Chapter 117
After several years apart, Fermin still radiated elegance.
His demeanor was gentle, and a smile graced his face.
When he saw Athena, a trace of surprise lit up his eyes. “You’re Athena? Quickly, rise.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Athena replied, standing and expressing her gratitude.
Fermin studied her for a moment, surprise flickering
across his face. “Why do I feel… you’ve changed from how you were before?”
“She has changed indeed, matured now,” Nicolas hastily replied with deference. “She’s no longer the reckless little girl she used to be.”
Fermin gave a soft “oh” and chuckled. “Time flies. I still remember how Atheny was as a child. She wasn’t this composed back then.”
Henry and Eloise grew increasingly uneasy. They didn’t know why Fermin was bringing up Athena’s childhood.
But since his visit was clearly unusual, they had no choice but to play along with forced smiles.
Fermin’s gaze swept the courtyard, eventually landing on Joseph and the shattered imperial vase.
He smiled subtly, then followed Nicolas into the front hall. Just before leaving, he cast Athena a long, meaningful glance.
That glance made her skin crawl.
She couldn’t accompany them into the hall, so she stayed back.
In the front hall, Fermin took the main seat while Henry quickly ordered servants to serve the finest tea.
He, Eloise, and Nicolas all sat with him.
The aroma of the coffee filled the room. Fermin gently inhaled and praised, “Excellent.”
“We specially prepared it for you,” Henry said with flattering enthusiasm.
Fermin nodded in satisfaction. But then his tone shifted, chilling Hehry to the bone. “I’ve always trusted you, Duke Henry, but look at what you’ve done lately.”
His sudden change in tone turned everyone’s face pale. They all dropped to their knees.
“Get up, get up,” Fermin said with a smile, but Henry didn’t dare rise. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead.
Seeing this, Fermin chuckled again. “What’s wrong? You’ve made such a mess, and I’m not allowed a little complaint?”
Henry cautiously glanced at him and, seeing no true anger, finally let out a breath of relief.
Thirty thousand silver coins were nothing to Fermin.
Even the matter of Joseph breaking an imperial gift could be resolved with a word from him.
He was deeply favored by the king. If he were willing to intercede, Joseph could escape punishment
But Henry knew Fermin was no benevolent man. If he agreed to help, there would certainly be a price.
After praising him again, Henry cautiously asked, “Your Highness is generous and willing to mediate for our house. I’m truly ashamed. Even if I gave my life in return, I couldn’t repay your grace.”
Indeed, flattery had never failed.
Fermin was clearly pleased with Henry’s groveling. He smiled lightly. “You exaggerate. It’s not that serious. But there is indeed a tricky matter at handso
“Your Highness, please speak. If it’s within my ability, I will serve you wholeheartedly,” Henry promised,
Fermin waved a hand. “My uncle is gravely ill. Only the snow pills from Herb Hall can save him. But the miracle healer who made it disappeared three years ago. Recently, I heard whispers that the doctor has resurfaced.”
understood what Fermin was implying.
Everyone in the room looked surprised. Henry immediately
At this critical point in the power struggle, gaining the support of
There was indeed such a bell, but it had been a gift from Athena.
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