Chapter 213 â A Normal Human (2)
Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan
Desperately, Raphael bit his tongue to try to stay conscious. But as the Kingâs drugged needle plunged into his veins, he couldnât hold on any longer. His consciousness sank deep into a swamp.
Expressionless, the King kicked his son, but Raphael didnât move an inch. A smirk spread over his face as Selgratis laid his foot on Raphaelâs head, stepping on him lightly with his shoe. A ghost of a laugh burst from his wrinkled lips.
âJust wait a little longer,â he said. âItâs not your turn. Yet.â
He had already finished this task. Raphael might be the guest of honor at todayâs banquet, but the busiest man was the King. Wasnât that as it should be, though? Shouldnât a father pave the way for his children? He had to make way for the weak Crown Prince.
Selgratis left the room without remorse, and without a backward glance at his other son. It would take at least a day for him to wake up, and by then it would already be over.
Fortunately, Raphael had an assistant.
Or rather, he had Annetteâs assistant.
He came through the window like a cat, prowling for his target. Approaching Raphael, Railin suddenly frowned.
The parlor was filled with a heady scent, one that Railin, master of the underworld, quickly identified. With a wave of his hand, he immediately purified the air, inhaling the fresh air with appreciation.
Slowly, he approached Raphael, lowering his eyes. His eyes narrowed as he spotted the blood trailing from the corner of his mouth down his sharp jaw.
Had he bitten his tongue?
Oh, if only. A small smile flickered at Railinâs lips. He was an observant man, and he had noticed the shift in Annetteâs attitude. She no longer showed any interest in leaving for Osland. Nor was she making any other plans for her new life.
The man at his feet was the reason for that change. Railinâs smile faded as he knelt down to examine Raphael.
He was alive. Lifting Raphaelâs eyelid, Railin clicked his tongue. The King was so determined to put him down, he had nearly administered a lethal dose of the soporific. Raphael wouldnât rouse no matter what happened outside.
Railin patted him, and a strange smoke began to rise from Raphaelâs body.
Raphaelâs chest heaved in a violent cough, as if all the drugged smoke left his body at once. With a flicker of magic, Railin plucked the rest of the poison from his body, and Raphaelâs eyelids finally opened.
Weak though he was, he immediately tried to rise. At first, his limbs refused to obey him, but Raphael was a Master of Swords. It wasnât long before he regained his strength.
âRather a dirty method for a King, donât you think?â Railin chuckled, sitting back with his arms crossed. Raphael stared at him, befuddled. At first, he didnât recognize him, but then suddenly it struck him.
âYouâre that pervert,â he said grimly.
Railin laughed out loud. It was true that he had been dressed as a maid the first time they met, a sight that had shocked Raphael, and made it even stranger to see him now, dressed formally for the banquet. So long as he kept his mouth shut, Railin might have been mistaken for a nobleman. It gave Raphael goosebumps.
But it had been a long time before someone had called Railin a pervert to his face, and though normally he would have turned Raphael into a toad, today was not the day. Raphael still had work to do.
âAre you ready to go see her yet?â Railin taunted.
âMy client is in danger. If we donât go now, it will be too late.â
Raphaelâs breath stopped. His blue eyes sharpened, a ferocious beast with hackles rising. It made even bold Railin feel a sudden chill in his heart.