Chapter 282

Arthur’s feelings toward Xander were complex. Despite having different mothers, they had shared a close bond since childhood, especially after Xander saved his life. If Xander hadn’t pulled him from that icy chasm all those years ago, Arthur wouldn’t be alive today. This act earned him Arthur’s lasting tolerance. In truth, any other monarch might have already stripped him of power. Moreover, Xander had never shown the slightest ambition for the throne. He had trained many of the Petanion’s most capable generals, and under his command, the kingdom remained safe from foreign threats. The navy, still in its infancy, also relied heavily on his guidance. And so, for now, he was untouchable.

Trina stamped into the room with a deep frown, her lips pressed into a thin line. “The neighbors have been clanging around since the crack of dawn. Who on earth moves in and causes such a scene?” she grumbled.

Athena showed genuine surprise. When she had bought this mansion, it was simply because it was close to her grandfather’s estate. Back then, this area was remote, and all the neighbors had already moved away. Even though several estates remained, no one was willing to buy them, not even at a low price. “How surprising that someone would actually move in today,” Athena thought. Still, since they were neighbors now, they would have to look out for each other in the future.

Turning to Trina, Athena said gently, “With more residents around, this place will become livelier. Our lane will gradually get busier, so please bear with it.”

As they were talking, Marquita rushed in, her face a mix of shock and excitement. “My lady, guess who just moved in next door?”

It was rare for Marquita to lose her composure like this. Whatever had surprised her must be a big deal. Athena played along and asked, “Who is it?”

“It’s Prince Xander! He’s moved in here!” Marquita’s voice trembled with excitement.

Athena was startled. Why would Prince Xander move here out of the blue? She realized what was happening. He had agreed to let Kendra stay at the Xander Manor, just as Alexandra wanted. With him away, there would be no fuel for any scandal involving him and Kendra. Still, the thought left her wary. This would only give Alexandra more reason to resent her.

Just as the three of them were talking, a young maid rushed in and announced, “My lady, the neighbor next door has sent gifts!” The maid’s eyes were wide as she spoke, as if she had witnessed something truly astonishing.

A faint dread crept through Athena as she rose quickly to her feet.

Stepping outside, she found the courtyard filled with sheep and deer, each one draped in red sashes. Nelson bowed and said warmly, “His Highness will be staying here briefly and may cause some inconvenience. Please accept these humble gifts as a token of respect, Viscountess.”

Marquita gasped, and even Trina’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Both of them, one on each side, gently tugged at Athena’s sleeves, almost wishing they could accept the gifts for her. After all, these were Xander’s personal gifts.

“Lady, you should send a return gift,” Marquita whispered urgently.

It was customary for new neighbors to present gifts to those around them, and Athena was expected to reciprocate.

Snapping out of her shock, she thought for a moment and then said to Marquita, “Send a basket of freshly baked breads to His Highness.” These soft, fluffy loaves symbolized continuous prosperity and good fortune, an auspicious gesture for a fresh start. Giving them was meant to bring...

Marquita’s eyes crinkled with delight. “Yes, right away!”

Soon after, Nelson returned with the basket and presented it to Xander. “A return gift from the Viscountess, Your Highness.” Inside were pillowy, golden breads that looked like cushions fresh from the oven. The warm, yeasty aroma hung in the air.

Xander picked one up and took a bite. The flavor was soft and delicately sweet, melting on his tongue.

“Delicious,” he murmured between bites, nodding approvingly.

Nelson watched as Xander ate with such relish, then chuckled and reached out. “Let me try one too, Your Highness.”

Suddenly, a hand slapped down on Nelson’s outstretched arm. Startled, he looked up to see Xander, usually so stern and proper, quickly hide the breads behind his back as though guarding a priceless treasure.

“If you want some, go to the kitchen,” Xander said curtly.

Nelson’s eyes widened in disbelief. “It’s just a basket of bread. Why is he being so stingy!” Then it dawned on him. Of course, these were from Athena. No wonder...

Nelson wore a knowing smile and was just about to withdraw when Ansel strode in from outside, a dossier in hand. With a slight bow, he reported, “Your Highness, there’s news about General Perkins.”

“Bring it here,” Xander ordered, his expression sharpening instantly as he hastily popped the last bite of bun into his mouth. He took the dossier and examined it closely.

Ansel had been bustling about all morning, too busy to even sip a glass of water. The sight of the breads on the table immediately stirred his appetite. “Where did these come from?” he murmured, already reaching for one.

Nelson gasped, about to warn him, but Xander was faster. He smacked Ansel’s hand away. Ansel’s fingers grasped at nothing, and he blinked at Xander in disbelief. He was reading the report just now. How did he even notice?

Then, to his even greater surprise, Xander broke into his rare smile. “Persistence pays off at last, we have news of General Perkins.”

The intelligence report stated that after being exiled to the northwest, General Perkins was sent to a poor mountain village. Though life there was harsh, the old general remained in robust health, far from death.

The entire Perkins clan was also in that village, though they were kept under strict surveillance and forbidden from leaving at will. Xander gripped the intelligence report tightly, his eyes shining with feverish delight. Few exiles in history had ever reached their destination alive; most perished from starvation or disease along the way. For Perkins to survive was nothing short of a miracle.

Without hesitation he sprang to his feet and strode out purposefully. Nelson hurried after him, his eyes brimming with tears. “His Highness must be rushing to share this joy with Lady Athena!”

Xander’s sudden arrival left Athena flustered. Before she could comprehend the wild excitement in his eyes, he had already seized her by the arms. “General Perkins, we have news!” he exclaimed.

Athena froze, unable to believe what Xander had just said. For a moment, she wondered if this was all just a dream.

“… What… what did you just say?” Athena stammered, her voice trembling in disbelief.

Xander handed the report to her, repeating gently, “General Perkins is safe and sound, no illness, no harm. See for yourself.” Before he could finish, Athena quickly snatched the dossier from his hands.

When she saw that her grandfather was in a place called Blossom Creek on the northwest border, her eyes grew hot with emotion. “Oh, thank God. Truly, thank God.” He was alive, her uncles too. Most of the clan had made it. Tears fell, blurring the ink on the page. Everything she had done these past few days had been worth it.

Athena was laughing and crying at the same time, gazing at Xander with deep gratitude. She wanted to thank him, but the words seemed inadequate. Overcome with emotion, she threw her arms around Xander, whispering over and over in his ear, “Thank you, thank you, Prince Xander!”

Xander froze like stone. Stiffly, he slowly returned her embrace. Though his face remained composed, only he knew how fiercely his heart was pounding. Everything he had done for her, he had done willingly and with all his heart.