought my butler, and I can do everything well on my own. Of course, there’s no need for formal greetings. Just relax.”

It seemed like he didn’t just come for refuge. Banios’s behavior seemed suspicious.

“Your Highness, are you really not busy? If that’s the case, may I ask Prince Adoris?”

“Lord Setiria.”

Banios urgently called Ruel, then opened his mouth more seriously than ever. 

“So, this is a territory visit. It’s natural for me to look around since it’s the land I’ll be ruling. I’ll make sure you don’t feel uncomfortable.”

Ruel let out a light sigh. 

It seemed like Banios was planning to stay for a while. 

Although some of the information directed to Banios through Astell was hidden, there was no fear of being caught because he trusted Cassion to handle the aftermath well.

“How long do you plan to stay?”

“I’ll leave soon, so don’t worry. If not for this opportunity, when else could I tour around Leponia?”

“Has His Majesty approved this?”

“Of course.”

Banios responded cheerfully, which annoyed Ruel slightly. 

‘Laughing shamelessly at someone else’s house.’ 

Ruel didn’t like talking back, but since Banios was a prince, he decided to turn and politely decline. 

“I’m not sure if there’s a suitable room for Your Highness. Any place would be more humble than the royal palace.”

“I didn’t grow up as sheltered as you think. As long as there’s a place to lie down, it’s enough, so don’t worry about it.”

His attempt didn’t work at all.

After inhaling Breath, Ruel just spoke as usual.

“I feel uncomfortable.”

“I’m not uncomfortable.”

“Your Highness, I am telling you that I am uncomfortable.”

“The diplomatic delegation from the Kingdom of Kran will arrive soon. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but it will be interesting.”

Banios completely changed the subject.

Ruel had no choice but to move on from a topic that couldn’t be ignored.

“So soon?”

“A meeting was held a few days ago due to the news that the gate of the Tonisk Empire had opened. I assume there was a similar meeting on the Kran side as well.”

“What kind of proposal do you think Kran will make to the Cyronian Kingdom?”

“Honestly, the relationship between the two countries is not good, but I heard they are leaning towards sending a diplomatic delegation.”

“Is that so?”

Ruel frowned slightly.

Kran Kingdom had sent a diplomatic delegation.

The fact that the Kran Kingdom was sending an envoy hinted at a potential alliance. 

‘No matter how you look at it, the timing of the Tonisk Empire opening the gate is convenient.’ 

It almost seems like they are pushing for an alliance.

Ruel felt uneasy about this fact.

“I have reported to the landlord, so I will be leaving now. I’ve said it before, but please treat me as if I’m not here and make yourself comfortable.”

Banios stood up, glanced at Leo, and then something came to his mind and he opened his mouth.

“That guy, Kron, you gave me was remarkably good at sniffing out the Red Ash. I think we’ll be able to take out the rest of them sooner than expected. Now, get some rest.”

Banios smiled and walked out again.

After confirming that he had left, Ruel opened his mouth.

“Cassion.”

“Yes.”

“For what purpose did Prince Banios come?”

“First of all, inspection of the territory seems to be the top priority.”

“Empty-handed?” Ruel subtly inquired. 

Cassion shook his head and replied, “Prince Banios provided me with a sum of gold to cover expenses.”

“As expected.”

Ruel’s lips curved up. 

He would continue to welcome him with open arms since they would be seeing each other often from now on.

“While Prince Banios is staying here, treat him as a special guest. But, regardless of that, keep an eye on him.”

“Understood.”

Cassion waited without fading into the shadows.

“Also, find out who is coming as an envoy from the Kran Kingdom and what their intentions are.”

“They have already started moving.”

Ruel smiled contentedly at Cassion’s response. 

“Then, continue with the preparations for breakfast.”

“Of course.”

Ruel watched Cassion disappear, continuing to contemplate the relationship between the Kran Kingdom and the Tonisk Empire.

Author's Thoughts

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