Chapter 449

Morwen's heart burned with hatred. She wouldn't let Tiffany live. Externally, however, she said, "News? Yes, I have some, but it's not exactly good news."

The Azure Sea King's attention snapped to her. "What did you find out?"

Morwen took a breath, choosing her words carefully. "From what I've discovered, the servant who took the little princess away all those years ago died en route. And as for the princess herself she also met an unfortunate end." The king slumped back in his chair, his weary face appearing older, more worn.

"But," Morwen added, feigning concern, "it's possible I followed the wrong lead. The little princess was a kind soul; I'm sure she's fine. I'll keep investigating, Your Majesty. I won't give up hope."

Her words fell on deaf ears. The Azure Sea King wearily waved her away. "Leave. All of you."

The head of the pavilion hesitated, then said carefully, "But, Your Majesty, there's a young woman outside. She's waiting for her reward. Aren't you going to meet her?"

The king's gaze drifted. "Let Morwen handle it." He turned and walked away, his footsteps heavy with the weight of years.

The head of the pavilion looked pained, anticipating the upcoming scene. When the young, blind girl had barged into the Treasure Pavilion, Morwen had been the one to obstruct her, even wanting her dead. Now, just as the girl had passed every test and earned her reward, Morwen was meddling again, hindering her.

The head of the pavilion wanted to speak but remained silent, watching the king's retreating figure. He knew better than to argue. Meanwhile, Morwen smirked confidently as she strolled out of the palace.

Outside, Kenneth and Tiffany had been waiting what felt like an eternity. The sun had set, and there was still no word.

They had been ambushed en route and, aside from a brief helicopter stop, hadn't rested since arriving at the Azure Sea Royal Palace. Finally, with the hardest part over and victory almost within reach, the tension eased, and exhaustion hit them hard. They could barely keep their eyes open.

Kenneth was barely holding on, his face pale and tired. Several times, he almost stumbled. His untreated foot still hurt; the bleeding had stopped, but the bullet remained lodged inside. He gritted his teeth and remained silent, not wanting to worry Tiffany. "Just hold on," he told himself. He couldn't afford to slow them down.

Just then, the head of the pavilion emerged from the palace. Kenneth straightened, hoping for good news. "Is it done? Can we receive our reward?"

The head of the pavilion offered only a bittersweet smile and no response. Kenneth's gut twisted—something felt wrong. Behind the head of the pavilion, a woman stepped out, surrounded by a group of people. Her importance was obvious; everyone bowed as she passed.

Tiffany noticed the shift in the atmosphere and gently tugged the leash in her hand. "What's going on?"

Kenneth lowered his voice, glancing around. "The head of the pavilion came out, but he didn't say anything. I think something's changed. Now a woman just came out."

(The final sentence fragment about Morwen in Lovell City is unrelated and requires more context to be incorporated meaningfully.)