Lily just chuckled, “Of course, it won’t heal right away. It might take at least a month. Your forearm was almost torn from your arm. The pill I gave you is powerful enough to heal your arm despite your crippled condition. After all, it is a Star Soothing Pill.”

Damien was surprised when he heard that she gave him an expensive pill without any conditions.

A medicinal pill that was able to heal in a short time quickly used the most valuable ingredients, required extremely precise refinement techniques, and at the same time required a very long refining process.

In his previous life, one could heal the same injuries he had through advanced science and technology. But in this world, all it takes is a small pill. He couldn’t help but be amazed at the advancements of this world using the mysterious ethereal energy.

In his memories, he found out the pill’s information as his predecessor was interested in alchemy and studied all kinds of herbs and medicines, even going as far as visiting various alchemy organizations since he was a cripple and didn’t have anything better to do.

At least he could have a future as an alchemy teacher based on his theoretical knowledge, even though he won’t be able to concoct any pills on his own.

But his status wouldn’t even be able to compare with alchemists who could concoct on their own.

‘Why the special treatment? Does she plan to make me do something that needs me to be healthy?’ He wondered inwardly.

“So, tell me, other than being good at sword fighting, what else are you good at? It can be anything simple as well.” Lily asked with a curious expression on her face.

“Huh, are you trying to mock me for being a cripple?” Damien asked in a cynical tone.

Lily shook her head as she said, “Of course not. I already admire your talent in swordsmanship. I just wanted to know more about you. After all, I am bringing you with me.”

“Well, I guess I know how to look after some herbs and flowers. And some fundamental knowledge in medicine.” Damien said casually.

“Hmm, herbs and flowers, huh…” Lily seemed deep in thought as a momentary smile appeared on her face. She didn’t even seem to hear the second part of his sentence.

“What are you smiling for?” Damien was puzzled why this girl was smiling. Was she ridiculing him for studying herbs and flowers as a cripple?

“Ah…no—I mean, it’s nothing,” Lily seemed startled, but she quickly regained her poise, “I just thought it was admirable that you were able to focus on other things and didn’t let your condition dishearten you.” Lily said with a slight smile.

‘Is she purposefully trying to be nice now?’

Damien could be said to be an expert in reading people since he had lived through the deceit and schemes of people and had associated with all sorts of people in his previous life.

But now, he was perplexed trying to read her. For instance, he didn’t understand why she was so nice to him in the first place. Her rescuing him from the black market could be said to be a misunderstanding.

But after that, giving him a first-rate medicinal pill to heal his wounds, talking to him as if he was a friend, and even praising him to some extent despite being a cripple.

He thought princesses were very arrogant and conceited who wouldn’t deign to talk with commoners in his imagination. He couldn’t help but wonder if he was prejudiced against princesses and if all princesses are like her.

After all, he was never associated with royalty since there were no such people or a monarchy system in his previous life.

‘Did she fall for me? No, no, that’s absurd. Her expressions are not even that of a love-struck fool. Whew, trying to read girls is still not easy.’ Damien sighed inwardly.

“We have reached the capital. Why don’t you take a look outside.” Lily said as the panel of the carriage box near Damien turned transparent.

Rong Imperial City, or Rong Empire’s capital, was located in the Rong Empire’s northeastern regions and was also Rong Empire’s most prominent city; it had an area of 5.5 million square kilometers; twenty-five times larger than Moonstone City.

The Rong Empire’s history spanned thousands of years. The Empire was bordered between a calm sea to the north and east, the Gale Empire to the west, the Xeton empire to the southwest, the Lancaster empire to the south.

Damien sighed in admiration as he saw the grand and imposing 40 meters tall and 10-meter wide city gate.

As they passed through the city gate, he could see the 50 meter wide streets crowded with lively people, tall buildings with sturdy frames, and classy looks.

There were all kinds of shops and stalls. Some of them were a center of activity, probably shops selling fascinating things or holding some interesting events.

Lily being very familiar with Rong Imperial City, introduced him to the locations of many key areas.

They soon reached the Imperial Palace with few guards stationed around the entrance, which didn’t seem like the main entrance of the palace.

They got off the carriage as they entered the entrance, which seemed like the side entrance to her residence, which seemed to be on the imperial palace’s east side.

Damien was able to see the two protectors’ faces now that they had removed their hooded cloaks.

Both were middle-aged men. One had black hair, black beard; his blue robe was plain but elegant; his eyes sharp with a gaze that seemed to scrutinize Damien from top to bottom.

The other had black hair with little white shades on his sides, with a pencil mustache. His white robe was simple but graceful. His face carried kindness and a faint smile, and his gaze was like a tranquil pond.

The imperial guards saluted one after the other as they saw the princess while the protectors and Damien followed behind.

This was the first time Damien entered an imperial palace. He had a feeling of being overwhelmed by the luxurious surroundings. The imperial palace’s architecture was naturally luxurious; golden-colored tiles glittered under the sunshine in every direction and directly dazzled his eyes.

Inside the palace, everywhere they went, the guards and palace maids would all hurriedly bow down as they saw Lily. Some maids were stunned seeing a bloodied figure following behind the princess, but they hurriedly lowered their gaze.

Lily stopped walking and turned as she said, “I will meet you after a week so that you can rest and recuperate. Court Master Nestor, please show Damien to his quarters. And you know what to do in case anything happens, right?”

“Of course, Your Highness. I can take care of this matter without any issues.” The man in blue robes nodded.

Even though Nestor Rong didn’t look favorably upon Damien and only somewhat admired him, he had no choice but to follow her decision. And when he thought about the princess’s plan for Damien, he partially understood the treatment she was giving to Damien.

Damien was still wondering what she had in store for him. He was already worn out as the fatigue was slowly kicking in. He didn’t have the energy to think much about their plans for him.

All he wanted now was to take a quiet and peaceful rest. He never had a moment of proper rest for the past few years, including his previous life.

He was always on the run, being on his toes to not let anyone be suspicious of his identity.

But now, in this place, he need not worry about his identity at all. The world wasn’t after him, nor does he have any enemies in this place. So he thought he needn’t worry about an ambush or any sort of those things.

After looking at Damien briefly, she turned her back towards him and left with light footsteps.

“Nestor, you go ahead with her orders. I will also leave and manage the potential headache that’s coming my way.”

Nestor Rong gave a bitter smile as he said, “Sorry, Oswen, this time I have to leave the troublesome stuff to you.”

“Don’t worry about it. It is, after all, my duty too.” Oswen Rong patted Nestor Rong’s shoulders and gave a light smile at Damien as he left.

He was surprised that Damien had a calm demeanor and didn’t show any sign of nervousness even after entering the imperial palace.

It just made Damien slightly more interesting to him.

Nestor Rong gave a light sigh as he looked at Damien, “Well, I will show you to the place you are going to stay.”

Soon they reached near the servant’s quarters.

“This is the place you will be staying at for now. Your room is on the far left with all the necessities and a bathing area included. And also, remember you are not to take a single step outside the room without my permission. Just settle down and focus on your rest as your arm won’t heal if you move around a lot.”

Damien nodded. He didn’t feel good about being put on house arrest but considering his situation, he could be regarded as fortunate enough to have at least a place to stay. And also, so far, they didn’t do anything harmful to him.