Chapter 14

Rian returned to his room and once again read Old Fox’s report carefully by candlelight. Two pieces of information crossed his mind: the threat of the Reinhardt family, and the Crown Prince’s mysterious headaches.

‘A disease even the priests cannot cure…’

In this world, Divine Magic showed absolute effectiveness against most illnesses and curses. That the Crown Prince’s illness still wouldn’t heal meant its cause did not fall into a common category.

‘It’s likely poison, or a purely physical disease not caused by Magic.’

Rian recalled medical knowledge from his previous life: chronic migraines, cranial nerve problems, or tumors. If Divine Magic specialized in restoring “evil energies” or “damaged flesh,” it could be helpless against such diseases.

‘This is an opportunity — the only lifeline to avoid the Reinhardt family’s pressure and instantly lift the Aster family to the center of power.’

But the approach was the problem. A thirteen-year-old countryside noble boy suddenly appearing and claiming he could cure the Crown Prince would be tantamount to suicide. He had to conceal himself thoroughly and use the most trustworthy “light.”

The next evening, Rian went to find Kaion, who had returned from training.

“Brother, strange rumors are circulating in the capital these days.”

“What rumors?”

“They’re saying the Crown Prince is suffering from unexplained headaches. Even the best priests shook their heads unable to help.”

Rian brought up the topic as naturally as if he’d heard it on the street. Kaion’s face grew serious.

“The Crown Prince? That’s serious.”

“But something just occurred to me. A folk remedy our estate’s grandmothers used when headaches were severe. They mixed several herbs into a tea.”

Of course such a folk remedy did not exist. It was a story Rian had made up on the spot.

“Could that be effective? It’s an illness even the empire’s priests can’t cure.”

“I don’t know. But if divine Magic doesn’t work, doesn’t that mean another method might be effective instead?”

Rian’s eyes lit up.

“You are now the most notable freshman at the Academy. Your fame for defeating the Reinhardt family might have reached the imperial palace. If you could create an opportunity to present this herbal tea to the Crown Prince as a ‘household remedy passed down for generations’…”

Kaion immediately understood his younger brother’s intent. If successful, the family would gain enormous glory. Even if it failed, they could frame it as the heartfelt loyalty of a rural noble and it wouldn’t be a big problem.

“All right. I’ll find a way.”

Now the older brother no longer doubted his younger brother’s wisdom.

From that day, Rian’s secret experiments began. Through Old Fox, he gathered information and samples of every herb obtainable in the capital. Based on his pharmacological knowledge from his previous life, he selected herbs with analgesic, nerve-calming, and blood circulation–improving effects and began combining them in optimal ratios. He found willow bark, the source of aspirin, and herbs with effects similar to chamomile that calm the nerves.

A few days later, Rian finally completed a special herbal tea that was fragrant and calming.

The problem was the delivery method. No matter how outstanding Kaion was at the Academy, meeting the Crown Prince directly was nearly impossible.

Rian put Argos into motion again.

‘A close aide of the Crown Prince: the chamberlain or the personal physician. Or a knight the Crown Prince trusts. I need to track their movements and create an opportunity for Kaion to meet them naturally.’

Argos’s information network began to move thoroughly. And a few days later, decisive information arrived from Old Fox.

‘Sir Allen, the Crown Prince’s only friend and guard, unofficially visits the Academy once a week to watch the knights’ training. He is particularly interested in outstanding talents among the freshmen.’

Opportunity comes to those who are prepared.

Rian conveyed all the information to Kaion.

“Brother, next Monday afternoon, show your best at the practice field. This person called Sir Allen will surely take notice of you. If he speaks to you, naturally express sincere concern for the Crown Prince’s well-being and bring up this herbal tea.”

Rian handed his brother the carefully wrapped box of herbs.

“This isn’t just a simple tea. It’s a prescription upon which the Aster family’s fate hangs.”

Kaion took the box with a heavy sense of responsibility. On the stage of light, it was time to dance according to the script woven by the shadow.