The Substitute Healer (BL)-Chapter 61: “Argh, fine,”

"Haaa... I really thought we were going to get busted," Gideon sighed in relief as the carriage rumbled forward, already headed toward the northern fortress.

Just a short while ago, he and the captain had been tangled together inside the carriage, far too distracted with each other to notice anything else. Then there had been a sudden rustle outside enough to make Gideon’s heart nearly leap out of his chest.

Thankfully, it had only been one of the knights under the captain’s command, reporting that the unit was ready to depart after giving the horses time to drink and rest.

Now, with danger averted, Gideon leaned comfortably against the open window, using both shoulders as a cushion as the cold air brushed past him.

"Please mind your manners, Young Master," the captain said while glancing toward him from his horse. "We are nearing our destination."

"Yeah, yeah," Gideon pouted. "I didn’t bring my butler specifically because he nags too much so why do I feel like I still have him with me?"

Then a sharp breeze slipped through the window, brushing Gideon’s cheek so he immediately leaned back, shivering.

"Are you cold, Young Master?" the captain asked while slowing his horse slightly to keep pace. "Please put on more clothes."

"Argh, fine," Gideon muttered. "But aren’t you cold? There’s no snow anymore, but the wind’s getting worse the closer we get."

"I’m fine, Young Master," the captain replied calmly. "I’m built for this."

"Hmph. So much for a brag," Gideon scoffed. "I’m a knight too, you know."

"Even so," the captain said, his voice lowering with concern, "please don’t fall ill or I would worry."

Gideon clicked his tongue, then smiled faintly. "Hmph. I worry about you too." His gaze drifted ahead, excitement creeping into his expression. "Anyway, I’m really looking forward to meeting that Soren person. He’s the one who healed me, after all. I truly thought I was a goner back then."

He glanced back at the captain, his tone softer. "Make sure to thank him properly, okay? You almost lost me too."

"Of course, Young Master."

As the only heir of House Hawthorne, Gideon grew up thoroughly pampered.

He was deeply loved by his father, so much so that even the smallest scratch on Gideon’s body was enough to stir his anger. Having lost his wife during Gideon’s birth, the patriarch of House Hawthorne devoted himself entirely to his son, determined that Gideon would never feel the absence of a mother.

He never even remarried.

Instead, he earned the utmost respect of his in-laws for his devotion, and his affection only led to Gideon being spoiled even more.

Gideon had inherited his blondish hair and green eyes from his mother’s side, a resemblance his father cherished dearly. Through his son’s features, he could still recall his late wife’s face, and so he spent much of his time personally caring for Gideon, as if trying to preserve what little of her remained.

That was also why, upon hearing that Gideon had nearly died and had been saved by a low-born healer, his father did not view it as something disgraceful.

On the contrary, he saw it as a debt of gratitude that both Gideon and his father even went so far as to personally select gifts of thanks, something few nobles would ever deign to do.

And so, when Gideon expressed his desire to return to the place where he had nearly lost his life, his father agreed on one condition:

the captain of the household knights had to accompany him.

This arrangement pleased Gideon more than he let on, for he had long harbored a secret admiration for that very man.

Meanwhile, as Gideon’s party finally reached the end of their journey, things were unfolding quite differently on the other side.

Soren was busy assisting Caelius while explaining techniques that could make his healing magic more potent.

As someone who already knew that his healing had no effect on the beasts’ curse, Caelius had long been troubled by the discrepancy. After all, both he and Soren were healers and were both blessed by the Goddess Mirath yet only Soren’s power seemed capable of overcoming what his own could not.

The thought unsettled him.

So, when Soren had fully recovered and there was no one around to interrupt them especially the prince, who was occupied with monitoring the beasts’ movements alongside the Davenmore, Caelius seized the opportunity to seek guidance. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"My lord," Soren began, "instead of channeling your mana throughout your entire body, try condensing it into a single point. To make it more potent... focus it in your palm."

As he spoke, a soft, golden light gathered in his hand while glowing steadily.

Caelius stared at him in open surprise.

Even though Soren likely had never studied a single holy text on healing magic, he spoke with a level of understanding that rivaled seasoned clerics.

"Hm... that does make sense," Caelius murmured, genuine awe slipping into his voice. "Mana does flow throughout our bodies, but focusing it this way would certainly increase the effectiveness of healing."

"That’s right, my lord," Soren replied. "I... thought that was how healers usually did it."

"No," Caelius said with a faint chuckle. "Most of us emit mana through our entire bodies out of instinct. It’s a defensive habit as we protect ourselves in case we’re injured during the process." He paused thoughtfully. "Your technique isn’t flawed, but it does require us to remain constantly on guard."

He looked back at Soren, his tone sincere. "Nonetheless, I’m grateful for your help. I truly appreciate it."

Soren simply nodded with a faint smile touching his lips only to fade a second later as he averted his gaze.

Seeing that, Caelius swallowed and spoke again.

"And... my apologies, if I acted rudely toward you earlier."

"Uh no, my lord. It’s fine," Soren replied quickly.

"No, it isn’t," Caelius insisted. "I believe I crossed a line with the things I said."

’He must mean what he said about me throwing my life away so easily,’ Soren thought.

After a brief pause, he lifted his head. "Then... I accept your apology, my lord."

Caelius let out a quiet breath, half-amused. "What an easy person you are..."

Little did Caelius know that the reason Soren looked so down had nothing to do with him at all. Rather, Soren had coincidentally overheard the Davenmore Duke and the twins talking about him.

’Ah... I feel nauseous. I thought we already grow closer, just what am I expecting?’ Soren thought.

Despite that, he maintained a faint smile in front of Caelius, even as his thoughts lingered on what he had heard just moments ago.