RVMPT Chapter 99

Chapter 99

As soon as Harold finished speaking, the party hall fell into an abrupt silence.

The unbelievable news left everyone with their mouths agape, unable to utter a word.

People looked around, double-checking if they had heard correctly. Then, noticing that everyone had the same stunned expression, they turned their gaze back to Harold.

His complexion, flushed and lips tinted red, the signs of illness completely gone, made people slowly start to breathe again.

Clap, clap, clap!

The sound of regular applause broke the silence. Everyone turned their attention toward the source.

“…Lord Kaiden.”

Kaiden paid no mind to the gazes directed at him and continued to applaud. He didn’t stop there; he even offered his congratulations.

“If you’ve truly recovered, then this is indeed something to celebrate, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Kaiden.”

“Though I must admit, I still find it hard to believe you are truly healed. Please don’t misunderstand, I’m not questioning you, Your Grace.”

Kaiden shrugged and looked around the room.

“As you all know, the illness that plagued His Grace has claimed the life of everyone else who suffered from it. Few survive, and if they do, they rarely live past thirty.”

Amanda, holding Kaiden’s wine glass, chimed in to back him up.

“I agree with Kaiden. I’ve never heard any news about His Grace’s health improving, yet suddenly he’s fully recovered. While I’d love to congratulate you, it’s hard to believe. Of course, I know that Your Grace wouldn’t lie in front of so many nobles.”

The nobles exchanged quiet glances, and while no one spoke directly, Amanda’s skepticism was clear, and it seemed they were on the same page.

The very notion that Harold had truly recovered was preposterous. After all, Harold had been afflicted with a fatal illness.

“All detailed examinations have already been completed, Mother. If you insist, I can bring the doctor in.”

“No, what can a powerless doctor do in the face of your influence, Your Grace?”

Amanda dismissed the option of hearing the truth from the doctor. After all, even if the doctor sided with her, it wouldn’t tarnish Harold’s credibility.

Amanda was about to demand further proof, though she knew it would lead to embarrassment.

Just as she was about to speak, Diana spoke up first.

“Then what about this method?”

All eyes turned to Diana, and she whispered something to Harold. Seeing this, Kaiden frowned and asked sharply.

“What method requires the two of you to speak privately?”

Harold motioned to a knight standing in the hall. The knight approached and handed over his sword, still in its scabbard. Harold drew it and stared at Kaiden.

“If I’m lying, I won’t be able to maintain the sword’s aura and will suffer from the pain.”

The blade shimmered with a faint blue aura.

“But if I remain fine, then there’s only one conclusion, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Very well. But I want you to endure for thirty minutes,” Kaiden replied.

Harold smiled, as if it was no challenge.

Kaiden narrowed his eyes. He had no doubt Harold wouldn’t do something so reckless without careful consideration, but could he truly maintain the sword’s aura and endure the pain for thirty minutes?

No, that couldn’t be. Kaiden had seen Harold collapse when faced with unbearable pain during their childhood.

No matter how well Harold hid his emotions, things like sweat and body temperature couldn’t be concealed.

Kaiden thought back to when Harold’s life had turned upside down ten years ago, when he had been told he wouldn’t live past thirty. He sneered at the memory.

“A miracle is still a miracle,” Kaiden thought.

He handed his wine glass to Amanda and walked toward Harold. The nobles, mindful of the tension, naturally made way for him.

Kaiden stood before Harold, taking him in from head to toe. Harold still looked fine.

“Let’s hope we can share a toast soon, brother.”

“Indeed, Kaiden. I’m looking forward to it as well.”

The two locked eyes, Harold’s navy blue gaze meeting Kaiden’s crimson eyes. They both smiled, maintaining a calm, composed demeanor.

Time passed, and the nobles stood in tense silence, waiting for the full thirty minutes to pass.

Kaiden alternated his gaze between the pocket watch and Harold.

‘How is he still fine?’

You could hide your lips and skin with makeup, but you couldn’t prevent sweat from forming.

“Did you perhaps using some special cosmetics from beyond the continent?”

“I didn’t use any.”

Kaiden was growing tired of his blatant lies, but he kept his expression neutral.

“Then, might I shake your hand for a moment, brother?”

While one could hide their expressions, there was no way to mask the warmth of their body temperature.

Kaiden extended his hand. Harold didn’t hesitate and grasped it firmly.

“Is it done?”

In an instant, the expressions of both men shifted.

‘This doesn’t make sense.’

Kaiden swiftly removed Harold’s gloves and grabbed his hand again.

His body temperature was completely normal—no heat, no burning sensation.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

“What the hell have you done?”

Harold gave a crooked smile and lowered his sword. The sound of metal clinking against the marble floor echoed.

He then took the wine glass that he had briefly handed to Diana and clinked it against Kaiden’s glass.

“I haven’t done anything, my dear brother.”

Harold casually sipped from his wine, twisting his wrist.

The nobles, who had been silently observing, exchanged looks, and the truth was becoming clearer with every passing moment.

Once again, they were struck with disbelief. Had Harold really recovered?

If that was the case… what about the head of the Baisen family?

“Lord Harold! Congratulations!”

Someone quick on the uptake rushed forward to offer their congratulations, and soon other nobles followed suit.

Kaiden was pushed aside and ignored by the crowd.

As Kaiden was shoved to the edge, Amanda hurried to him.

“…Kaiden! What’s going on? Did Harold really recover?”

Kaiden didn’t answer. Instead, he lowered his head and stared at the wine that had spilled on his ruined suit after being pushed aside.

Then it hit him—he remembered the land he had handed over to Harold in exchange for freeing Ella.

Dammit.

“Haha…”

“Aren’t you going to say something, Kaiden? Why are you laughing like that? Answer me!”

Kaiden clenched his fists and glared at Harold, who was surrounded by people congratulating him.

Without a word, Kaiden turned and left, with Amanda calling after him in a panic.

“Kaiden! Kaiden! Kaiden!”

His mind raced with frustration and anxiety.

Amanda was left in a whirlwind, feeling helpless and uncertain as she chased after him.

***

Kaiden and Amanda left.

Diana, addressing the swarm of approaching nobles, watched their retreating figures.

It was unexpected that Harold would recover. His position as head of the Baisen family had always been unsecure, given his impending death.

She soon pushed her thoughts aside. There was no time to dwell on them now.

“Congratulations on regaining your health, Your Grace.”

Nobles continued to approach, offering their congratulations. As more people shook Harold’s hand, the reality that he had truly recovered began to sink in.

At the same time, they all shared a single question.

“Your Grace, congratulations on your recovery. We’re truly honored to be here when such joyful news is revealed.”

“Count, thank you for coming to the party.”

“Your Grace, if it’s not too much trouble, may I ask one question?”

Harold nodded slightly in acknowledgment, and a count stepped forward, practically shaking with excitement.

“How did you manage to treat the illness? Did you find a cure?”

Everyone’s curiosity was piqued as they turned their attention to Harold.

‘Let’s see how well he spins this one.’

Diana listened intently, eager to hear Harold’s explanation.