"It's over! Dr. Busch is placing trust in this scoundrel!" Chaos ensued among the Harmony Healers. No one expected that Brooke would entrust the fate of Harmony Healers to a stranger."Haha! Impressive!" After a brief pause, Ziggy burst into laughter. "Dr. Busch has some guts. Let's go with that!"Ziggy had worked tirelessly to reach this point. Now, they had fallen into his trap."Interesting ... very interesting," Zion said with a sly smile. Dealing with Harmony Healers seemed easier than he had anticipated."Stay calm; I trust Dustin's medical skills. He won't let us down," Brooke said seriously.Harper, feeling restless, exclaimed, "But we still don't trust him!""Master Brooke, there's no need to take this risk. With me here, they won't dare to cause trouble at Harmony Healers," Cody tried to convince him."I've made up my mind. No need for more talk," Brooke was determined."Grandpa!" Harper was so frustrated that she stomped her foot. Helpless, she turned toward Du
Under the watchful gaze of everyone, Ziggy tore off the bandage. It revealed the dark and foul-smelling ointment covering his wound. It looked rather unpleasant."Hey, fetch me a basin of water to clean this wound!" Ziggy pointed at a doctor, who happened to be Caldwell, lurking in the corner."M—me?" Caldwell was startled and pointed at himself. He had been observing from the sidelines, hoping to avoid trouble. In the end, he was still called out."Hurry up! Do you expect me to do it myself?" Ziggy glared at him."Oh, okay." Caldwell nodded. He dared not to say much and quickly brought a basin of water and a towel."Why are you standing there? Clean the wound for me; be gentle. If you hurt me, I'll break your leg!" Ziggy threatened.Being a ruffian, Ziggy could spot a pushover from a mile away.Caldwell was nervous as he wet the towel, carefully wiping the wound. Ziggy smiled mockingly. "Dr. Busch, hurry and prepare the transfer contract.""Grandpa, you shouldn't have tr
Cody was equally surprised, finding it difficult to believe. Everyone had assumed Dustin was trying to brag and lacked real skills. But, he had completely turned things around and resolved the crisis at Harmony Healers with his ointment. Dustin's performance was truly remarkable."Wow ... Dustin, you did a great job!" After recovering from his astonishment, Brooke clapped and laughed joyfully. He was prepared for failure, but Dustin had worked a miracle. It took him by surprise."What on earth! What happened to my wound? Why is it gone?" Ziggy kept touching his abdomen, looking concerned. He had put in a lot of effort to stage a deceitful act. If it failed this time, he would face the consequences."I never thought there was such a miraculous medicine in the world. If we can get our hands on it, we'll make a ton of money." Zion squinted his eyes, deep in thought.As the Swanson family butler, he possessed a sharp mind. Despite the annoyance over their failed plan, he swiftl
"Five million dollars? The Swanson family is sure generous," the crowd whispered.Zion's offer got everyone excited. Whether it was Ziggy's henchmen or the Harmony Healers' apprentices, five million dollars was a big deal for them."Mr. Swanson, this is a family secret formula. It's not for sale, so I'm afraid you'll be disappointed," Dustin replied calmly.He saw through Zion's intentions. Such an ancient formula was worth more than five million dollars.Still smiling, Zion persisted, "It looks like Mr. Rhys isn't satisfied. "Well, it seems like the stars had brought us together today. I'll double the offer to ten million dollars.""Wow! It just jumped to ten million dollars! Mr. Swanson is being generous!" The crowd whispered excitedly. This amount was more than they could ever dream of earning.Even Ziggy was jealous at that moment. He had taken the job and risked his life for just one million dollars. While Dustin's formula was being offered for a handsome ten million d
"Mr. Swanson, I don't like being threatened. "Let me give you some advice: don't mess with me, or your Swanson family will regret it," Dustin said casually."You're quite bold, aren't you?" Zion sneered. "Alright, if you're that confident, we'll wait and see." With that, he left. The Swanson family wouldn't want a public confrontation. He would find another way to get the formula later."Kid, you're in trouble now for crossing Mr. Swanson!" Ziggy sneered as he gathered his crew and left.Even though Ziggy's plan failed today, he didn't leave empty-handed. The Swanson family had their eyes on the Dew Balm formula Dustin had. Ziggy believed that getting it would bring them great rewards."Mr. Rhys, we're thankful for your help today. Harmony Healers would've been in a tight spot without you," Brooke expressed his gratitude genuinely."Dr. Busch, it was nothing much. Just helping out," Dustin replied humbly with a smile."You're a talented young person with amazing skills. I
"The medicine's not for sale?" Cody frowned in disappointment.At first, he'd thought he'd found a treasure, but now he was learning about serious side effects. He couldn't help but ask skeptically, "Mr. Rhys, are you serious? Ziggy seemed completely fine earlier."Dustin remained calm as he replied, "The side effects won't show immediately but in about half an hour."Cody continued to ask, "Is there any way to reduce the side effects of the ointment, even if it's only 50% effective?" He hoped a milder version might have fewer side effects.Dustin shook his head. "Not at the moment."He knew both Zion and Cody had questionable motives. Plus, he had no intention of sharing the Dew Balm formula. It could be misused for profit and potentially harm people. After all, he didn't trust Zion and Cody."It's alright if the ointment isn't perfect right now. If you give me the formula, I'll work on improving it. Once it's better, I'll give you 50% of the profits," Cody proposed.Cody was
"Benefit people?" Dustin mused. Cody's behavior was a source of amusement to Dustin. He found it amusing that Cody was greedy yet portrayed as a noble person. While Zion may have been greedy, he was at least willing to pay for what he wanted. On the other hand, Cody was willing to take whatever he could get."Hey! Cody is talking to you. Don't you hear?" Seeing Dustin's continued silence, Harper snapped.She added, "You're part of Harmony Healers now, so you have to abide by our rules. Think of the prescription for Dew Balm as your contribution to Harmony Healers. There will be rewards in the future.""I'm going to say this one more time: the formula will not be shared," Dustin responded coldly."Hey, why are you so stubborn? Can't you be more open-minded?" Harper said, frustrated. She continued, "Cody wants it, not for personal gain. It's about helping the masses and saving patients. Isn't that a noble goal? Shouldn't we support that?""Using my resources to achieve his goa
"You asshole! You've gone too far!" Harper was so frustrated she was crying tears of grievance. She was known for her beauty and talents and had been pampered her whole life. No matter the situation, people adjusted their actions to cater to her every desire. However, this Dustin brat was the total opposite of a gentleman. He not only disrespected her, he also humiliated her publicly. It was absolutely despicable!"Alright, Harper, calm down." Cody tried to mediate."We're all working at the same place and will be running into each other often. There's no need to damage our relationship.""Please! Who's working at the same place as him? Only one of us can exist at Harmony Healers! It's either him or me!" Harper snapped back, not mincing her words."That's enough!" Brooke finally had enough and berated Harper harshly, "Harper, you're being absolutely unreasonable. The Dew Balm formula belongs to Dustin. It's up to him to decide what he wants to do with it. You have no right
"Oh? Really? Then, show them the evidence. Let everyone see for themselves." Austin said with a faint smile.Langdon swallowed hard, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.Had his entire past really been dug up in just half a day?"First, I investigated Mr. Langdon's assets and income sources," Axel said, pulling out a stack of documents and placing them on the table. He explained firmly, "His spending far exceeds his salary. He owns 18 luxury homes, dozens of high-end cars, and a private collection of gold, antiques, and famous paintings. "Altogether, his assets are worth tens of billions. Given his salary, it would take him several thousand years of saving every penny to afford that. So I have to ask—where did all this money come from?"The moment those words left his mouth, all eyes turned to Langdon.Everyone knew he was corrupt, but no one expected it to be on this scale. If his fixed assets alone were worth billions, his liquid assets must be even more staggering.
"And as for the rest of you, I'll be investigating each of you one by one." Austin's gaze moved past Langdon and landed on the royal advisors. He sneered and added, "You'd better keep your records clean. If I find anything on any of you, I'll handle it by the book, and there won't be any mercy."At these words, panic swept through the room. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, and their hearts pounded like war drums.As soon as they realized Austin was angry, they quickly fell silent. Langdon had always been making all the noise, but now they found themselves caught in the fire.Anyone who'd held a position like theirs usually had some skeletons in the closet. In the past, Rufus had been willing to turn a blind eye and let things slide. But now, Austin clearly wasn't following the usual rules. If he decided to investigate thoroughly, most of them would likely find their careers and reputations destroyed."Mr. Rhys, what do we do now? Lord Austin seems dead serious about this."
"Langdon, I can't tell if you're playing dumb or if you really are that stupid." Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold. He continued, "You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?""Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I'm simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent." Langdon still held his righteous stance.Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin's rising anger and didn't dare provoke him further. At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin's elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn't. If they truly angered Austin, the
"Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?" When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. "You… How did you two end up like this?" He was genuinely stunned.Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight."Austin! You've gone too far!" Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon's fury erupted. He didn't even bother with titles anymore. "Do you even realize what you're doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince's most trusted advisors. They're your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?""He's right," someone chimed in. "They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?"The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned
"Your Highness, you mustn't speak such nonsense." Langdon put on a righteous front.He continued, "I've always prided myself on my integrity and never done anything dishonorable. I've never betrayed the prince's trust or let the people down, and I have nothing to hide.""Such lofty words," Austin scoffed. "If you have nothing to hide, why not let the enforcement team investigate?"Langdon's face tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. After all, what official didn't have some skeletons in the closet? A full investigation would likely turn up something, no matter how small. Even if the offenses weren't serious, the damage to his reputation would be permanent.With so many officials watching, Langdon couldn't afford to back down. If he did, he would lose his standing in the political world—and his claim to integrity along with it."Go ahead and investigate." He raised his chin and said confidently, "I've lived an honest life and never engaged in anything illegal. No m
Austin sat in his chair and silently watched the royal advisors put on their pretentious act. He slowly sipped his tea as if he couldn't be bothered by their so-called accusations.His nonchalant demeanor made Langdon and the others frown. Their once-outrageous voices began to falter.They had stormed in full of righteous fury earlier, only to be met with complete apathy. What was the point of arguing when he wasn't even listening?"Are you done?" Austin finally spoke once the room had quieted down. "If not, go ahead and keep talking. Say as much as you need to until you're satisfied.""Your Highness, we're here to discuss serious matters. Your dismissive attitude is truly disappointing," Langdon said sharply."Serious matters?" Austin let out a short laugh.He went on, "You barge in here without even understanding the full picture and spewing accusations like they're facts. As far as I'm concerned, you're no different from clowns putting on a show.""You… How dare you!" Langdon
"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground."I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly."O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out."Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h
After a night of chaos, some of the Red Legion's members were killed, others were captured, and the entire force had been wiped out.But the fallout didn't stop there. The Prescott estate was also raided. All embezzled wealth was confiscated, and those found guilty were thrown into prison.Anyone connected to the Prescotts was placed under house arrest and subjected to rigorous investigation.And the man behind it—Warrick—had become the kingdom's most wanted fugitive.Until he was captured, Celestria remained under lockdown. Major roads were sealed off, and patrol teams scoured every corner to ensure Warrick had no way out.Austin's crackdown sparked outrage among senior officials who didn't know the full story. They voiced their dissatisfaction, with some even gathering outside the castle gates in protest. They stomped their feet in outrage, just short of openly cursing him.To them, Warrick had made great contributions to the nation. Even if he had committed crimes, he didn't d
Austin's words were calm and almost casual. Yet, they struck like thunder and echoed in the hearts of the three assistant generals of the Red Legion.If they answered Austin's questions, there might still be a slim chance of survival. But if they refused, death was the only outcome.After all, who would willingly choose death when they had worked so hard to achieve their wealth and status? Yet, pride and dignity held them back. They didn't want to be branded as traitors.Now, they were caught in a dilemma. Which was more important—their honor or their lives? It was an impossible choice."You have ten seconds left. If you don't speak, you'll lose your chance." Austin's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.His words seemed to pierce their souls, and the three Red Legion assistant generals broke into a cold sweat.As the countdown neared its end, Auron finally couldn't hold back. "Your Highness! I'll talk—I'll tell you everything."Dropping to his knees, he scrambled forward and wa