Chapter 309
Xander cast him a chilly, appraising look and let out a faint chuckle. “Tell me, Your Highness, are you here to spy, or to lead?”
Xander’s cold, piercing gaze made Fermin’s scalp prickle. That penetrating gaze seemed to see right through him, sending an inexplicable wave of fear through Fermin. A cold sweat broke out down Fruman’s back.
“Of course, I’m here to learn from you, Uncle Xander,” Fermin forced a smile, barely maintaining his composure.
I’d just gotten distracted for a second and said the wrong thing, Fermin thought to himself. Who am I to spy on Xander? That would be suicidal!
After saying that, Fermin felt a knot of frustration tighten in his chest.
I am a royal prince of noble birth, yet I’m constantly under Xander’s thumb, he thought. If I ever become emperor, with all the power Xander wields, wouldn’t he just end up walking all over me? Even as emperor, I’d still have to grovel before him. What a goddamn joke!
As a flurry of thoughts raced through Fermin’s mind, a flash of murderous intent flickered in his eyes. Afraid that Xander might see through him, Fermin hastily lowered his gaze, forcing a sheepish, ingratiating smile.
Xander withdrew his gaze, his tone flat. “Prince Fermin, you are so admirably humble and quick to learn. Truly, it’s a blessing to Petanion and its people.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Uncle Xander,” Fermin said hastily, his tone laced with forced deference.
Meanwhile, Leonard was escorted into the main hall. He instinctively glanced at Fermin, only to find Fermin returning his look with deceptively calm eyes that held a veiled warning. Leonard nursed a grudge and shot Fermin a look of barely concealed defiance.
But in the next instant, his gaze froze. Fermin casually brushed his sleeve aside, revealing the sachet hanging from his waist. The sachet was embroidered with the characters for “Fortune.” This was meant to be his birthday gift from Janice, yet now it hung from Fermin’s waist. Leonard let out a strangled, deathrattle gasp, his bleary eyes bulging wide like saucers. In an instant, cold sweat drenched the front of his robe. He realized that Janice was in Fermin’s control.
Fermin suddenly spoke up, putting on a show of righteous indignation. “Leonard, do you admit your crimes? Your heinous deeds are so grave that death is too good for you. I advise you to confess at once, lest you endure needless torment.”
Leonard stared at the plaque reading “Justice Prevails” hanging high above the hall, and a bitter laugh almost escaped his lips.
What a cruel joke, Leonard thought bitterly. This is absolutely goddamn ridiculous. The real culprit sits in judgment, yet he wants me to be the scapegoat.
Leonard’s face twisted between a laugh and a sob. Sensing something was off, Xander said in a low, commanding voice, “Prince Fermin, perhaps you’d—"
Fermin interrupted, “Don’t joke with me, Uncle Xander. The King merely sent me here to learn. I must have been overstepping myself.”
Fermin cupped his hands respectfully toward Xander, then quietly sat to the side and fell silent. Surprisingly, Fermin’s expression had lightened considerably compared to just moments ago.
Just then, Ansel rushed in. When he saw Fermin sitting inside, he paused briefly in surprise. Noticing Ansel’s unusual expression, Xander instinctively glanced at Fermin.
Before Xander could ponder further, Ansel was already at his side, whispering urgently in his ear, “Your Highness, Prince Fermin has taken Janice.”
Upon hearing this, Xander gave a slight nod and motioned for Ansel to withdraw. After a moment’s thought, Xander realized why Fermin had suddenly shown up at the Federal Bureau. It was because he had leverage over Leonard. He was here to send a message to Leonard.
Well, this has gotten interesting, Xander thought. Up until now, I’d merely suspected Fermin and the Queen… If they just stayed out of this, they never would’ve given themselves away!
Xander’s lips curved into a slight smile, but his obsidian eyes glinted sharply. His smile was thin and chilling, but his glacial eyes fixed on Fermin like a predator eyeing trapped prey.
Suddenly, Fermin felt an inexplicable panic creeping in. He thought if he kept Leonard under his thumb, he would be safe.
However, Xander abruptly demanded, “How did Miss Beckham end up in your custody?”
Fermin never expected Xander to confront him directly. Flustered, he stammered out a disjointed reply, “I merely took pity on her and offered shelter out of kindness.”
“Since the case hasn’t been settled yet, she remains a suspect’s relative. Having her at Fermin Manor would inevitably give rise to suspicion,” Xander declared, putting on a show of concern for Fermin.
He then turned to Ansel and ordered, “Take a squad to Fermin Manor. Say you’re acting under my orders to escort Miss Beckham for a temporary stay at the Xander Manor.”
Both Leonard and Fermin turned to stare at Xander in astonishment. Leonard beamed with joy, while Fermin went ashen.
Fermin broke out in a cold sweat and blurted out, “This won’t do, Uncle Xander, you aren’t even married yet. How could Miss Beckham possibly stay at the Xander Manor?”
“Prince Fermin, you’re already married, which makes Fermin Manor even less appropriate for Miss Beckham. The Xander Manor is heavily guarded, which can ensure her safety. This matter is not open for discussion. My decision is final.” Without giving Fermin a chance to speak, Xander tossed his command token to Ansel.
Ansel caught the command token and rushed off again. A servant approached with hot coffee, and Xander held his cup before taking a light, measured sip.
Seeing Fermin looking utterly bewildered, Xander let out a faint chuckle. “Do try this coffee,” he said, “It’s delightfully sweet, with a rich, lingering aftertaste.”
Fermin snapped back to reality, his body stiff as he reached for the cup. In his haste, he accidentally scalded his tongue and almost knocked the cup over. Fermin shot to his feet, barely keeping his composure. There was no way he could stay a moment longer.
Fermin cupped his hands to Xander and said, “I just recalled some pressing business. Please excuse me now.”
“Off you go,” Xander said lightly, giving a casual flick of his hand, “I won’t be seeing you out.”
Fermin’s face darkened, his jaw clenched, molars grinding. As he turned to leave, he shot Leonard a menacing glare. Leonard just rolled his eyes and flat out ignored Fermin.
Fermin was seething with rage. Not only had he failed to achieve his goal, but he’d also been forced to hand Janice over.
That bastard Xander. He surely deserves death! Fermin seethed inwardly.
Storming out of the Federal Bureau, Fermin practically threw himself into his carriage. He said with a terrible expression, “To the palace!”
Now that Xander has taken Janice, that bastard Leonard has no leverage left. Who knows if he’ll rat me out and expose me? If it weren’t for Xander, none of this would be such a headache, he thought, rubbing his temples in frustration.
Seeing Fermin in such a fret, his trusted aide stepped forward and offered a ruthless suggestion. “Your Highness, why not go all the way and strike at Viscountess Athena? She’s Prince Xander’s favorite.”
Fermin snapped his eyes open, fury blazing in his gaze. “You fool. You know Athena is the apple of Uncle Xander’s eye. If I were to lay a hand on her now, wouldn’t I just be putting my head on Uncle Xander’s chopping block? Given how much he favors Athena, do you really think he wouldn’t have guards protecting her!”
The aide, cowed into silence, hesitated before cautiously asking, “Your Highness, are we really just going to let Prince Xander keep investigating?”
Fermin seethed with hatred. He furrowed his brow in thought, then declared with a ruthless glint in his eyes, “I don’t want to openly break with him unless absolutely necessary. But if he pushes me too far, then I won’t hold back. While I can’t do anything to Xander, going after people around him will be easy pickings.”
Fermin motioned his trusted aide closer and whispered instructions. The aide nodded emphatically. Fermin said, “Go, but proceed with discretion.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Fermin’s trusted aide wheeled his horse around and galloped off to carry out his orders.
Fermin rushed to the palace to plot countermeasures with the Queen.
Chapter 310