Chapter 332
“What is your name?” Lady Erica asked her, stepping forward to scrutinize Tessa.
155 vouchere
Under the festive lanterns of New Year’s Eve, she saw her face clearly and recalled events from many years ago. If her daughter were still alive, she would be about her age.
Tessa bowed. “My name is Tessa, recently accepted as a disciple by Master Landon.”
Lady Erica murmured the name, then asked, “Where are you from?”
Tessa felt conflicted. She did not know where she truly belonged. She grew up in the Eastvale Empire, but Isander had said she was from the Southcroft Empire. Yet none of this brought her inner peace or a true sense of belonging. In the end, she could only reply. “I am an orphan. I have wandered for years and do not know my origins.”
What a pitiful child. Lady Erica sighed, “If my daughter were still alive, she would be your age now.”
As she spoke, Lady Erica looked at Tessa. “Tessa, since you are Master Landon’s disciple, you will often be in the palace from now on. If you have time, visit my quarters. I live over there.”
I will, Lady Erica.”
Tessa looked toward the distant palace, her heart trembling. She realized that was Lady Erica’s residence. Moreover, she and Lady Erica looked exactly alike.
No wonder Isander repeatedly instructed her to keep her face covered after entering the palace and to avoid the inner court. She could not possibly reveal her true identity.
Isander’s mother and Lady Erica were at odds. The brief exchange stirred up a storm in Tessa’s heart. Hence, she quickly left, heading toward the Royal Medical Hall.
I’ve been waiting for you a long time. Did you get lost?” Isander stood at the entrance of the Royal Medical Hall, greeting her with a gentle smile as she approached.
Tessa felt conflicted and shook her head. “No, I wasn’t lost. I felt a bit unwell on the way and walked more slowly than usual. I apologize for making Your Highness wait.”
That’s alright. We will leave together with Master Landon.“Isander said nothing more, glanced at Tessa, then turned and entered the rear courtyard.
Lyonel came forward to greet them. “Let’s go to my residence. This place is not suitable for us.”
Isander nodded. This time, he used the excuse of fetching medicine to seek out Lyonel, without intending for Tessa to change her face at the Royal Medical Hall. The Royal Medical Hall was crowded and full of prying eyes, making it difficult to act. Hence, the three of them left together through the back door of the Royal Medical Hall and went to an alley outside the palace.
After entering Lyonel’s residence, Isander finally spoke, “Her identity was exposed in Eastvale Empire, so she needs a new face before returning. With your current medical skills, how long will it take?”
Lyonel stepped forward, removed the veil from Tessa’s face, looked her up and down, and smiled. ‘Such fine bone structure. though it looks very familiar.”
Isander smiled, “Indeed, there are many people in the world who look alike.”
A subtle glint flashed in Lyonel’s eyes, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. “With such excellent bone structure, there
1/3
9:40 am P DED
Chapter 332
155 vouchers
is no need for drastic measures. Combined with the medicine I have recently refined, it should take no more than seven or eight days. She’ll be a different person afterwards.”
Lyonel smiled and produced a small box. Inside, something was writhing, making Tessa nauseous; she nearly vomited.
Recently, she no longer needed to pretend to be Tessa, nor did she take medicine, so her physique had changed somewhat compared to when she was in Eastvale Empire; she was a bit taller and much more mature.
However, she appeared sickly. After all, years of taking medicine had altered her body’s original state, affecting her circulation and various parts of her body, resulting in significant changes. Her tendency toward nausea and vomiting had not improved much.
Feeling nauseous? Lyonel asked with a smile, but quickly added, “Do you know that, apart from this thing, no medicine can restore you to normal within half a year? But this can.”
What is it? Tessa’s face turned pale.
Worm. Lyonel did not conceal it. “It can make your flesh heal and regenerate quickly, and also relieve the lingering pain in your body. To become its host is your good fortune.”
Tessa very much wanted to refuse, because she felt a kind of fear toward that thing, and was deeply uneasy.
You have no choice, Isander looked at her. “It’s not that I’m threatening you, but your own body won’t allow it. Over the years, too many ailments have lingered within you. If these cannot be cured, even if you return, you will be exposed quickly.”
Tessa was left speechless. In the end, she could only take a deep breath and say, “Alright.”
Lyonel smiled, “You don’t need to be too afraid. I am a doctor. Even if I raise worms, it is not to harm people, only to cure you.” Yet his gaze was not as kind as his words suggested.
Tessa clenched her fists. Indeed, she had no choice. During her time in the Eastvale Empire, she was a spy from the Southcroft Empire, so everyone in Eastvale wanted her dead. She lived like an animal in the gutter.
But after returning to the Southcroft Empire, things were not much better. Isander told her she was a hero in Eastvale Empire. Once she achieved success and fame, Cillian would grant her the title of princess.
But at that moment, if she disobeyed Isander, she would be certain to die. In this unfamiliar place, she had no power to resist.
Tessa took a deep breath. For now, she could only move forward, but she decided to find an opportunity to meet with Lady Erica before leaving.
If you agree, let’s begin now. Lyonel looked at her, a hint of excitement in his eyes. This look made Tessa uncomfortable, but she still obediently lay down on the bed and drank the anesthetic draught.
Outside, the sound of fireworks and firecrackers could be heard. Everyone was bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, and so was she. Yet she did not know where this path would ultimately lead. The few guesses she had in her heart all made her shudder.
At dawn, Dashnell escorted Margaery back. She was slightly tipsy and brought up matters concerning Tessa Isander went to investigate the case in Clearbrook. Has he found any other clues about Tessa?”
Dashnell gently shook his head. “No details have come in yet. The evidence sent only suffices to convict the Wallen family”
2/3
9:40 am PD
Chapter 332
55 vouchers
Margaery nodded, “I think things aren’t that simple. The conduct of the Salome family and Prince Callum is quite different from that of ordinary people. There may be other secrets hidden behind Tessa.”
Dashnell agreed on this point. “I suspect she is a princess of the Southcroft Empire.”
Margaery was so shocked that the alcohol left her system. “Do you have solid evidence for this?”
Dashnell had mentioned it to her last time, but it was only speculation. But although he said “suspect,” his tone was clearly
certain.
Dashnell nodded. “The news from Stormshade Hall basically matches our speculation.”
Margaery was silent. She sobered up completely, pondered for a moment, and said, “If that’s the case, we can strike first and perhaps avoid this war.”
Dashnell’s eyes lit up at her words. “What ideas do you have?”
Margaery always managed to surprise him. “If she is a princess of the Southcroft Empire, then Isander’s use of her, in a sense, proves that her disappearance is related to him.
Isander is at odds with the Crown Prince Nathaniel. He advocates attacking the Eastvale Empire to seize military power and restrain the Crown Prince. As Margaery spoke, a sharp glint flashed in her eyes.
3/3
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
