CHAPTER 537: THREE DAYS OF REST

Eric turned his head toward the sombre-looking healer, who let out yet another heavy sigh.

Clicking his tongue in irritation, he muttered, "Tch... tch... tch... You look absolutely pathetic when you’re sulking like that. If His Highness Prince Kiev saw you now, he’d be laughing right in your face."

Rafe shot him a glare, lips pursed in a pout.

"What’s with that look? I’m just telling the truth!" Eric went on. "You’re the one who bragged to him, and now look... He’s been having the time of his life with his wife for three days straight! Three days! They haven’t even stepped out of their chamber! And you? Sitting here moping like a kicked puppy because you didn’t even get your first night!"

"It’s not my fault! Callis’s menstrual cycle started right when we were about to begin!" Rafe blurted, but the knight cut him off with a loud laugh.

"Whatever the reason, you’re still stuck waiting." He shrugged.

Rafe groaned, slumping forward.

"Why did it have to start then? We were so close... so close! Haaah!"

For what felt like the millionth time, he sighed, letting his forehead drop onto the stone table—the exact spot where he’d once vented to Kiev.

"A few days won’t kill you," Eric said, smirking. "You’ve put it on hold months before, haven’t you?"

"Callis bleeds longer than usual," Rafe grumbled. "She said her cycle lasts around seven days."

"Seven days? Hah! Good luck with that!" Eric burst out laughing.

Rafe growled but didn’t argue. There wasn’t much he could do anyway. He’d almost gotten a smack on the head when Eric first found out he was still a virgin, but thankfully, he’d managed to explain himself before it turned into another beating.

Seeing his best friend’s downcast expression, Eric’s teasing softened a little. He knew how hard Rafe had worked to win back Callis. The proud healer had even swallowed his pride and asked him for ’special coaching’ on sweet talk.

"Hey," Eric said, his tone easing. "Pull yourself together, will you? It’s not the end of the world."

"I know," Rafe muttered. "It’s just... frustrating, you know? We were both in the mood, and then that happened. You should’ve seen her face. She was crying, and I had to comfort her for hours! She’s still upset about it."

"She’ll be fine," Eric said confidently. "This kind of behaviour’s pretty common when women are on their menstrual cycle. Their emotions go up and down like a storm. Get Sir Parker to whip up some desserts for her. She’ll be smiling again in no time."

"Really?" Rafe’s eyes lit up with sudden hope. "Sweet food can actually make her feel better?"

Eric gave him a long, pitying look and shook his head.

"My, my... Rafe. I expected better from an excellent healer like you. Turns out you’re just as clueless as a goldfish."

"How was I supposed to know?" Rafe protested. "It’s not in any medical book!"

"Hah! I knew you’d say that." Eric smirked. "Listen up. I’ll give you some tips on how to survive this. Because if you keep that thick skull of yours, you’ll drive your wife mad, and not even I’ll be able to save you. She’s extra sensitive right now."

Rafe didn’t argue. Instead, he straightened his back and leaned in, eyes sharp and ears perked, like a student before his master.

And so the ’session’ began. The healer absorbed every word with eager seriousness, nodding at each piece of advice as if it were sacred wisdom.

They were still deep in discussion when a familiar voice called out, "Good morning!"

Kiev’s smile widened as he approached, his arm linked with Elis’s. The couple looked radiant—refreshed, cheerful, and... well-rested.

At the same time, Garin arrived from the other end of the courtyard.

"Good morning, Your Highness! You’re looking splendid today!" Eric greeted with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Kiev exchanged glances with Elis, both still smiling.

"Yes," he said smoothly. "I do feel rather splendid."

The two knights bowed politely.

"It’s been a while since we last saw you," the second-in-command knight continued, rubbing his chin theatrically. "How long has it been now? Two days? Three?"

Everyone knew exactly what he meant. The royal couple had been locked in their chambers for days, lost in their newlywed bliss. Meals had been sent to their door, and not a soul had seen them since.

Elis’s face turned crimson as she glanced down shyly, while Kiev merely smiled, utterly unbothered.

"I must say, you look much livelier and more spirited now. I’m happy for you," Eric said with a wide grin.

"Well, I’ve had a great time with my wife," replied the Mederian Prince. "It’s a relief when two people finally sort out their differences and see eye to eye again."

"Of course, I agree completely," the second-in-command knight nodded. "Anyway, what brings you here? I’m sure there’s something on your mind."

Kiev smiled knowingly.

"You caught on fast. I came to tell you to get ready. I’ve decided to depart for the mission tomorrow morning."

The men instinctively glanced toward Elis, gauging her reaction. To their mild surprise, she remained calm.

Garin felt a quiet sense of relief. It seemed Kiev had finally come to terms with his wife, and the couple had reconciled. Elis, too, appeared to have resigned and accepted her husband’s decision to leave calmly.

"In that case, I’ll make all necessary preparations," Eric said promptly. "I’ll inform Armel as well."

"Armel’s going too?" Elis asked.

"Yes," Garin replied. "He’ll serve as our guide. Last time, he helped Sir Brooks, his wife, and Dame Verns travel safely from the campsite to Gerhard’s Palace and then from there to here. He knows the shortcuts well. His village, Mistdale, sits right at the Cassian–Dracor border, so he’s familiar with every nook and cranny. Having him lead the way will be a great advantage."

Elis nodded thoughtfully, taking it all in.

As the group’s conversation carried on, another pair made their entrance—Anna and Kyren.

"Good morning, Prince Kiev! Elis!" the princess greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning to you as well," replied the Mederian Prince, returning the smile.

Elis and the others bowed respectfully to the imperial couple.

"I trust everything is well?" Anna asked, her gaze sliding playfully between Kiev and Elis.

The glow on their faces was unmistakable.

"Everything is indeed well," said Kiev warmly.

Everyone could see the change in him—the ease in his voice, the light in his eyes and the rosiness on his cheeks. From the moment he arrived with Elis, his hand had never left hers.

Elis could only press her lips together shyly at Anna’s remark. Surely the princess could tell that the plan she and the other ladies had devised for her and Kiev had worked remarkably well, judging by their ’absence’ over the past few days.

"Anything, Your Highness?" Garin asked the Grand Duke.

"Not particularly," Kyren replied. "Anna and I were just taking a walk when we saw Prince Kiev and Elis heading this way, so we followed. It’s been a while since we last saw him."

"I was spending some time with my wife before my departure," said Kiev. "I’ve already informed Sir Navin that we’ll be leaving tomorrow."

"I see... No wonder you’ve been out of sight. Since you’ve set the date, we’ll see you off then," Kyren said. Then, turning to his right-hand man, he added, "Has everything been arranged for Prince Kiev?"

"Yes, Your Highness. The letter has been sent to the palace. The knights should already be assembling and preparing by now. By the time we arrive, they should be ready to join us," Eric reported.

"Good," Kyren acknowledged with a nod.

Kiev’s gaze then shifted toward Anna’s belly.

"I believe it’s time for the baby to receive mana. The father should be the one to bestow it. Let’s move somewhere more private, and I’ll show you the process. After this, you’ll be able to handle it on your own."

Anna’s expression lit up instantly. "You hear that, Kyren? Prince Kiev is going to teach you how to feed mana to our baby! Isn’t it wonderful?"

"It is, my dear," Kyren said warmly, sharing her excitement. He then turned to Kiev. "We can use the drawing room. It’s the nearest to here."

"That would be perfect," Kiev agreed.

"May I watch?" Rafe asked, his eyes gleaming with interest. "You’ll be checking the baby’s condition anyway. It would be better to have me present."

Kiev’s eyes flickered briefly, as though considering something, before he nodded.

"Sure, I don’t see any problem with that. What do you say, Grand Duke?"

"Rafe is the official healer of Gerhard. Of course, he’s welcome to join," said Kyren.

Rafe smiled at the acknowledgement. He had witnessed Kiev channelling mana to Anna before, during that critical moment at the palace. Now that it was Kyren’s turn to do it for the first time, this was something he didn’t want to miss.

"Perhaps we should get Jessy to join us as well," Kiev suddenly suggested.

"Jessy? What for?" Anna asked curiously.

"You’ll see," replied the Mederian Prince with a knowing smirk.

Kiev turned to Elis, about to ask if she wished to come along, but the princess consort quickly declined.

"You go ahead. I’ll wait in the garden with Garin. He can accompany me while I get some fresh air."

The Mederian Prince understood her intention—she didn’t want to intrude on his duty.

"I’ll be quick, my sweet," he said, gently cupping her cheek.

Elis smiled softly.

"Of course."

The knights averted their gazes, pretending not to notice the affectionate exchange.

"I’ll fetch Jessy right away. Please excuse me!"

Rafe bowed and hurried off cheerfully, his quick footsteps tapping briskly across the floor.

"Let’s go to the drawing room and wait for them, my dear," said Kyren, wrapping an arm around Anna’s back as they began walking.

The imperial pair moved ahead, followed by Kiev, leaving Eric, Elis, and Garin behind.

"Fuu! It’s winter, yet why do I feel the air around here so warm?" Eric joked, fanning his hand. "Must be all the love floating about lately."

Elis lowered her gaze, her cheeks warming. During their three ’honeymoon-like’ days together, Kiev had mentioned how much effort Eric had put into teaching him about love and intimacy—and clearly, his lessons had paid off. Kiev had proven to be an excellent student.

Garin smiled faintly at his sister’s shy demeanour.

"You said you wanted to get some fresh air in the garden. Shall we?" he offered kindly, extending his arm.

Elis nodded and linked her arm with his.

"Let’s go."

With that, the princess consort and her brother left the courtyard, while Eric turned away in the opposite direction to inform Armel about the upcoming departure.