Chapter 517
It seemed that Bernie understood what they were talking about, stretching out his little hand and waving it. Two small teeth were revealed, and he smiled at Benson. That innocent look melted everyone’s hearts.
Benson felt a wave of embarrassment as he recalled the ridiculous scene he had acted out in the street. He quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Athena, “Princess Consort, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have gotten drunk and caused a scene, and I regret alarming the Pidence Guards and bringing shame to the royal residence.”
What made him most ashamed was that he almost lost Bernie. He was only one year old. He couldn’t imagine the consequences if the bad guys took Bernie away.
Athena did not speak but instead gently stroked Bernie’s head. It wasn’t until Bernie yawned in her arms that she slowly opened her mouth.
“It’s good that you recognize your mistake. This time, Ansel and Jessa addressed the issue promptly, which minimized the impact. Had the Pidence Guards conducted a prolonged search, it would not only embarrass you but also tarnish the reputation of Xander Manor.” After a moment of silence, she added, “In the future, you must approach your work with rigor. Are you willing to accept the consequences of your mistakes?”
Benson was convinced and nodded. “Yes.” Even if he were punished or beaten, he could accept it.
“Then I will punish you by requiring you to babysit Bernie tomorrow,” Athena said.
Benson suddenly looked up, looking surprised, “Just like that?”
“Or what else? What else do you want?” Athena asked back.
Benson’s eyes suddenly turned red. “Shouldn’t I be punished severely?”
“If you really want a beating, I can grant you that,” Athena said seriously.
“No, no, no, I’m more than happy to babysit Bernie,” Benson said, waving his hand anxiously, torn between wanting to laugh and cry at the same time.
Athena shook her head slightly at his childish appearance and said, “Go ahead.”
“Yes, Aunt Athena.” Benson was about to turn around and leave, but suddenly remembered something and turned back. He gave Athena a big salute before leaving.
After he left, Trina asked Athena, “Princess Consort, how could you let Benson go so easily? He nearly lost Bernie.”
Athena handed Bernie to the nanny, rubbed her sore arms, and let out a sigh. She said, “His character isn’t bad, and he’s not particularly foolish; he was simply spoiled by his mother since childhood. Now, he needs to develop a sense of responsibility. Only by letting go of his playfulness can he find the calm needed to focus on his studies. I’m concerned that if I force him to stay in the house to study, it may backfire.”
Trina stepped forward to massage Athena’s arms, her face reflecting admiration. “So that’s what you’re thinking. No wonder you let Benson bring Bernie along,” said Trina.
Athena smiled and stood up. Trina hurriedly followed and asked, “Where are you going, Princess Consort?”
Athena said, “To see Benson.”
The two walked through the corridor and arrived at the side room. Peering over the low wall into the courtyard, they spotted Benson sitting by the window, a book in hand, furrowing his brow as he read. He didn’t seem to be reading; instead, he looked like he was in pain.
Trina shook her head, “Benson’s temperament is not easy to manage.”
“How can a temperament shaped over more than ten years change overnight? There will always be a need for a period of adaptation.” Athena didn’t feel lost; as long as Benson was willing to read a book, she would be content.
After taking a couple of glances, Athena turned around and left. On her way back, she asked Trina, “Trina, how have you been thinking about the issue I brought up last time?”
Trina was momentarily stunned before realizing that Athena was referring to her potential departure from the mansion. Her eyes turned red, and she shook her head. “I don’t want to marry anyone. I just want to stay with you.”
The two were talking when Nelson came over. When he arrived before Athena, he respectfully said, “Princess Consort, the Pierce family has arrived.”
Hearing this surname, Trina’s face turned pale. Seeing that her expression was different, Athena asked Nelson, “Pierce family?”
Nelson glanced at Trina and said, “Trina’s parents.”
Trina was not born into the Monson family, but was sold to them. When she first arrived, she was petite and slender, and often faced bullying from the other people in the mansion. Margaret couldn’t bear to watch it, so out of compassion, she took her into her yard. She was asked to clean and water the flowers. Later, Margaret entrusted Trina Pierce to Athena Monson, and Trina followed her to the mansion. Athena sought to arrange a marriage for Trina because she had reached marriageable age and should be set free. Now that the Pierce family had arrived at the door, it must be regarding this matter.
“Trina.” Athena called her name, and Trina’s eyes turned red all of a sudden. She knelt down at Athena’s feet with a thud, her voice filled with sincerity. “Princess Consort, please let me stay here. I don’t want to leave the mansion.”
“Get up first, and let’s talk this over.” Athena helped her up slightly, and Trina stood up. Trina held back tears and said, “When I was sold into this household, it was solely to raise money for my brother’s marriage. They haven’t visited me in all these years. Now that they’re here, they probably intend to sell me for money again.”
Athena gasped and took Trina’s hand. “Don’t panic. I’m not forcing you to leave. Aren’t we discussing it? Come, let’s go see what’s happening. If it’s really as you say, I will have them removed.”
Trina nodded to Athena, who then said to Nelson, “Nelson, go and deal with them.”
Nelson nodded. “Yes.”
The three of them went to the front yard together. Athena led Trina into the back hall while eavesdropping on their conversation in front of a screen.
Inside the room stood two commoners dressed in coarse cloth. The two were very restrained, standing in the room, cowering and very nervous. Trina stole a glance at them, and her eyes reddened again. Every child wanted to see their parents. She was no exception. It was just that they hadn’t appeared for so many years, and now they suddenly emerge, which made her feel sour.
After Nelson came in, the two were so scared that they dared not breathe. Bruce Pierce bowed and greeted Nelson, with a smile on his face.
Nelson asked them with a sullen face, “Are you Trina’s parents?”
“Yes, Trina is a maid here, and she hasn’t sent us any money in many years. Now that she has reached adulthood, we would like to bring her back.” The speaker was Trina’s mother, Flora Pierce. She had a sturdy build and a round face, which gave her a strong presence that could be intimidating.
Nelson remained silent and adopted the demeanor of a butler. “It’s not for you two to decide whether to leave the palace, and I can’t make that decision either. It’s up to the Princess Consort. Trina is the Princess Consort’s aide. If she doesn’t wish to leave, the Princess Consort won’t compel her to depart from the palace.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Bruce gasped in surprise and appeared anxious. Bruce muttered, “Well, how could she keep Trina here when she grows up? Furthermore, we have already arranged a marriage for her. If she does not attend, how will we be able to explain this to the other family?”
Hearing this, tears began to well up in Trina’s eyes. She knew that her heartless parents would never miss out on her, their cash cow. She was about to rush out and argue with them. But Athena held her back. She shook her head at Trina, signaling her not to be impulsive and to listen more.
Nelson looked at Bruce with a displeased expression and remarked, “You’re quite the interesting father. Your daughter is a slave, yet you don’t even inquire about her well-being. You sold her before she had a chance to leave the mansion. Do you truly deserve the title of ‘father’?”