The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 112

hapter 112

Aliza had been worried that Athena wouldn’t want to hear about Matthew, but when she saw Athena ask, she quickly replied, “It’s pretty much confirmed, Miss. The list has already been submitted and is just waiting for official approval. I also heard that if all goes well, Mr. Monson might be transferred to the Artillery Battalion.”

Athena’s heart skipped a beat.

No sooner had rumors of a marriage alliance between the Monson and Mcgee families started circulating than news came of Matthew’s impending promotion.

As for the Pidence Guards, their daily duty was simply to keep the peace in Pidence. Frankly, it was a cushy job, nothing demanding or important.

Day–to–day, they just caught petty thieves when needed and handled minor street squabbles. Honestly, they hardly have any chance to make a name for themselves.

But the Artillery Battalion was a whole different story.

The Artillery Battalion bore the vital duty of defending the Pidence. It was the linchpin of the city’s security.

Should foreign enemies invade, the Artillery Battalion would become the Emperor’s deadliest weapon, leading the charge to repel invaders.

It was the last and most formidable line of defense for the capital, holding pivotal importance.

Once one joined the Artillery Battalion, a single military achievement could skyrocket their career, and limitless possibilities for advancement awaited.

Eloise truly spared no effort for her three sons, tirelessly pulling strings and scheming behind the scenes on their behalf.

“Miss Monson?” Athena snapped out of her thoughts to see Aliza looking at her with anxious concern.

Athena curved her lips into a gentle smile and said to Aliza, “In that case, we should celebrate properly.”

Her tone was deceptively gentle, giving away nothing of her true thoughts.

Aliza and Siena’s faces instantly lit up with beaming smiles, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

They looked as if they had already become Matthew’s mistresses, about to rise to prominence overnight alongside him.

They were completely oblivious to the deeper meaning behind Athena’s gentle smile.

That night, Athena turned in early.

In the dead of night, she was gently awakened by Trina whispering, “Miss Monson, wake up.”

Athena’s eyes snapped open, her gaze instantly sharp and alert.

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Trina stood by the bed, giving Athena a subtle nod. A faint, almost imperceptible smile curved Athena’s lips.

Then she rose and, with Trina, slipped quietly out, their footsteps light as whispers in the night.

Near the side gate, a figure knelt on the ground, with two stern–faced old women standing guard.

Seeing Athena approach, the two women hurried forward with fawning smiles. One of them said, “Miss Monson, we’ve got

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herl

Athena stepped forward, looking down at the maid imperiously. “Look up,” she commanded.

The maid sobbed helplessly, refusing to move. The matron paid no heed, grabbing her hair and yanking her head up.

At the sight of Athena’s face, the maid turned deathly pale and stammered, “Miss Monson…”

Athena recognized the maid. She was a third–tier servant from Willow’s residence, though the name escaped her.

“Your name,” Athena demanded.

She stammered, “My name is Danielle Barker, Miss.”

Athena turned to the two matrons and demanded, “What have you found out?”

Obsequiously, one of the matrons replied, “Miss Monson, this wretched girl is being very stubborn. She only admitted that Lady Willow gave her some things and allowed her to go home to visit her relatives.”

Seeing Danielle clutching a bundle, Athena motioned for Trina to swiftly snatch it away.

Opening it, she found it packed with silver coins and several pieces of jewelry, all items Willow wore regularly.

Danielle was terrified out of her wits. “Please spare me, Lady Athena! I swear I am telling the truth. These things really were given to me by Lady Willow!”

Athena gave the scattered jewelry a sharp kick. She demanded, “Only a thief would sneak out at midnight. What other explanation is there?”

Danielle was struck speechless, stammering, “I…”

Her eyes darted as she scrambled for an excuse. “I… I just thought if I left tonight, I could get home a bit sooner, Miss,” she stammered.

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