Chapter 141

Athena followed the techniques Xander had taught her, practicing with hidden weapons for half an hour. Before long, she began to feel the strain.

Though it was a hidden weapon, to a complete beginner like her, it was extremely challenging.

How could my arms ache this much in such a short time? she thought. Yet she refused to give up, gritting her teeth and persisting through the pain.

Just as Athena was about to continue practicing, Xander called her to a halt. “Come. Have some water.”

Under the banyan tree, Xander’s chiseled features and deep, contemplative eyes set him apart. Yet in a fleeting, unintentional glance, an unconscious tenderness softened his noble demeanor.

It was a pity Athena wasn’t paying attention to Xander at all.

When she glanced back, she only saw him pouring water. His hands were almost unfairly perfect, perfectly proportioned.

Athena couldn’t help but think, ‘God must truly favor His Highness. He was born into privilege, blessed with striking features, and even his hands are so exquisite.

“No wonder people say others can’t compare to even one of his fingers.”

Xander slid a cup of water toward her. “Have some water,” he said.

Athena quickly averted her gaze from Xander’s hands, feeling a bit uneasy. ‘How improper of me. I nearly lost my composure,’ she thought.

She hastily accepted the water with both hands and bowed slightly. “Thank you, Your Highness,” Athena said respectfully.

Xander frowned slightly. ‘Am I that intimidating?’ he wondered. ‘Why does Athena always treat me like some distant elder every time she sees me?’

Athena noticed Xander’s frown and grew even more uneasy. ‘Did I offend His Highness with my improper manners?’ she wondered anxiously. ‘Oh, now I get it.’

She remembered what Nelson had said. Xander disliked people getting too close.

She hastily stood up and took two steps back. Then, she finished her water in one gulp.

Xander looked at her in confusion, only to hear Athena respectfully say, “Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now.”

Nelson had just arrived with a tray of pastries when he overheard Athena’s words.

Noticing Xander’s face darken, Nelson quickly stepped forward and said anxiously, “Miss Monson, must you leave so soon? I have just prepared these pastries. Please, do try some before you go.”

“But-” Athena glanced at Xander, whose expression was darkening by the second, and hesitated.

‘They say His Highness is temperamental–seems they’re right,’ she thought. ‘With him clearly displeased, if I overstayed my welcome, I would only make myself even more unwelcome.’

Feeling embarrassed, Athena turned to Nelson and said apologetically, “Sorry, Nelson, but there are some household matters I really must attend to at home.”

Nelson anxiously wiped the sweat from his brow. “What’s the rush?”

He glanced at Athena and Xander–just a moment ago, they seemed to be getting along so well. ‘Why is she leaving all of a sudden?’ he wondered, clearly puzzled.

“Uh, well,” Athena stammered, her mind racing. Honestly, dealing with Xander was even more stressful than getting scolded by her master for failing herbal exams.

Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. “It’s about my marriage,” she blurted out.

Just as Athena was about to relax, a sharp cracking sound cut through the air. The cup in Xander’s hand exploded into countless shards.

Nelson gaped in shock. Xander, always the epitome of composure, had actually lost his temper.

What is His Highness so angry about?’ Nelson wondered in shock. ‘Could it be about Miss Monson’s marriage?’

Just as this thought crossed his mind, Nelson noticed an uncharacteristic flicker of panic in Xander’s eyes.

Athena’s palms grew clammy with sweat. ‘Is His Highness actually angry?’ she wondered.

Before she could think further, Xander’s deep voice rang out, “Who are you betrothed to?”

“To Ferris, heir to the McGee family,” Athena answered in a small voice.

A cold, mocking laugh escaped Xander’s lips. Though he said nothing, the displeasure in his eyes was unmistakable.

‘What’s he so upset about? It’s not like he’s the one marrying Ferris,’ Athena wondered and felt a bit annoyed. ‘Xander, you’re really overstepping.’

Xander let out a light chuckle and said to Athena, “Marriage is no trivial matter. You should be more cautious.”

His expression and demeanor made her feel as if an elder were pressuring her.

Athena felt even more uncomfortable and replied perfunctorily, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but I believe Ferris is a good man and worthy of my trust.”

She wasn’t heartless. Ferris had sacrificed so much for her. That was why she refused to let anyone look down on him. Whatever Xander’s motives, she would stand up for Ferris.

Xander’s gaze held a glimmer of conflicting emotions as he looked at Athena. After a long pause, he let out a long sigh. “Forget it. You may leave.”

Athena turned on her heel and left without so much as a backward glance.

Nelson was dumbfounded. He glanced at his sulking master, then at Athena, and had no choice but to hurry after her.

Poor old man, frail with age, he was panting by the time he finally caught up to Athena at the main gate.

“Miss Monson, His Highness speaks without thinking. Please don’t take his words to heart,” Nelson pleaded, nearly frantic with worry.

The truth was that Xander wanted to show he cared, but the way he spoke could drive anyone mad. But that was Xander, straightforward and candid.

After a brisk walk, Athena had finally cooled down.

She just didn’t get why everyone felt the need to meddle in her marriage. The elders in the household did so, and now even Xander.

Seeing the anxious look on Nelson’s face, Athena gave him a faint smile. “Nelson, you’re overthinking it. Why would I ever be angry with him?”

Though she claimed not to be upset, her smile was a little forced.

Nelson wanted to say that Xander had been waiting for Athena all along, but he worried that saying so might scare her off for good.

Forcing a careful smile, he replied obsequiously, “Yes, Miss Monson, someone as gracious as you would never hold it against him.”

Seeing how cautious old butler Nelson looked, Athena felt a pang of guilt. “I’ll come back in three days,” she said gently.