The Substitute Healer (BL)-Chapter 64: “Yes, yes? What is it?”

While Cael made his way back toward the encampment after finishing his scouting of the surrounding area, Alaric remained behind, buried in work.

He was too focused on finalizing the reports that would be sent to the capital while carefully reviewing the finances and checking the inventories one last time to ensure there were no discrepancies.

Every number had to align and even a small error could invite unnecessary scrutiny.

Elsewhere, Sylas hesitated before trying to approach Lyric again.

He had come to realize that he might have been too harsh earlier, and the guilt lingered as he searched for a chance to speak with him.

Lyric, however, was already on the move while keeping a close eye on Soren. The young man was being dragged along by Gideon, accompanied by Gideon’s knight captain, Kaine Ashmoor.

Kaine also hailed from a marquis family and the youngest among four siblings, yet his presence alone was enough to command silence that those who harbored hostility toward Soren instinctively restrained themselves, carefully masking their emotions and keeping their distance.

No one even dared approach as long as Kaine was nearby.

Though the youngest, Kaine possessed exceptional swordsmanship, a talent that could have easily secured him a place among the imperial knights.

When Kaine was sent to serve as a knight to honor an old pact between their houses, Kaine never really refused it. Instead, he dedicated his life to serving Gideon alone though his loyalty ran deep, born not only from duty but from genuine affection and admiration.

Still, Kaine kept his feelings carefully hidden because he knew that any sign of weakness could draw the attention of his elder brothers, men who were merely waiting for an opportunity to exploit it.

"Should I give you two some privacy, Young Master?" Kaine asked as he bowed slightly while being mindful of the people lingering nearby.

The three of them were standing just outside the healer’s tent with the faint scent of herbs drifting through the air.

Gideon responded by casually wrapping an arm around Soren’s shoulders. He then turned to Kaine with an easy smile, clearly amused. "Oh my, why so formal all of a sudden? There’s no need for that. But yes, that will be fine."

As Kaine stepped back, Gideon glanced down at Soren, who had gone stiff beneath his touch.

Soren couldn’t help the nervousness that crept into his posture as Gideon was far too close and far too affectionate, especially considering they had only met two days ago.

The truth was, they hadn’t even spoken properly during their first meeting since Gideon had been suffering from a severe headache at the time, and although he had wanted to talk, Kaine had promptly dragged him off to the tent assigned to him to rest.

Now, after waking in the middle of the morning without having the chance to complete a single task, Soren found himself constantly pulled along by Gideon whether it was to walk through the encampment or simply to stand beside him.

Wherever Gideon went, Soren followed while unable to refuse and unsure of how to escape the young master’s surprisingly clingy nature.

During that time, Soren would occasionally feel a strange pressure at his back, as if someone were trying to bore a hole straight through him. He didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was.

Someone was glaring, openly and intensely, and Soren was certain it came from the Young Master’s company.

"Aha! Why don’t you lead the way to your tent, Soren?" Gideon suddenly exclaimed. "Let me see you try on the robes I sent you! Come on, come on! I’m so excited!"

Gideon giggled as he spoke while shaking Soren by the shoulders without a hint of restraint. Soren, caught completely off guard, froze on the spot and unsure of how to respond or even where to look.

Despite the cold weather, sweat trickled down Soren’s back along with his heartbeat pounding far too loudly in his ears.

And as if that weren’t enough, Kaine’s sharp gaze from behind Gideon pressed down on him like a physical weight that it’s was almost unbearable.

’Ah... if a glare could kill, I would’ve died the moment this Young Master started clinging to me,’ Soren thought in quiet despair. ’Someone, please save me...’

He then lifted his hands awkwardly, flailing and trying to pull away, yet he hesitated. Gideon was a noble and touching him carelessly was unthinkable.

’What if the Young Master hates being touched, too?’ Soren worried, his thoughts spiraling even as Gideon held on without concern.

"Young Master, please mind your manners. A lot of people are watching," Kaine said quietly with his voice firm but controlled.

"Boo, such a killjoy..." Gideon pouted, though he still released Soren’s shoulders. Then the sudden space made Soren straighten instinctively while forcing a polite smile onto his face as if nothing unusual had happened.

"U-um..." Soren finally spoke, hesitant.

Hearing that, Gideon’s eyes immediately widened, bright with interest as he turned fully toward him. "Yes, yes? What is it?" he asked eagerly while clearly expecting something important.

Soren swallowed before continuing, choosing his words carefully. "Shouldn’t y-you take a rest, my lord?"

"Hmph! You two are still going on about that?" Gideon huffed. "I’m perfectly fine right now. You healed me, remember?" He then crossed his arms, then leaned forward slightly, eyes bright. "Besides, I have something important to say to you, so just lead the way, will you? Or else... I might really get mad. Hmph!"

Despite the pout on his face, Gideon had already forgotten his own complaint as his thoughts had drifted elsewhere to the gifts prepared by his family.

Most of them were fine, of course, but they were only material things. The final gift, however, was different, thinking about it made his excitement bubble up again, and he had to stop himself from smiling too widely.

In the end, faced with Gideon’s stubborn persistence, Soren finally gave in.

With a small, resigned smile, he turned and began leading the way toward his tent.

After arriving, Kaine remained behind while stopping just outside the tent’s entrance.

He folded his arms and stood guard, choosing not to intrude. Whatever conversation the two were about to have, he would not interfere unless, of course, he was truly needed.

’Hmm, he doesn’t really seem like a bad person,’ Kaine thought with expression remaining carefully neutral. ’No wonder the Young Master warmed up to him so quickly...’

He was just about to let out a quiet sigh when footsteps approached from behind, drawing his attention as someone came to a stop beside him.