The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 330

Chapter 330

At that moment, Ferris stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, to prove my loyalty, I am willing to donate most of my fortune to the imperial treasury.”

Hearing this, Arthur’s eyes lit up as he looked at Ferris.

རྟ ལྟ ཀྟི ་ ཌྷ

Ferris was a mentor of commerce, his wealth rivaled that of the nation itself.

If he truly meant to make such a donation, it would be an absolute godsend for the empire.

“How commendable of you to have such devotion,” Arthur said with a satisfied nod, a genuine smile returning to his eyes.

He took another look at Ferris, thinking, “This boy has always been frail and sickly since childhood. But ever since Athena treated him, he’s made a remarkable recovery.

Arthur glanced at Thanatus, who understood his unspoken command and gave a subtle nod.

With the matter settled, Arthur dismissed everyone from the grand hall.

Ferris paused outside the hall, gave Xander a slight bow, and said, “Thank you for your assistance, Prince Xander.”

Though his face remained composed, his eyes betrayed traces of suppressed hostility.

Xander gave him a cool glance. “Save your thanks. I only intervened because you once helped my wife. Choose your next steps carefully.”

He owed Ferris nothing, just as Athena owed him nothing.

The debt was settled.

He’d said his piece. Whether Ferris would listen was up to him now.

Xander descended the palace steps, his tall figure swiftly vanishing into the grand corridors.

Ferris stood motionless, his gaze fixed coldly on Xander’s retreating figure. Only when Xander was about to disappear did he finally let his pent–up hostility show.

Inside his sleeve, his fingers had long since curled into white–knuckled fists.

He vowed silently, ‘I won’t give up on Athena. This theft of what should have been mine will be repaid in full.

“Your Lordship.” Thanatus’s reedy voice called from behind.

Ferris swiftly masked the hostility in his eyes. By the time he turned around, his face had regained its usual composure.

He

gave Thanatus a slight nod.

Thanatus beamed at him and bowed. “Your Lordship, wonderful news! His Majesty requests your presence in the Imperial Study for a private audience.”

A faint smile touched Ferris’s lips as he replied deferentially, “As His Majesty commands.”

Thanatus led the way, Ferris following close behind.

1/2

As he rounded the corridor, a figure came into view in the distance.

Michael stood frozen, staring at him with undisguised astonishment, his eyes widening in shock.

Ferris met his gaze, a cold smirk curling at the corners of his lips.

As Ferris’s figure disappeared, Michael finally muttered under his breath, “Betraying his own father? What an interesting move, using this as proof of loyalty to climb the social ladder?”

To be honest, Michael hadn’t seen that coming at all.

He’d always thought Ferris was not worth a second thought.

Yet today, he actually showed some real backbone.

Meanwhile, Ferris followed Thanatus into the Imperial Study. Arthur beckoned him closer with an appreciative look and said, “You have a sharp mind for business. Would you be interested in serving the Crown?”

Ferris knelt before Arthur and pledged, “I would lay down my life for Your Majesty without hesitation.”

“Excellent,” Arthur said with visible pleasure, motioning for him to rise.

Arthur’s expression turned slightly troubled as he said, “Then put your talents to use, generate revenue for the Crown. Are you willing to do this?”

“I pledge my service,” Ferris answered without a moment’s hesitation.

Arthur, seeing how readily Ferris agreed, let out a low chuckle. “Don’t be so quick to accept. If you take on this role, you’ll have to operate in the shadows, never showing your true face. Your hands may even be stained with blood. Even so, are you still willing?”

Ferris’s eyes reddened at the corners, a cold, humorless smile curving his lips. “I am.”

Ferris thought, ‘As long as I can seize power, I don’t care if I have to become a demon to do it.”

“Very well.” Arthur gave an approving nod. “In that case, take this.”

On the imperial desk rested a golden seal in silence.

Its front was inscribed with “Tianbao Bureau,” while the reverse bore characters. “Imperial Inspector.”

This was an imperially–bestowed, python–patterned key to a secret position, allowing its holder to bypass all departments and report directly to the Emperor.

To put it plainly, this was Arthur’s shadowy operation, and Ferris would serve as the Emperor’s shadow outside the palace.

2/2