Chapter 109

Athena was never one to beat around the bush. Since Ferris asked, she told him directly.

Just as Athena was about to say something, Gale’s voice suddenly cut in. “Atheny, come here! I just got a new box of rouge. Come take a look for me, will you?”

The sudden appearance of Gale made Ferris show visible displeasure.

He was about to signal her with his eyes, but she acted as if she hadn’t seen it and affectionately took Athena’s hand.

“You little brat, how could you ask a young lady such a question so bluntly? Can’t you see Atheny is embarrassed?” Gale chided Ferris. He awkwardly took a step back, only then noticing Athena had her head lowered, silent.

A layer of sweat broke out on his face as he quickly apologized, “… I was too reckless.”

Gale ushered Athena out, arm in arm. Ferris wanted to follow, but didn’t dare.

All Ferris could do was watch helplessly as Athena was led away by Gale.

Gale led Athena into the garden, the two women conversing as they walked.

“Why did you stop me, Princess Gale?” Athena Monson asked.

Gale gently patted her hand, her face carrying a bitter smile. “Ferris has only just begun to recover. I don’t want anything to distract him. Athena… good girl. You must understand a mother’s heart, right?”

Seeing the flicker in Gale’s eyes, Athena understood.

Athena smiled and said, “You must have misunderstood. I won’t marry Ferris.”

“What?” Gale was surprised. She hadn’t expected Athena to be unwilling. “But you two grew up together, and… don’t you like him?”

Athena looked at the princess’s worried face and couldn’t help but smile. “You’ve misunderstood. I have no romantic feelings for him. We can be friends, even like siblings, but never partners.”

Ferris was a good man, but Athena’s heart had long since gone cold. She no longer had any interest in any man.

Gale let out a long sigh of relief. She had rushed over in fear the two had already made a private pledge.

Now, hearing Athena’s words, she finally felt at ease.

Every mother worried about their child. Athena was indeed a good girl, but her reputation was already tarnished. She was not worthy of her son.

Now, Gale’s gaze toward Athena finally softened into a sincere smile. “You’ve had a hard life since you were young. I truly pity you. Since you have no intention toward Ferris, I won’t force you.”

They walked to a pavilion, and Gale sat down.

She held Athena’s hand with familiarity and said, “But Ferris’s temperament is troublesome. Since he hasn’t fully recovered, I may have to trouble you to put on one more act.”

Athena didn’t like being used, but when she thought of Michael’s obsessive behavior, she responded. “I’m willing to help, but if Ferris misunderstands, it would cause more trouble.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle that,” Gale said kindly.

Soon, an elderly maid arrived with a brocade box.

When opened, it revealed a box full of gold.

Gale smiled at Athena. “You saved my son’s life. I have nothing better to give. Please don’t dislike this small token.”

Gale was clearly trying to buy off Athena’s past kindness with money. Without the favor owed, Athena would have no excuse to lean on Ferris.

Though she felt a bit uncomfortable at the gesture, she took the box anyway to ease Gale’s heart. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

As expected, Gale’s smile grew even wider after Athena accepted it.

After chatting a while, Athena finally left.

Not long after, Ferris rushed over to Gale.

“Mother,” Ferris called out as he approached Gale.

Seeing him, Gale smiled warmly, her eyes gentle. “So anxious. Was it about that girl from the Monson family!”

Ferris scratched his cheek awkwardly. “You already knew, so why ask!”

Then, he looked at her expectantly, his tone urgent. “Did Atheny agree?”

Gale pulled him to sit down and smiled. “You’re in such a hurry. Of course I helped you.”

Upon hearing that, Ferris’s face lit up. “She really agreed?”

Gale gently coaxed, “Then you mustn’t let her down. You must get well soon and stop throwing childish tantrums.”

Ferris beamed, slamming his fists on the table. “She said yes. She really said yes!”

Realizing his outburst, he quickly apologized, “Forgive me, Mother. I lost control.”

Gale smiled. “As long as you’re safe and well, I’m content.”

Ferris said, “Yes. I’ll take my medicine on time and never worry you again.”

Gale watched Ferris’s elated expression, her smile slightly forced.

She knew he liked Athena, but she simply couldn’t let such a girl into the family.

On the way back, Athena passed by the Delight Tavern and saw a commotion.

Someone was making a scene, shouting that they had never won the tavern’s lottery after participating for days, and demanded their money back. “Give me back my money!” the man screamed, trying to force his way into the tavern, but the guards swiftly moved to block his path.

Soon, a brawl broke out, and the troublemaker was thrown out, battered and bruised.

The scene didn’t end there. Soon after, a woman appeared crying bitterly at the tavern entrance. “Honey, please come out! The child is sick and needs treatment. How could you waste my money? How are we supposed to live?”

Her wails tugged at everyone’s hearts. But no matter how she cried, her husband never came out.

Her young child clung to her leg, wailing loudly. The scene was pitiful.

Athena watched intently, and the carriage driver took the opportunity to speak. “Miss, Delight Tavern has been causing quite a stir lately. Some people became thieves to keep gambling. Others abandoned their families to indulge inside.”

He added, “Some even sold their children just to enjoy the company of women.”

He shook his head, his face full of anger: “I don’t know what kind of wicked person set this up. This isn’t a tavern. It’s a den of debauchery!”