"Don't worry, Your Grace. I'm sure I can develop anything. The stuff probably exists since Dr. Blanc could detect traces of an invisibility potion. Perhaps it's still kept in the house where Alexander held me.""So you know how to make it?" Seeing her scheming look, Fred was pleased. He liked people who were ambitious and cunning. Only they were helpful to him. "Yes, you can trust me. Also, if you give me some time, I'll prove I can do better than Lily," she said earnestly. "Lily?" Fred was surprised to hear the name. He had not visited her all day. It was not that he had forgotten about her, but Ross kept asking to see him. First, the prince said he needed to discuss something important with Fred. Then, the prince mentioned meeting with a foreign minister and wanted Fred to join. Afterward, the prince said he was confused about something.Fred was frustrated and anxious, but he could not lose his temper. After all, Ross was a prince in the prime of his life and was relatively
"Youโve misunderstood me, Your Grace. Anyway, I'll show you I can do it!" Rhea said despite herself. It was not just a promise to Fred but also to herself. She knew she had to deliver to secure a place in the organization.Fred had no patience for promises, so he turned and left in a hurry. He wanted to look for changes in the queen and Lily's data and whether everything stayed normal. Since Ross was around, Fred could only wait until the former left before proceeding with the experimentโs last phase. Although Ross said he would only be around for three days, he showed no intentions of leaving. He even overstayed for one and a half days.Worse, Ross hardly went elsewhere. Fred had arranged for a guide to take him around the city. However, the prince claimed he had visited the place a few days ago and wanted to stay in the embassy to discuss national affairs with the duke. Fred was upset but could do nothing. Still, he had to go downstairs to check out the two's data and condition
Even after nudging her with his cane, Lily remained still. Fred grew alarmed as the tip of his cane was slightly sharp, which should have stung her. He shook her, shouting, "Lily?! Lily!" Realizing she was not faking it and might be asleep or dead, he yelled, "Get me a doctor, stat!"Since guards were outside, they soon fetched several doctors. They anxiously gathered while Fred pointed to Lily in the bed, flustered despite himself. He could not afford to let her die now since he still needed her body.He wanted to use her to at least test if R10 would work. 'It would be such a pity if she dies now. All my efforts would go to waste. No, I can't let her die now!' Fred thought. He grabbed a doctorโs collar and shouted, "You must save her!" Knowing his bad temper, the doctor nervously said, "She's not dead yet, Your Grace! She's just passed out. However, her readings are worseningโ"Fred impatiently pulled him up by his collar. โSo?โโThis is a bad sign. Lily could be dyingโฆ"
Fred was furious. "I don't care! Do whatever is necessary to save her. If not, I'll fucking kill you all!" He meant every word he said. The doctors were there to conduct the data analysis. They monitored the queen and Lily's health to ensure their bodily functions remained optimal. Fred wanted everything perfect to draw the best conclusion based on the results. Yet, the doctors told him Lily was dying now that he was so close to accomplishing his goals. Fred could not accept it.โWhy would Lily suddenly end up like this under such tight surveillance?โFred asked the guard, "What did she eat yesterday?" The guard shook his head. "The usual. No one went inside, so she couldn't have eaten anything else.""That's strange." Fred turned and approached the doctor. "How is she?""She's not getting any better. Although her heart rate is slow, itโs still beating. She will live for now, but her condition is bad," the doctor concluded. After some thought, Fred shoved the doctors aside
Fred was in a terrible mood when he left the room. He stomped toward the queen's bedroom but stopped when he got near. After changing his mind, he turned and walked back. Although he had someone watching Ross, he could not risk the prince learning that he had imprisoned the queen there. Fred might not necessarily lose if Ross were to confront him, but the former did not want to make things difficult for himself. He went to Rossโs bedroom and thought he was still there. After exchanging looks with his subordinate, Fred knew the prince had not left recently. Feeling somewhat relaxed, Fred knocked on the door. However, There was no response.'He's not like Lily, is he?'Fred frowned and knocked on the door again. "Your Highness, I need to discuss something with you."However, there was not even a sound.Thinking no one was inside, Fred looked to his subordinate, who gestured in confusion that no one had left the room. Fred cleared his throat and knocked harder. "Your Highness? I'm
"Well, I have news about Her Majesty."Ross sat up straight and stared at Fred solemnly. "You do?""Yes." Fred nodded. "Her Majesty told me where she was going before leaving, butโฆ" "You knew?" Ross said menacingly, dragging out the last word. He snorted, "How dare you, Fred? You told me differently back then."Fred looked apologetic. "I had my reasons for lying to you, Your Highness. Her Majesty forbade me from telling anyone." "So you're saying my mom didn't want you to tell me where she is?" Knowing so, Ross relaxed and leaned back, gazing suspiciously at Fred with a raised brow. "I'm afraid so." Fred nodded. "Her Majesty said I must keep it a secret before she left. Her Majesty hasn't contacted me since. She probably doesn't want me to know where she is, either. That's why I didn't tell you about it immediately, Your Highness.""So mysterious, huh?" Ross smiled. "Then why are you telling me now? Aren't you defying my mom's order?"Fred frowned and clenched his fists. Tak
"Your Highness, I know you're upset and worried about Her Majesty's safety, but what matters most is to locate her now. You can punish me however you like after she returns safely. I know I've failed you and her," Fred said earnestly. "Then tell me, how am I supposed to find her?" Ross gazed coldly at him.Fred answered, "It's best if someone could look for Her Majesty so we know she's safe.""Are you suggesting I approach the Hyderland government?" Ross said, raising his brow. Fred shook his head. "Of course not! The less people know about it, the better. If not, this would put Her Majesty in even greater danger.""You donโt want to alert the authorities here? Fred, do you think we're in our country? Would they let you do whatever you like in Hyderland?" Ross slammed the coffee table. Startled, Fred continued, "Your Highness, I know I might sound unreasonable, but think about it. If this gets out, itโll endanger Her Majesty, and the government here will know she has been secr
"Why don't you tell me how we're supposed to find her?" Ross asked steadily. "Well, we can get a few trusted men to look for her secretly. It's better if they are close to Her Majesty so they can persuade her," Fred studied Rossโs expression and answered carefully, "If not, she might not want to return, even if we find her."Nodding, Ross said, "According to you, it seems I'm the only suitable candidate, aren't I?""You?" Fred looked astonished, then nodded as if catching on. "That's right! You're the perfect candidate for the task, Your Highness! You're supposed to be returning to Yudonia soon.โIf we tell others you've returned, no one would know where you are. You can look for the queen secretlyโwhen you do, you're the only person who can change her mind. You could make her if she refuses to listen, and no one would hold it against you."Fred nodded as he spoke, as if he grew increasingly convinced of his own words."That was an excellent suggestion, Your Highness. โHe gave R
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, โThereโs something I find strange.โโWhat is it?โ Mike asked after comforting his son.โInstead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldnโt we reach him?โAfter some thought, Mike answered, โThere are two possibilities. Itโs probably due to poor signals, or he doesnโt want us to contact him.โThe two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.โWhy canโt we contact Ross? Is he planning something?โโฆThree days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queenโs leg and looked up at her, saying, โYou should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, itโll take some time before you can stand.โSuddenly, Lily chuckled.โWhy are you laughing?โ 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, โOf course, you wouldnโt.โโThatโsโฆ quite a pity,โ the queen murmured thoughtfully.โWell, thereโs a price to pay for everything. Thatโs how the world balances itself,โ Lily continued, โI canโt stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I wonโt witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isnโt something youโll regret.โLily 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 Yasminโs legs. โYour Majesty, those needlesโโThe queen waved dismissively. โItโs okay. Lily will remove them later.โEven so, Rick was wary. โYouโre being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that womanโโโShe wouldnโt,โ 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.โTell me. What do you want?โ The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lilyโs 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 donโt 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 wasnโt sure if youโd blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didnโt 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.โThatโs it?!โ 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.โI havenโt felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldnโt mind waiting for three more days.โโAre you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?โ 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, โI canโt guarantee that youโll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you havenโt used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, youโll recover slowly.โYasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
โBecause only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""Iโฆ don't trust anyone." Yasminโs 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? Youโve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Arenโt you tired of living a lonely life?โLily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasminโs back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, โSightsee, huh? Iโve forgotten what thatโs like.โYasmin 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 Lilyโs suggestion.Lily asked, โWhat 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 couldnโt 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 whoโs willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against youโ Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.โHowever, 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?""Youโฆ" 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, โBring Lily over. Iโd like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.โ"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must youโ"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, โHer Majesty wants to see you.โLily 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. โYou stay.โ"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesnโt 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 queenโs 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, โIf any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They wonโt do that to me. Itโs natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. Iโm the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.โAfter a short silence, Lily said, โYouโre right.โ She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, โMe too.โDominic 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, โThanks, you guys!โ"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and donโt be rash like you promised," Aust