"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.
"I… don't quite understand," Yasmin sounded hesitant. Dominic cleared his throat and said thoughtfully, "Simply put, you're doing okay for someone your age, but you could be in better shape.""Better how?" Yasmin looked eager. She wanted the most to slow down her aging, but it was too difficult to go against nature.Dominic looked severe. "Based on your pulse, you're overworked and overstressed. Do you often feel that you don't have enough sleep or find it hard to wake up? Do you feel lethargic after waking up?" Yasmin was shocked that he had guessed everything so accurately. Even the doctors could not provide such accurate information based on her medical checkups. They only advised her to maintain a light diet and sleep early to increase sleep duration.However, they did not know that she had always been struggling with insomnia, which had caused her great agony. Still, she could not tell anyone about it. As many people wanted her dead to take her throne, such information woul
Waving his hand, Dominic said insightfully, "You’re exhausted because you tried to control everything and have also become restless as a result.“Think about it. You have to handle so many things alone. How can you not feel restless?" Growing thirsty, he got up and poured himself a glass of water. Deep in thought, Yasmin remained still. No one had ever dared to tell her that. She suddenly had a moment of clarity. She murmured thoughtfully, "That means I can be saved?" "As I said, you're not physically ill, so you don't need saving. It all depends on whether you're willing to let go." Dominic sipped some water and shook his head. "This is bad."Yasmin was puzzled."Oh, I'm saying the water here tastes terrible." Dominic smiled, pointing at his glass. “Sorry about that. I'll get someone to make you a cup of coffee," Yasmin said as she turned to call for a servant. Dominic waved. "No, no. I don't drink coffee. I prefer tea.""What difference does it make?" "That’s like compa
"You suffered? From what?" Yasmin asked curiously, not knowing what happened to him. Letting out a sigh, Dominic shook his head. "I'd rather not talk about it.""Why?" Having finally met someone around her age, Yasmin was curious and concerned. Dominic considered Yasmin and said, "I just thought it was unnecessary to talk about it as it's over now. I was infected with a virus a while ago and nearly died. Fortunately, I survived.”Yasmin blinked. "Virus? What virus?" She was curious about what kind of virus could stump a miracle doctor. Dominic said flatly, "Well… The virus came from here. Didn’t you know?""I… I didn’t." After a pause, Yasmin suddenly realized something. 'Was Dominic infected by the virus from Fred's lab?'Yasmin had mixed emotions. On one hand, she wished Dominic had not suffered as she felt a sense of camaraderie with him. On the other hand, she felt proud that the virus her people created was so powerful that even the miracle doctor could not do anything
“Why?" Yasmin was baffled. "Why do you want to live forever? Aren't you tired?" Dominic’s answer stumped Yasmin. She indeed had to deal with many things every day to the point she could not stop thinking about them whenever she tried to sleep at night. However, that was why she wanted to live on. "I'm tired, but I still have many things to do. If I could prolong my life, I probably wouldn’t be as tired as I could do more without having to rush everything," she said after some thought.She attributed her problem to her life being too short. Thinking she could do more things if she had a longer lifespan, she longed for immortality. "Come on," Dominic suddenly said. Yasmin was puzzled. "Don't you think you're overthinking the problem?" he asked. "There’s an endless list of things for us to do. How long do you plan to work?" Yasmin thought, 'As long as I possibly can!'She looked away, thinking that as a commoner, Dominic would not understand why she felt so strongly about
"Won't you feel guilty? You could save so many more people or do so much more. You could even achieve the next medical breakthrough. If you live long enough, you'll be able to explore the mysteries of the world," Yasmin asked in bafflement. She wanted to live longer to see and learn more about the world. Dominic sighed and shook his head. "What for? Isn't the world depressing?"After taking a sip of water, he said, "Have we not seen enough of the horror of the world at our age? Besides, how long are we supposed to live? Are we going to watch people around us die one by one while we remain old?" Shaking his head, he added, "I don't want to become an old monster.” "Well, if there's a drug that can give you and your loved ones immortality, and you can live together forever—"Dominic burst out laughing as if he had heard something funny. "Are you nuts? Have you actually imagined what that would be like? You, me, our family, and friends live forever?"He was beside himself in tea
Yasmin smiled at Dominic once more and left. Her bodyguard then approached and grasped the handlebars of her wheelchair.Holding the handrims to stop the wheels, she looked up at him. "Place Lily and the miracle doctor in the same suite. Make sure it's spacious and comfortable." "As you say, ma’am," the bodyguard replied and went to handle the task. Yasmin looked over her shoulder at the closed door and let out a long sigh. ...Mike had not gone far from the embassy's entrance when a car pulled up beside him. He stopped in his tracks and got in.Alexander, who was inside, asked solemnly, "How did it go?""I gave it to her," Mike said flatly. "Did she buy it?" "I think so."Alexander nodded in satisfaction. "Rhea is suspicious by nature and a self-centered person. She might suspect something if it was just handed to her. The more she has to work for it, the less suspicious she’ll be." Austin shook his head. "That's human nature for you." "Well, human nature is complex
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