“Mr. Rhys, you’re so generous,” Felicia said. “I don’t know how to repay you.”
She lightly ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the ornate box. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked up at Dustin gratefully.
“It was nothing, Ms. Thorns. Don’t mention it,” he replied with an indifferent smile. “Besides, this Dracan essence was always destined for Prince Nathaniel. I’m merely delivering it.”
Felicia smiled earnestly. “What do you want in return? If it’s within my power, I’ll gladly help.”
Dustin replied, “I’m not asking for anything. I only hope that if I ever find myself in trouble, Prince Nathaniel will be willing to help me.”
“I get it now.” Felicia nodded.
Dustin wasn’t asking for treasure, but rather seeking a favor from Nathaniel.
With Nathaniel’s current status, his favor was more valuable than any treasure.
If he ascended the throne and became king, the value of that favor would increase exponentially. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that, even if Dustin were guilty of a heinous crime, this favor could spare his life.
Felicia had to admit that it was undeniably a smart move.
“It’s getting late, so I’ll let you get some rest,” she said.
She stood and gave a polite bow, then smoothly changed the subject. “If you’re interested, I would be honored to match wits with you over a game of chess.”
Seeing the startled look on Dustin’s face, Felicia smiled knowingly and turned to leave. Her pastel pink dress fluttered gently in the breeze and gradually disappeared from view from the courtyard gate.
“She’s such a bewitching temptress,” he muttered and shook his head.
Dustin considered himself to have good self -control, but he nearly lost it under Felicia’s teasing smile and subtle glances.
Now that he had handed over the Dracan essence, all that was left was to wait for the outcome.
After leaving the guesthouse, Felicia briskly walked toward Nathaniel’s study. She gently knocked on the door. Upon hearing the invitation, she stepped inside gracefully.
“How did it go? Any update?” he asked.
Nathaniel gestured to her to sit as he poured her a cup of tea. He regarded her more as an esteemed consultant than a subordinate. After all, she had proven herself worthy of his respect.
“Your Highness, I have completed the task. I have obtained the Dracan essence,” Felicia said as she respectfully presented the ornate box.
“Oh?”
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, then eagerly took the box and opened it with care.
When he saw the faintly glowing Dracan essence inside, his eyes lit up with joy. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “Excellent! Felicia, you’ve done an outstanding job this time.”
He gripped the ornate box tightly, as if it were a priceless treasure.
Nathaniel had expected this task to take more effort, but everything had gone so smoothly. He knew sending Felicia was the right decision.
“It’s my honor to serve, Your Highness.” She bowed her head slightly and spoke humbly.
Though Nathaniel treated her as a consultant, Felicia knew better than to take liberties with her position.
“Logan has already handed over the Dracan essence. Has he made any decision regarding his allegiance? Does he plan to join me?” he asked.
She replied, “Mr. Rhys said he still needs time to think it over. This isn’t something that can be rushed. He asked for your patience, Your Highness.
“With his intelligence, I’m sure he understands your sincerity. But since this concerns his future, it’s only natural he’d be cautious.”
Nathaniel didn’t press the matter. “It doesn’t matter since I’ve already obtained the Dracan essence. Whether he joins us or not, we’ll figure that out later. You may leave now. Go get some rest.”
With his insight, he could tell Dustin was still observing the situation and waiting for the right moment to act.
To put it bluntly, Dustin might offer support when things were already in their favor. However, he wasn’t someone who’d step in during hard times.
Regardless of whether or not he chose to fully commit, he deserved to be treated with the respect he was due. Even his support from the sidelines was already worth a great deal.
Night had fallen like a heavy curtain over the mansion. Moonlight broke through the clouds and cast a cold, muted glow.
Nathaniel tucked the Dracan essence close to his body and walked toward a secluded courtyard with two guards.
The courtyard was surrounded by thorny bushes, and its high walls towered above.
Two imposing experts with piercing gazes stood at the entrance. Each had a longsword and vigilantly scanned their surroundings.
“Your Highness,” they greeted and bowed in unison as Nathaniel approached.
He also nodded and spoke in a low voice. ” Open the gate.”
With a deep, grating creak, the heavy doors swung open.
Nathaniel stepped inside and followed a narrow, shadowy path until he reached a small, nondescript house.
Two more guards stood watch at the door.
After confirming his identity, they let him through.
The room was dimly lit, with just a few oil lamps casting flickering shadows along the walls.
Nathaniel approached a bare section of the far wall and turned a small, hidden lever. With a heavy rumble, the wall began to shift and revealed a stone staircase leading underground.
He descended, and each step brought him deeper into silence.
At the bottom, he entered a spacious chamber filled with rare and ancient artifacts-jewels glittered with dazzling light, ancient weapons gleamed with a cold sheen, and priceless manuscripts were neatly arranged on the shelves.
At the far end of the chamber was a massive, solid steel vault door engraved with intricate runes.
