[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke

Darkhelm Castle gleamed like a new bride.

Garlands of white and silver draped the stone walls, lanterns casting a soft golden glow across the great hall.

How could it be otherwise, when today marked the long-awaited wedding of Knight Commander Raymond Eldritch and the greatest Alchemist of their age, Allen?

Allen had no family by blood, yet he might have been the luckiest man alive.

The two northern lords had taken him as one of their own kin after the great war ended.

It had been three months since they returned to Darkhelm Capital. Many things needed to be taken care of, like reimbursing the families of fallen soldiers.

However, when Xion heard Ray proposing to Allen, he was quick to arrange everything.

Perhaps deep down, they all wanted a joyous occasion after losing so many in the war, including General Berry.

Hence, now the hall overflowed with nobles, soldiers, and friends gathered to celebrate him.

The Eldritch family was at the center, receiving praise for their son's marvelous work on the battlefield, and also for managing to marry the great Allen.

With them stood little Aurilius Eldritch. The boy looked pretty with his silver hair and shiny blue eyes, almost similar to Ray's.

Like a little snow fairy.

Funnily, none of them noticed that Aurilius had been using mana magic to change his appearance.

Only when they returned to their home did they see his real face.

The boy who was afraid to show his beauty to the heinous world now stood with the elders who flanked him from all sides, giving him food and drink, their faces alight with adoring smiles.

How could they not adore him when Aurilius was the youngest in the family?

Father Eldritch's smile never thinned, while the lady of the house couldn't help but shed tears of joy as she gently patted Aurilius's head.

Xion, still quite weak from his sudden mana manifestation, leaned against Darius.

They were sitting on the higher floor where none of the others were allowed to enter.

"It's nice," Xion murmured, looking at the happiness of the entire Eldritch family. "Ray is lucky to have a family like that."

"Allen, too," Darius said.

Xion chuckled. "How can you praise yourself like this?"

Instead of directly answering, Darius pulled Xion onto his lap and kissed him.

"Because I am right."

Xion ignored him because the bells rang, indicating the start of the ceremony.

Ray and Allen were dressed in beautiful blue ceremonial robes, making them look like the biggest stars in the sky.

The knight commander was standing straight, but with how Allen's eyes looked so warm with a smile, he was definitely nervous.

At the center of the raised platform stood Nazia, smiling broadly as she prepared to read the vows.

"Today, before the eyes of our ancestors, of sky and earth, of water and stone, of air and soul—we are gathered for the life-binding of these two hearts."

The noble guests and the two grooms bowed their heads, paying their reverence to the five elements of the living things, and then the second bow for the ancestors watching over them.

All of it reminded Xion of Serena.

Serena had read the vows at their wedding just like Nazia.

If it weren't for the diary she left behind, Xion would have been much more troubled.

She was under Michael's control from the very beginning. However, Michael merely asked her to keep an eye on Xion.

When she would report it back, Michael would make her forget everything.

All her love and care had been genuine.

The way she would tease Noxian and him still made Xion's heart clench.

But then again, if someone had asked him to bring Darius back from the dead, he would have agreed to do anything as well.

But even after being under complete control, she still managed to save Xion.

She angled the dagger before plunging it into Xion's chest, saving his heart.

And now she was gone. He should have called her 'mother' earlier.

He shook his head, forcing his attention back on the stage decorated with flowers and mana crystals.

Servants stepped forward, presenting a silver tray bearing two goblets filled with dark wine. Nazia nodded. "Dip your blood into the cup, and drink. May it bind you in loyalty and love."

Allen took the knife first, calmly nicked his finger, and let a drop fall into the wine.

When it was Ray's turn, his hand trembled so badly that he nearly cut his entire palm.

Allen's lips curved, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"You look far too happy to see me so nervous," Ray muttered under his breath, shooting him a glare that held no real heat.

Allen only smiled wider, and Ray felt undone.

"Don't," he said, pressing a hand to his chest. "Don't smile like that or I might die right here."

A quiet laugh escaped Allen as he slipped his fingers between Ray's, steadying him.

"I'm here," he murmured into Ray's ears, gentle and sure. "With you."

Like magic, the words settled Ray's nerves.

After letting the drops fall into the cup, together they raised them and drank the rich wine.

Now was the time to greet the guests who were far too thrilled to chat with them.

The newlywed couple looked at each other and then nodded.

Their first stop was the Archduke and the saint.

Even when they came near them, Darius didn't let Xion stand up.

Helpless, Xion smiled at the newlywed couple, "Congratulations, you two."

Both bowed their heads—this time more out of love than mere respect for the lord—and said, "Thank you, Your Grace."

"Here, for you." Xion gave a scroll to Allen. "From now on, you will be the viscount."

Allen's eyes widened. He, a person with nothing to offer other than his alchemy, was awarded the viscount title.

"This..." He didn't even know how to react, standing there, looking like a bewildered lamb.

To add to it, Xion and Darius had gifted them a well-furnished house in the capital, along with many treasures piling in their rooms. Perfect for them to start a new life.

"Oh, and Ray," Xion's face turned serious all of a sudden, making the already nervous knight commander even more anxious.

"Y-Yes, Your Grace?"

"If you dare hurt my Allen, make him cry, or dare to break his heart, I will beat you myself."

Darius rested his chin on Xion's shoulder and hummed along, agreeing with everything his baby said.

"Of course not!" The knight commander patted his chest. "I promise, I'll love him all my life and never hurt him."

When Ray glanced at his husband, the young man seemed trapped in a trance.

"I'll take him with me to rest," Ray said before taking his leave.

The moment they reached the hidden corner, tears slipped from Allen's honey-brown eyes.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Ray panicked. "Did I mess up? Don't cry, or His Grace will kill me, or worse—I'll start crying too, and I don't even know why."

Alchemist chuckled through the tears, burying his face against Ray's neck. "I'm just glad you didn't give up on me. Thank you for loving me."

"Always, my love." Ray rubbed soothing circles on his back, waiting for him to calm.

Their tender moment was interrupted by Aurilius, peeking shyly around the corner.

"Um, Dad? Grandma is looking for you, and Aunt Cecily said she wants to give you a present."

Allen was quick to push the now grumpy knight away and pat the boy's head. "Should we leave then?"

"Yes," Aurilius looked up, blinking his big watery eyes with a shy smile. "I also have a present for you."

"And me?" Ray asked, taking the boy into his arms. He felt too light for his age. "You'd better give me one too, darling. Or... I'll bite you."

He playfully nudged his nose over Aurilius' neck, making the boy shriek with laughter.

Aurilius had quickly grown comfortable calling Allen Dad, but Ray—poor Ray—had yet to earn that title.

But he didn't insist on it. For now, this was enough.

After all, there were many guests still waiting to greet them.