NOVEL WEB Chapter 12: Meeting Aiden
The infirmary wasn't far from the courthouse, as it was where the royal family sought treatment when ill. In this world, people referred to a hospital as an "infirmary," but Elon already knew that thanks to the knowledge from the novel.
Upon entering the infirmary—a structure made of brown timber and palm chaffs for the roofs—a sudden, unpleasant smell assaulted Elon's nose. He would be lying if he said he wanted to be here, but what was the point of refusing to see the one person who would become his sole assistant in his grand plan, especially after sustaining such deadly injuries?
Elon knew he had to see Aiden. He had no choice, even as the king-elect.
"My king, this way," the knight who had delivered the news of Aiden's awakening said, leading the way into the crowded royal hospital.
As Elon walked through the corridors, he spotted many patients in different open rooms. After the battle, many men had been brutally injured—some still clinging to life despite the high probability of death. Judging by the state of the infirmary, the likelihood of more deaths than survivors was painfully clear.
Elon knew this. And yet, helplessly, all he could do was shake his head in pity.
'I wish I had arrived earlier...'
For the first time, he realized that saving only Aiden hadn't been the best thing he could have done. Perhaps the time wasted on Earth could have saved countless lives instead.
'Selvania would never be the same after the war, and its surviving people would forever be enslaved by the Rusnians...'
'If I had died earlier, I would have arrived in Edon on time to fight the Negators from the very beginning. Things would have been at least a little fairer...'
Elon heaved a sigh and tried to look away. The more he glimpsed into the different rooms, the stronger his urge to throw up became, and the more his pity turned to anger.
"Here, my king," the knight finally said, leading him to the room where Aiden was being treated.
Inside, two maesteresses bowed upon spotting Elon and left the room without a word.
"My king..."
"My king..."
Elon only nodded before stepping forward to Aiden.
Aiden had already noticed his presence, but his injuries prevented him from standing to bow.
Of course, why would he need to?
"Hey, come on... Don't stress yourself. You'll only hurt yourself more," Elon said, noticing Aiden's attempt to pay his respects.
"I'm sorry, my king... My..."
"I know you're hurt, Aiden. I know... That's why you need to rest as much as possible. You've done a great job fighting the Negators. You are honored," Elon assured him.
"I owe you my life, my king. I would have died if you hadn't shown up."
"Hah, no, you wouldn't have... Those bastards would have done something even crazier," Elon shook his head.
"You saved the people, my king. You saved the entire kingdoms of Salvador and Thera. The people will be grateful forever," Aiden said sincerely.
But...
Truth be told, Elon wasn't buying it. Of all things, excessive flattery made him feel like some god—which he wasn't. Being overpraised was the last thing he wanted, especially when he hadn't even begun his true mission here.
If they praised him this much now, what would they do when he built walls of stone and cement, so tall that they overshadowed the trees? What would they say when he defeated the Parasytes just as he had crushed the Last Order Army of the Negators? What would they do when...
Well, Elon was tired of thinking about it.
"Hey! Come on, man! Don't make it sound like I'm some divine being. At least try to be a little stubborn when showing thanks," Elon smirked, rolling his eyes.
"I can't be stubborn to you, my king," Aiden replied politely, just as Elon had expected.
"Phew..." Elon sighed and shrugged. "So, how do you feel?"
"I feel better, my king. The Grand Maesteress said I'll need to stay here for ten days to recover properly," Aiden replied.
"Ten days? Oh... Alright. That's fine," Elon nodded. "You need to be in your best condition before leaving the infirmary."
Aiden simply nodded in response.
"Get well soon, my friend. I have a gift for you once you're back on your feet. I should take my leave now," Elon said.
"Thank you for visiting, my king. It is a great honor," Aiden smiled.
Without another word, Elon returned the smile with a nod and walked away.
Ten days feels long in some ways, but I can be patient, right? Yes, I can, Elon thought to himself, scratching the back of his head as he left the infirmary.
.....
Just as he stepped outside, the Chief Knight rushed toward him, his expression tense.
"My King! The princess is leaving the palace. Her maids say she intends to leave Salvador," Chief Knight Norman reported urgently.
"What? Why? Where does she intend to go?" Elon asked, his eyes widening.
"I don't know, my king," Norman replied, shaking his head.
Elon clenched his fist in frustration and immediately rushed toward the royal palace, Norman following closely behind.
They were lucky to arrive before Sheera could step out with her belongings. Elon quickly approached her.
"What are you doing, sister? It's not safe out there... Not when you are the princess of Salvador," Elon warned.
"Get away! You are no brother of mine!" Sheera shouted.
"Oh, right! I know I'm not... I know you hate me for coming back or whatever, but you have to understand, Sheera..."
Elon sighed. "Winter is coming."
Those words carried weight, but it was unfortunate that Sheera felt nothing—or if she did, she refused to show it.
"Aye, and what do you know about winter? I should be the one persuading you to run. This place is no safer than anywhere else. You're all going to die and become newborn Parasytes!" Sheera spat.
She turned and continued walking but stopped at the doorstep. With a determined glare, she faced him again.
"I'll be back to take what is rightfully mine. Whether you're still a Parasyte by then or not, I will march forward and take my crown...
Be ready."
That was the last thing she said before stepping out of the palace. Two of her maids followed her, but one hesitated, her expression conflicted.
She was a striking beauty—long, shiny red hair, a charming figure, and captivating purple eyes that gleamed against her pale skin. Calling her "beautiful" would be an understatement. Her presence alone embodied something beyond mere words.
Elon's gaze lingered on her for longer than he realized. He was so lost in thought that he didn't even hear someone calling him from behind.
"Elon!"
Snapping out of it, he turned toward the voice and spotted Matilda and Vorden at the entrance.
"Oh, Auntie," Elon greeted, smiling as he quickly approached.
Matilda stood still, stunned. This wasn't the first time he had called her "Auntie" since waking up days ago. It was starting to bother her.
"What happened, Elon? You... You used to call me Mother," Matilda finally had to speak.
At that moment, a distant memory flashed in Elon's mind—one he had deliberately pushed aside. It was one of the few things he had failed to keep in mind. Now, he needed to cover his slip-up before he raised suspicions.
"Oh, I know... I know I used to call you Mother... I just thought calling you something else would be better," Elon lied.
Of course, he knew he was very bad at lying...
"Sure, Mother. If you want me to keep calling you that, then I'll gladly do so," he said quickly.
"Let me show you to your chambers myself, Auntie..."
"Ohh, Mother... I'm sorry..."
'Crap!' He clenched his fist.
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[A/N: Remember to drop some Power Stones and Golden Tickets. Thanks for reading!]