[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 278

Chapter 278: Public Displays of Affection

Like a proud little child who had accomplished something grand and was now begging for praise from his family.

That was exactly how Xion looked at his lover.

Those wide eyes, as if filled with stars, blinked up at him, shining with eagerness, waiting... Ah, no, yearning for praise. freewebnσvel.cѳm

Darius chuckled softly, his heart melting into a puddle. He reached out and gently patted Xion’s head, a doting smile curving his lips.

Then, unable to resist, he pinched the younger man’s cheek with affection.

"You made it in such a short amount of time. Sure enough, only my Xion is so amazing."

His words were spoken very lightly, filled with pride and yet, it was exactly those words that made Xion’s eyes sparkle even more.

Still caught in the gentle cheek pinch, Xion’s grin widened until it almost reached his ears. Drunk on happiness, the silly kitten giggled. "I’ll give it to you."

It was such a straightforward answer. There was no scheming, no thoughts of ’what I will get in return’ in Xion’s gaze.

Just a simple person whose first instinct was to give something precious to the man he loved.

"Congratulations, Your Grace," Ray said with a bright grin, his sharp canines showing. He bowed slightly toward Xion. "Your hard work will not only save those suffering from the plague, it’ll give them hope. Thank you for what you’ve done."

The people present sure heard what Xion said but they had no clue what it was for. The knight commander’s words made their hearts tremble with excitement.

It was the cure for the purple plague!

A loud, collective gasp rippled through the hall. Only then did Xion realize something was wrong. Very, very wrong.

He tilted his head to peek behind Darius, and his blue eyes widened in horror.

More than twenty people were there. All of them staring at him with astonished expressions.

Flustered beyond reason, Xion ducked back behind Darius, hiding like a frightened kitten seeking refuge in his owner’s arms.

Those piercing gazes were so strange that he didn’t even bother with the title Ray had addressed him.

It wasn’t Lord Xion, but His Grace, just like the Archduke. That alone was enough for everyone present to piece things together.

"D-Did I bother you?" Xion’s voice was barely louder than a mosquito’s buzz.

He really wanted to smack himself. Why had he run around like an idiot? He should’ve stayed hidden, should’ve waited for Darius to return...

Darius gave a soft laugh, brushing his hand through the dark strands.

"Anyone can be a bother, sweetheart. But never you." His arms tightened, bringing Xion even closer into his embrace.

Xion suddenly hissed.

"His Grace Xion is not wearing shoes, Your Grace," Ray said, eyes narrowing toward the bare feet pressing against the cold marble floor.

Darius leaned slightly back, his gaze falling to the snow-white toes curling together from the chill.

Before Xion could react, Darius bent slightly and scooped him up like a child.

"Wait, I—!"

Too late. He was already in Darius’ arms, being carried back into the courtroom.

Xion stared, wide-eyed, at the vast hall, the empty chairs arranged for the audience. He didn’t even register the two or three people huddled on the bloodied floor before he was placed on the white throne.

Right there, before the ministers, nobles and guards who had followed in a stunned trance, their cold sovereign bent to one knee.

And he took delicate beauty’s feet in his hands. Very carefully, gently... as though they were made of glass. His broad palms rubbed over them, trying to warm the chilled skin with his own heat.

A storm of thoughts raged in their minds, but oddly enough, most shared one very specific thought: If I had a beauty like that... I’d treat him the same.

At that time, Rael, a kid who was trying to ’act’ like a mature person, was an endearing sight to him. He had always thought of the boy as an adorable child.

But now...

Just like last night, when Xion had tried to run or more like crawl away, only to be dragged back into those stubborn arms.

Just one look, and Xion felt his spine stiffen. Surely, this seductive demon wouldn’t do anything inappropriate in front of so many people. Right?