Chapter 100

Athena understood what Trina was so shocked about. This kind of tavern was truly one of a kind in Pidence City. Using women’s beauty to attract customers was not different from a brothel.

The Monson family had been a scholarly and prestigious household for generations, known for their strict upbringing of children. Not to mention visiting brothels, even going to a musical performance house was forbidden for the younger generation. Besides, Eloise was seen as a paragon of virtue among noblewomen in Pidence City. She was always poised and proper, respectful and filial toward her elders, and praised unanimously by the noble families.

No one would think that such an enterprise, so contradictory to her family’s values, would be connected to her. Moreover, Willow was about to marry into the Osborne family. As a young woman awaiting marriage, she absolutely should not be involved in such a thing. If word got out, it would ruin the Osborne family’s reputation.

Athena shook her head. This was utter madness. They were even willing to throw away their dignity for money. But this matter had nothing to do with her, and she had no reason to warn them. Besides, this kind of business model wouldn’t last long. They were likely setting themselves up for disaster.

Athena returned to the estate with Trina and changed her clothes to go to Xander Manor to treat Xander. Five days had passed. It was time to go. When she stepped outside, the carriage from Xander Manor was already waiting for her. She got in, and the carriage began heading toward the estate.

Though she had been there a few times already, Athena still felt nervous every time she stepped through those doors. The entire estate exuded a sense of danger. Even the artificial hills and plants seemed to carry the scent of blood.

Suddenly, the sound of combat reached her ears. She followed the sound and saw a group of soldiers fiercely sparring on an open field not far off. Their movements were swift and powerful. Every punch and kick caned a whistle through the air, each strike landing with a thud. It was an awe-inspiring scene. A circle of onlookers surrounded them, cheering them on, their excitement palpable.

Seeing how intently Athena was watching, Nelson smiled and said, "Although Prince Xander won the war, he’s never lax with his men. Even while ill, if he has any energy at all, he’ll come out to guide them personally."

Athena secretly clicked her tongue. Xander really was intense. She wondered what kind of woman could ever be worthy of him.

She was still lost in thought when Nelson suddenly stopped. He asked, "Your Highness, why have you come out?"

Athena instinctively looked up and saw Xander standing under the eaves, dressed in a dark robe. The wind blew at his clothes, revealing a trim waist and long, straight legs beneath the flowing fabric. His sleeves and hem danced in the wind like drifting clouds or swaying branches. His eyes were deep and sharp. Even from several feet away, his cold aura could be clearly felt.

Nelson hurried forward, anxious. "Your Highness, the wind is strong out here. Why have you come outside!" He reached out to support the prince but was waved away.

"I’m fine," Xander replied, his tone cool and unreadable. Yet his sharp gaze landed squarely on Athena.

After days of recuperation, Athena had put on a bit of weight. Her cheeks were now rounder, glowing with a healthy flush. Her body was no longer so frail.

Xander frowned slightly and looked away. Still too thin, he thought.

He turned to Nelson and ordered, "Go to the kitchen and bring the soup."

Nelson looked surprised. "Your Highness doesn’t even like that stuff. Moreover, that truffle mushroom soup had been prepared for the Grand Consort."

Xander’s cool eyes fell upon Nelson, and Nelson shivered. "Yes, right away, Your Highness!" He wiped the sweat from his forehead, baffled. "Why did His Highness suddenly want truffle mushroom soup?"

Seeing Nelson leave, Athena stepped forward and curtsied. "Greetings, Your Highness."

Xander stared at her, noting her wide, innocent eyes full of confusion. When she didn’t move to help him, he finally said, "Help me inside."

Only then did Athena snap out of her daze. She quickly stepped forward to support his arm. The moment her hand touched his arm, she felt solid muscle beneath his sleeve. Her heart skipped a beat. He looked lean, but he was more built than she expected. She had assumed that his long illness had hollowed him out, but he was still strong and vigorous.

While her thoughts were wandering, he suddenly stopped walking. He turned slightly toward her. Because of their height difference, he could only see the top of her head. Though her hair was thick, it was a little dry and split at the ends. Clearly, she wasn’t eating well at the duke’s estate. Her nutrition must have been lacking.

"Your Highness?" Athena called softly, unnerved by his stare. All her hairs stood on end under his gaze.

Xander looked away and calmly sat in a chair. Athena secretly sighed in relief and stepped back, finally feeling less tense.

Nelson brought the truffle mushroom soup and was about to hand it to Xander, but Xander held out a hand and gestured to Athena.

"Athena."

Then, without looking at either of them again, he picked up his official documents and began reading.

Nelson was shocked. He had never seen Xander show such kindness to a woman before. Even the usually composed Athena looked a bit flustered.

She looked at Nelson for help. Nelson was equally confused and chuckled awkwardly. "Lady Athena, you have been helping treat His Highness. This is just a token of appreciation. Please don’t feel shy." As he spoke, he pushed the bowl closer to her. Only then did Athena begin to relax.

She picked up the spoon, but her heart stirred with complicated emotions. She hadn’t had something this nourishing in three years. And now, she was eating it at Xander Manor.

Since returning to the Monson family, no one had ever asked whether she was eating well or adapting to life. Every day had been a struggle. But here, she found a rare moment of peace.

She lifted the spoon to her lips, but her eyes involuntarily drifted toward the man of great power and stature. As if sensing her gaze, Xander looked back at her.

At that moment, his brow furrowed, and the air around them seemed to chill. Athena quickly set the spoon down, inwardly scolding herself for being too presumptuous. Just as she was about to apologize, his low, cold voice cut through the air. "How did your hand get injured?"

Athena’s eyes showed a flash of surprise. She looked down at her fingers. The wound had healed, but the broken nail still looked rather unsightly. She hadn’t expected the usually cold and aloof prince to be so observant. Even such a small incident hadn’t escaped his notice.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. This wound…" She paused, pressing down the bitterness in her heart, and gave a faint smile. "I injured it by accident."

Upon hearing this, Xander let out a cold snort. His eyes held a trace of mockery. "In noble families, daughters are usually pampered and well cared for; a situation like yours is quite rare. It seems the duke’s estate isn’t what it used to be."