Chapter 441
Morwen was furious. "Good-for-nothings!" she exclaimed. "You found her, then retreated? Why?"
Her subordinates looked innocent. "The Harper heir was blocking our way," they replied carefully. "We didn't dare harm him."
Morwen thought, That's true. Kenneth is the Harper family's sole heir. If anything happened to him, his family—with Richard's backing—would destroy us. That would be a huge loss. She sighed. "Where's Tiffany now?"
"She went to Treasure Pavilion. She seems intent on taking the challenges and seeking treasure."
"Oh?" Morwen almost laughed. No one can conquer the Azure Sea Royal Family's Treasure Pavilion. It's incredibly difficult, and it's life or death. Since she's courting death, I'll help her along.
She sneered. "Order my men: I don't want that girl leaving Treasure Pavilion alive!"
"Yes, Miss Xanthus."
"One more thing," Morwen said, her eyes narrowed. "Keep this from His Majesty. Don't let him see her"
The subordinate was confused. Why? His Majesty wouldn't care about her taking the challenges. Doubtful, but obedient, he replied, "Yes, ma'am."
He immediately acted on her orders.
Even in Lovell City, Morwen remained uneasy. She stood abruptly. "Arrange a flight," she ordered. "I'm going back to Azure Sea."
Only by witnessing Tiffany's death will I be at peace, she thought.
It was six in the evening when Tiffany smoothly entered Treasure Pavilion. People frequently attempted the challenges—for money or thrills—so it wasn't surprising.
The guard simply produced a liability waiver. "Go ahead," he said indifferently. "Sign this. Any injury or death inside is your responsibility."
Tiffany signed without hesitation, as did Kenneth.
The main entrance opened, revealing a long passage. The glass tower's unique design suggested significant cost and resources. It was beautiful, ornate, and valuable.
Ironically, this beautiful building was the perilous Treasure Pavilion. Every step was a deadly trap.
Kenneth took Tiffany's hand as they slowly ascended the long staircase.
Passersby watched. "More fools," one said. "Treasure Pavilion holds great riches, but you need the skill to claim them."
"How long will they last?" another asked. "They look young and naive. Ten minutes, tops, before they crawl out defeated."
"You're right."
The passersby shook their heads, pitying Tiffany and Kenneth.
Tiffany ignored them and continued walking.
With a bang, the doors closed, signaling the start of the challenges.
On the second floor, Tiffany asked, "What's here?"
Kenneth whispered, "Five people are blocking the stairs to the third floor."
The objective was clear: defeat them to proceed.
Tiffany turned to face them, but Kenneth gently pulled her back. "Let me try," he said. This is a rare moment. I want to protect her.
Tiffany raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?" This is just the first level. It shouldn't be hard, but if he fails
Kenneth rushed forward, engaging all five opponents at once. Tiffany could only hear the screams. After a half hour, the noises stopped. Kenneth gently tugged the leash on her wrist.
"Let's go," Jumbo chirped cheerfully.
We cleared it, Tiffany thought.
She didn't ask about his injuries, sensing his quiet pride.
They reached the third floor.
"What's the challenge here?"
"Ten people."
Facing ten burly men, Kenneth felt overwhelmed. Is the whole challenge like this? Simple battles, but incredibly draining.
Tiffany rolled up her sleeves, handing the leash to Jumbo. "Let me know if anything happens."
She prepared to face them alone.
A fleeting warmth lingered in his palm. By the time Kenneth recovered, Tiffany was already fighting.
The ten men were strong, but fought fairly. Even if they couldn't defeat her, they didn't resort to dirty tactics.
Kenneth felt relieved.
Tiffany efficiently defeated the last opponent. The rule was clear: back touching the floor meant defeat and elimination. They were all defeated.
The path to the fourth floor opened.
Unlike the previous floors, the fourth was pitch-black.
Kenneth said, "It's dark. I can't see anything."
"Let's go," Tiffany said, stepping forward. The ground seems solid, no traps. What's the test?
A strong rosemary scent filled the air. That'll cause hallucinations, she thought. "Cover your mouth and hold your breath!" She was more concerned about Jumbo than herself.
But it was too late. Kenneth was already affected. His vision blurred; his mind became chaotic. He was groggy. Though he couldn't see, Tiffany's face appeared vividly in his mind.
Without hesitation, Kenneth lunged toward Tiffany.