Chapter 497

Elijah burst into tears of joy. He never thought that he would have a day to stand up again.

"I will never forget your great kindness, Lady Athena.” As Elijah spoke, he was about to bow, but Athena stopped him.

She smiled and looked at Elijah, and said, “I have done what I promised you, so should you fulfill what you promised me?"

Lillian and Ryan both looked at Athena nervously. They were afraid that she would make exorbitant demands and say something that would embarrass them.

Elijah nodded slowly and clasped his fist at Athena. “As long as I can do it, I will naturally agree.”

“Before that, I want to ask you one thing.” Athena sat down slowly and asked the servant to bring coffee.

After everyone was seated, she finally spoke, “Do you still remember the Gallagher Shop from back then?”

When the past was mentioned, Elijah’s eyes showed no trace of glory, only fear. As if recalling something terrible, his voice trembled. “Those are all things of the past. Why bring them up again?”

Back then, the Gallagher family was considered a prominent clan, but because of Curtis, such a large family was destroyed; some died, some fled. A century-old family was persecuted until only a few dozen people remained. Whenever he thought of it, Elijah felt a piercing pain in his heart.

Athena said, “The Curtis Manor has collapsed, and he has been executed. Now Aeridon is governed by the Prince Regent, who is known for his hatred of evil. He has reopened the Chamber of Commerce and established border markets. Doesn’t that tempt you, Mr. Gallagher?”

Elijah’s fingers clenched the cup tightly, his knuckles pale. The edge of the porcelain cup collided, creating a subtle, crisp sound that was particularly jarring in the silent study. “Tempt?”

Elijah suddenly chuckled, his laughter laced with an unbearable bitterness. “Lady Athena, do you know how the Gallagher Shop’s warehouse was burned down back then? Do you know how my father was dragged into the street and whipped to death?”

His voice grew louder and louder, and the last few words were almost roared out, the veins in the corners of his eyes throbbing.

Athena raised her eyes to look at Elijah, her gaze as calm as water. “Prince Regent is different from ordinary people; he is determined to let Aeridon see the light of day again.”

Elijah suddenly raised his head, a trace of panic flashing in his turbid eyes. Then it was covered by deep suspicion. “Prince Regent? What makes him think he can let Aeridon see the light of day again?”

Back then, I believed what Curtis said. But what’s the result? Family destroyed, death of loved ones, Elijah wondered, Can I trust anyone again?

“He killed seventeen members of the former Curtis’s subordinates three months ago." Athena pushed a stack of papers in front of him, the seal on the paper particularly striking. “It is written in the commercial law that all those who were wronged by the previous kingdom can claim compensation with proof. Mr. Gallagher, do you want that half of the Gallagher family token in your sleeve to rot in your hands?”

Although Athena’s expression was calm, her tone was urgently pressing. “Gallagher Shop is the head of the four major chambers of commerce. People admired your demeanor back then. Do you want to soften your bones just because of a moment of injustice?”

Elijah suddenly looked at Athena and saw that she looked calm. But the tenacity revealed in her eyes made him very puzzled.

No, that’s not right. She is definitely not an ordinary medical girl, he wondered. “Who exactly are you?” he said.

Athena slowly put down the cup and reached into her sleeve with her right hand, taking out a gilded token. The token was carved with a Blackbird spreading its wings as if about to fly, and the turquoise inlaid on the edge glittered in the dim light. She gently pressed the token on the table, her voice soft but clear. “I am Prince Regent’s wife.”

“Ah?” Everyone in the room looked surprised.

After a brief gasp, the three members of the Gallagher family all bowed in unison. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Mr. Gallagher, there is no need to panic.” Athena helped him up, her voice earnest. “The reason my husband and I came here is to welcome you back to Aeridon to take charge of the overall situation.”

Elijah looked at Athena in surprise. “Your husband?”

“With me and my wife personally welcoming you, Mr. Gallagher, do you find our sincerity to be sufficient?” The door opened, and Xander walked in. He wore a faint smile, deliberately concealing the majesty between his brows. Yet he still inspired fear and trepidation in those who looked upon him.

Elijah was horrified and surprised, bowing and showing utmost respect. “I’m terrified, truly terrified. What virtue or ability do I possess that would warrant you two to personally welcome me?” As he spoke, he began to cry with excitement.

Curtis treated Elijah like a fat sheep, sucking his blood and marrow, squeezing the Gallagher family until not a drop of blood remained. If Elijah hadn’t donated his family property with both hands, he would probably be a pile of bones by now. Elijah had been hiding in this dark place for ten years. Grief arose from his heart, and Elijah couldn’t help but cry out. His son and daughter also began to sob. It was as if a corner of their grievances had finally been uncovered, giving them hope.

“Please sit down.” The servant stepped forward and helped the three up. Helping Elijah to sit down, he looked at Xander, who was dressed in ordinary clothes, and his heart still couldn’t stop pounding wildly. This was awe of imperial power and admiration for the strong.

Xander said to him, “The old site of the Gallagher Shop has been renovated, and I have found the old shopkeeper who fled. I have also ordered the Memorial Hall of the Gallagher family to be renovated. In recent days, members of the Gallagher family have returned one after another.”

Speaking of this, Xander looked at Elijah with a solemn face. “Elijah, Aeridon is waiting for you to go back and knock on the first door panel. I will return the Gallagher residence and all the money.”

The last words made Elijah and his two children burst into tears. Elijah bowed to the Prince Regent and cried loudly, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your great kindness and virtue.”

“Thank you for your great kindness and virtue,” the two children also shouted.

This scene brought tears to the eyes of onlookers.

Athena fought back tears and said, “In Aeridon, thirty to forty percent of businesses are closed, and people have to walk three miles to buy food. Only you, Elijah, can refill the granaries with mountains of food. All I ask is for you to return to Aeridon. Mr. Gallagher, would you be willing to lend us a hand?”

Elijah raised his head, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes. “Your Highness, you saved the Gallagher family from dire straits. I am willing to gather the old partners from the seventy-two villages of Aeridon and retake control of the Gallagher family’s old forces.”

Elijah bowed, tears falling on the ground. “You only need to give an order, and wherever there is Gallagher family smoke within Aeridon, all will be vanguard for you.”

Xander bent down to help him up. “Mr. Gallagher, you are too kind. Aeridon was originally the land guarded by the Gallagher family for generations; now it is simply returning to its rightful owner."

He sighed softly, "What I want is not your allegiance, but for the people of Aeridon to escape their suffering as soon as possible.”

Elijah promised, “The Gallagher family is willing to serve you with utmost devotion.”

“Good, with you in Aeridon, prosperity is just around the corner,” Xander smiled.