Chapter 269

Athena’s gaze locked onto Jessa, judging her martial arts prowess.

“But why would she willingly protect me? Athena was utterly…,” she began.

Facing Athena’s questioning, Jessa let out a light, nonchalant chuckle. She said, “Viscountess, all your origins—sorry, that’s classified.”

Jessa’s expression said it all—she wasn’t going to talk. Seeing this, Athena let the matter drop.

Trina came in from outside, light-footed and beaming.

“My Lady!” her cheerful voice rang out before she even entered, instantly dispelling the subtle tension in the room.

Athena turned her gaze to Trina, whose face was beaming with delight. “Great joy, great joy, My Lady!” Trina exclaimed.

“What’s the good news?” Athena asked.

“Envoys from the palace have arrived! Thanatus has brought so many imperial gifts that they’ve filled the courtyard! My Lady, you must come at once!”

At these words, Athena’s heart skipped a beat. She hurried and made her way toward the front courtyard.

Just as she stepped out, Athena happened to run into Margaret, who was approaching with a flustered expression. “Athena, what’s going on? Why have palace envoys arrived?” she asked anxiously.

Margaret lived in the West Wing, close to the entrance, so she was the first to hear the news.

“Grandma, it’s alright,” Athena said gently, stepping forward to support her. As they slowly walked out together, Athena briefly explained what had happened over the past few days.

After hearing it all, Margaret finally let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good,” she murmured.

All she wanted was for Athena to live a peaceful and stable life, free from any more mishaps.

The grandmother and granddaughter arrived together at the front courtyard, where Thanatus was already waiting with his attendants.

Seeing Athena, Thanatus hurried forward, fawning, and declared, “Congratulations, Viscountess! Double congratulations! You have brought the epidemic under control, and His Majesty has rewarded you with a chest each of gold and silver, ten strings of garnet jewelry, two pairs of silver- inlaid hand mirrors, a measure of pearls, and two rolls each of royal brocade, tiger pelts, and fox furs.”

Several large chests, all sealed with official seals, were arranged in the courtyard, showing the great value of the bestowed gifts.

Athena immediately knelt to express her profound gratitude, only rising after completing the formal rites.

“Thank you, Eunuch Thanatus,” Athena said, giving Trina a meaningful glance.

Trina quickly pressed the prepared silver into Eunuch Thanatus’s hand. “Thank you for your trouble. This is just a small token of our appreciation—please don’t mind how little it is.”

Thanatus chuckled and accepted the silver graciously.

Once Thanatus had departed, Margaret beamed with joy at Athena and said, “My dear Athena, your bitter days are finally over. Now that you have the Emperor’s favor, you have a bright future ahead, and I can finally rest easy.”

Margaret was smiling like a kid in a candy store. Gwen couldn’t help but say, “Madam, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you smile so happily.”

Back at the duke’s estate, Margaret had always toiled tirelessly for that big family, never thinking of herself.

Now, away from that bothersome family, Margaret finally felt a sense of well-being.

Margaret said cheerfully. “With Athena by my side now, how could I not be happy?”

Athena smiled as she saw Margaret’s joy. “From now on, Grandma, just focus on eating well, sleeping soundly, and enjoying life.”

“Come on! I’m no ancient crone yet,” Margaret protested affectionately. “How could I let my granddaughter support me? I've got my own private savings. You should store all these gifts in your treasury and take them as your dowry when you marry.”

When the topic of marriage came up, Athena felt a bit lost.

She’d never even thought about it before.

All she wanted was to stay by Margaret’s side forever.

But Margaret had made so many plans for her future.

Margaret was afraid that when she grew old, there’d be no one left to take care of Athena.

Athena knew what Margaret was thinking, but since today was a happy day, she didn’t want to dwell on it. So she skillfully changed the subject with a smile, “Grandma, the opera house has some new shows lately. Why don’t we go, get a good seat, enjoy some tea and snacks? Wouldn’t that be nice!”

Margaret’s eyes lit up with interest. “You know, it’s been ages since I last saw a performance.”

Seeing her enthusiasm, Gwen said, “I’ll have the carriage prepared right away. Let’s enjoy several performances today.”

Margaret subconsciously looked at Athena and asked, “Athena, will you join us?”

Athena had been exhausted after days at the relief center.

But when her grandmother invited her, she wouldn’t dream of refusing—even if she was worn out.

With a sweet smile, she said, “Of course I’ll go with you, Grandma.”

Margaret beamed and squeezed her hand. “Wonderful! We’ll go together.”

Before long, the coachman had the carriage ready.

The grandmother and granddaughter stepped out together, boarded the carriage, and headed straight for the city’s opera house.

This was Athena’s first time at such a venue, and she felt somewhat out of her element. In contrast, Margaret moved with practiced ease.

She immediately had Gwen arrange a private box for them.

Athena and her grandmother ascended to the second floor, and once seated, they commanded a perfect view of the entire stage.

The performance was lively, but the house remained quiet and orderly—after all, the audience was made up of elite patrons who knew how to appreciate the arts.

Athena was never much of an opera fan. She had barely settled into her seat when restlessness took hold.

Suddenly, someone in the box ahead caught her eye.

It was Natasha, waving her handkerchief in a beckoning gesture, signaling Athena to come over.

Seeing her grandmother completely absorbed in the show, Athena leaned over to Gwen and whispered, “I’m going to say hello to Natasha.”

“Okay, I will let her know,” Gwen replied. With that, Athena quietly slipped away with Trina in tow.

Chapter 270

Natasha’s box was at the far end, quite a distance away.

The attendants guarding her granted her entry. Jessa hadn’t shown herself, but Athena knew her bodyguard was close by.

“Natasha,” Athena called softly as they entered the private box.

The private box was empty except for Natasha.

On the small table were drinks, fruit, several plates of snacks, and some pastries.

Natasha’s cheeks were flushed with drink. Seeing Athena, she clung to her like a drowning woman to a lifeline.

“Athena, it’s so good to see you,” she murmured.

Her disheveled state left Athena utterly perplexed.

Gently patting her back, Athena asked, “What’s wrong?”

Natasha let out a soft sigh, her face filled with distress. “I’m completely done for,” she declared.

Hearing how serious she sounded, Athena’s heart leapt to her throat. “What happened? Tell me everything!”

Natasha uttered through gritted teeth, “I heard news that the Queen wants to marry me off to Fermin—as his concubine!”

As soon as Athena heard this, her mind immediately began to reel.

She drew in a sharp breath, a myriad of thoughts flashing through her mind, then asked, “Do you want to marry him?”

“Over my dead body!” Natasha hissed, lowering her voice. “What damned concubine? How is that any different from being a mistress? I’d rather marry a woodcutter and be his wife than ever stoop to being a concubine!”

Athena’s mind was a mess. She knew exactly what the Queen was trying to do—secure allies for Fermin.

Fermin had tried to win over Alfred before, but was turned down.

So now he planned to tie the two families together through marriage.

Fermin was always so underhanded.