Chapter 1725: Gathering the Medicinal Herbs

Lucian smiled grimly at the mention of Roxanne. “I’ll just need your help to check the medicinal herbs for errors.”

Peregrine nodded and asked Linda for a pen, scribbling a few more herbs at the bottom. He clicked his tongue in admiration. “She’s truly talented. What a genius! I can’t believe she deduced that Jack’s antidote only delayed the poison’s effects and even developed a counter-agent based on that. Impressive!”

His praise for Roxanne failed to lift Madilyn’s spirits. Even her genius couldn't prevent such suffering.

Peregrine soon finished adjusting the prescription. Linda, anxious, stood and suggested, “Since Archie isn’t here, should I begin preparing some of the herbs?”

“These herbs are uncommon; be careful not to mistake them,” Peregrine cautioned, handing her the prescription.

She hummed in agreement. However, upon closer inspection, she was dumbfounded. She assumed Old Mr. Lomax meant only a few were uncommon. This prescription contained over twenty, all rarely used! Despite working at the research institute, her role was largely administrative. She was unfamiliar with the storage location of most herbs, and those she knew weren't even listed.

Fearing she'd hinder Roxanne, Linda returned the prescription to Peregrine. “I’m sorry, Old Mr. Lomax. Let’s wait for Archie.”

Peregrine furrowed his brows.

“Our institute has hundreds of herbs, categorized previously. But locating these twenty rare ones is difficult. Only Archie remembers their locations,” Linda explained.

This again piqued Peregrine’s curiosity. “Who is this Archie?”

Linda glanced at Lucian. “He’s my and Roxanne’s son,” Lucian replied.

Peregrine nodded. “Ah, no wonder! Children of brilliant minds are often gifted themselves.”

Madilyn’s expression shifted; she eyed Lucian suspiciously. His tone suggested he knew Archie and Benny were his children. However, that seemed unlikely; Roxanne hadn't had the opportunity to tell him. Perhaps he genuinely accepted them.

A wave of bittersweet sadness washed over her. This was the day they’d awaited! She hoped nothing would befall Roxanne.

They anxiously awaited Archie’s arrival.

Ten minutes later, footsteps sounded from the corridor. Everyone sprang up and rushed to the door. Jonathan hurried toward them with the three children. He walked so quickly the children jogged to keep pace, yet showed no signs of fatigue.

“Daddy!”

Benny and Estella raced to Lucian, throwing themselves into his embrace. Archie, however, remained behind, addressing Madilyn: “Aunt Madilyn, let’s gather the herbs.”

“I haven’t forgotten the urgency. Mr. Queen wouldn't have summoned me in the middle of the night otherwise.”

His maturity moved Madilyn. After several seconds of silence, she smiled and took his hand.