What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 402

#402

Ambush (3)

Another day passed like that.

The military camp, completely devoid of combat personnel, was eerily silent, like the calm before a storm.

No particular news had arrived yet.

I heard that until today, they were reorganizing their lines on the plains and deploying various weapons.

It was a simple strategy to display their power, demoralize the enemy, and seize the initiative by beating drums and shouting.

The full-scale battle was said to begin at dawn tomorrow.

A strange tension permeated the alleys of the camp.

-Splash, splash, splash.

-Bubble, bubble······

I sat in front of the brazier, boiling cotton cloths. It was already deep autumn.

I had often heard from Honing Village that it would not be easy for the Imperial Army to cross the plains, but I didn’t expect it to be like this.

How would the situation change in winter?

“······No pulse! Cardiac arrest! Duchess Serenite!”

Ah!

“Yes, I’m coming!”

-Clatter!

I hurriedly put down the tongs and ran to the cot.

The healing priest tore open the patient’s top, and the sub-deacons stepped back to make room.

The most physically fit among them prepared to take over from me.

I quickly took my stance, took short breaths, and began chest compressions on the patient.

There was no time to think deeply about anything, nor should there be.

The divine power-based medicine of the Toegye Gong universe [a fictional universe with advanced healing techniques] was amazing, but it didn’t have the ability to revive a stopped heart.

To save a person, you had to directly stimulate the heart.

My hands were instantly stained red with the patient’s blood. One, two, three! One, two, three! One, two, three!

“Huff, huff, huff! Huff, huff, huff! Huff, huff, huff······!”

“······Thirty! Forty! Fifty!”

“Huuuuurgh! Cough, cough! Cough!”

The man opened his eyes wide and coughed with a metallic sound.

‘Thank God! He’s alive!’ The priests muttered all sorts of prayers and continued the treatment.

They checked the patient’s ribs, which were likely fractured, and urgently opened a healing circle.

Only then did I stagger away from the cot.

My face was flushed, and all the strength drained from my body.

The sub-deacons handed me a glass of water and dried fruit, bowing repeatedly.

Demi and Perry hugged my legs tightly.

-Kkiiae!

“Are you praising me?”

-Kki-eung.

“Thank you. I was lucky this time.”

I rubbed their foreheads a lot and returned to the hot sterilization area.

Really, I was lucky just now. There were quite a few people I couldn’t save.

There was no time to rest in the military camp.

Contrary to Emperor Frederick’s words, her nephew didn’t show his face all day.

There was always an escort on standby, so there wasn’t a big problem.

However, it was a shame to have one less hand. I resumed what I was doing.

As for the terrible bio-experiments or battles, there was nothing we could do for the time being.

So, I took care of the divine beasts, nursed my friends, and helped out at the relief center when I had time.

I also taught soldiers how to do heart massage whenever I had the chance.

This had been secretly spreading since the military camp was in Trossart, and now that there was no reason to hide my identity, I was teaching it on a large scale.

I couldn’t save all cardiac arrest patients, but sometimes miracles happened.

Like just now.

Around lunchtime, an elderly commander came to me to discuss the funeral procedures for his fallen comrades.

I wondered if I could decide such a thing, but I received the surprising answer that the Crown Prince had entrusted it to me.

‘Unless it is a major matter such as moving troops, he said that most matters during rest should be approved by Princess Juliette.’

News to me!

‘Ah······. That’s right, I see. I will work hard.’

You crazy bastard! Those words came up to my throat, but I barely held them back.

I knew very well that since I had died once and come back to life, the imperial citizens did not treat me as someone from the Divine Kingdom.

They no longer handed me Divine Kingdom-style clothes, nor did they bother to make Venetian food and drinks for me.

The number of people calling me ‘Your Highness’ or ‘Princess’ rather than ‘Prince’ was increasing.

The feeling of giving and receiving affection and trust was, of course, the best.

I came back because I wanted to see these people become happy.

Still, sometimes I wonder if it’s okay for them to trust me so easily.

‘Also······. I dare not say this, but please take good care of His Highness Crown Prince Cedric.’

‘Ah, don’t worry about that.’

That guy is strong, so he’ll get better soon. I omitted the rest of the words and smiled brightly.

Then the old general looked at me as if I were a very admirable grandson and returned to the barracks.

Around morning, Gain recovered 80% of her original condition.

The high-ranking healing priests analyzed that it was thanks to the ‘Blessing of the Sea.’

However, since black liquid was still coming out of her mouth, she received the opinion that she should not engage in strenuous exercise or irregular living.

The Crown Prince, who had slowly started moving around, wiped his Hyegeom [his sword] in his gown or walked around the barracks.

Occasionally, he emitted a red aura from his body.

This was said to be a phenomenon in which his mana ‘bounced’ unconsciously in order to escape the domination of black magic.

There were still so many amazing things in the world. was.

“Princess.”

“Yes?”

I stopped fanning the brazier and perked up my head.

The priest in charge of the Crown Prince’s barracks was there.

I wondered what was wrong that he came to find me, and my heart sank. I hurriedly got up from my seat.

“It’s not bad news. Marquis Dium’s burn treatment has been successfully completed.”

“Ah······.”

A sigh of relief flowed from my core.

‘Kkihoo!’ The excited lesser pandas ran around the priest and me.

Belatedly, I smiled broadly and bowed.

“Thank you so much. Thank you for your hard work. How is the patient’s condition?”

“We were just doing our job. The Marquis has great mental strength. He is very tired, but all signs are normal. He will need absolute rest for at least a week, and he will need to apply medicine to the burned area for the time being. That way, new skin will take root firmly.”

“I will keep that in mind. Thank you.”

I said that and hesitated for a moment.

This question is really a bit much, but it’s important.

I’m close to François, so I think it’s okay to ask.

“Um, will the Marquis’ forehead heal cleanly?”

“Yes?”

-Kki-aeng?

“No······. His face is······. Well, he’s a great handsome man. I just hope there are no scars left, as a friend······. He’s not married yet······.”

-Kkiwoo.

Leah jeered softly. Damn it, even I thought it sounded like a hopeless lookist remark.

While I was inwardly slapping myself on the cheek, the priest covered his mouth with his sleeve and laughed as if he had heard something very interesting.

If he was raising his voice that much even in the midst of fatigue, it was right that I had done something embarrassing.

Because I’m busy and out of my mind, my mouth is finally spewing nonsense instead of carbon dioxide.

How embarrassing!

“Hehehe······. As it happens, the Marquis himself asked the same thing.”

“Ah.”

Yes······.

“Our Imperial Army Medical Corps has received the best education for decades under the full support of the Imperial Family. Healing such a minor wound is easier than eating *divorcé* [a type of pastry]. Of course, it’s easier than divorce. There won’t be any scars, and you won’t even remember where the wound was. Don’t worry.”

“Ha······.”

‘Thank you.’ I answered in a voice mixed with a hollow laugh and relief, but

“Looks like you look at faces a lot? You look so docile.”

‘Ah, was I not very docile?’ Suddenly, those words stung me.

I flinched and turned my gaze.

“Long time no see, Princess.”

The sound of candy being crushed was loud. Reflexively, my brow furrowed slightly.

The strawberry-blonde man, mainly called ‘Prince Dioph’ in public, leaned against the barracks pillar with his arms crossed.

He was the twin brother of Princess Marguerite Dioph.

I heard that he was an 8th-level combat mage and had achieved several military exploits.

But that’s that, and I still didn’t like the attitude he had in front of the golem that day, trying to sacrifice Karme and Sir John.

I also didn’t like his sneering face or the way he looked at people as if he was evaluating them.

I nodded my head as a matter of courtesy.

“······Ahem. I’ll be on my way.”

The priest, who found him, bowed gracefully and quickly disappeared into the opposite barracks.

It was as if he had met a time bomb.

Dioph shrugged his shoulders and gestured to me with his chin.

“Do you need anything? Can I help you?”

“No. I’m fine.”

For a moment, I thought I had spoken too coldly.

I quickly managed my expression and sat back in front of the brazier.

I hurriedly took out the cleanly boiled cotton cloth and prepared to sterilize surgical knives and scissors this time.

Then the thug swaggered over and plopped down next to me. What is this?

“Ouch, the place where the Princess kicked me hurts quite a bit. I still can’t put strength in my shin.”

You’re kidding me. You deserved to be hit. I cursed a whole bunch inside and focused on what I was doing.

The divine beasts set up a line between the thug and me and opened their mouths wide.

It was a very ferocious and threatening alert posture. In their own way.

“Hmm. Not as interesting a face as that day. I came all the way here, but it’s below expectations.”

“I’m not here for your entertainment. You should correct your habit of appraising others as a habit.”

I retorted sharply and slammed the scissors down.

He chuckled to himself as if something was funny, then leaned over to me like a mischievous child looking for a fight.

“You really look gloomy. Is it because people you know are hurt? It’s a common thing on the battlefield, isn’t it?”

“It’s not a trivial matter just because it’s a common occurrence. It’s the same for everyone. I think you learned a lesson when your sister went missing.”

“······I got hit again.”

Dioph, who was silent for a moment, said with a smirk. What do you mean by getting hit all the time? Is this a Korean medicine clinic?

“I appreciate your willingness to help, but wouldn’t it be better for you, a talented combat mage, to assist His Majesty and the Margrave on the battlefield? The relief center area is already quite crowded.”

“Ah, I have a separate imperial order. And it’s okay because Marguerite is out. That girl is pretty good with a sword. But did you just call me talented?”

‘Sounds good?’ His red eyes twinkled as if he was genuinely happy.

I sighed silently. How long is he going to be like this?

I was confused as to whether it would be better for everyone if I held on to him, or whether I should somehow chase him away.

I need to go check on François and Sir Elizabeth.

Isn’t this guy upset that he got kicked in the joint back then?

No, is he doing this to harass me because he’s upset?

“It’s a shame that such a precious person is doing chores in a place like this. You’re not a combat priest, and all you can do is kick. No wonder the people praise you with tears.”

······He is upset. Okay, let’s just ignore him.

“Is the rumor that you’re coveting the Charpentier Palace true? You can tell me. I’m good at keeping secrets.”

I don’t have the time to deal with everything one by one. I jumped up, picked up the basin, and moved.

As I was throwing the dirty water into the drain, he followed me, tapping the tent roof with his cane. Ugh······.

“Shouldn’t you go carry out His Majesty’s orders?”

“Huh? I’m doing it now. Very diligently, too.”

Don’t lie. I only shot back inside.

I wiped the basin with a dry towel, and when a commander brought documents related to military rations, I read them carefully and signed them.

Then the thug whistled with his arms crossed behind his head.

“You’ll be taking care of state affairs soon. You’re better than a born royal.”

-Flutter!

“Princess! Princess Juliette!”

At that time, the priest from the opposite barracks appeared.

This time, it was bad news to anyone.

Before I could even hear the following words, the basin slipped from my hand. Clang!

“The heart rate of the Vice Commander has stopped! Sir Rambouillet is doing chest compressions!”

No way, what is that!

“I, I’ll take over right away!”

“Yes!”

-Squeak!

I felt like my heart was stopping too. The three lesser pandas jumped into the Crown Prince’s barracks first.

David’s urgent voice was flowing out. I was about to follow right behind―

“Ah!”

I stopped abruptly at the realization that struck like lightning.

As I turned to look at Dioph as quickly as the wind, he flinched and unfolded his arms.

“What? Are you going to kick me again?”

“Your specialty is electric shock!”

“That’s true, but―”

“I have something for you to help with. Come here! Quickly!”

I grabbed his thick wrist. The flustered thug was dragged along without resisting.

That’s right, there’s more than just external heart massage as a way to fix the heart.

There should be a defibrillator in the romance fantasy world too!

*

At the same time, the center of Liester, the Imperial Capital.

“Ah······.”

Herit, who was walking with Sant holding his hand, stopped looking across the street.

The two had come out to do some evening shopping.

They could taste the best food on the continent at any time in the Imperial Palace, but they both quite liked the cozy time they spent at Sant’s house.

He also liked the hidden attic under his roof and the small sandalwood prayer room in the yard.

Today was such a day.

A day when the priest’s small study was more attractive than the huge Imperial Palace bedroom.

Guests Joan and Eva were scheduled to come late and have dinner together.

Besides, today was the first day of the Harvest Festival.

Even though it wasn’t as good as last year, the street with many stalls already lined up was bustling and looked good.

“Huh? What’s wrong, Herit?”

“Uh······.”

Herit pointed to the other side with a smiling face.

Sant opened his eyes wide, then smiled the same smile as a child.

“Ah, that *mademoiselle* [young, unmarried woman] is picking autumn wildflowers and selling them. It’s definitely a type that’s hard to see in the Imperial Palace.”

“Uh-huh······.”

“Yes, there seems to be a rose too. Blooming in this season.”

“Uh-huh.”

The boy nodded solemnly and took out a gold coin from the pouch on his waist.

Sant was surprised and looked down at the child.

“Are you going to buy it? But we have a garden at home······. Huh. Could it be a gift for Duke Blanquer?”

“Yes.”

The priest quickly covered his mouth with one hand.

I couldn’t tell which was more serious, the child starting economic activity with gold instead of French units, or starting aristocratic courtship at the age of twelve.

Oh, no! It could just be a gift, right?

Of course, Herit confidently excluded Joan, but there was always the possibility of a simple expression of affection.

Sant slapped his meddlesome lips and came to his senses. It was then.

“Hey, young duke! Are you going to buy flowers?”

The flower-selling *mademoiselle* waved her arms from across the street.

She must have captured the glittering gold coin and the young guest’s hot eyes.

Herit immediately nodded his head, and she began to make a large bouquet with skillful hands.

Sant stuck out his tongue at the child’s quiet action.

Indeed, Herit is the son of Sir Haynes······.

“You want me to put in this dark red rose, right? I’ll take all the remaining ones! It’s trendy to put in baby’s breath these days, so I’ll add plenty of this too. It’s called the ‘Serenite Bouquet’!”

The lady explained cheerfully.

When her favorite Duchess was mentioned, Herit’s face changed to a brighter and more lovely one.

Sant eventually smiled softly.

The *mademoiselle*, who had completed the bouquet in the blink of an eye, crossed the street with a smile. At that moment―

-Clatter, clatter, clatter!

“Whoa! Whoaaaa!”

-Heeheeheehee!

Everything was instantaneous. A huge freight wagon rushed into the main street at full speed.

The priest screamed and hugged Herit.

The *mademoiselle* froze stiff with fear. Screams of surprised people poured out.

“Thank God! Run away!”

“No!”

-Kwaaaang!

And, the wagon stopped trembling in front of her nose.

An old man holding the huge tea room with both hands was visible.

On his back, there was a black bear skin.