Bryon immediately exited, bowing respectfully to Virouse at the door.
Virouse walked in with a broad smile on his lips.
"Congratulations, Your Royal Highness, on your current position," said Virouse.
Sylas glared at him, this time not hiding his anger.
"I don’t know if I should feel happy about your congratulations, Uncle. I shouldn’t even be here if someone hadn’t been so meddlesome and cruel," Sylas replied.
"You’re right. How could a slave be so heartless as to poison His Majesty?" Virouse replied.
Sylas clenched his fists. "You dared to touch my people, Uncle," he said softly, but with a threatening tone.
"I helped you, Your Highness."
Sylas was about to respond with anger, but he quickly held himself back. Then he stared intently at Virouse.
"Why did you want to see me?" Sylas asked. He wanted to get rid of the man as soon as possible.
"I just wanted to congratulate you. And I plan to stay at the palace until His Majesty recovers," Virouse said. Sylas’s earlier order for the Dukes to leave meant that Virouse needed permission to remain.
Sylas immediately refused. "You have many problems in your region, Uncle. A lot of starving people have fled to the Thalden region. Isn’t it shameful that the largest region in Valigria has to face something like that? Please take care of your own people instead of spending your time at the palace."
Virouse couldn’t hide his disappointment and frustration. But of course, he still kept his calm expression.
"I’ve never heard anything about that, Your Highness."
"Then you should pay more attention to your people."
Virouse smiled bitterly. "You really act like a king, Your Highness."
Sylas smiled. "I will be king, Uncle. But thank you. I won’t be careless like Father."
Virouse bowed respectfully and left the room with quick, slightly stomping steps. His face remained calm, but it was clearly tense and stiff. Even when he passed Doctor Rhanda in the hallway, he didn’t stop or return the doctor’s greeting.
Rhanda only smiled slightly, already guessing what might have caused Virouse to look so upset.
Inside the room, Alvaro urged Sylas to stop and rest.
"You have to eat. Lunch is already over. You’ll make the chef worry," said Alvaro.
"After this, Alvaro. I need to check on my father."
Sylas then asked, "When will Lord Vlad meet you?"
Alvaro took a deep breath as soon as he heard the name. He hated thinking about that man visiting again and again.
"Tonight, Your Highness. He said he’ll bring the doctor secretly to your room," Alvaro replied. Vlad had finally agreed, but only after completely humiliating him.
"Alright. If he comes to see you, tell him to go through the gate. He can’t sneak in every night. I’ll make sure the doctor can enter properly."
Alvaro was about to respond again, but a guard interrupted to announce Doctor Rhanda’s arrival.
"Are you planning to meet everyone at the palace today?" Alvaro asked.
Sylas chuckled softly. "Go eat. I’ll handle this."
"Do you think I can eat while watching you work ?"
"You’re the one carrying that heavy sword. You’re more tired than I am. Call Amos and take a break."
Alvaro refused. "No. Amos won’t replace me today."
"Then be quiet and stay calm."
Alvaro scowled. "Yes, Your Royal Highness," he replied, and returned to his spot.
He just sat and watched as Doctor Rhanda entered the room. Thıs content belongs to novelFirｅ.net
Sylas immediately got to the point and asked about his father’s condition. Rhanda, the head of the palace doctors, explained everything in detail.
Sylas then said, "I’m going to bring a doctor from Rampesh to the palace. I need to inform you."
The doctor looked hesitant. "We’ve done our best. The palace doctors are the best in the kingdom. I think bringing in someone from outside is unnecessary. It could even be risky."
Sylas nodded. "I understand your concerns. You’ve done a lot, and I appreciate that. But so far, there’s been no progress. There’s no harm in giving another expert a chance."
Rhanda still didn’t agree. "Who is this doctor, Your Highness? There are strict requirements for doctors to treat members of the royal family. Not just anyone is allowed."
"I’m still going to bring him to the palace. That’s my order, Doctor. I know he’s skilled, and I’ve seen how he works. So you don’t need to doubt him. Even if he fails, it doesn’t matter. We have to try different things to see what works."
Rhanda stayed silent. But it was clear he didn’t like the idea. Still, he couldn’t disobey Sylas’s orders.
After that, Sylas rushed to his father’s room. The area was heavily guarded. The guards bowed respectfully as soon as Sylas arrived.
Inside, Gilbert, King Adrien’s personal guard, stood at attention and bowed respectfully to Sylas.
"Welcome, Your Royal Highness. It’s good to finally see you," the old man smiled.
"A lot has happened, Sir Gilbert. But thankfully, I’m still alive and able to meet you," replied Sylas. He went straight to his father’s bedside.
Gilbert explained the king’s condition over the past few days.
Sylas looked at his father’s pale, lifeless face. His heart ached with worry. The man who had always seemed strong and full of life now lay helpless and still.
He sat at the edge of the bed and held his father’s hand. He noticed the tips of his father’s fingers turning blue. He looked at Gilbert.
"What’s wrong with his hands?" he asked.
Gilbert looked surprised. "Oh, this just started this afternoon. I’ll call the doctor."
But Sylas stopped him. "No need. Don’t let anyone touch him."
Gilbert looked confused. "But—"
"Tonight I’ll bring another doctor."
Sylas hugged his father and kissed his forehead. "Hold on, Father. We’ll get through this together."
That night, the palace atmosphere remained tense. Although the Dukes had left in the afternoon, the mood was still uneasy. The sudden shift in power had left everyone busy and on edge.
Meanwhile, in the underground prison, Kai faced his own torment. Every second felt like hell for him.
The prison was a temporary holding place for serious criminals—those charged with crimes like corruption, murder, royal espionage, and other major offenses—before being transferred to the capital’s main prison.
Anyone sent to the underground cells wouldn’t escape torture. This seemed to be their way of showing the world how brutal the prison was. They wanted people to fear it enough to avoid committing any crimes.
And so, Kai was treated just like the rest of them. In fact, even worse.
"You’re so weak and crippled, yet your mind is full of evil," said the guard, grabbing Kai’s jaw and staring into the eyes of the exhausted slave.
Kai held his breath, tears still wet on his face, as he felt a fresh cut along his arm.
"Nnghh..." he groaned, the sound barely escaping his throat.