Chapter 496 En Vouchers
Everyone thought the people of Acridon could start a new life after the fall of the Blumenfeld family. But because Curtis had been doing evil in Acridon for too long, it had led to a great discount in the government’s credibility in the hearts of the people. It had been nearly half a month, and there were still very few merchant names on the registration roster.
Deaglan placed a thick stack of documents in front of Xander’s desk, and the pages recorded the movements of the four major chambers of commerce. The silk shop was closed, the grain store was hoarding, and the salt shop was suspending the delivery of goods. Even the most active porcelain merchants kept their fleets in port and remained motionless. Deaglan sighed softly, “The chambers of commerce are all afraid, and no one dares to come at all.
“Mr. Mcgee has experienced the change of three kingdoms. When Curtis used iron-fisted tactics to annex small and medium-sized merchants, he watched his in-laws being raided.
“Now he only has vigilance against the court’s new policies.”
Xander looked at Deaglan’s case file, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper. The chambers of commerce in Aeridon did not even dare to cooperate with the kingdom, let alone those small businesses. Although the new policy had been implemented, everyone was in a wait-and-see state. Everyone wanted to see who would be the first to eat the big cake offered by the kingdom.
Xander closed the file and pinched his brow. “It’s no wonder the merchants are not taking action; they are really afraid.
“When Curtis was around, he squeezed these merchants dry. At that time, he also promoted official-business cooperation. The merchants all believed him, but in the end…”
Deaglan sighed, his eyes full of guilt, “Elijah Gallagher, the owner of the grain store, such a large chamber of commerce, transported tens of thousands of food to Aeridon before the disaster.
“The Gallagher family was large and prosperous, and in Curtis’s eyes, they became a juicy piece of meat.” He continued, “He locked up all the Gallagher family members in prison, broke Elijah’s leg, and his children, in order to save his life, actually sold the business to Curtis for 700 dollars.”
Listening to Deaglan’s words, Xander snorted heavily and slammed his palm on the table, “These national parasites deserve to die.”
“Where is Elijah now?” Xander asked again.
Deaglan thought for a moment and replied, “After this incident, Elijah fled with his children. I heard he went to Westhill.”
Westhill was located in a remote town on the border, a sparsely populated area with a mixed population. Although it was a bit chaotic, it was far from the control of Acridon, and it was a good way to save one’s life. As the head of the four major chambers of commerce, Elijah enjoyed a high reputation and influence in the local area.
Xander thought to himself that if he wanted to restart the chamber of commerce, he had to find Elijah. “Prepare the carriage, I will go to Westhill now.”
“Your Highness, please think twice.” Deaglan hurriedly dissuaded him, “The Westhill area is rampant with bandits, and Elijah is already wary of the government. Going there rashly may backfire.”
Xander said in a deep voice, “That is precisely why I should go in person.
“Sending someone with official documents will only scare him. Only by being honest with each other can we eliminate the grudges in his heart.”
Athena looked at Xander. “I’ll go with you. The Gallagher family avoids officials like the plague. I am a woman, so it’s easier to approach him.
“What’s more, I know medical skills. If I can cure Elijah’s leg, maybe this matter will be easier.”
Xander looked at Athena with guilt in his eyes. “Thank you for these days, running around with me.”
“I’m your wife, so never mind,” she said.
“Okay, let’s go together.” Xander nodded.
Deaglan looked at Xander and Athena, and his heart was filled with emotion. It is a blessing for The Grand Luminary Empire, and a blessing for the people, to have the Prince Regent and the Princess Consort, he wondered.
Three days later, in the early morning, an inconspicuous carriage drove out of Aeridon and headed toward Westhill. Xander changed out of his royal robe and put on a brocade robe of an ordinary, wealthy businessman. Athena posed as a medical woman accompanying the group, with her medicine box containing not only wound medicine but also a letter of commitment written by Xander.
The carriage traveled on the bumpy mountain road for two days before finally arriving at Blackrock Town. Athena found some beggars, gave them some money, and inquired about the whereabouts of Elijah.
However, a rash visit would surely arouse suspicion. It wouldn’t be good if we scared him away again. Athena discussed with Xander about providing free medical consultations in Blackrock Town for three days. Elijah’s leg was still injured, so he would definitely come.
As soon as the news spread, it attracted countless people. Athena not only provided free medical treatment to the people but also gave away medicinal herbs. This method worked surprisingly well. The Gallagher family came calling the next day.
“Doctor, can you please take a look at my father’s leg?” A woman in coarse cloth and a young man in patched clothing helped an old man with gray hair into the clinic.
Athena looked at them and said gently, “Carry him to the bed. I need to examine his leg.”
The two did as she asked and carried Elijah to the bed. Athena stepped forward, examined him, and gave them the answer. “I can make him recover.”
“What? Really?” Lillian Gallagher looked at Athena in disbelief, her eyes filled with great joy. Instantly, her eyes turned red.
Athena nodded lightly. “He cannot walk because his bone is crooked. If he wants to stand up again, the only way is to break the bone and let it regrow.”
Ryan Gallagher gasped and looked at Athena with some suspicion. “Can this really be done?”
It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Athena, but such a thing was too incredible. Even experienced doctors wouldn’t dare to boast about being able to mend broken bones and make them grow back. Ryan looked at Athena, who appeared to be about twenty-five or twenty-six years old. She was about the same age as Ryan, yet she could say such bold words.
Just as the two were hesitating, Elijah spoke, “As long as you can make me stand up again, let alone mend broken bones, I’d be willing to have my flesh cut off.”
“Father?” the two exclaimed in unison.
Elijah waved his hand, “I’ve made up my mind. Even if I’m not cured, I won’t blame the young lady.”
Elijah clasped his fist at Athena. “Lady Athena, please save me.”
Athena waved her hand and smiled, “Although I don’t charge a consultation fee, I can’t treat you for nothing.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Elijah turned pale. “Then what is it that you want, Lady Athena?”
“I only ask you to promise me one thing. If something happens to me in the future, you must not refuse,” said Athena.
Lillian and Ryan both frowned. Sometimes, favors were more valuable than money.
Athena saw that they were wary and added, “Don’t worry. I won’t ask you to do anything against the law. Think it over and then give me your answer.”
After thinking for a moment, Elijah nodded and agreed, “Okay, I hereby promise Lady Athena that as long as you cure my leg, I will grant you one request.”
“Since you are a man of your word, sir, I naturally trust you. From today on, you will be treated in my clinic. You can leave on your own after you recover,” Athena said.
For the next ten days or so, Athena focused on Elijah’s leg injury. First, she broke his bone, then set it. The average person couldn’t endure the suffering, but Elijah persevered. When the bandages were removed, Elijah slowly stood up with the support of his children. Although he hasn’t fully recovered, Elijah has seen hope. “I stood up. I finally stood up again.”