342: Evil Black Magic Again

Evil Black Magic Again

By the time Erich stepped out of the study, Adam had just finished giving Oriana simple instructions on the new batch of medicines. Oriana carried the medicine case as she and her master headed towards the main palace of the Palace of Oak.  1

When they reached the King's chamber, they were led to a reception room first. Ailwin had indeed returned from convening the royal court, but given that two princes were both in the palace, instead of eating in his chamber, he was in the dining hall to share a meal with his family.

Erich and Oriana did not wait long. After getting permission from the King, they were allowed to enter the King's chamber where they found the royal family in attendance.

Oriana's gaze met with Arlan's and she immediately lowered her eyes. Erich casually greeted the King. "You should have sent me a message that you'll be late, Ailwin."

The old physician's grumpy remark caused Lenard to raise a brow, but the King of Griven was long used to his indifference in social status.

"I made you wait, Erich." Ailwin was sitting in the lounge area beside Julien. "I was just too happy today. It's rare I get to see my two sons at the same time."

Lenard, who was sitting next to his brother, looked at Oriana with a surprised gaze. He didn't expect this young servant so soon, and it appeared that his brother's attendant was acting as Erich's servant. He glanced at his brother, but Arlan did not even seem to notice his gaze.

Erich proceeded to examine the King, who sat with his back resting against the headboard. The room fell silent as everyone awaited Erich's diagnosis. His expression remained stern as he assessed the King's pulse.

Ailwin couldn't help but smile at Erich's serious demeanor. "Erich, it appears your skills have finally found a worthy challenge."

Erich briefly glanced at the King. "It seems the illness has become more stubborn with time, much like our patient."

The King chuckled, seemingly unfazed by his ailment.

Lenard turned his attention to Erich. "Last time you mentioned that Father's condition was improving. What has changed so suddenly?"

Erich was equally puzzled, having not yet identified the exact cause. "We must persist in our efforts, and I believe we may uncover something valuable soon."

Arlan fixed his gaze on Erich. "Can you at least stabilize his condition and prevent it from worsening? You should be able to manage that much."

Oriana observed Arlan closely, sensing that something was amiss. He had a reputation for being fiercely protective of his people, yet he merely requested stability rather than insisting on an immediate cure. Something was not right.

As the conversation continued, Oriana turned to Erich. "Master, may I check His Majesty's pulse?"

Though unsure of the reason behind her intuition, she felt compelled to conduct her examination.

Erich sought permission from the King. "Your Majesty, my apprentice seeks your consent."

The King glanced at Oriana and then at Erich. "I see no reason to deny your apprentice the opportunity to learn about this peculiar ailment."

With the King's approval, Erich stepped away from the bedside, allowing Oriana to take a seat.

Oriana settled into the chair and closed her eyes as she began to assess the King's pulse. It was undeniably weak, urging her to delve deeper. In her study of witchcraft, she had read about the ability to peer into someone's body, a skill she never anticipated using in a medical context.

Hoping her powers would unveil the nature of the King's illness, she was shocked by a startling discovery. Her hand, which had been checking his pulse, trembled in shock.

'Evil Black Magic?'

She continued to concentrate.

"It carries the same essence as what I sensed from His Highness that night in Othinia."

The King sensed her distress and gazed at her.

Oriana slowly opened her eyes, striving to maintain composure and not alarm the patient. She released the King's hand and heard him inquire, "What have you discovered?"

Oriana managed a faint smile. "Your Majesty, I believe we may find the right remedy, but it may take some time."

The King responded with a reassuring smile, and she rejoined her master's side. Erich and Oriana exchanged a meaningful glance, conveying that she had indeed uncovered something significant.

After further discussion, the two brothers left the chamber with Erich. Arlan engaged Erich in conversation as they walked down the hallway. "I expect you to find a more effective medicine soon."

Erich could only nod and said, "Prince Arlan, I have a request to make."

"What is it?"

"I need Orian to assist me today with new medicines I am going to prepare for the King. He might not be able to return till late in the night."

Arlan glanced back at Oriana, who walked behind them. She met his gaze, wondering if he would grant permission.

Arlan turned his attention forward and replied, "As long as you both succeed in improving my father's health."

"We will do our utmost," Erich assured him.

They parted ways, with the prince leaving with his brother, and Erich and Oriana returned to their assigned guest mansion.

After Erich and Oriana had departed, Lenard, who had been silent until then, turned his gaze toward his elder brother. "I never knew you had such a talented aide by your side who could also serve as a physician. Elder brother certainly has a gift for surrounding himself with talented individuals."

"I believe you learn from me."

Lenard grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling.  "Oh, then should I get one young pretty boy as my personal aide as well? Perhaps I should borrow your aide first to see how it feels, and then decide if I want one of my own?"

Arlan abruptly halted in his tracks, fixing his younger brother with an icy glare. "Say another word, and I'll send you to the northern territory, where you won't even be able to bring your wife along."

Lenard wisely chose to keep his mouth shut and silently resumed following his brother. But his mind could not stop working on its own. 'My brother sure has some interest in that aide. That cold glare of his just now it was as if I was talking about his woman. Sadly it's just a pretty boy-servant.'

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