Chapter 188: Is This Marigold?
The Tranquil Valley Mansion was undeniably beautiful—its serene surroundings made it an ideal getaway. But without any communication devices, Harry quickly realized that, while a short stay would be fine, prolonged isolation would turn him into a wild man, disconnected from the outside world.
“Caspian, listen to me.” Marigold hurriedly grabbed him as he paced angrily, trying to leave. Her voice softened with concern. “I’m your grandmother. I care deeply about your health. How could I imprison you?”
Harry shot her a skeptical glance. “Then what is this if not imprisonment? Hiding me away in these mountains—what kind of conspiracy are you plotting?”
Marigold sighed, her tone pleading. “Caspian, there is no conspiracy. I just want you to recover properly. I’ve arranged this place for your benefit.”
“You always have an excuse,” Harry shot back. “How could someone as kind as me possibly understand your evil plans?”
Marigold shook her head, clearly frustrated but still gentle. “Caspian, I swear there’s no conspiracy. Stay here for a few days. If you truly want to leave, I’ll take you back immediately.”
“But there’s no way to communicate here,” Harry snapped. “How am I supposed to tell you? This is a setup. At least be a bit more sophisticated—I’m six years old, not three.”
“I’ll check in with you every day, at the latest in two days,” Marigold reassured him, her voice calm. “You can always tell me if you want to leave.”
After hearing this, Marigold lifted Harry and carried him into the mansion, her voice filled with hope. “I’ll show you around Tranquil Valley Mansion first. If you don’t like it, we’ll leave right away.”
Harry grudgingly agreed, though his mind remained conflicted.
Once inside, Harry’s eyes widened in surprise. “This place… It’s so classical, so beautiful, like a castle out of a fairy tale!” He couldn’t help but admire the mansion’s grandeur.
Marigold smiled with a touch of relief at his words. “Do you like it?”
Harry nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, it’s amazing! It feels like a cool castle!”
“Then, will you stay here for at least two days?” Marigold asked, her voice hopeful.
Harry hesitated for a moment, but then shrugged. “Okay.”
Relieved, Marigold smiled softly. She knew Harry’s mood could change quickly, but for now, it was a step forward.
She stayed with him throughout the night. Harry was so excited that sleep eluded him, his mind racing with thoughts of the new surroundings.
The next morning, Marigold felt some relief seeing Harry still in high spirits. With the first phase of her plan going well, she prepared to leave for the mountain base, confident that things were moving forward.
Meanwhile, Galatea and Alaric were enjoying breakfast in the restaurant, which felt different from their usual morning routine. This meal was particularly lavish, prepared by Galatea herself, who had woken up early just to make it special for him.
“Just for breakfast, and you’re being this attentive?” Alaric teased, his tone playful but grateful.
“Haven’t you heard? Breakfast is important! It sets the tone for the whole day,” Galatea replied with a smile, serving him a bowl of grilled meat. “This is a recipe I made myself. Harry and Elisa love it.”
Alaric took a bite and immediately nodded in approval. “You can even cook grilled meat? Galatea, you’re full of surprises.”
Galatea beamed with pride. “Of course! Eat up. After your shot later, you might not have an appetite for a while.”
Alaric nodded in agreement. He didn’t want to waste her effort, so he made sure to enjoy the meal.
After breakfast, Galatea and Alaric waited for about half an hour before Alaric laid down on the bed, preparing for his second injection.
“Go ahead,” he said to her, a sense of resignation in his voice.
Galatea nodded, but her expression turned serious. “This second injection is stronger. The reaction might be more intense than last time. Are you prepared?”
“I’m ready,” Alaric said, his voice unwavering, despite his earlier apprehension.
As expected, the reaction was far worse than the first. While the first shot had only caused dry heaving, this time, Alaric vomited violently. His body felt like it was being pierced by thousands of needles, and soon after, a high fever set in.
Galatea had anticipated this, but seeing him in such agony still caused her distress. She immediately called Josep, who assured her that these were normal reactions and that there was little they could do in the moment.
“How are you feeling, Alaric? Are you in a lot of pain?” Galatea asked, her voice laced with concern as she wiped his sweat away.
“I’m fine,” Alaric replied weakly, though his voice was still steady. “Don’t worry.”
But the more he tried to downplay his pain, the more distressed Galatea became. Tears welled in her eyes as she continued tending to him, offering him water and mopping his forehead.
Seeing her tears, Alaric managed a faint smile. “Galatea, why are you crying? It’s just a medication reaction. I won’t die from it.”
Galatea couldn’t stop herself from feeling guilty. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I don’t have a better treatment for you. I hate seeing you suffer like this. I promise I’ll develop that medicine, and you won’t have to go through this again.”
Alaric’s smile deepened, though it was tinged with a touch of pain. He reached out to gently touch her face. “My illness is difficult, but only you can cure me. You’re amazing, Galatea.”
Her heart swelled at his words, and despite her tears, she couldn’t help but smile. She wiped her eyes, vowing to make things better.
Galatea stayed with him, giving him water and constantly tending to his needs. Hours dragged by, and it was already noon before Alaric finally spoke again.
“It’s noon now. Go eat something,” he said, glancing at the time.
“I’m not hungry,” Galatea said, shaking her head. “I’ll stay here with you.”
Alaric pinched her cheek lightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Seeing how worried you are, it’s just a medication reaction. I’m not going to die.”
Galatea immediately scolded him, though there was a trace of affection in her voice. “Don’t joke about death!”
“Okay, I won’t,” Alaric said obediently.
Two more hours passed, and Galatea finally stood up. “Go eat, or I’ll get upset,” Alaric said with a teasing smile.
“Okay, I’ll be right back,” Galatea promised, heading toward the door.
Just as she was about to go downstairs to the restaurant, her phone rang. The number was unfamiliar. She wasn’t in the mood to answer but decided to anyway. “Hello?” she answered, her voice a bit curt. “Who is this?”
A woman’s voice, cool yet familiar, came from the other end. “It’s me.”
Galatea froze. She glanced at the number again—it was definitely unfamiliar. “Who are you? If you don’t identify yourself, I’ll hang up!”
The woman’s voice held a knowing edge. “You’ve been looking for me for so long. Now I’m reaching out to you. Can’t you recognize me?”
A chill ran down Galatea’s spine as the truth dawned on her. The voice… it was unmistakable.
It was Marigold Rogers.