Chapter 562
The Azure King was pleased by this, but before he could say anything, his earlier outburst took its toll. He coughed violently, his face paling from the strain.
“Grandpa, lie down,” Tiffany said gently as she helped him back onto the bed. She checked his pulse carefully.
It was weak but steady, the same as before. While there was no critical illness, years of emotional strain and depression had left the king’s body frail. At his age, such damage was nearly irreversible.
In other words, even though Tiffany had broken the hypnosis, the king’s body might not last long, perhaps six months, maybe a year.
As Tiffany withdrew her hand, her gaze fell on his wrist. Something caught her eye. She lifted his sleeve and froze.
A red thread–like mark stretched beneath his skin.
Tiffany’s pupils widened as she pushed the sleeve higher, revealing that the thread extended from his wrist toward his heart. The sight sent a chill down her spine.
‘How could not have noticed this before?‘ Tiffany thought.
The answer to why she couldn’t detect any illness in the king’s pulse suddenly became clear. The hypnosis was a distraction. The real threat, the reason for his weakening body, was this red thread. It wasn’t just a mark but a parasite, growing and spreading. Once it overtook his entire body, it would kill him.
Tiffany’s expression hardened.
“Grandpa, when did this appear?” Tiffany asked.
“About six months ago,” the Azure Sea King replied. “The doctor checked it and said it was nothing to worry about. Why? Is something wrong?”
Tiffany lied, “No, nothing at all.”
But her unease was hard to hide. Sensing it, the Azure Sea King gave her a comforting smile. “Don’t be sad, my dear. People grow old. It’s just how life works.”
He sighed softly, his voice kind. “But don’t worry. I’ll make sure to stay strong until I see my little princess get married.”
His words struck a deep chord in Tiffany. She felt a lump in her throat as memories from childhood resurfaced. The king had once told her, “I wants to see my little princess grow up.”
But he hadn’t been there to witness it. That lost time was a regret they could never mend.
Tiffany’s heart ached. Sensing her pain, Richard grabbed her hand, offering her comfort.
Squeezing Richard’s hand, Tiffany swallowed back her tears and replied firmly, “Grandpa, you’ll be around for a long time. Don’t say such things. Your body is just weak right now. With rest and proper care, you’ll be walking around in no time.”
Tiffany thought of the rare herbs she’d collected the previous day. Mixed with spirit herbs, they could strengthen his body and suppress the parasite. Even if Tiffany couldn’t remove it, she was determined to extend the king’s life.
The Azure Sea King nodded, his expression warm and trusting.
Jeremy brought over a bowl of soup. The Azure Sea King sipped a little before waving it away. Soon, he drifted into a peaceful sleep.
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08:27 Wed, Nov 27
Chapter 562
For the first time in days, the king’s sleep wasn’t plagued by the Hypnosis. The dark spell that had weighed on his mind was finally broken, and his body could begin to recover, slowly but naturally.
Tiffany exhaled in relief. Before leaving, she glanced at Jeremy. I’m counting on you to watch over him.” Jeremy was the only person Tiffany could trust.
Jeremy nodded.
Satisfied, Tiffany and Richard left the palace together. On the way out, Tiffany noticed Ewan slumped in a corner, looking utterly defeated. The man who had been so loud earlier now resembled a frightened bird. Tiffany didn’t spare him much thought and walked past without a word.
Once they were in the car, Richard turned to her, asking, “What your next move?”
His tone made it clear. Whatever she decided, he would stand by her side, no matter what.
Tiffany tilted her head, a playful glint in her eye. “Guess.
Richard chuckled softly, already knowing the answer. “You’re going to find out who’s behind all this.”
Tiffany blinked in surprise. “You guessed it that easily?”
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“Of course.” Richard leaned closer, brushing a hand along her nose. “I know you better than you think. Now, what about me? How well do you know me?”
Tiffany hesitated, then muttered, “I’m working on it.”
Richard laughed, stroking her hair gently. “Stop pretending. I know you’re worried about your grandfather’s health. You don’t need to hide that from me.”
Looking into the man’s gentle eyes, Tiffany’s composure faltered. She sighed. “His condition isn’t good.”
Whoever did this started months ago. The parasite had already spread too far.
Tiffany fretted. “The only way to stop it is to find the antidote.”
To find the antidote, they had to track down the person who saved Morwen. But Morwen seemed to have vanished after the incident, leaving no trail behind.
Lost in thought, Tiffany frowned.
The car came to a stop in front of Richard and Tiffany’s temporary residence. As Tiffany stepped out, a small knife came hurtling toward her back.
Sensing the danger, Tiffany twisted her body just in time, narrowly dodging the blade.
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III
