Chapter 73
The Earl and his maid's affair was not kept secret, so both the servants and other members of the family knew about it.
Even though I understand it, I still find it hard to accept that the chaotic relationship between master and servant is exposed openly.
When the maid cried and wailed, many people looked at her with dismay and turned away silently.
Xu Lingxi accepted this well. He had few memories of his mother, and it was better for his father to be close to servants who knew him well and belonged to the Caster family than to be targeted by people from other families with ulterior motives.
After being disturbed by Miaoling's disturbance, the boy relaxed a little, and he comforted the adults, "It's okay. Dad is kind and compassionate, and he's under the protection of the gods. We'll get through this safely."
Miao Ling raised her head and wiped her tears sheepishly. "Young Master is right. Oh, look how anxious I am... You should go check on him."
Xu Lingxi nodded, and the people around the bed had dispersed, leaving a space for him.
My father's eyes were closed, his face was pale, beads of sweat kept oozing from his forehead, and his hands were clutching the quilt with such force that they were almost cramping. He looked in a very bad condition.
The boy took one look and his heart ached. He asked the nearest private doctor, "Mr. Carlos, my father..."
Dr. Carlos's face was heavy. "I've used many methods to check, and I can confirm that the master has no external injuries. The food he ate and the water he drank were also tested, and no poisonous substances were found."
Xu Lingxi frowned: "Could it be some kind of gas...?"
Dr. Carlos denied this possibility: "The master was found in the back lake. It's very open there, so even harmful gases wouldn't accumulate for long."
"Houhu..." Xu Lingxi asked, "Why did father go to Houhu? When?"
"Last night. It was already early morning when it was discovered, and that's when I was called in," Carlos said. "If you're wondering, we've checked the flowers nearby, and they're all non-toxic."
Xu Lingxi held his father's hand. The unconscious man tried to break free several times, but was held down by the child.
He looked around and asked, "Who discovered it?"
Miao Ling came out, her eyes still red. "Yes, it's me. Last night, the master wanted me to..." She paused subtly, enough to make everyone want to ignore the details in between. "But he didn't come, so I went to look for him. I remember when the master was in a bad mood, he liked to go for a walk by the lake, and then..."
As he spoke, he began to sob again.
When Xu Lingxi saw that it was her, he let down his guard.
Although he did not want to understand the feelings between adults, like his father, he trusted this weak girl who was rescued and almost died at the hands of human traffickers. He believed in her gratitude to the count and her loyalty to the family.
Almost a day has passed since early morning, and the people standing by the bed have more or less tired eyes.
The boy glanced around and said, "Everyone, go back first. I'll ask you to come over if anything else matters. Being stuck here isn't conducive to rest. I appreciate your concern on behalf of my father."
Everyone exchanged glances.
This child is only seven years old, but he can speak quite well. He remained calm even when his father was seriously ill. He is worthy of being the earl's only son.
Gwen brought a chair for the young master to sit on, and another servant brought him home clothes.
Seeing that it was a family matter, the others said goodbye in a low voice and left first.
As he went out, the housekeeper was called.
"Mr. Tan, please stay."
He turned around and saw it was his family doctor.
Tan Ning asked respectfully, "What can I do for you?"
Carlos looked back and saw some people still leaving. He said, "It's not convenient to talk here."
Tan Ning saw that he had some suspicions about the Earl's condition and nodded: "Please follow me."
The others went downstairs, going upstream.
Tan Ning took Carlos to the storage room on the third floor, the place where Li Jue had temporarily hidden when the Son of God arrived.
He closed the door. "No one will disturb you here. Please go ahead. Is it about the Count?"
Carlos nodded gravely. "That's right. Unfortunately, it's beyond my ability to understand, because it's not a medical disorder, but..."
Even though the butler had assured them that no one else was around, the doctor lowered his voice and said, "From what I can see, the master is possessed."
The power structure of the Fialan continent is very complex. The vast majority of residents are ordinary people. The most advanced spells they have seen in their lives are magic tricks to fool children.
But there are some super powers too.
For example, there is the dragon that lives in the "abyss" recorded in history books, there is the Son of God who inherited the power of the gods and is able to purify the world, and there are also the ghosts that wreak havoc at night in various ghost stories.
Tan Ning frowned and changed his words to something more understandable: "You mean... enchantment?"
"That's right." Carlos pushed his glasses. "I don't want to believe it, but when I was little, I followed my mother's medical practice and did see patients possessed by demons. You probably know that my family isn't native to Carlos's fiefdom. Our ancestors migrated south during the war in the central region. My mother's parents were both renowned doctors in the area. They definitely wouldn't confuse an illness with a demonic possession."
He observed the butler's expression and asked with a hint of fear, "Mr. Tan, do you believe in the existence of the devil? Not the dragon from the Abyss, but the real devil that's circulated in stories and folklore."
Tan Ning's mouth twitched.
He didn't want to believe it if there wasn't one right next to him.
Who else could have done what Custer said about being possessed by a demon except that guy?
Why are you suddenly so impatient to take action...?
Even though he was complaining in his heart, he still had to put on a good front. Tan Ning also showed a slight panic: "Are you saying that there is a demon lurking in the castle and has attacked the Earl?"
The doctor nodded solemnly: "I'm sorry, I really can't do anything about this. But, if there is still a glimmer of hope——"
"No, it shouldn't be called a turning point, but a God-given opportunity." He bowed his head and clasped his hands together, saying devoutly, "If possible, please ask His Majesty the Holy Son to come and give it a try."
*
Criminals always like to return to the scene to admire their masterpieces, and the more perverted they are, the more they like to do so. This is an eternal criminal psychology.
Tan Ning had plenty of time in the previous world. In his spare time, he would read novels and think about how to be a good villain.
I didn't expect it would come in handy in a place like this.
He found the maid scattering flower petals into the lake. Her back looked thin, sad, and frail, as if she was praying for her seriously ill master.
I'm afraid I can't actually suppress the corners of my mouth anymore.
Miao Ling had sensed his presence long ago. Without even turning her head, she spoke in a mournful voice, "Mr. Tan, are you here to pray for the master as well?"
Tan Ning was too lazy to practice with "her" and went straight to the point: "Why are you so impatient?"
The maid, carrying a flower basket, said aggrievedly, "It wasn't me, it was Miao Ling who did it."
Tan Ning: “?”
Meow Ling: "I mean the real Meow Ling, my little darling."
Tan Ning sneered: "Everyone is your baby."
Miao Ling blinked: "Are you jealous? If you want, you can be my only baby."
Tan Ning: "No thanks."
Miao Ling: "So, who discovered it? The young master, or the doctor?"
Tan Ning: "Doctor. He plans to ask the Holy Son to perform an exorcism. Once Xu Jiahang wakes up, your story won't be hidden anymore."
Miao Ling curled her lips and said, "If I can't hide it, then I can't hide it. And why should I be afraid of the players? It's Tian Gang who's doing the opposite."
Tan Ning: "Aren't you afraid that your immersion will be interrupted at this time?"
Miaoling raised her index finger and shook it, her purple nail polish somehow showing a hint of blood red. "Only one day left. Just bear with it and it will pass. But, will that pretty little doll agree to this? I still haven't figured out his exact rank. And that faceless man—are they on a roving post?"
Tan Ning opened his mouth: "Swimming...what?"
The maid was stunned for a moment, then her eyes turned to pity: "You see, this is the bad thing about not getting a promotion. The secrets of the top management will not be revealed to the lower levels."
Tan Ning snorted coldly: "Do you even need to tell me that?"
If it wasn't for a promotion, would he have endured this guy until now?
Miaoling smiled slightly, and for once she didn't tease him too much, instead she simply explained what a free post was.
"If even you can't see it, then it's indeed possible." Tan Ning pondered, "Assuming that the Holy Son is really Youligang, he may not agree to exorcise Xu Jiahang. Anyway, if the original plot can't move forward, it will all be your fault. If the Central Government blames you..."
Thinking of the thousand-year-old tree that was who knows how old it was, Miaoling hugged her arms exaggeratedly.
Rather than being afraid, it would be better to say that "she" is really afraid of being nagged by it, like a tight hoop, and "she" would rather escape to the fog to find peace and quiet.
"Actually, there is a way that might be able to persuade the Holy Son."
Tan Ning looked at "her" and found a response of the same opinion in those pink eyes.
The two of them said in unison: "——Baby!"
*
"This is the situation." The butler clasped his hands together and said patiently, "The specific steps to take are still up to you."
The butler and the maid surrounded the young master on either side, discussing how to save the master, and their momentum was as if they were forcing the emperor to abdicate.
The boy's brow knitted together after hearing this, and he slowly, with something he found difficult to say, concluded, "In other words, the only way to save my father now is for me to ask that..."
"Pear." Tan Ning added considerately, "His name is 'Pear'."
"Okay, Li." Xu Lingxi felt the name was strange, both unfamiliar and familiar. "If I ask him, he will ask His Royal Highness the Holy Son for help. And only His Royal Highness can exorcise the demon possessing my father. Is that right?"
"Indeed, young master, your ability to understand and summarize is as excellent as ever." The butler glanced at the maid, intentionally or unintentionally. "This concerns the health of the Earl. This demon must be eliminated."
Miao Ling smiled proudly in response, then turned to Xu Lingxi with genuine concern: "Young Master, please bear with me for a while. I know you don't like that child..."
"I--"
Xu Lingxi subconsciously wanted to refute, but when he thought of his attitude towards the cub on the previous rest day, it was untenable to say that he didn't dislike it.
The boy fell silent, his expression visibly shaken.
Miao Ling and Tan Ning looked at each other and knew that their goal had been largely achieved.
Miao Ling finally added fuel to the fire: "You haven't seen Li since you came back this time, right? I just saw him having afternoon tea with Shengzi on the terrace."
Xu Lingxi still didn't know that Li Jue had been sent to the Holy See. When he heard that he and the Son of God were "stuck" together again, a row of ants crawled across his stomach.
He clenched his fist and unclenched it, trying to appear calm. "I understand. Thank you."
The young master walked towards the terrace.
The butler and the maid stood side by side at the back and watched them go.
"Don't we need to go check it out?"
"What's there to see?"
"Just watch the fun!"
"?"
"Humph, who made this brat sad for our baby?"
"When he thinks about it, he will be the one who is most sad."
"In that case, we must go and see it!"
“…”
Xu Lingxi didn't know that he was being followed by two enthusiastic onlookers. His mind was in a mess. On one side was his unconscious father, and on the other side was the little male servant who he needed to humble himself and ask for help.
What if, he meant what if, the child refused to agree?
...Speaking of which, why couldn't he just ask His Royal Highness the Son of God or His Excellency the High Priest?
I always feel like I've been cheated.
Lost in thought, the boy opened the door.
There were not many people on the terrace, just two or three accompanying believers, and a few servants of the Custer family further away.
The Son of God and the High Priest sat under an umbrella. The table in front of them, covered with a vermilion embroidered tablecloth, was filled with exquisite snacks. Several small silver bowls and plates were filled with different jams and creams. The carved porcelain pot was filled with the special black tea grown by the Custer family in their western estate. The aroma was fragrant.
Before Xu Lingxi noticed all this, he first saw the little cub standing on tiptoe, not even as tall as the table, clinging to the edge of the table with both hands.
The temple has strict restrictions on the Son of God's diet. He rarely has the opportunity to eat dessert, and there are no special tableware prepared for him. He can only use the ones from the nobles' homes.
Shengzi wore white lace gloves very similar to Li Jue's, and broke open a nut cookie under the latter's expectant gaze.
The little cub opened his mouth: "Ah——"
Then his mouth was filled with sweetness.
The cub's cheeks are puffed up, like a little squirrel hiding food.
After chewing it twice, the aroma of nuts and cocoa intertwined and overflowed. The child was satisfied and his eyes were smiling.
The Son of God looked at his innocent smiling face with gentle eyes.
Then I picked and chose, each time taking half for myself and half for my son.
It is equally pleasurable to feed and to be fed.
It can be seen that the boy likes to eat sweets.
It can also be seen that the little cub likes to eat everything.
Although the Son of God is more than ten years older than Zizi, he has a simple mind and is not contaminated by the world. The two get along like people of the same age.
Xu Lingxi watched their interaction, and the ants lining up in his stomach hadn't finished crawling yet, so he poured several more bottles of vinegar.
He walked towards them, making his footsteps deliberately heavy.
The servants all bowed to the young master, and little Li Jue, who was originally happily being fed, was startled when he saw Xu Lingxi, then jumped up like a rabbit and hid behind the Son of God.
He tried hard to swallow the honey cake that almost choked him, and after a few seconds, he poked his little head out from behind his white robe, with only one eye showing.
The little gloved hands grasped the edge of the Son's clothes and secretly looked at the uninvited guest.
Xu Lingxi's face darkened.
What does this mean?
Am I that scary?
Or do you really not want to see yourself?
Wasn’t it the other person who was chasing and shouting and trying to get closer?
The Son of God does not need to bow to anyone, but a high priest is still needed.
"Young Master, do you want to join us?" he asked again.
Xu Lingxi did not answer, his eyes fixed on the back of the Son of God.
The high priest's lips curled up subtly. He grabbed the child from behind like a kitten and slid him forward. "Li, be polite."
This is very strange, the man thought. He held a high position of power in the temple and in the whole of Fialan, and he was unmarried. Since he took over the papacy, he had never raised any children other than the Son of God.
The Son of God had to be eight years old when he was chosen. The one he raised personally had a quiet personality since childhood and was the descendant of a wealthy family, so he never had to worry about etiquette.
In contrast, the little male servant is in the most innocent childhood of three or four years old. He is still an extremely lively and clingy kid, and he doesn't know how to be servile. He needs to be reminded at any time, and the feeling of raising him is very different.
...In fact, this is the real way to raise a child.
As for the Little Saint, in fact...
The high priest put away his distant thoughts and pressed Li Jue's small shoulder half urgingly and half encouragingly.
The cub glanced at the boy from under its long eyelashes, then quickly lowered its head and said timidly, "Young Master."
Xu Lingxi was still angry, and although he didn't know who he was angry at, he made a "hmm" sound in the back of his throat as a reluctant response.
The servant brought a chair and tableware for the young master and sat next to Li Jue.
Seeing that the kid was trying to run away again, the high priest quickly grabbed him and carried him to another empty chair.
In order to adhere to the principle of His Holiness the Son of God not to let his feet touch the ground, the chairs on the terrace are all raised so that when the Son of God sits on them, his legs can hang down naturally without touching the ground.
It's too high for a fifteen-year-old boy, let alone a three or four-year-old child.
When the cub looked down, he was terrified of heights and quickly sat down properly.
The cub sat uncomfortably between the teenager and the boy.
Xu Lingxi also noticed this: the chair was clearly placed in the center, but the little boy always leaned towards the other side. If the Holy Son hadn't forbidden any touching, he would have wanted to hide in his arms.
Body language doesn't lie, and it's obvious that Li is close to the Son and wary of herself.
Realizing this, the boy felt even worse.
The high priest spread raspberry cheese jam on the crispy toasted bread, cut it into small pieces, and placed them on the Holy Son's plate. He asked calmly, "Young Master, how is the Count?"
Xu Lingxi held a small, exquisite teacup in both hands, staring at the orange-red liquid inside, and whispered, "He's still not awake."
"It's truly unfortunate." The high priest made a prayer gesture, "May God bless us."
For a moment, Xu Lingxi wanted to make a request directly to the high priest, but then he remembered that Tan Ning and Miao Ling strongly advised him that the success rate would be higher if he took a roundabout way through the young servant.
The high priest attaches great importance to the physical health of the Son of God, especially since the Son of God will be harmed when touching ordinary people. Without 100% certainty, even the queen does not dare to ask the Son of God to come out of seclusion to exorcise demons.
What if my father wasn't possessed, but was just simply ill...
If the Holy See is angered, even the Caster family will have to bear the wrath of God.
Xu Lingxi turned to Li Jue and asked, "Can I talk to you for a moment?"
What is "borrow a step"?
Zaizai doesn't understand.
Seeing that he was confused, Xu Lingxi simply used actions instead of words. He jumped off the chair and opened his arms to him: "Can we go somewhere else? I have something to tell you."
Xixi often waits like this to hug him.
However, Zizi was also confused. Is this Xixi?
Seeing that the child didn't move, Xu Lingxi also stubbornly stretched out his hand: "I'll carry you down."
Li Jue blinked, but instead of letting him hug her, he looked for help at the high priest who was watching the show opposite him, and said unhappily, "Your Excellency..."
The high priest put his fist to his lips as if trying to suppress his laughter, and walked over, picked up the kid and put him on the ground.
Li Jue was still hesitant and looked up at him.
There was a rare sense of relief in the dignified man's tone: "Go ahead."
Li Jue turned back to look at the Holy Son again, and the young man nodded as if encouraging him.
All right. Zizi encouraged himself. Even if it wasn't Xixi, he still had to face it!
He's a brave baby.
The children walked to the stairwell one after another.
Xu Lingxi closed the door, shutting out those inquiring gazes.
There was no light in the corridor, and light from the crack in the door streamed to their feet.
Li Jue looked at him. There were many times, in many places, when Xixi and he were the only two of them. They were like two wet cubs, clinging together for warmth, each other's only support for survival.
But he couldn't get close to the Xixi in front of him, couldn't ask for a hug, and was not even allowed to call her by her name. He could only call her "Young Master" in a distant tone.
Lingxi. Lingxi. Xu Lingxi.
Are they the same person?
Isn’t it?
Then, are you the same person when facing different Xixi?
The little cub couldn't understand.
Xu Lingxi leaned against the wall with his hands behind his back, staring at the tips of his shoes, which seemed to be covered with dust.
He hesitated for a moment, then decided not to beat around the bush with the child. "Well, could you please ask His Royal Highness the Holy Son if he can save my father?"
Li Jue had never thought that he was looking for him for this matter. He had also heard about the Earl's coma, but this was not something a little cub could help with, so he could only pray in his heart.
But what about Xixi...
He asked cautiously, "Why me?"
The boy's expression twisted for a moment, and he took a deep breath: "You have a good relationship with His Highness, and he likes you very much. He should not refuse your request."
God knows how difficult it is for him to admit this in person.
After he said this, his eyelashes trembled violently and he almost didn't dare to look at the other person, especially afraid to see the smile on Li's face because of such affirmation - a smile that appeared for others.
To his relief, the little servant didn't laugh. He also stared at the ground, his voice tense and cautious: "Then I, I'll ask my brother."
Xu Lingxi thought he had misheard: "'Brother'?"
Li Jue blinked.
Xu Lingxi couldn't believe it: "You...you couldn't be calling His Highness the Holy Son 'brother', right?"
Li Jue nodded.
Xu Lingxi was puzzled: "Then why did he call you? Did he call..."
Li Jue: "Brother."
Xu Lingxi: “…”
So weird.
Xu Lingxi couldn't understand: "Why don't you call him brother? You are much younger than him, right?"
"Because, Zizi has a brother."
The child's voice became softer and softer, falling as softly as a feather, floating down and landing on the tip of another's heart.
"But he doesn't remember me."
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