The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 265

Chapter 265

Inside the Imperial Palace.

Inside the bronze crane–shaped censer, precious ambergris burned, its fragrant smoke curling gracefully upward from the bird’s beak.

Arthur sat regally upon the dragon throne, his commanding gaze fixed on Ferris, who knelt in the center of the grand hall.

His face was beaded with fine sweat, his expression a tight mask of suppressed agony.

When the hourglass ran out, Arthur finally spoke in a measured tone, “As a shadow, you should know your place. How dare you meddle in the affairs of the Osborne family? Do you have a death wish?”

Ferris, pale with pain, replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, please quell your anger. I did this also for Your Majesty’s sake.”

Arthur let out a cold chuckle, his eyes sharp and calculating. “Oh? For my sake, you say? Then tell me how exactly is this for me?”

“I have investigated and found that the Osborne family and the Duke of Suffield are both under the banner of Prince Fermin. If these two houses join forces, they may pose a threat to Your Majesty,” Ferris replied respectfully.

Arthur narrowed his eyes and thundered, “How audacious! You dared to investigate a prince–what punishment do you deserve?”

Ferris replied respectfully, “I know only loyalty to Your Majesty. Even if Your Majesty were to take my life, I would die without resentment.”

Ferris stole a furtive glance at Arthur. The emperor appeared languid; though his gaze was stern, there was no trace of murderous intent.

Sure enough, he had struck a chord with Arthur.

All emperors guard their power jealously. How could Arthur possibly allow Prince Fermin’s influence to grow unchecked?

His gamble paid off.

Ferris said, “Your Majesty, the Marquis of Somers is a formidable warrior, and the Osborne troops obey only his command. This bodes ill for the throne. As your loyal servant, I naturally wish to share Your Majesty’s burdens.” With these words, Ferris prostrated himself, pressing his forehead to the marble floor before Arthur.

As Arthur observed Ferris’s submissive posture, the hostility in his eyes gradually faded.

Arthur was an emperor after all–only with absolute power firmly in his grasp could he truly feel secure,

As the Queen’s own son, Fermin has spent all these years maneuvering for one purpose only–to claim the position of Crown Prince.

The ambitions of the Queen and Fermin were not lost to Arthur.

If not for the shortage of capable military commanders at court, Arthur would have reined in the Osborne family long ago.

Arthur fixed a menacing gaze on Ferris in the hall, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his eyes.

‘Ferris–now that’s a sharp blade indeed, Arthur thought.

“Rise,” Arthur commanded, then shot a meaningful glance at Thanatus.

Understanding the emperor’s silent cue, Thanatus descended the marble steps and approached Ferris, respectfully presenting a small vial of medicine before him.

Ferris’s hand trembled as he reached out, grasped the vial, and swallowed the medicine in one swift gulp.

As the antidote took effect, easing his pain, the tension in his expression gradually melted away.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Ferris replied.

Arthur snorted coldly and said, “Consider this your warning. Should there be a next time, I shall not spare you.”

Ferris feigned a look of profound trepidation, though inwardly he remained perfectly composed. “I wouldn’t dare,” he replied.

“You may leave,” Arthur said, waving his hand dismissively.

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Chapter 265

As Ferris withdrew from the hall, Arthur’s gaze lingered on his retreating figure. Then, withdrawing his eyes, he sank into deep thought.

Arthur thought to himself, Prince Fermin is far from my ideal choice as heir apparent. He has boundless ambition, yet lacks the commanding presence to steer the ship of state.

None of the remaining princes showed any promise as heirs.

Evander was too uncompromising and lacked political flexibility; a man like him was only suited to be a carefree prince.

Indeed, that was precisely how Evander had been living.

All these years, and he still hadn’t shown the slightest bit of progress.

He had neither excelled nor erred; it was as if he had voluntarily given up all ambition for the race for the throne.

Fabian had just turned fourteen.

He was far too green–simply no match for his imperial brothers.

Besides, Fabian’s mother was of humble origin, with no influential family to support him. He was as helpless as a lamb—what capability could he possibly have?

Arthur grew restless. He was already forty–eight years old, though still at the peak of his power.

Yet none of my imperial sons could ever measure up to Xander.

Arthur thought if Xander ever set his mind on usurping the throne, none of his sons would stand a chance against him.

Noticing Arthur’s troubled expression, Thanatus thoughtfully handed him a cup of coffee. “Your Majesty, is it the Osborne family that’s weighing on your mind?”

Arthur accepted the coffee with a weary sigh. “Fermin must be reined in. He’s grown increasingly unruly lately–even tried to recruit the Minister of Finance. Fortunately, that old stickler Alfred didn’t join his faction. With Fermin making so many moves these days, I have no choice but to stay vigilant.”

Thanatus’s eyes shifted thoughtfully as he lowered his voice. “Your Majesty, with the court currently balanced between three major factions, only mutual checks can ensure stability. In my humble opinion, Ferris could serve Your Majesty’s purposes well. Perhaps Your Majesty might consider elevating him further.”

Thanatus had served as Arthur’s most trusted confidant for decades.

Although eunuchs were forbidden from meddling in state affairs, Arthur trusted Thanatus implicitly and would occasionally seek his counsel.

Arthur looked at Thanatus, perplexed. “Elevate Ferris? Hasn’t he already amassed enough power?”

“Your Majesty, you’ve given Ferris power in the shadows. If you were to grant him open authority, he would surely be even more loyal. Only Your Majesty holds the antidote to his poison–why worry about betrayal? I suggest using him to counterbalance the Osborne family, and even… the Xander Manor.”

Thanatus’s words were shockingly bold–had they come from anyone else, the speaker would have lost their head on the spot.

But Arthur pondered carefully. The Xander Manor now wielded overwhelming power, and it was indeed a major concern weighing on his mind.

Thanatus spoke truly, Arthur thought to himself. It was high time he cultivated a faction of his own.

Arthur chuckled, clearly intrigued. “You old fox. Since you can say something like that, you must already have a plan. Tell me–how exactly do you propose to elevate him?”

Thanatus flashed an obsequious smile and said, “Your Majesty, Prince Fermin has always maintained close ties with Princess Lizzie. If Your Majesty were to bestow the princess in marriage to Ferris, she would surely become Your Majesty’s staunch ally.”

Arthur furrowed his brow and murmured, “Lizzie is indeed of marriageable age… but with her willful nature, I doubt Ferris could rein her in.”

“Your Majesty may not be aware, but Princess Lizzie has taken quite a fancy to Ferris,” Thanatus reported respectfully. “I even heard Her Highness once approached the Queen Mother to mediate in this matter.”

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Chapter 265

Arthur raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

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