Chapter 206: 206: Soup
"It’s highly possible," the physician replied. "Because all through my years of being a physician, I haven’t seen such rapid and miraculous improvement. Only magic could explain it."
Adrian sat there, thoughts running through his head as he confirmed that Eden was possibly behind it. Eden had known about his illness, so he could only conclude that Eden had a hand in improving his condition.
But what he didn’t understand was—why the hell would he do that? There was no possible explanation for it at all.
First, Eden had saved him from being plotted against and killed. Next, he had taken a stab on Adrian’s behalf. And now he had also used his powers to improve his illness?!
Adrian didn’t think he understood Eden’s motive at this point. It contradicted everything he knew about the wizard of El, leaving him to wonder if he had actually been wrong about him all along, blinded by his desire to meet the emperor and make his request.
"Whatever magical means were used—even if it’s from the forbidden wizard of El—I’d recommend you keep up with it. Because it’s possible that his great magic could potentially heal you for good," the physician advised.
"Is there any sign of poison in me or whatsoever?" Adrian asked.
Mr. Hugo had probably poisoned him, so he was sure that something would at least be there.
"Nothing like that," the physician said, shaking his head. "Your interior is clean of anything like that."
Adrian was surprised. He had been sure there was poison, since Mr. Hugo had confirmed it himself. So hearing that there was nothing in him left Adrian with one thought.
Eden had helped clean off the poison with his powers as well.
Adrian hesitated, then said, "Give me my medication and you can leave. Make sure no words get out about this."
The physician nodded. "Don’t worry. I will never say a word about your illness or about the involvement of the wizard of El," he assured.
The physician handed him his medication and was soon gone. Adrian was left to sit there and think about what he had just discovered—to ponder on the new side of Eden he had pretty much uncovered.
He couldn’t seem to understand that side of him. He didn’t understand if that was the real Eden or something else.
He got to his feet and strolled around the room for a while, both hands behind his back as he thought.
He was sure that Eden had helped him—obvious from all he had figured. Now he was left to wonder why he had done it.
Eden had saved his life and had improved his health. Adrian found himself feeling indebted to him.
He was someone who never liked getting help from anyone. He was someone who played on his own. Getting help meant that he would be indebted to pay it back. He hated that feeling. He hated that he was the kind of person who couldn’t overlook any genuine help given to him. He always felt the need to pay back—and he did.
Now he couldn’t help but think of ways to repay Eden for his potential help, while also wondering if Eden truly had the means to save his life.
His life had been threatened by a terminal illness. He hadn’t had much time left to live, and he had learned to grow with that reality.
But seeing something that could potentially save him had triggered something else in him—a will to live. A curious will. And so he wondered if he should work toward that will with Eden’s help.
---
Eden had slept for two whole days after treatment. He remained unconscious. After the second day, he finally opened his eyes in bed.
He felt a sharp rush through his head as he woke. Eden blinked at the sunlight that attacked his vision, raising a hand over his eyes as he slowly sat up.
"You’re awake?"
Those were the words he heard when he sat up. Shocked, Eden instantly turned to see Adrian staring at him.
Adrian was sitting on a chair close to the bed. He had both arms crossed while staring at him, his eyes cold yet filled with curiosity.
Eden blinked at him, then looked around as the memories from two days ago began returning.
He had taken a stab on Adrian’s behalf. He immediately rubbed his hand over the side where he’d been stabbed. "Ouch," he muttered—it hurt a little.
He bit his lower lip and looked around. "Where am I...?"
"Isn’t it obvious?" Adrian raised an eyebrow, arms still crossed. "You’re at my place."
Eden hesitated and then looked around again. "Huh? Why? Did you perhaps... save me?"
"If I didn’t save you, then you can be certain you would have woken up in hell, not here," Adrian said.
"Why would I wake up in hell, though?" Eden demanded.
"Because you’re a devious wizard. The logic is clear," Adrian said casually.
"How absurd," Eden muttered as he ran his hands lightly over his body. "At least you still have a bit of a human being in you, to save and cure me. I thought you’d have have me killed off."
"I had to. Especially after the wizard of El mysteriously became an angel and saved me—back-to-back." Adrian’s mysterious eyes remained fixed on Eden.
Eden blinked at him. "For your information, I was always an angel. And I’ll accept that as a thank you."
"But," Adrian said, "I’m pretty curious about one thing."
Eden stared at him, also curious to know what he was about asking. "What?"
"What made you do all you did?" Adrian asked. "Saving me from them. Taking the stab meant for me. And even using your powers for my illness. Why did you do all these?"
Eden was quiet. He said nothing as Adrian added, "I don’t see anything you’ll be gaining from it, so it doesn’t make sense for you to do it. So I need you to be sincere and tell me. Why?"