Crown Prince Sells Medicine

Chapter 25

Who on earth are you?

Demian thought he was just a drug seller. Or a quack doctor with a foul mouth. He simply assumed he was someone that promoter Kusman sent over for the sake of appearance.

Unable to supply painkillers. Trying to manage the situation as his dissatisfaction grew. He thought he was just someone sent to give off the impression of See, I am taking care of you and showing our sincerity.

I was thinking of showing him what real pain was if whatever this moxibustion thing is, had no effect.

By breaking both of his arms.

That was his firm resolution.

However, after receiving the moxibustion?

Something shocking occurred.

The pain disappeared. The constant torment in his larynx truly vanished. This was the first time he felt so refreshed and clear.

You werent just a drug seller.

Demian sincerely admired him.

The corner of Raciels mouth lifted.

Of course not. What do you take me for?

Raciel was relieved on the inside.

The look on Demians face had changed from before. His gaze towards Raciel had shifted 180 degrees.

He looks like someone who passed a big company interview after 10 years.

Apparently, the moxibustion treatment had proven highly effective. More specifically, the intense heat from the treatment had damaged the brand as intended.

The moxibustion I provided today was just a means to an end. The real purpose was to damage the brand using the hot heat.

That was the key to todays treatmentdistorting the brands shape by causing a burn and destroying the curse embedded within, akin to a magic circle, using the heat. This intent had been perfectly achieved.

Of course, its not complete yet.

The brand on Demians back was large, almost the size of an open palm. However, the moxibustion treatment only covered a diameter of about three centimeters.

Hence, at least ten or more moxibustion sessions would be necessary to completely eradicate the brand. 

Keeping that in mind, Raciel inquired, So, hows the area that was hurting?

Its fineclean and refreshing. Its been ages since Ive felt this way.

Hmm, but youre not completely healed yet. Youll have to receive treatment a few more times.

Is that so.

Yes. A blister will form on the area where the moxibustion was applied. Dont pop it. It might be slightly prickly and uncomfortable when you sleep, given its location on your back, but bear with it. Dont overdo it and dont consume oily food until the blister subsides.

Dont overdo what?

Try to refrain from engaging in intense physical activities.

But what about the gladiator fights

You wont have to participate. Ill ensure that.

Truly.

Without a doubt.

Soon, it would be taken care of.

Of course, Demian was unaware of Raciels plan and tilted his head in confusion.

Are you going to adjust the schedule so I wont have a match?

Well, more or less.

Did Promoter Kusman give permission? It wouldnt have been an easy task.

Demian admired, showing a sign of respect.

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In a genuine tone, he asked, Then, who are you? Please tell me your name.

I told you earlier, didnt I? Im the Crown Prince.

Pardon?

Raciel Adria Magentano.

.

Heh. Im not joking.

Raciel smirked.

Demian chuckled as if he had grasped the situation.

Dont worry, I understand. You must have your reasons for concealing your true identity. Its not uncommon in our line of work.

What are you babbling about on your own.

Even if we part ways now, when we meet again, please reveal your real name.

Ive already told you.

Not that name. Your true name.

Tsk, youre surprisingly blunt.

Pardon?

Forget it. Anyway.

Raciel locked eyes with Demian, dropping his smile for the first time.

Listen carefully to what Im about to say and follow it. Tonight, no matter what occurs in this gladiator arena, dont run or hide. Just stay here. Its the safest option.

What do you mean?

Dont question it. Just stay here. Soon, well meet again. Youll learn my real name and continue receiving the treatment you just had.

Something Is something going to happen here?

Just stay in this room and dont worry.

What will happen if I break that rule?

Then your moxibustion treatment will likely be terminated. The pain that temporarily disappeared will come back in full force, and youll be trapped in it for the rest of your life.

I see.

I swear on everything I have that its the truth.

Raciel spoke with sincerity.

Demian stared into his eyes, unflinching.

After a while, he nodded.

I understand. You, you dont seem to be just someone who simply follows Kusmans orders.

Well, roughly.

Raciel gave a faint smile.

Internally, he clenched his fist.

Its done. Success!

Fortunately, the most crucial puzzle piece of the plan had been accomplished. The request he made to Demianstay in the room no matter what happenswas vital. He had risked danger to meet Demian and provide the moxibustion treatment, gaining a minimum level of trust in the process.

Thats the only way to get everything I want once tonights plan succeeds.

The plan he held, the grand scheme he had devised upon acquiring the Medical Billing skill, required this process to obtain unilateral benefits. And now, he had successfully completed that process.

Its done. Now onto the next stage.

Raciel rose from his seat, waved to Demian, and calmly exited the waiting room.

Your Highness?

As soon as he left the waiting room, Gardin, who appeared to have been waiting, initiated a conversation. Eager to receive compensation for keeping silent and merely observing, he fired a barrage of questions.

Your Highness? The treatment method you used on that fresh wound, what was it? And why did you approach him and lie about providing treatment This place doesnt seem safe or legal Im quite confused about tonights situation.

Well, thats to be expected. It couldnt be helped.

Yes?

Youll understand everything soon enough. For now, lets focus on the task at hand. Assist me.

What do you mean?

Look for a man with black braided hair. Hell be fairly tall with narrow, slanted eyes.

Ah, I see.

Gardin followed the princes instructions, although he had numerous questions. He couldnt comprehend what was happening tonight.

Even more bewildering was the princes demeanor. Having spent his entire life in the palace, and half of it confined to bed due to illness, he would naturally have no connection to an illegal underground gladiator ring like this.

But he seems remarkably familiar with this place

He acted as if it were second nature to him.

That was peculiar.

It raised suspicions, leaving Gardin utterly perplexed.

Nevertheless, Gardin understood that a question was a question, and an order was an order. He carefully surveyed the gladiator arena, keeping the princes description of the man in mind.

Inside the steel cage, tables were arranged for spectators to witness the fights. People were engaged in drinking, chatting, and smoking. Gambling was also taking place. Amidst the crowd, Gardin noticed a man sitting alone at a table.

Your Highness, I believe Ive found him.

Where?

Over there

Gardin discreetly gestured toward the table where the man was seated. Raciels gaze followed the direction indicated.

Hmm.

It appeared that Gardin had indeed identified the right individual.

In the novel Devil Sword Emperor, there was an illustration depicting Demian and Kusman together. The appearance of the man with braided hair closely resembled the image from the illustration.

But its too early to be sure.

First, he needed to confirm.

Moving swiftly, Raciel left the bewildered Gardin behind and approached the mans table. Without any hesitation, he nonchalantly took a seat across from him.

The mans cold gaze fixed upon him. As their eyes met, Raciel felt a chill, but he didnt show any sign of it.

This was a place filled with numerous onlookers. It was unlikely that an attack would occur suddenly. He considered this fact as a form of insurance.

He addressed the man.

Mr. Kusman?

I dont know anyone by that name.

Then you must know Demian. Let me ask you something. I want to buy Demian Cayenne.

Im wondering how much I should offer you to settle his debt for the painkillers, along with a cancellation fee for the contract.

One hundred million Majen.

Anything less wont suffice.

One hundred million is more than you could earn in your entire life. Are you serious?

If youre unwilling to pay, then leave.

Kusmans gaze remained fixed on him.

Raciel gave a faint smile.

Very well, then.

He had achieved his objective.

This man is undoubtedly Kusman.

With confirmation in hand, Raciel stood up from his seat. He exited the underground gladiator arena, accompanied by Gardin.

All the while, Kusmans gaze followed Raciels retreating figure. Shortly after Raciel disappeared through the exit,

Ive never seen that man here before.

Kusman muttered to himself. He snapped his fingers, and one of his henchmen from a nearby table approached.

You called, boss?

Hmm. Investigate that tall fellow who just tried to deceive me.

How thorough should I be?

Find out what he does, whether hes a spy hired by the arena or if another promoter has bribed him. If necessary, dont hesitate to use torture.

And then?

As usual. Disassemble him and dispose of the remains in the river.

Understood.

The henchman left the table.

From that moment on,

Kusman dismissed any concerns about Raciel. He had confidence in his henchmans competence. The henchman was known for his ruthless methods, kidnapping anyone targeted without hesitation. With his exceptional torture skills, almost bordering on artistry, he extracted every piece of information.

Three days? Perhaps even within two days.

As for the audacious individual who attempted to deceive him, he didnt know whose pawn he was. However, since his henchman had targeted him, his fate was sealed.

More importantly, Kusman mused, how can I squeeze more money out of Demian?

Lately, the inconsistent supply of narcotic painkillers had become a headache for Kusman.

Perhaps I should reduce the number of gladiators. I could arrange fights for the less skilled ones that they have no chance of winning. That way, Id have fewer mouths to supply the drugs to. I can focus on selling the remaining drugs to Demian and squeeze more money out of him. He earns quite a lot from his fights, after all.

Satisfied with his plan, Kusman raised his glass of alcohol and took a sip.

But then, a sudden loud noise shook the gladiator arena.

Boom!

The entrance to the arena was obliterated, leaving no trace. The thick layers meant to muffle the noise were no match for the force that had destroyed it.

Everyone in the arena was startled and stood up, including Kusman.

What the hell? he thought, his eyes fixed on the spot where the entrance once stood. 

Gradually, a hazy silhouette emerged through the settling dust.

It was a man.

And strangely, Kusman found him familiar.

Ugh Guh

The blood-soaked man stumbled forward from the dust, taking a few steps before collapsing. In that moment, a chill ran down Kusmans spine.

Thats Delrick? Kusman muttered, his henchman whom he had recently sent away. How had he ended up in such a state? Who had done this to him?

Then, a commanding voice reverberated through the silent arena.

I command in the name of Crown Prince Raciel Adria Magentano.

As the dust began to clear, heavily armored soldiers came into view. The intricate symbols engraved on their armor identified them as members of the Magentano royal family.

The Royal Guard? Kusmans eyes widened. Why are they here?

In that moment of intertwining astonishment and unsettling questions, a silver-haired man stepped forward from the group of armored soldiers. Raciels voice carried an undeniable authority.

Drive them all out, he ordered.

The guards drew their swords.

Raciel pointed directly at Kusman.

Especially him. Make sure he doesnt escape.

Kusmans heart sank like a 16-beat tremolo.