Someone had called Austin a human trafficker for the first time in his life. He was nonplussed and caught himself after two seconds before reaching an arm through the grille to point at Galen.“Hey, you little brat! Who are you calling a human trafficker? Have you seen such a good-looking one? How could you accuse me of such things?!”“Who are you calling little brat, Little Brat?” Having given no response, Dominic suddenly leaped out of nowhere and shouted at Austin.Austin lost his nerve when he saw his granduncle. “U-Uncle Dom, it wasn’t me…”“Who else but you? I heard it! I’m doing you a favor by letting you stay here, you know? How dare you scold my grandson?” Dominic stood akimbo and argued loudly with him.Austin was at a loss for a moment.He tried vainly to stop himself from retorting, “Uncle Dom, I’m your grandnephew. That little brat—" He noticed Dominic’s glare and quickly amended, “That little thing did it on purpose. Besides, he is not related to you…”His voice gr
“Argh!” He screamed in pain. Unlike the soundproofed place where he was held, the open space outside allowed his howl to echo loudly. “Gahhh! Argh!”Besides a headache, his eyes were also hurting, as if they were bulging. Austin wanted to hold his head with both arms, but one remained stuck in the grille. He could only hammer his head with one hand while trying to swing his other arm.Either his strength grew due to the pain, or the grille had finally loosened after he kept swinging for a long time. The metal framework suddenly detached from the wall with a loud clang.The window grille remained on his arm. Having lost much of his sanity, Austin instinctively wanted to free himself and kept banging it about. The clangs of the grille banging against the wall were too loud.Dominic hurried out of the house and looked upstairs. “You brat, what the hell are you doing? You…”Before he could finish, his eyes widened as Austin banged the grille against the wall a few times, then suddenly
Austin had no energy left when he woke up again. He opened his eyes and stared upward in a daze. Still not fully awake, Austin tried to move his arm but could only lift his fingers. His throat was itchy, so he wanted to cough but could only breathe when he opened his mouth.It was a weird feeling. It was as if Austin was on the brink of death but had hung on by a single breath. He could not die, yet could hardly live.“You’re awake?” A gentle voice sounded.Austin wanted to turn his head but could only move his eyeballs.“Don’t try to move. You’ve drained your energy. Even if you want to move, it’ll be hard.” Dominic guessed what his grandnephew wanted to do and sighed before sitting beside Austin. Dominic was holding a bowl of steaming herbal medicine but looked gentler.“I…” Austin struggled to speak. He had too many questions, but his throat was unbearably dry, and it would take a lot of energy to utter even a single word.Dominic leaned over and pulled Austin’s blanket up a b
“Does...”“The medicine only helps balance your bodily functions and replenish your energy and vitality. It doesn’t counteract the virus, so don’t expect too much!” Feeding him the medicine, Dominic said, “I’m no god, and I can’t yet figure out what’s going on within you. I won’t be able to come up with a cure so soon, okay?”Austin remained quiet and drank the medicine. He knew Dominic could not have come up with a cure so quickly, if he could at all. He did not want to put too much faith in him for fear of being disappointed.However, he was glad Dominic was being friendly to him.After feeding Austin, Dominic looked at him while holding the empty bowl, and sighed. "We don't know what's inside you yet, but you know how bad the pandemic has gotten. For your safety, stay here for the time being. Of course, you can’t move even if you want to. Let me... think of something.”He sounded angry when he said the last sentence.“Thank…” Before Austin could say “you,” he saw Dominic stalk
When asked so, Lily only said blandly, “We’ll know in a while.”“Even if he’s truly the one, will he still do anything now despite the risk?”The man removed his goggles and revealed half of his face—he was none other than Dr. Blanc, who ordered her containment.Lily nodded affirmatively. “He will!”She then asked a seemingly unrelated question. “I heard the vaccine development center has started its research recently?”“That’s right.” Dr. Blanc answered. Although he was not in charge of the vaccine's development and it was outside of his purview, he was aware of it because it was significant and related to what they were doing.“What does it have to do with whether he will act, though? Even if the development of the cure is stalled, would it impede vaccine research? Or are there conspirators over there as well?” Pausing, Dr. Blanc seemed to think about something and said, “Oh, yes, I remember your husband’s company initially securing that project before it… reopened for tender,
“He’s doing something!” He turned and walked out of the door with Lily in tow. The workers were surprised to see Lily walking behind Dr. Blanc along the way. “Isn’t Dr. Russell…”However, as they were walking fast without stopping and Dr. Blanc looked grim, no one dared to ask any questions and simply looked on as they headed toward the wards.‘Is there… an emergency again? But we’re not getting any alerts from the wards!’While the doctors and nurses wondered, Dr. Blanc and Lily had arrived at the VIP ward area. They hurried past the door to Debbie’s room and headed straight to… Alexander’s room.Dr. Blanc slammed the door open with such force and speed that even Lily was taken aback.‘He usually looks gentle and cautious, yet the way he kicked the door was bold and fearless.’Alexander, who should be lying in it, was holding someone face-down on the bed with his arms locked behind him.He was wearing the hospital gown, but he was invigorated, and his gaze was cold and piercing
“Dr. Blanc, I don’t get it.” Edmund still tried to defend himself, but Lily interrupted him before he could finish. “Is this necessary?”Edmund was quiet.“Do you think you can lie your way out of this? Or do you think we would show up and expose you without proof?” Lily felt a mix of emotions as she looked at Edmund.She had known Dr. Blanc and Edmund the longest and was most familiar with them. Although she and Edmund were far from good friends, they at least worked well together. At first, she could feel he did not trust her, but she later discovered him to be a relatively objective person.She could accept Edmund holding a prejudice against her just like Austin did, but it was difficult for her to believe he was a traitor.Edmund suddenly laughed when hearing Lily’s words and seeing Dr. Blanc’s expression. He tilted his head back and let out a long sigh. As if he was relieved of a heavy burden, he looked relaxed, and the smile on his face grew… creepy.“I never expected this.
However, black blood flowed from Edmund’s mouth as he released an eerie smile of mixed emotions. His body went limp and would have slumped onto the floor if Alexander had not held onto his arms.“Edmund!” Lily was shocked. She did not expect him to attempt to kill himself without hesitation. ‘Why?!’He raised a finger and looked up at Lily. He said haltingly, “I would have succeeded if I took one more step!” Lily looked back at him and asked grimly, “Your goal is not just to destroy all possible cures but to make people lose hope and think the disease is incurable, right?”Edmund threw her an odd look and moved his lips as if to say something, but the poison took effect quickly. Before he could say anything, his body stiffened, and his head drooped aside.“He’s dead.” Checking his breath, Alexander checked Edmund’s breath before looking up and delivering two words.The other two were stunned. Lily gazed deeply at Edmund, then looked to Dr. Blanc. “He…”“I’ll take care of it. Al
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, “There’s something I find strange.”“What is it?” Mike asked after comforting his son.“Instead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldn’t we reach him?”After some thought, Mike answered, “There are two possibilities. It’s probably due to poor signals, or he doesn’t want us to contact him.”The two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.‘Why can’t we contact Ross? Is he planning something?’…Three days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queen’s leg and looked up at her, saying, “You should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, it’ll take some time before you can stand.”Suddenly, Lily chuckled.“Why are you laughing?” Yasmin touched her legs. She had begun to regain sensation in her legs over the last two days. She then began to believe that she could get up. However, the queen was hesitant when the queen heard Lily chuckle.Lily shook her head
Lily straightened up and said without resentment, “Of course, you wouldn’t.”“That’s… quite a pity,” the queen murmured thoughtfully.“Well, there’s a price to pay for everything. That’s how the world balances itself,” Lily continued, “I can’t stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I won’t witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isn’t something you’ll regret.”Lily smiled and turned to head out the door.Rick heard their conversation as he stood guard outside. After exchanging looks with Lily as she brushed past him, he entered the room and saw the needles in Yasmin’s legs. “Your Majesty, those needles—”The queen waved dismissively. “It’s okay. Lily will remove them later.”Even so, Rick was wary. “You’re being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that woman—”“She wouldn’t,” Yasmin interjected, shaking her head."Why do you trust her so much?" Rick asked despite himself. The queen fell silent. If Rick had not asked her that, she would not have rea
Lily took out a cloth and unfolded it, revealing a row of silver needles inside. Yasmin was surprised she carried the needles with her.“Tell me. What do you want?” The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lily’s request. Still, Yasmin was cautious about Lily trying to trick her.Lily casually said, "I left because Prince Ross wanted to help me. I hope you don’t punish him.""That's it?" Yasmin thought she had misheard Lily. 'Is she trying to talk terms with me just so that I won't punish my son?' she wondered in disbelief."Ross is my son. I won't harm him. Don't you think you've wasted an opportunity by making such a request?" The queen shook her head. "I wasn’t sure if you’d blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didn’t you already lock him up?"Yasmin was puzzled. "No, I only sent him back to Yudonia. He kept trying to get me to sto
"Three days," Lily replied.“That’s it?!” Yasmin was in disbelief. She thought Lily would try to buy some more time and suspected she would say the process would take several months or even years.‘I haven’t felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldn’t mind waiting for three more days.’“Are you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?” Yasmin pressed her legs hard but felt nothing. She would have treated her legs long ago if it were that easy.The queen had visited many famous doctors from various countries, but they could only stop her legs from getting weaker. However, Lily confidently told Yasmin that she could fix her legs so quickly.Yasmin wanted to believe it.After some consideration, Lily said, “I can’t guarantee that you’ll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you haven’t used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, you’ll recover slowly.”Yasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
“Because only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""I… don't trust anyone." Yasmin’s expression stiffened as she turned her wheelchair away."Your Majesty, I know you're dedicated to the experiment, but there are other things in life. Have you ever considered letting go of your burden to sightsee? You’ve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Aren’t you tired of living a lonely life?”Lily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasmin’s back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, “Sightsee, huh? I’ve forgotten what that’s like.”Yasmin had not used her legs for many years. Initially, she could still stand up and sometimes took a few steps. However, she could no longer get to her feet.She had grown accustomed to sitting in a wheelchair, but she felt a pang of sorrow after hearing Lily’s suggestion.Lily asked, “What if I can help you stand again? What if you can walk a
"Yes, I returned not just for him but also for you," Lily said, "I'm sure you were anxious for my return, weren't you?"Yasmin scoffed dismissively. "Why would I be? I have my bargaining chip. Besides, did you honestly think I couldn’t bring you back?""Bargaining chip? Do you mean Nick?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Don't forget that he's not my son. Do you think he'll be much of a bargaining chip to you if I choose to ignore him for my three children?"She did not wait for Yasmin to reply and continued, "Besides, Nick still has a father who’s willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against you— Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.“However, don't forget that his business spans worldwide. There's no guarantee what he might do. Who knows, he might spread information that can affect Your Majesty and Yudonia's reputation?""You…" The queen was exasperated but could not retort.Lily noticed it and casually said
Rick could only remain silent at that moment.Yasmin then turned her wheelchair around and blandly said, “Bring Lily over. I’d like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.”"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must you—"Yasmin interjected, "I'd like to hear what she has to say."Rick had no choice but to leave and do as she said.As Lily was about to doze off, she heard noises from outside and opened her eyes. Immediately after, the door opened, and Rick appeared. He glared at her and spoke coldly, “Her Majesty wants to see you.”Lily glanced at Rick calmly and stood up as if she had expected his appearance. On the other hand, Mike rose before her and headed out.However, Rick stopped him as he reached the door. “You stay.”"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesn’t wish to see you. Just stay here!"Lily patted Mike's shoulder and said gentl
Everyone was shocked when Lily returned to the embassy with Mike. One of the staff members quickly left to report the news to Queen Yasmin.Meanwhile, Lily saw people peering at her and Mike from the corner. Afterward, several guarded-looking men appeared. Lilt recognized them as the queen’s attendants. They brought Mike and Lily inside and then gave the duo a thorough search.The men only relaxed after finding nothing suspicious about the duo. Even so, Lily could not see the queen as the men told her to wait in an innermost room instead.After returning to the embassy, Lily felt a sense of strange familiarity. Although she knew the place well, her mindset had changed.She previously hated the embassy and simply wanted to escape. However, she had returned with a critical mission. Not only did she have to complete it, but she also needed to leave the place in one piece.While she was calm, Mike was somewhat anxious. He clasped his hands on his knees and glanced around as he sat dow
"I promise I'll do anything you want, okay?" Mike begged. He was desperate to see his son, so he decided to follow Lily when she insisted on returning to the embassy.Mike continued, “If any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They won’t do that to me. It’s natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. I’m the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.”After a short silence, Lily said, “You’re right.” She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, “Me too.”Dominic tapped the table. "So do I."Cameron thought for a moment before saying, "I've no objections."Seeing this, Austin spread his arms and said, "Since you all agree, what else can I say? Let's do it!"It did not matter whether or not he agreed, but he just wanted to support Mike. The latter nodded and became emotional, saying, “Thanks, you guys!”"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and don’t be rash like you promised," Aust