Chapter 2096 The Price
“He’s asking to see me?” Francesca was slightly bewildered. “Does he want to interrogate me?”
“Of course not,” William responded instantly. “He knows your identity and did not suspect you at all. He just wanted to know more about the situation in detail.”
“Then ask him to come here himself,” Francesca answered without thinking. “Come here and see the water sources for himself. Take a look at the people in the castle for himself. He can even bring his own medical team to examine.”
“Uh… But…” William widened his eyes.
“You don’t dare to tell him that? Allow me.” She snatched the phone away from his hand and began speaking to Federico on the other end. “Your Majesty, I suppose you’ve heard everything I just said?”
On the other end of the line, Federico remained silent for a few seconds before replying, “You really do live up to your name, Francesco. Such a character!”
“I’m merely speaking the truth,” Francesca replied casually. “There’s no point for me to go to the palace. If you believe in me, there’s no need for me to go there. If you don’t believe in me, then what’s the point if I go? Why don’t you send your team here to see for yourselves?”
“Francesca…” William warned.
“Do you know who you’re talking to?”
Federico seemed friendly, but his tone was stern. Apparently, Francesca’s attitude had offended him, and he began exerting his authority.
“I talk to everybody like this.” Francesca was unfazed. “Everyone’s human. Besides, I’m not one of your citizens. My respect toward you is because you’re the grandfather of my friend, William.”
Francesca’s words made the atmosphere even more tense.
When Federico fell silent, William quickly began, “Francesca…”
“What? I’m not wrong.”
“Good. Very good.” Federico suddenly burst into laughter. “Someone as stubborn and straightforward as you is unlikely to lie. I’ll go visit.”
“All right. We’ll be waiting for your visit,” responded Francesca.
She then tossed the phone to William.
William almost failed to catch the phone. His face paled as he grabbed the phone before quickly apologizing to Federico, “I’m so sorry, Grandpa. Francesca has always been straightforward. I apologize on her behalf if she had offended you.”
“She’s a lot like Danrique,” Federico commented. “No wonder they’re a couple!”
When William heard that, he paused for a while before saying, “Yes…”
Federico said meaningfully, “It’s a good thing to befriend Danrique. I’ll be busy these two days. I’ll visit after that.”
“Sure. You’re always welcomed.” Once the call ended, William raised his head to look at Francesca, his eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Francesca!”
“Why are you thanking me?” Francesca was looking at her phone. She still didn’t receive a call or a text from Danrique. Looks like he really is mad and is giving me the cold shoulder.
“If you hadn’t asked His Majesty to come over, I would have never been brave enough to request such a thing…” William could not help but laugh self-deprecatingly. “He had always been so high and mighty. It’s quite hard to convince him to do things. I can’t believe that he agreed to this so easily.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?” asked Francesca. “You should put your foot down if it’s necessary. Otherwise, you’re always going to be bullied.”
“You’re absolutely right.” William concurred with a nod.
“Oh yeah, did Robin tell His Majesty everything that has happened here? Does His Majesty believe him?”
His face turned solemn. “Yep. But His Majesty did not tackle the topic head-on. He just mentioned that he wants to meet you. I think he’s still considering.”
“Considering what?” Francesca was confused. “Considering whether or not he was telling the truth?”
“No.” William smiled bitterly as he shook his head. “I think he believes that it’s true. He’s considering the price that has to be paid for dealing with this issue, and whether or not it’s worth paying.”
