Athena threw out that cold sentence and turned to leave.

From beginning to end, she showed not the slightest bit of sympathy for Michael, let alone go up to comfort him.

Michael could only watch helplessly as Athena and Xander walked away. Their departing figures pierced his eyes like thorns.

At this moment, his heart was filled with a strange, indescribable bitterness. In the past, when Athena gave her heart to him, he scoffed at it. Now that she didn’t want him anymore, he finally realized how painful it was to be ignored and abandoned.

The wounds on his back were still bleeding, yet the physical pain didn’t compare to the pain Athena had brought him.

Michael let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. ‘This is karma,’ he thought.

Athena and Xander entered the Heaven Hall. Arthur was reclining on a soft couch, resting with his eyes closed.

Thanatus quietly stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, Prince Xander and Viscountess Athena have arrived.”

Arthur opened his eyes, his face drawn with fatigue. “Let them in,” he commanded.

Lately, Arthur had neither eaten nor slept well, plagued by constant headaches.

Countless state affairs awaited his judgment, yet his ministers were unreliable. None of them gave him peace of mind.

As for Michael, though a marquis, his negligence had resulted in many civilians being severely injured, and Arthur had no choice but to punish him.

The Court of Judicial Review had also delivered more news. The eldest son of Henry had broken the law, driving his own sister out of the household, poisoning the old madam, and framing his sister.

Later it was found that it wasn’t poison in the traditional sense, but that he had given her toxic mushrooms.

Still, each of these incidents was a slap in the King’s face.

Athena was a miracle healer and a titled viscountess, personally conferred by him.

And Nicolas was foolish to offend a viscountess.

And for Xander’s sake alone, that scoundrel from the Monson family deserved punishment.

“Greetings, Your Majesty,” Athena said reverently, kneeling on the floor with her head bowed.

Xander, of noble rank, merely bowed his head slightly.

This was only the second time Arthur had seen this young woman. The first had been a brief glance when she was ordered to leave the palace. He hadn’t clearly seen her face.

Although Athena’s fame was not widespread, the stories about her were many. All in all, she was a pitiful child.

When Arthur looked at Athena, he saw that she was slender and frail, as if the wind could blow her away.

His brow furrowed involuntarily.

If such a good child were his daughter, he would have cherished her in the palm of his hand. Yet, some people hurt her. Arthur thought Henry must be blind.

“Get up and take a seat.” Arthur waved his hand.

Chapter 249

But Athena remained kneeling. “Your Majesty, I beg you to deliver justice. Assistant Minister of the Justice Ministry Nicedas abused his power to falsely accuse me. He broke the law, which is an even greater crime for someone in his position. I originally did not want to pursue the matter, but he went too far and slandered me first. I beg Your Majesty to investigate.”

“Stand up and speak,” the King said. He already knew the situation Athena was describing.

He had no good opinion of the Monson family at this point, and Nicolas’s actions only worsened it.

Athena was the future consort of Xander. Nicolas must have had a death wish to slander her. It was also a slap to Xander’s face.

Athena stood, her eyelashes lowered, hiding the emotions in her eyes.

In Arthur’s view, she looked all the more pitiful.

He said, “Nicolas has indeed behaved disgracefully. As an assistant minister, he committed grave errors and still shows no remorse. I will deliver justice for you.”

Athena hadn’t expected the King to be so easy to talk to. She had merely mentioned the matter, and he was already standing up for her.

What she didn’t know was that this was largely due to Xander’s influence.

While Athena was still confused, Arthur issued a decree. Nicolas would be stripped of his assistant minister rank, demoted to a minor official, and have his salary docked for a year.

Athena was shocked by this outcome, but she soon understood Arthur’s intentions.

Spring was approaching, and with it came a widespread outbreak of typhoid fever.

The disease spread rapidly, infected many, started suddenly, involved persistent high fevers, and had a high fatality rate.

Even the imperial physicians had gone out to help, but their medicines had little effect.

Athena, being a skilled healer, was particularly adept in this area.

Arthur punished Nicolas to uphold Xander’s dignity, to warn the Monson family, and to win over Athena.

“Recently, plague has been rampant in the capital. Athena, do you have a solution?” Arthur asked.

Athena immediately understood. This was why the King supported her. He wanted her remedy.

She nodded. “Your Majesty, there are many types of epidemics. What medicine to prescribe depends on the specific symptoms.”

This was exactly what Arthur wanted to hear. “Saint Jero Clinic is filled with plague patients. I permit you to enter under your title as the Viscountess. Identify the source quickly and prevent further spread. Do this well, and you will be richly rewarded.”

Epidemics were especially troublesome. A single patient could take months to recover.

The worst part was contagion. It wasn’t a deadly curse, but it was incredibly infectious.

One person fell ill, and the whole household could be doomed.

Every spring, Arthur dreaded this. Not just civilians, even officials got sick.

At the worst times, fewer than one-fifth of court officials showed up for morning assembly. Those who came were often sick themselves.

Each government post was essential. If one person was out, there was no one to replace them.

This delayed government work for days until the sick recovered.

Chapter 249

But state affairs waited for no one. Arthur couldn’t afford a day off.

Even when he was sick, he had to take medicine and attend court with a fever.

Athena respectfully said, “I accept the order.”

“Go on, then,” Arthur waved them off. Athena and Xander exited the palace.

Michael was still kneeling outside.

Just like when she arrived, Athena didn’t spare him a single glance as she left.

As time passed, a young official stepped forward and said, “Sir, the time is up.”

Arthur had ordered Michael to kneel for two full hours.

He let out a long breath and tried to stand.

The official quickly stepped up to help him. Once standing, Michael asked, “Do you know why Viscountess Athena came to the palace?”

The official didn’t know the details, so he simply relayed what he did know. “I’m not sure, but His Majesty has been greatly troubled by the plague lately. I suppose it has something to do with that.”

Michael immediately understood. It was because of the epidemic.

Athena was a miracle healer. No wonder Arthur summoned her.

With that, he discreetly handed the official a silver coin. The official accepted it gratefully.

Michael gently pushed him aside and staggered into the hall.

He said, “Your Majesty, I know I’ve sinned deeply. I beg Your Majesty to grant me a chance to atone. I am willing to contribute to combating the epidemic.”

Tasks like managing plagues were exhausting and thankless. No one wanted them.

Arthur had been agonizing over this very issue, so Michael’s volunteering was a timely relief.

“Since you’re willing, I shall allow it,” Arthur said.

Michael was overjoyed. “Many thanks, Your Majesty!”

As long as he could be near Athena, even from a distance, he was content.