“Then who am I?” Rhea asked. "My master," Mike answered after hesitating for a moment. Rhea narrowed her eyes to study him. "Really? But you don't seem to listen to my instructions." "You're my master, but you still need to do what you promised." Mike frowned. "The boss used to let me see my son over video calls, but now I have no news of him. You—""He's dead," Rhea suddenly said. Stunned, Mike said, "What did you say?""I said…" Rhea said emphatically, "He's dead. Your son is already dead." "Wh-what?" Mike's voice quivered. "That's a lie! Nicky… Nicky’s fine.""I'm not lying. Fred killed your son," Rhea sighed and said, "I didn't tell you about it because I was worried that it would be too huge a blow to you. However, since you insisted on knowing, I guess you would find out sooner or later. Just know that I won't be able to help you because he's dead." "No, that's not possible! Why would he kill a child? Fred could have just given Nicky back to me if he was no lo
Rhea was stumped. "What difference does it make? Why would he lie to me about this?"She grew impatient. "Anyway, it's not that I don't want to help you, but there's no one to rescue now. What you need to do now is to give me the formula of the invisibility potion so we can develop it and do great things together!" She reached for Mike’s phone again, but he put it behind him and said coldly, "I'm sorry. I've helped you obtain the formula to rescue my son. Since he’s dead, I won't have to give it to you." Rhea was shocked. "Do you still remember who you—""I'm Mike, and you're my master, right?" Mike snorted and said, "Who do you think you are to be my master?"Rhea grew alarmed as she hesitantly asked, “Have you woken up?”Based on Mike’s reaction, he seemed no longer under her control. Rhea took a deep breath and stared into Mike’s eyes hypnotically. She said profoundly, “Mike, give me your phone. I have something important to do, and I can help you. Give your phone… to me."
"Will you agree to it?" Mike asked as he turned to look at Rhea."How would I know if you don't tell me what the deal is?" As expected, Rhea would not promise him anything so quickly. Mike walked up to her and said, "Well, I need you to help rescue Lily. I'll give you the formula if you can set her free. How's that?"Rhea widened her eyes. "Are you out of your fucking mind?""Well, it looks like we don't have a deal then." Mike sighed, looking regretful. "Are you doing this on purpose?" Rhea grew upset. “You know why they brought Lily here, and there’s no way I can save her. You’re asking for the impossible!”She was angry at Mike for making such an unreasonable deal. She was also puzzled by his intentions. After some thought, she said, “I can't do it. Make another request.”"Why not? That's all I want you to do," he insisted. "I can't rescue her! How about I pay you—" She remembered that Mike was already wealthy and caught herself. Unable to come up with anything else he m
"You—" Mike whipped around and glared at Rhea. "You were stalling!" "That's right, I was waiting for them to come." Rhea strolled over and looked at him. "I have no plans to make any deals with you, you piece of shit! Since you've brought the formula, there's no way I'm letting you leave with it." She snatched the phone from him as she spoke. Mike tried to grab it, but several guards pointed their guns at his head.Rhea then waved the locked phone in front of Mike’s face to unlock it via facial recognition. She tried searching for the formula, smiling as if she were enjoying it. “There's so much stuff here. Why don't you help me find it, Mike?"She showed Mike the phone, but he looked away. Rhea laughed. "So be it. Do you think I can’t find it without your help?"She thought the file had to be in one of the folders, so she continued to search for it. A few minutes later, she was thrilled to find it and immediately sent it to her phone before even opening it.The formula co
Rhea excitedly walked away with her phone, wanting to test the formula. Someone quickly called after her, "Ma'am…" She looked over her shoulder and realized Mike was still there. She said, "Throw him out!"Since Rhea had the formula, Mike was no longer of use to her. Additionally, holding him in the embassy would only trouble her."Aren't you afraid I'm going to call the police?!" Mike growled. Rhea laughed. "Call the police? And tell them what? That I stole the formula for an invisibility potion, or that I'm not helping you rescue your son?"Oh, I forgot to tell you that I'm now a Yudonian, and I'm under its protection now. There's nothing the police can do to me here." Rhea smugly turned and left. 'Now that I'm under Queen Yasmin’s protection, why should I fear the police? All I need to do is to please Her Majesty. Besides, if I can develop the invisibility potion, I can go anywhere I please.‘Who will stop me? Who cares about immortality? What matters is to seize the mome
The man listened to Yasmin quietly. He was just like a piece of decoration who never voiced his personal opinions. "You're very loyal, but it's boring chatting with you." Yasmin sighed and shook her head again. "Lily disapproves of my actions, so she won't like what I say. As for Rhea…"Knowing she had nothing in common with Rhea, she grew helpless. Yasmin felt rather sad that she did not have anyone to talk with. As she looked out the window and thought of something, she said, "Didn't Fred kidnap a miracle doctor not too long ago?""Yes, the old man is Lily's mentor," the man said thoughtfully. Yasmin perked up. "Yes, yes, that's him! Where is he?""The storage room on the top floor.""Bring him here." After a pause, she decided not to wait any longer. "Forget it. Take me to him." "But he's in the storage room," the man said after a moment's hesitation. "I know. Just take me there. I just want to talk to him, not stay there, okay?"Since she insisted, the man then wheeled
"It doesn't matter who I am. I'm just someone who wishes to chat with you." Yasmin did not want to tell Dominic who she was. Instead, she smiled and whispered to her bodyguard, telling him to leave.The man obeyed somewhat hesitantly and closed the door behind him.Now that Yasmin and Dominic were alone, the latter said, “I know who you are.”"Oh?" The queen raised her brow and smiled, asking, "Who am I then?""You're a woman. From Yudonia," he said thoughtfully, pointing at her.Yasmin laughed and said, “You’re right! Anyway, I’m surprised you speak Yudonian so well. That's pretty rare for someone your age.""What's wrong with my age? I'm still young, okay?" Dominic said, patting his chest."How… old are you?" Yasmin was hesitant because he sounded severe. She thought she had guessed his age wrong. She even thought Dominic was in his fifties because of how energetic he seemed."I'm seventy-five!" Dominic declared. "I'm still young."The queen was shocked. 'I'm five years yo
Whenever Yasmin looked in the mirror, she would notice more wrinkles and grey hair despite her efforts to slow down her aging. Thus, she slowly gave up trying and no longer wanted to look at her reflection."So you're saying it's lucky to be able to grow old?" she asked hesitantly, finding the idea intriguing. "Of course!" Dominic slapped his thigh and said, "It's not easy to do that. I've seen and treated many people during my travels. Various strange diseases and illnesses plagued children, which was truly…heartbreaking. "So why fear aging? The real regret is not being able to grow old." After a pause, he thought of something and added, "Anyway, I'm really not old, okay?" Amused, the queen laughed.She nodded and said, "Yes, you're not, but I am.""You're not. You've only let your negative thoughts affect your body," Dominic said, shaking his head. The queen was puzzled. "Hmm? Are you sure? Would negative thoughts affect my health?" It was a subject she cared most about.
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