Chapter 103
A chance encounter between brothers
In Celestica, it was customary for physicians with knowledge of medicinal herbs and medical skills to reside in noble households. However, for diseases beyond their knowledge, they had to rely on the temple.
This was because the only beings who had received the power to cure diseases from Adamant were the priests.
Every time they were summoned, the large sum of money given to them was also a considerable source of income for the temple. So much so that even nobles hesitated to call them if their fortunes were declining.
However, in the case of Arcturus, he had no hesitation in summoning them from the capital temple late at night.
The only thing no one within anticipated was that the call would be for a bastard.
“I greet the Duke of Arcturus. May Adamant’s blessing be with you.”
Four priests who had promptly arrived from the capital temple bowed slightly before Izar. Having long discarded the cumbersome attire for the banquet, he scrutinized each of them with eyes sharpened by anxiety.
Freesia had just had another seizure, forcing them to place a cloth in her mouth to prevent her from biting her tongue. They needed to take these priests to Freesia’s bedroom without any more delay.
Izar’s eyes flashed with anger the moment he saw one of the priests.
“Did you send me a bunch of nobodies?”
In such an urgent call from a great noble, it was customary to send experienced priests. Yet, among the priests, one was absurdly young.
The fair man with silver hair and red eyes looked more like a young holy knight than someone proficient in divine power and doctrine.
The leading priest, anxious not to offend the Duke of Arcturus, hastily explained.
“He has recently joined the capital temple, but his abilities are exceptional. You will not be disappointed.”
At these words, Canopus lowered his red eyes, visible through the silver hair falling over his forehead. He struggled to keep his lips from curling up in amusement.
“In the name of God Almighty, I will sincerely heal the suffering person.”
“You had better do it properly.”
Izar, glaring at the person who instinctively repulsed him, quickly turned towards where Freesia lay. Watching his urgent retreat, Canopus finally allowed a sly smile to escape from beneath his sleeve.
‘Ha. The first meeting between brothers.’
Would he know that the person he so desperately wanted to kill was right before his eyes?
However, Canopus’s sneer slowly faded as they were guided to the room where the lady of the house lay.
The woman who looked like she was about to be swallowed by the bed was genuinely dying, unlike when seen in the temple.
“Hah, ah, ah…!”
“Freesia.”
Izar hurriedly ran to her side. She had been breathing when he had briefly left her side, but now she seemed unable to draw a breath, clutching at her throat in panic.
One of the priests behind Canopus gasped and whispered.
“Oh dear, if the seizure is that severe—”
“I can heal her.”
“P-Priest Canopus?”
Seizing the moment while the priests hesitated, Canopus swiftly moved to her side, intentionally avoiding standing next to Izar.
With a low voice that resonated like a string instrument, he recited a prayer and stretched out his hand over Freesia’s face.
Though the other priests quickly lent their power, it was evident to all that this young man was the most skilled.
The woman, who had been writhing and clutching her chest due to lack of breath, finally managed to open her eyes with great effort.
“P-Priest…?”
“It’s Canopus, Madam.”
Canopus placed his hand lightly on Freesia’s forehead, which was drenched in cold sweat. He whispered gently to Freesia, who was trying to recognize him and sit up.
“Please lie down. I’ll use my divine power on you.”
“Ugh…”
“You’ll feel better soon.”
It was clear that she was struggling to breathe due to the pain. He looked down at the woman who eventually closed her eyes with a pale face after trembling her eyebrows a few times.
“…How pitiful.”
The words he whispered softly were not a lie. At first, he had hoped she would be Izar’s weakness, and the next time he saw her, he thought she was someone blessed with the same protection as him.
‘A woman dying because of Arcturus…’
History repeats itself in this way.
This woman was in the same situation as Canopus’s mother. A pitiful woman who suffered because of the man who had violated her and eventually was executed because of him.
Canopus looked at Izar with contemptuous eyes through his hair.
‘He’s just like my father, that wretched man.’
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