Chapter 198

But deep down, Horatio knew his legs were acting up again. At first, he thought his imagination might be playing tricks on him, but as the sensation grew stronger each time, he realized it was neither a figment of his imagination nor just a mental issue.

“Lisette, come check on Horatio. His legs suddenly gave out,” Valerian urgently called out to Lisette.

Zelda and Lisette were enjoying apple pies when they heard him.

Zelda looked up abruptly. “What do you mean? How come Horatio’s legs just stopped working?”

“I don’t know. A moment ago, Horatio couldn’t stand,” Valerian frowned.

Horatio had made his way to Lisette, looking at her earnestly. “You said my legs wouldn’t have any issues, right? And you’d have a way to fix it if something did happen, right?”

Lisette’s face showed a hint of embarrassment. She had indeed said that, but in truth, she had no idea how to treat it.

Horatio’s legs weren’t her doing in the first place. She had just been bluffing her way through this, but she couldn’t possibly admit that.

Lisette furrowed her brow, pretending to check Horatio’s pulse. Then she said, “I can’t see anything wrong. Horatio, what are you feeling?”

“Right now, I feel fine, but a moment ago, I couldn’t stand. My legs were completely numb. It’s not just now. It’s happened several times before but usually only lasts a few minutes. This time, it lasted the longest, and I feel like the numbness is lasting longer each time. I’m worried that if this keeps up, I might end up like before—unable to stand at all.”

“That can’t be!” Zelda said with deep concern. “Your legs were fine! How could you not stand again?”

“I really do feel that way,” Horatio said, watching Lisette hopefully. He was hoping she’d have a solution.

Lisette shook her head, looking innocent. “I’m sorry, Horatio. I can’t find anything wrong. I saved you back then just by sheer luck.”

“Lisette-” Horatio’s heart sank.

If Lisette couldn’t help, then who could?

“But don’t worry, Horatio. I know of a healer who’s incredibly skilled,” Lisette said. “This healer has been out of sight for a while, but I recently heard the healer might make a comeback. If we can find this healer, fixing your legs would be a piece of cake! No matter what it takes, I’ll find this healer for you! Horatio, don’t be afraid. I will help you!”

Touched by Lisette’s resolute look, Horatio said, “Thank you, Lisette. With you around, I feel much more at ease!”

Lisette grasped Horatio’s hand. “You’re my brother. You’ve always been so good to me. It’s only right that I do the same for you!”

After exchanging a few words, Lisette suddenly asked, “By the way, guys, didn’t you go check out the gifts Callie sent you? How were they?”

The three brothers exchanged a look, a mix of emotions passing between them.

“Mom, have you given Calliope much money?” Ulysses asked.

“No, why would I give her money? What’s going on?” Zelda was puzzled.

She always thought Calliope would just get into trouble with money, so she’d give Lisette a decent allowance but rarely gave Calliope any.

“She sent us gifts more extravagant than the last,” Ulysses admitted, albeit reluctantly.

“Where did she get the money?” Zelda was surprised.

“That’s what we’re wondering, so we’re asking you,” Valerian frowned.

“Could it be-” Lisette exclaimed suddenly.