Alexander raised his brow as he looked at the doctor. “What’s the matter with you?”“Thank you so much for saving my family!” the man said.Edward did not expect him to burst into tears.Alexander casually made his tea and said, “The ship couldn’t have gotten far yet. I can still ask Edward to get it to turn back.”The doctor was baffled.Edward said, “Get a hold of yourself, okay? Mr. Russell doesn’t like it when people cry.”“Oh!” The doctor caught himself and quickly stopped crying. He did not want to offend Alexander and cause him to bring his wife and children back here.Alexander sipped his tea and turned to him. “Why didn’t you leave?”“You’ve been a great help to me, and I’d feel terrible if I left now. Besides, if I go missing, the organization might come looking for me and cause you more trouble,” the doctor said, “I can still help if I stay. I might not be able to do much, but I can at least pass on more messages!”Alexander thought he was right.‘He can help pass
Having not moved much, Lily lay quietly in bed. She remained lying down most of the time, only getting up to hold her babies whenever the nurses brought them over. She had not given up—instead, she had figured some things out.Meanwhile, the queen seemed concerned as she looked at the surveillance monitor again. “How’s she going to recover like that? Hasn’t the doctor told her that exercise would help her recover quicker?”“Yes, that’s why I said this woman is cunning. She’s putting on passive resistance.” Fred glared at the video feed.“Then we can do nothing but wait.” The queen shook her head and coughed a few times despite herself.However, Fred disagreed, “No, we can’t wait any longer. Her husband has found his way here. There will be trouble if this drags on. Let’s bring her to Yudonia. Things will get easier when she’s in our country.”The queen coughed again and said, “But didn’t you say the experiment will only work best if we do it here? That was why I came, remember?”
“How could you come up with such an idea? I don’t think it’ll work!” The queen shook her head and sat back down. She could not stand for long because she got tired very quickly.“Why not? It’s the best solution based on the current situation.” Fred held the wheelchair’s push rings and looked at her earnestly. “Your Majesty, I’m doing this for you and our country. There’s no better way.”“But…”“No more buts, Your Majesty. I know what you’re worried about. I promise this woman will leave and return safely. At the very least, I’ll ensure her body is safe. Anyway, it’ll be her greatest honor to be your sacrifice!”He kissed the back of the queen’s hand. “Put aside your compassion for now and think more about yourself. As the doctor said, you’re in terrible health, and you know it.”“I do.” The queen nodded, looking troubled.She would have never entertained such an experiment if she had not felt her strength diminishing each day. Even now, she was unsure if she was doing the right t
The queen fell silent momentarily while Fred observed her expression. Having been around her for many years, he knew saying too much would upset her.“Your Majesty, do you think I wish to do this? I also hope to solve the problem without sacrificing innocent people, but we don’t have a choice.” He noticed the queen was expressionless and continued, “The situation is different now. Even in Hyderland, there’s the expression of choosing the lesser of two evils.“Lily is innocent, but she hardly matters compared to your well-being.” He gently placed one hand on the wheelchair’s armrest and looked at the queen earnestly.“Please believe that doing this is the best option for Yudonia. You may not care about yourself, but our people need you.”What he said seemed to move the queen deeply. Her eyes gleamed as she turned to look at him. “Our people?”“Yes! They need you and your leadership. If the experiment works, you and every Yudonian will benefit from it. Think about it. We’ll be the o
“I’m giving you a chance now. If you refuse to talk to me, you might not have the opportunity again, okay?” Fred gazed at her with a victorious smile.Lily slowly turned her head and glanced at him coldly. Then she looked away again.“I’m curious. Have you accepted your fate, or are you still naively thinking someone can rescue you from here?” Fred cocked his head and sized her up.Then he said with a hint of emotion, “If it weren’t for the circumstances, I admire you. You’re no doubt a rare talent.”Lily sighed as she stared at the wall beside her. She finally spoke, “I’m just as curious as you. Does Her Majesty not see through you, or is she the one deceiving you?”Fred’s smile froze, and he stared at her with a frown. “What do you mean?”“Nothing. I was just wondering if you think you’re smarter than everyone else and that everything is under your control.” Lily turned and looked at him.Her gaze upset Fred. It was one of indifference, contempt, and even pity.‘Other than He
“Oh? So slander is unacceptable, but we can deceive Her Majesty?” Lily let out a cold chuckle. “Are you doing this experiment for your queen or yourself?”Fred was outraged as he narrowed his eyes and snapped, “What nonsense are you spouting?!”“Well, you know whether or not it’s nonsense. You simply deceive Her Majesty!” The cup Lily held went out of shape slightly due to her grip.The organization knew she could fight, so they took cautionary steps and gave her a plastic cup to prevent her from using glass shards as a weapon. Lily gazed at Fred and chuckled mockingly, “Too bad Her Majesty doesn’t know you’re lying to her.”The initially angry Fred suddenly burst into laughter. “You’re excellent at playing mind games and sowing discord between people. However, your plan won’t work. You have no idea how strong the trust between me and Her Majesty is.“She believes in me, and I’m loyal to her. You will not sway her, got it?” After a pause, he continued, “Forget it. It’s pointless t
Anastasia spoke half-jokingly. After spending two days with Austin, she went from distrusting him to gradually accepting and trusting him. The two were almost like friends now.Austin chuckled. “Let me check your wrist pulse.”Anastasia meekly held out her hand, and Austin took her pulse seriously. He knew he could gain more experience each time he checked someone’s pulse. He no longer thought any disease was beneath him and would carefully treat any patient.He knew it was his duty as a physician.Anastasia noticed his focused expression and could not help but recall her first encounter with him. She thought he was a charlatan and did not want him to treat her. Lily further proved his incompetence then.‘He misdiagnosed my obesity and then arrogantly refused to admit he was mistaken.’Austin differed from his former self as he knelt before Anastasia to check her pulse. He looked more like a responsible and professional doctor now. Most importantly, he had cured Anastasia of the
Anastasia realized she had overreacted and let go of his hand. She murmured, “I was just wondering if you were going to meet Lily.”Austin thought she was worried about Lily and chuckled. “No, I don’t even know where she is now. Still, she has her things to handle, and I have mine. She knows much more about herbal medicine, and I still have much catching up to do.”“So, where are you going then?” Anastasia asked.“To my granduncle’s house first. Then I might go to Middle Valley afterward.” Austin gazed ahead and seemed excited to visit the place.“Middle Valley? That’s far,” Anastasia muttered to herself. Austin chuckled. “It’s a little far, but at least it’s in the country. That area has many herbs and poisonous insects, so I should be able to learn many useful things if I go there.”Anastasia gasped when he mentioned poisonous insects. “Won’t it be dangerous then? Are you sure about going there?”She looked worried.In the past, Austin would grow impatient and think she was
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