From the Enslaved to the Empress (Athena) novel Chapter 249

Athena threw out that cold sentence and turned to leave.

From beginning to end, she showed not the slightest bit of sympathy for Michael, let alone

go up to comfort him,

Michael could only watch helplessly as Athena and Xander walked away. Their departing figures pierced his eyes like thorns.

At this moment, his heart was filled with a strange, indescribable bitterness. In the past, when Athena gave her heart to him, he scoffed at it. Now that she didn’t want him anymore, he finally realized how painful it was to be ignored and abandoned.

The wounds on his back were still bleeding, yet the

physical pain didn’t compare

to

the pain Athena had brought him.

Michael let out a bitter, self–deprecating laugh. ‘This is karma,‘ he thought.

Athena and Xander entered the Heaven Hall. Arthur was reclining on a soft couch, resting with his eyes closed.

Thanatus quietly stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, Prince Xander and Viscountess Athena have arrived.”

Arthur opened his eyes, his face drawn with fatigue. “Let them in,” he commanded.

Lately, Arthur had neither eaten nor slept well, plagued by constant headaches.

Countless state affairs awaited his judgment, yet his ministers were unreliable. None of them gave

him peace

of mind.

As for Michael, though a marquis, his negligence had resulted in many civilians being severely injured, and Arthur had no choice but to punish him.

The Court of Judicial Review had also delivered more news. The eldest son of Henry had broken the law, driving his own sister out of the household, poisoning the old madam, and framing his sister.

Later it was found that it wasn’t poison in the traditional sense, but that he had given her toxic mushrooms.

Still, each of these incidents was a slap in the King’s face.

Athena was a miracle healer and a titled viscountess, personally conferred by him.

And Nicolas was foolish to offend a viscountess.

And for Xander’s sake alone, that scoundrel from the Monson family deserved punishment.

“Greetings, Your Majesty,” Athena said reverently, kneeling on the floor with her head bowed.

Xander, of noble rank, merely bowed his head slightly.

This was only the second time Arthur had seen this young woman. The first had been a brief glance when she was ordered to leave the palace. He hadn’t clearly seen her face.

Although Athena’s fame was not widespread, the stories about her were many. All in all, she was a pitiful child.

When Arthur looked at Athena, he saw that she was slender and frail, as if the wind could blow her away.

His brow furrowed involuntarily.

If such a good child were his daughter, he would have cherished her in the palm of his hand. Yet, some people hurt her. Arthur thought Henry must be blind.

“Get up and take a seat.” Arthur waved his hand.

Chapter 249

But Athena remained kneeling. “Your Majesty, I beg you to deliver justice. Assistant Minister of the Justice Ministry Nicedas, abused his power to falsely accuse me. He broke the law, which is an even greater crime for someone in his position. I originally did not want to pursue the matter, but he went too far and slandered me first. I beg Your Majesty to investigate.”

“Stand up and speak,” the King said. He already knew the situation Athena was describing

He had no good opinion of the Monson family at this point, and Nicolas’s actions only worsened it.

Athena was the future consort of Xander. Nicolas must have had a death wish to slander her. It was also a slap to Xander’s face.

Athena stood, her eyelashes lowered, hiding the emotions in her eyes.

In Arthur’s view, she looked all the more pitiful.

He said, “Nicolas has indeed behaved disgracefully. As an assistant minister, he committed grave errors and still shows no remorse. I will deliver justice for you.”

Athena hadn’t expected the King to be so easy to talk to. She had merely mentioned the matter, and he was already standing up for her.

What she didn’t know was that this was largely due to Xander’s influence.

While Athena was still confused, Arthur issued a decree. Nicolas would be stripped of his assistant minister rank, demoted to a minor official, and have his salary docked for a year.

Michael was still kneeling outside.

Just like when she arrived, Athena didn’t spare him a single glance as she left.

As the time passed, a young official stepped forward and said, “Sir, the time is up.”

Arthur had ordered Michael to kneel for two full hours.

He let out a long breath and tried to stand.

The official quickly stepped up to help him. Once standing, Michael asked, “Do you know why Viscountess Athena came to the palace?”

The official didn’t know the details, so he simply relayed what he did know. “I’m not sure, but His Majesty has been greatly troubled by the plague lately. I suppose it has something to do with that.”

Michael immediately understood. It was because of the epidemic.

Athena was a miracle healer. No wonder Arthur summoned her.

With that, he discreetly handed the official a silver coin. The official accepted it gratefully.

Michael gently pushed him aside and staggered into the hall.

He said, “Your Majesty, I know I’ve sinned deeply. I beg Your Majesty to grant me a chance to atone. I am willing to contribute to combating the epidemic.”

Tasks like managing plagues were exhausting and thankless. No one wanted them.

Arthur had been agonizing over this very issue, so Michael’s volunteering

was a

timely relief.

“Since you’re willing, I shall allow it,” Arthur said.

Michael was overjoyed. “Many thanks, Your Majesty!”

As long as he could be near Athena, even from a distance, he was content.

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