The Dragon Lord's Aide Wants to Quit [BL] Chapter 401: A Task Worse Than Battle

Without the silencing barriers isolating a specific room, alarming whispers would have surely spread throughout the private wing.

Whispers of what, you ask?

Nothing too out of the ordinary.

Just typical tales of the occult.

Of tormented spirits.

And wicked demons.

And of lonely souls crying out in the dark.

More concerningly, though, that same private wing would have been notorious for the sounds that emanated from it, eerily resembling the cries of someone undergoing an exorcism.

Ridiculous, isn't it?

Tragically, the one enduring an ordeal akin to an exorcism was none other than Simon Mercer, who, despite being the victim, had to bear the consequences.

Still, should one refer to him as Simon, after Riley uncovered at least four other identities layered within the man's mind?

Speaking of identities, some took considerable time to unravel, while one was strikingly brief compared to the others.

If Riley had to hazard a guess, this must have been the shortest identity he adopted before being relocated.

He pondered whether this individual's cover might have been exposed previously, forcing a hasty transfer after a rather inept attempt at mind manipulation.

How contemptible.

Yet, at that moment, his focus was elsewhere, consumed by the most potent repressed memory, which was on the verge of an explosive release.

It was a sorrowful truth: succeeding with the other memories but failing to resolve this immense block would inevitably turn the man's mind to utter chaos.

Riley had indeed felt a pang of hesitation when he laid out the predicament to Kael.

"I suspect that forcefully breaking through the seal, as we initially intended, won't be effective," Riley stated, his brow furrowed as he observed the increasingly pale countenance of the red dragon.

Although he had braced himself for an unfavorable outcome, he hadn't anticipated it being this dire.

Given his findings, a far more delicate approach would be necessary, rather than the abrupt method they had planned for sifting through his memories.

"It's not that he wouldn't be freed, but attempting such a forceful unsealing when it's barely holding together now would be akin to performing a crude lobotomy."

Certainly, Riley had incinerated Malrik, but this individual was hardly a deserving villain. Therefore, for Orien's sake, he was determined to avoid inadvertently rendering him mentally incapacitated.

And this pressing issue was precisely why they found themselves discreetly absconding with two sleeping children under the cover of night.

__

Kael and Riley had exerted considerable effort to execute their plan covertly, wishing to avoid public curiosity regarding the dragon lord and his aide's presence with the children after visiting hours.

Even more importantly, they absolutely should not have been removing patients without the staff's knowledge, regardless of their own standing.

Although Riley was willing to bet that the spirited children would have enthusiastically welcomed such an adventure.

However, as expected, Orien and Liam did not remain slumbering the instant they were lifted from their beds.

No, they awoke, their expressions a mixture of initial confusion and escalating excitement.

Now, with a noticeable sparkle in their inquisitive eyes, the two bundles of unpredictable energy and mischief were eager to discover their destination.

Riley was cradling Orien, while Kael held Liam, as they entered a different chamber.

Curiously, the dragon lord displayed a greater degree of patience when interacting with the comparatively placid Liam, making this arrangement far more agreeable. In any case, the golden dragon also paid more attention to Riley, despite appearances suggesting otherwise.

Yet, as they transitioned between areas, the children grew increasingly agitated with anticipation, practically squirming as they attempted to deduce their destination and the reason for such secrecy.

Orien, in particular, had already regained his characteristic poise. His chin was slightly elevated, his voice steady, projecting an air of understanding everything.

This only served to enhance his already adorable demeanor.

"Aunty and Uncle," he whispered, leaning forward slightly, "do you require our assistance with something?"

A note of pride resonated in his voice, stemming from his unwavering confidence in his capabilities.

Upon hearing the hushed query, Liam immediately nodded in agreement.

"We can help," he affirmed, his tone sincere and earnest.

Without a trace of hesitation.

Riley let out a sigh of reluctant amusement, finding their reactions quite endearing.

After all, Orien wasn't entirely off the mark; they had indeed sought the children's aid.

However, the black dragon was aware of the sensitive nature of the situation. Even though his mate deemed Orien mature enough to comprehend, he still intended to convey the information gently to the children.

Then again, one might question Liam's presence and the necessity for him to overhear something primarily intended for the golden dragonling.

But that was due to prudent foresight.

Firstly, Orien would likely seek out Liam immediately and might end up relaying the information in a rather sensationalized manner.

Secondly, and more critically, at this juncture, Liam bore a stronger resemblance to a red dragon than Orien, who shone as brightly as a golden goose.

Therefore, according to Riley and Kael's projections, bringing Liam along would ultimately be unavoidable.

Lowering his voice to a serious whisper while observing the two children, Riley leaned forward.

"I am requesting your assistance because another patient's life is currently in jeopardy."

The children, whose minds had been filled with thoughts of an impending adventure, immediately became still. Their initial excitement gave way to genuine concern.

"Brother! How can we assist? We can definitely help!" Liam inquired with renewed eagerness, his young face radiating determination.

As a doting elder brother, Riley couldn't help but offer a smile, acknowledging his younger brother’s inherently kind nature.

Orien cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. "I suppose we could lend a hand with this one as well. We are, after all, quite formidable."

Kael arched an eyebrow at this statement but remained silent, having received a pointed look from his younger sibling before Orien continued.

"Indeed. In fact, this is a situation we believe only the two of you can resolve at this precise moment."

"!!!"

Naturally, such a declaration would elicit a strong reaction.

Both children sat up even straighter, their eyes widening significantly at the perceived gravity of the task ahead.

"I attempted to rectify the situation earlier, but I found myself stalled at the concluding, and most crucial, stage," Riley confessed.

"What? Aunty, that’s so—"

"I am aware," Riley interjected swiftly, cutting off the child before he could utter any sharp criticisms that might have been brewing in his endearingly chaotic mind.

"Thus, as we have conveyed to you, it is wisest to seek aid when a task appears insurmountable. And this is precisely why we are here."

"Hmph! Yes, precisely." Orien, after shifting charmingly in Riley’s embrace, gave a convincing nod.

"You two have approached the ideal individuals for this endeavor. So, what is it that we must do?" he inquired with evident pride.

"Well... it may prove somewhat challenging, as you can both observe, your Uncle and I were unsuccessful in our attempts... But please, give it your best effort!" Riley cautioned.

The children exchanged glances, a flicker of unease crossing their faces upon hearing that the task might be difficult. However, within Orien's mind, as a courageous dragon, he felt confident in his ability to confront monsters and even rival dragons.

Therefore, it shouldn't be excessively arduous, correct?

An incorrect assumption.

This was because they were presented with a challenge that was undeniably more taxing than direct combat.

But what could possibly be more demanding than enduring physical altercations?

Remaining perfectly still.

Indeed. That is to say, sitting in complete immobility by the side of an actual patient while holding their hand.

"..."

"..."

Orien found himself at a loss, unsure how he had transitioned from being cradled in Riley's arms mere moments ago to now sitting by a patient's bedside.

Currently, his small hand was enveloped by a much larger one. All he could do was stare in disbelief at his aunt and uncle, appalled by the sheer absurdity of the situation.

If this individual required solace, could they not have procured one of the stuffed animals Liam possessed?!

Why must he and the diminutive sprite be compelled to engage in something as utterly unappealing as sitting in quietude?!

Would it not be far more preferable to unleash one's fiery breath upon someone?!