Just as Athena and Alexandra were talking and laughing, Nelson walked over with a slightly flustered expression. Seeing Nelson’s expression, Athena’s smile froze. Nelson had been with Xander for a long time and never showed his emotions. "What happened to make him so flustered?"

Alexandra also noticed something was wrong and told the nanny to take the two babies back to the house. The nanny took the children, curtsied to Athena and Alexandra, and left with the children.

“Princess Consort, Princess Alexandra,” Nelson said, coming up to them, his brows furrowed. “Look at this.”

Athena was full of doubts and reached out to take it. She unfolded it and saw a folk rhyme written on the paper, praising Xander’s pacification of Ramberg and his great military achievements. Between the lines, it revealed extreme admiration for him, and some sentences even vaguely compared him to a sage who saved the people from fire and water. The more Athena read, the heavier her heart became. This folk rhyme seemed to be praising Xander. However, it’s definitely not a good thing to publicize his achievements so extensively during this sensitive time. She handed the paper to Alexandra, her voice a little strained, “Mother, take a look.”

Alexandra took the paper, and her expression gradually became serious. “Who spread this?” She put down the paper, looked at Nelson, and said sternly, “Praising Xander in such a high–profile manner, are they trying to put him on the fire to roast?”

Nelson sighed, “I just heard it from outside. Now this ballad is being spread everywhere in Pidence City, and even the children in the streets and alleys can sing it. I felt that this matter was strange, so I hurried back to report."

Athena pondered for a moment and said, “I’m afraid someone is deliberately doing this behind the scenes, and the purpose is mostly directed at the Xander Manor.” Having great merit that overshadows the lord had never been a good thing. That was truly vicious.

“But have you found out where these ballads came from?” Athena asked nervously.

Nelson nodded. “I found out that these ballads all came from storytellers, theaters, and teahouses.”

Athena and Alexandra looked at each other; these three places were the most frequented by ordinary people. Choosing such places to publicize it, they really have no good intentions.

Athena pondered for a moment and said, “Nelson, please find a few clever people to go to these places and secretly kidnap them.”

Nelson was about to take the order, but when he heard Athena say this, he subconsciously exclaimed, “Kidnap them?”

“Yes, tie them and bring them here, interrogate them severely, and be sure to get something useful from their mouths,” Athena said urgently. “Do it quick.”

Nelson knew the seriousness of the matter and hurried to do his job.

“Even if we find out, it won’t be of much use. The matter has already fermented into this,” Alexandra said, not pouring cold water on Athena, but stating the facts.

A trace of determination flashed in Athena’s eyes. “Even so, we must first suppress the news, and at the same time send someone to the palace to deliver the message, saying that the manor has heard about the ballads and is panic–stricken. We are willing to close the door and reflect on ourselves, and we have no intention of overstepping the rules.” She paused and added, “Also, have people keep an eye on those officials who are impeaching Xander to see what they will do next. We don’t know who our opponent is, but we can always find clues from the clues.”

Alexandra watched her arrange everything in an orderly manner, and the anxiety in her heart gradually dissipated. She held Athena’s hand and said with emotion, “Good child, thanks to you.”

“Mother, we need to act quickly and get things done before Xander returns, otherwise…” Athena didn’t say the rest of the sentence. Alexandra already understood what she meant: if Xander came back, and the rumors were still spreading, he could be in danger.

Alexandra nodded. “Okay, tell me what to do, and I will do it.”

Athena asked Alexandra to come closer, and she whispered a few words in Alexandra’s ear. Alexandra nodded repeatedly after listening. A relaxed smile finally appeared on her face.

That night, the summons from the palace arrived at the Xander Manor.

Inside the Inner Chambers, candles illuminated the King as he sat on the dragon throne, reviewing official documents. Seeing Athena enter, he put down his brush and pointed to the brocade stool beside him. “Sit.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Athena curtsied, sat upright, and placed her hands in her lap, respectful yet composed.

The King looked at her, his gaze gentle but scrutinizing. “Do you know about the rumors circulating in Pidence City today?”

“Yes, I am afraid,” Athena said, standing up and lowering her head, her tone sincere. “This matter has caused a sensation in the city and disturbed Your Majesty. I cannot shirk my responsibility.”

“It has nothing to do with you,” the King said, waving his hand and signaling her to sit down. “It is not easy for you to stabilize the situation in Pidence City while Xander is away at war. I summoned you here not to assign blame, but to hear your thoughts.”

The King had a life–and–death friendship with Xander and Athena. He would never doubt them just because of some rumors. Summoning Athena to the palace was also to reassure her.

Athena breathed a sigh of relief, and the look in her eyes when she looked up at the King was more peaceful. “I think this folk song is odd. Xander’s expedition is to recover Ramberg and stabilize the people, which are all within his duties, and is not worthy of such praise. This kind of deliberate publicity seems to be someone fueling the flames behind the scenes, intending to praise him to death and provoke the relationship between Prince Xander and Your Majesty.”

She paused and continued, “I have already asked the people in the mansion to restrain their words and deeds, reflect behind closed doors, and dare not overstep the mark in the slightest. I have also sent people to secretly investigate the source of the rumors, only hoping to clear Prince Xander’s name as soon as possible.”

When the King heard this, a trace of appreciation flashed in his eyes. “I am relieved that you can think like this. I trust uncle. I believe he is loyal.” If Xander wanted the throne, he would have become the King now.

The King picked up a memorial on the table, his tone sinking. “However, in the court, there are already officials impeaching Xander for cultivating a private party and buying people’s hearts. I will try my best to suppress it, and you need to control the rumors in Pidence City.” He was delegating power, allowing Athena to find the one who started it all.

Athena was sincerely grateful. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After returning to the mansion, Athena asked Nelson to spread her arrangements.

The next day, the tea house was packed. Countless people from all walks of life were sitting inside. The storyteller struck the table with his gavel, instantly attracting everyone’s attention. Everyone gathered, holding their tea bowls, waiting to hear today’s fresh stories.

The storyteller waved his folding fan, cleared his throat, and began a new round of praise. “Speaking of the Grand Luminary Empire, there is a brave and invincible general. This general was awe–inspiring when he guarded the frontier, and now that he is leading his troops south, he has defeated the enemy. The battle of Ramberg will surely be a great victory. He is truly the guardian of our Grand Luminary Empire!”