Ross smiled. “It’s hard to control the timing, so I can’t promise anything. After all, Fred is one of mine, and he’s assisted my mother for many years. I can’t just listen to your side of the story.”
“Your Highness,” Alexander called out, trying to stress its severity. “You’re right to think so, but Fred’s experiment will not just harm my wife but also the queen.
“There’s no guarantee the experiment will work, and it has high risks. We could have arrested Fred for conducting such experiments in Hyderland. Still, we’d like to discuss it first out of respect for your country, you, and Her Majesty.”
“Yes,” Cameron nodded, “We don’t want to escalate the issue. Our two countries have been on peaceful terms. We don’t want our ties to be affected by it.”
After a pause, he deepened his voice and said, “Moreover, we have concrete evidence regarding Fred’s experiments. If this gets out, every country in the world will condemn Yudonia. I’m sure you’re aware of the consequences, Your Highness.”
“Are you threatening me?” Ross narrowed his eyes, upset.
Cameron shook his head. “I’m just stating the fact, and you know it.”
Ross fell silent and became thoughtful.
Alexander exchanged looks with Cameron and said, “The impact will be huge. Besides, we visited the embassy twice and didn’t see Her Majesty. I wonder if you’ve kept in touch with the queen or lost contact with her lately.”
“She always stays in the Royal Palace of Yudonia. You wouldn’t see her in the embassy, of course,” Ross lowered his gaze and said blandly, “You worry too much.”
“It’ll be great if that’s the case. However, since Fred is trying to continue the experiment’s final phase, he would need Her Majesty around. Could he be—”
Ross interrupted, “That’s absurd! The experiment you told me about doesn’t even make sense. Life extension? How can my mom’s soul live on through your wife’s body? Are you trying to spread lies for your conspiracy against Yudonia?”
Ross sized the two up suspiciously.
“Your Highness—”
Alexander wanted to explain, but Cameron patted his shoulder and looked at Ross. “I’m sure you’d know if we’re lying. Despite Fred’s power, you must have a way of tracking what he’s been doing.
“Her Majesty has accomplished many things over these years, but she’s getting old while you’re in your prime and ready to make your mark,” Cameron continued, “Life extension is indeed absurd, but many throughout history have tried to achieve it.
“Perhaps Fred might have swayed Her Majesty. As her eldest son, I’m sure you don’t wish someone else to fool her in her old age.”
“Ron,” Ross said solemnly, “We’re friends, but that doesn’t mean you can talk bad about my family and country.”
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