At the Monson Manor, Athena had stepped out of the courtyard after settling Lady Margaret.

Her eyes landed on a figure not far away, and she froze in place. She’d never known anyone could pull off black so flawlessly. Xander was regal and dignified, like nobility personified. Even if he was just standing there, he was a sight to behold.

Xander seemed to notice Athena’s gaze. Turning to her, he inquired, “Have you settled Lady Margaret in?”

His deep voice was intoxicating.

Athena walked up to him, curtsied gracefully, and said, “Thank you for your assistance, Prince Xander.”

Deep down, Athena felt a pang of bitterness. It was humiliating that what Xander could do with such ease had nearly cost her her life. Athena wondered when she would be able to reach Xander’s level.

“What’s on your mind?” Xander asked.

Athena fluttered her long lashes and answered truthfully, “I’m thinking about the day I can finally rise to the top and crush everyone who’s wronged me beneath my heel, one by one.”

Even though Athena could barely protect herself, there were so many people she wanted to protect, like her grandfather and grandmother. Xander curved his lips into a subtle smile, his piercing eyes softening as the usual frostiness in his gaze gave way to a hint of warmth.

“Never letting a slight go unpunished. Good,” Xander said.

Xander’s praise made Athena a little flustered. “But I’m still far from capable. Instead, I keep imposing on you, Prince Xander. How improper of me.”

Xander frowned at her words. “I did all this of my own volition. There’s no need to keep thanking me, Athena.”

Athena was about to say more when Xander changed the subject. “I heard you’re investigating General Perkins’s case.”

He was frank, completely unreserved. Athena knew Xander was utterly unconcerned with others’ opinions.

Athena felt a warmth bloom in her chest and nodded. “Yes.”

“This case is quite delicate. Even if you investigate, you won’t uncover anything substantial. You might even face some opposition,” Xander spoke softly, his gaze on Athena unwavering.

Xander continued, “I’ve already sent people to look into the matter. You should keep a low profile on your end to avoid drawing attention.”

Athena’s voice trembled as she blurted out, “Is my grandfather alright? Is there any hope of overturning the case?”

Athena’s grandfather was exiled for embezzlement and has been in exile for three years now. Over these three years, any evidence would have been obliterated.

Athena thought to herself, “I know I can’t bring Grandfather back right away, but at the very least, I just need to know how he’s doing.”

Overcome with urgency, Athena impulsively grabbed Xander’s hand, her eyes wide with desperate concern. Unlike most women whose hands were always cold, Athena’s were surprisingly warm, and smooth and soft to the touch.

Xander glanced down at her hand. Athena, as if scalded, jerked her hand back.

Athena took a moment to compose herself, then said apologetically, “My apologies, Prince Xander. I let my actions get the better of me.”

After speaking, Athena looked up at Xander, her eyes wide with eager anticipation.

Faced with her pleading expression, Xander found it impossible to refuse. He said, “I can’t guarantee the case will be overturned, but I give you my word. Your grandfather will come to no harm.”

“I’ve arranged covert protection for him. The conditions in the Northwest are harsh, and he’ll have to endure some hardship. Make sure you don’t give anyone reason to suspect anything,” Xander said.

Athena understood that Xander was warning her.

Someone had deliberately set up and framed her grandfather back then. If the old case were to be reopened now, it would only tip off the real culprits. Although Athena could investigate, it had to be done covertly.

Athena gave a firm nod. “Understood, Prince Xander.”

Sunlight bathed her in a golden halo, softening the edge about her. Standing before Xander, Athena looked as docile and innocent as a young fawn, her wide eyes full of trust and uncertainty.

Xander reached out and gently stroked her head. “It’s time to go.”

His hand withdrew in an instant, as light and fleeting as a dragonfly skimming the surface of the water.

Athena stood frozen for a heartbeat. Snapping back to her senses, she hurried after Xander. “Prince Xander, let me walk you out,” she called, flustered.

Xander didn’t say a word, but he deliberately slowed his steps, clearly waiting for Athena to catch up. They walked out side by side until they reached the courtyard gate, where a carriage from the Xander Manor was already waiting.

Xander paused and looked at Athena. “Your estate isn’t exactly secure with so few people around. I’ve arranged for some of my men to guard the place. Don’t take it the wrong way. They won’t interfere with your freedom, and I have no intention of keeping you under surveillance.”

“Though we’re in the imperial capital under the Emperor’s watch, sinister forces lurk everywhere,” Xander warned. “I can’t always be by your side for protection, so you must stay vigilant. If anything happens, send word to the Xander Manor immediately.”

Xander seemed to possess boundless patience. He had already considered every detail for Athena, yet he still meticulously went over everything with her, never tiring of his gentle reminders.

It was as if, the moment Athena left his sight, she’d instantly fall into danger.

Even after boarding the carriage, Xander didn’t forget to remind Athena, “If anyone from the duke’s estate comes to bother you again, simply turn them away at the gate. Should anyone dare force their way in, my guards will deal with them.”

Xander spoke, and Athena listened in silence.

Though she remained silent, a quiet radiance of dawning hope began to glow in her eyes.

Xander watched Athena standing there, so soft and rosy-cheeked like a little marshmallow, and his heart melted.

With a gentle tap on the carriage, Xander signaled the driver to set off. He was afraid that if he did not leave now, he might never be able to tear himself away.

Athena watched as his carriage disappeared from sight before finally turning back inside.

Trina and Marquita exchanged knowing glances. Trina’s cheeks flushed pink with excitement. “Prince Xander,” she gushed, “he’s so gentle!”

Marquita said, “Lady Athena, you and Prince Xander are truly a perfect match. In all my years, I have never seen a man so thoughtful and considerate.”

Marquita thought to herself, “If Lady Athena could marry Prince Xander, they would surely find true happiness.”

Athena put on a mock scared face and teased, “That’s because you haven’t seen Prince Xander’s ruthless side. The two Manson brothers were beaten black and blue by him. Still think he’s gentle?”

“Wow?” Trina exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. “Prince Xander is so incredible!”

“Prince Xander is defending your honor, Lady Athena. You mustn’t be afraid of him,” Trina mused.

Marquita was practically beaming with joy as she bustled off toward the kitchen. “Prince Xander has helped you so much, Lady Athena. You simply must show your appreciation. Let me whip up some pastries for you to take to him,”

With that, Marquita marched off without even waiting for Athena’s consent.

Trina cheered as she followed behind Marquita, “I’ll help!”

Athena was stunned.

“These two are getting bolder by the day,” Athena thought wryly. “Making plans without even waiting for my answer.”

An hour later, Marquita thrust the pastry box into Athena’s hands. “Lady Athena, off you go now!”

Athena was reluctant to move. “I haven’t visited Grandmother yet.”

Marquita blocked the doorway, not letting Athena pass. “Lady Margaret already had her medicine and is fast asleep, Lady Athena. No more excuses, off you go!”

Athena frowned and stammered, “I–I still have medicine to prepare.”

Trina popped her head out and winked mischievously at Athena. “Don’t worry, Lady Athena. I’ve finished preparing all those medicines for you, and there are no patients at the clinic today. You can go without a care.”

Cornered with no escape, Athena found herself ushered into the carriage by Marquita.

Seated in the carriage, Athena fell deep into thought. “Minister Alfred Beren must know something about Grandfather’s case,” she mused.

“To the Xander Manor,” she instructed the coachman.

Athena decided that she would drop off the pastries at the Xander Manor, then swing by the Beren residence.