The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 352

Chapter 352

Lizzie downed her wine in one gulp and set the glass down on the table with deliberate force.

Noticing this, the maid who was standing nearby promptly refilled her glass.

On the other hand, Athena set her glass down on the table, paying no heed to Lizzie’s provocation.

Athena even gave Lizzie a faint, cool smile, as if to say, “Your little games don’t bother me at all.”

Athena’s nonchalant attitude genuinely infuriated Lizzie, and the mere thought of having to address Athena as her “Royal Aunt” made Lizzie wish she were dead.

At that moment, Arthur and the Queen made their entrance into the Grand Hall.

All attendees rose to their feet in greeting, then dropped to their knees in a thunderous chorus of acclamations.

Only after Arthur and the Queen had taken their seats did the gala officially commence.

The music and dance began, filling the Grand Hall with merriment.

When the performance concluded, Fermin rose and bowed respectfully to Arthur. “Father,” he said, “I’ve specially prepared a gift. May I invite Your Majesty and the Queen to step outside the Grand Hall to see it?”

Athena suddenly realized that Fermin’s gift was the much–hyped fireworks display everyone had been talking about.

Of course, Arthur was well aware of this. He, too, had been eagerly anticipating this for a long time.

Arthur nodded approvingly in response, “Very well. That is very thoughtful, my son.”

Arthur and the Queen exchanged a delighted smile, then, arm in arm, stepped out of the Grand Hall, with the eyes of the court upon them.

The ministers and their families followed in procession, all eager to witness the spectacle.

Fermin wore a smug expression as he thought, ‘If this fireworks display could win the King’s favor, I would be one step closer to securing the position of the crown prince.

The assembled guests took their positions outside the Grand Hall. Amid the crowd, Athena noticed a smug, triumphant look on Willow’s face.

Willow clung tightly to Michael, looking every bit like a delicate and dependent woman.

Athena’s heart skipped a beat as she wondered, ‘The Duke’s Estate had pledged itself to Fermin.

‘If this fireworks display goes off without a hitch, wouldn’t that make Fermin even more unstoppable?‘

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As Athena was lost in thought, she suddenly felt her hand gently enveloped by a large, warm, reassuring one.

Athena looked up and found Xander’s gaze locked intently on hers.

Xander reached out and gave Athena a gentle tap on the forehead. “Focus,” he said softly.

Suddenly, a dazzling firework burst overhead, instantly illuminating the entire night sky like daylight.

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The fireworks went off with such tremendous force that they bathed the entire Palace in blinding light, turning night into

day

It was a staggering five times larger than any ordinary firework–it was absolutely colossal.

Moreover, the colors and shapes of the fireworks were utterly unique.

The crowd erupted in gasps and cheers, “This is magnificent! It is so beautiful!”

Arthur nodded his head in satisfaction. Eyes shining in admiration, he exclaimed, “This is truly extraordinary!”

Overhead, the fireworks continued to burst in rapid succession. Arthur turned to the Queen with a face full of affection and remarked, “Our son Fermin has done exceptionally well.”

The Queen smiled modestly and said, “Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. Fermin mentioned that there will be a grand finale.”

“Oh? And what might that be?” Arthur asked, his curiosity thoroughly piqued.

At this moment, as the fireworks ceased, Fermin turned to Arthur with a bow and said, “Father, please wait a moment longer. The grand finale is called ‘Peace Beyond the Throne‘ and it symbolises our hope for an Era of Peace and Prosperity. May our country and its people enjoy abundant harvests and everlasting peace.”

Upon hearing this, all eyes turned skyward in eager anticipation, each imagining the splendor of this “Peace Beyond the Throne” display.

But the crowd waited and waited, yet nothing appeared in the sky.

Fermin’s face betrayed his growing impatience. Just as beads of sweat broke out on his forehead, a deafening explosion erupted from beneath his feet.

Immediately after, fireworks exploded directly overhead, instantly bathing the entire Pidence City in blinding light, turning the night into day.

Countless flaming projectiles blazed across the sky, and before anyone could react, they rained down to the ground at a terrifying speed.

Suddenly, screams erupted from the crowd, and the chilling cries echoed through the night.

No one had expected the falling flames to explode on impact.

With a thunderous blast, the explosion instantly set people’s clothes ablaze, filling the air with panicked, agonized screams.

“Protect His Majesty! Protect the King!” Thanatus cried urgently, shielding Arthur and the Queen as he rushed the pair toward the safety of the Grand Hall.

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