"Dark magic," Henry whispered under his breath while covering his mouth with his hand then looked at the doctor on the eye, "Explain."
"Yes Your Highness." He glanced at Irene's body which is still covered in cold sweat even though it was dried with multiple dry cotton towels. "Lady Crimson has traces of black magic which got awakened by another wielder of dark magic."
Henry narrowed his eyes and had a flashback of the eerie black-haired boy before giving a nod allowing the doctor to continue.
"Although I took lessons related to medical practice whilst studying back at the academy, there are some cases where magic is the cause of illnesses and diseases. Hence I studied a bit and was enlightened of my slight ignorance.
"Don't change the direction of this conversation, doctor." Henry gave a glare before approaching and sitting on a chair near the bed where Irene lays.
He gently slipped his hand under her pale hand and wrapped it with the warmth of his two palms. Then with no hesitation, he kissed the back of her hand.
"Continue."
Returning his consciousness after the surprising scene, the doctor replied after a minute, "Ye-Yes!"
— AT A GUEST PALACE, RUBDECKN PALACE
"Is there any meaning with the palace name?" Allen forced control over his laughter to prevent from laughing like a maniac.
Frederick knows that he controlled his laughter but ignored it, "The red gemstone ruby, my father's name and the first name initials of his wives."
Allen showed a curious expression on his face which made Frederick sigh before continuing to explain like a tour guide, "First empress, Carmilla of Count Delivch. Second empress, Krisha of Duke Bluington and last but not the least, my mother; third empress Nicole of Count Luzon."
He shook his head after hearing the emperor's words, Abaddon had investigated the entire palace's structure with his demonic eyes and noticed hidden passageways, storages and a basement.
The hidden passageway has multiple entrances and exits which either allows a number of people to freely enter and escape during something chaotic like a coup d'etat.
Meanwhile, the storages or rooms are greatly hidden that Abaddon personally liked how his servant wasn't able to find most of them. What's inside? It doesn't have to be mentioned at all; artifacts, gold and invaluable belongings.
And the last one which is the basement, has a wine seller with a collection of fine wine and some hidden areas where more treasures are stored.
Although he has an idea of who owns and what this palace can be, Abaddon feigned ignorance for his character, "Are there any hidden compartments for me to discover and explore?"
Frederick pondered for awhile to hear his mind split into two sides and started a debate. It took a moment for him to decide then gave a hinting gaze towards Allen.
Abaddon received the meaningful gaze and nods while making a sound similar to 'hmm'.
"Oh and how young are you, Your Majesty?" Allen asked.
Frederick chortled before laughing
...
"Don't speak of this or yours and your family's life will be on the line, understood?" Henry released his bloodlust while giving a sharp glare at the poor doctor.
He nodded his head and dismissed himself, when the doctor was behind the closed door. His legs literally lost its strength and he calmed his beating heart, 'That was close.. I almost peed myself.'
The doctor gathered back his composure by fixing his long white coat and a brown rectangular suitcase. He walked through the palace until he reached his personal quarters at the outer grounds of the palace.
And as he went inside, he took off coat and immediately went to his small bookcase where he searched for a book with his index finger going through each book cover.
"Littérature Magique, classic book for a classic man."
...
"You're awake, aren't you, Irene?" Henry said while looking at a painting with both of his index fingers and thumb creating a rectangle as if measuring the frame size.
Irene slowly opened her eyes as she feels extremely weak and nauseous that she wants to throw up. It could be explained like riding the pirate ship or roller coaster in a theme park even if having motion-sickness.
"Dark magic.. wasn't it?" she bit her lip as she closed her eyes again, "My head is so heavy, I want to throw up."
"You can throw up— in the bed, on the carpet or on any surface just not on me," he said nonchalantly without knowing the crazy consequences.
Irene's eyes shone bright because the yellow diamond-shaped stars on her eyes, she felt as if every symptom disappeared. "Anywhere?"
"Yes, anywhere."
Her mouth then formed a huge smile which sends eerie vibes to your survival instincts to run meanwhile Henry who was focused on the painting is lucky enough to not witness the sinister smile of the sick person behind him.
...
"..page, what page was it?" Irene's doctor flipped the pages of the book violently.
The sound of paper being continuously flipped was then disturbed with a knock of the door, "Doctor Jason, this is Althea."
"Come in," he continues to flip a few pages until, "Found it!"