Chapter 425: Stubborn Divinity
Oswin turned his head sharply toward the corner.
The clamor of hooves echoed against the stone walls, followed by the deep blare of a horn. The sound seemed to shake the snow-laden streets themselves.
The Gin family’s laughter froze in their throats. Even the arrogant third son, who had been sneering only moments before, paled. He stumbled back a step.
The head of the Gin family could only see with stunned horror.
Through the morning mist, the riders appeared.
One by one, they broke through the fog. The knights were clad in silver and blue, their armor polished to a brilliance that reflected the pale winter light.
Their banners unfurled and fluttered high above them. The sigil of the Darkhelm bloodline blazed proudly against the white sky.
At their head rode a tall figure in a dark robe, long silver hair fluttering in the air.
He did not need to speak. The mere weight of his presence made the air heavy.
His chilling green eyes swept over the crowd, and silence fell instantly as though the entire city had forgotten how to breathe.
Darius Rael Darkhelm. The Archduke. Their liege.
He dismounted with unhurried grace. Ignoring the many eyes fixed on him, he extended his hand to the figure still seated upon the horse.
Everyone, including Oswin, turned their eyes to him.
A man draped in a white fur robe, its softness glinting like freshly fallen snow.
A robe so fine it felt like an insult to even look upon it when they themselves barely had rags to shield from the cold.
And then, the hood fell, allowing them to see him.
Black hair, darker than midnight, spilled free. His eyes, however, were like the clearest skies after a storm. They were bright, untainted, almost divine.
Xion Darkhelm, the divine healer, had come.
Only someone like him could dare to step down using His Grace’s help.
His steps were slow and calm as though the earth itself quieted to let him pass.
A soft aura radiated from him. It soothed like the warmth of spring sunlight breaking through a long winter.
That was how Oswin felt when that warm presence reached him and his weary body was finally lifted back onto its feet.
"Are you Oswin Suniva, the governor of Suniva?"
The healer’s voice was gentle, yet it carried clearly across the courtyard. Each word was like balm to Oswin’s cracked soul. His throat tightened instantly, his eyes stung with tears.
"Y-Yes, Your Grace. This servant... this servant is Oswin Suniva." He bowed so low his knees nearly buckled again.
His voice cracked with shame. "I apologize for the sight you must witness upon your arrival." He forced himself to bow to Darius as well. "Forgive me for not welcoming you at the gates, Your Grace."
"It’s alright," Xion said, dismissing his apology with a slight shake of the head. "We received your letter. That’s why we brought food."
He raised his hand and pointed behind him.
Dozens of wheels crunched against the snow as bull carts rolled over.
Sacks of grain were piled high, bulging, ready to burst open. Rows upon rows of carts, each laden with food, were lined up behind the knights. A sight so overwhelming that Oswin almost couldn’t comprehend it.
For a heartbeat, the entire world stood still.
The refugees following in the distance watched as their sore eyes watered. Mothers clutched their children tighter. People covered their mouths with trembling hands. Tears spilled down sunken cheeks.
Remembering the tales of the Archduke’s disdain for noise, they tried to muffle their sobs, but joy was a flood that could not be contained.
For the first time in months, Oswin felt the crushing weight pressing on his shoulders lift. His lungs expanded fully. He could breathe. He could finally breathe.
"Th-Thank you, Your Grace... thank you, thank you..." His voice broke as he bowed again and again, unable to stop. His tears fell voluntarily, splashing against the icy ground.
Xion only smiled. "Don’t worry about it." He patted the old man’s back with gentleness. "Can you take me to where you’re sheltering the people? I need to see them. I also need to examine the bodies of the dead. How far is it?"
For a moment, Oswin simply stared into those clear blue eyes. It was as though the heavens themselves had descended to Suniva.
Maybe it had.
But even divinity, it seemed, was not free from human determination.
A shaky laugh broke from his throat, half sob, half joy. "Yes, Your Grace. As you command. The place is nearby. But... do you not wish to rest first? Surely the journey—"
He caught himself, forcing his excitement down. He had already shown enough disrespect by not greeting his liege at the gate. He couldn’t be any more disgraceful.
His eyes darted briefly toward the Gin family, whose faces had turned ashen as they stood there with bowed heads.
What a beautiful morning. He mused before he turned back, waiting for the Archduke’s word.
"I need to see them. Right now," Xion said, shooting a look at the Archduke.
Darius’ caught his face gently, tilting it upward to check. "You haven’t taken proper rest in months, Xion. You can see them later. They aren’t going anywhere."
Xion’s eyes narrowed. "No. I want to see them first."
It wasn’t stubbornness. The healer’s heart would not allow him rest until he had seen the suffering with his own eyes.
While resting, he could also think about the solution.
But Darius pressed his palm more firmly, making Xion’s lips pout. "Sleep first."
"See them first."
The kitten had gotten grumpy again.
Weeks of travel had made it worse, especially since the Archduke had refused to let Xion out of his sight for even half an hour. He had hovered during meals and even during baths.
Darius sighed, though the smile in his eyes was too bright.
"Stop me, and I’ll smack you." The kitten threatened with a glare.
And he did. The healer raised his hand and slapped Darius’ arm with a sharp smack, motioning for him to release him.
Gasps exploded in the crowd.
Even Oswin, who had weathered wars and betrayals, stood frozen with his mouth hanging open.
Because what followed was something no one in Suniva would have ever believed.
The ruthless Archduke... smiled. Then, he gently kissed the divine healer’s forehead.
"Fine," Darius relented. "But you’re resting after that."
Xion hummed in satisfaction. Finally free of his grip, he turned to Oswin with an almost childlike smile. "Shall we go?"
"Ah? Ah—yes! Y-Yes, Your Grace!"
Oswin’s voice cracked as he stumbled forward, his heart still reeling.
Behind him, the people stood as dumbfounded as he was.
The Archduke was slapped... and he smiled. Suniva would remember this morning for centuries."
They didn’t dare to neglect a thing as they prepared his grace Xion’s resting chambers.