The atmosphere in the hospital room was heavy and tense. The dim lighting cast soft shadows, but it couldn't dispel the suffocating pressure hanging in the air.
Marcellus leaned against the hospital bed, his head lowered in deep thought. After a moment, he slowly spoke, "This is what I wanted to tell you—if the explosion was truly aimed at me, then the enemy, having gone to such lengths, wouldn't have let me escape at the last moment."
His gaze darkened, as if playing out every possible scenario in his mind. "If this was an assassination attempt, they had the means to ensure I died beneath the rubble. But I survived, injured but alive. What does that mean?"
He let out a quiet sigh, his eyes growing even more profound. "If this was really meant to kill me, then it's highly possible… they spared me on purpose."
Livia's breath hitched slightly, and she couldn't help but ask, "Spared you? Why?"
"It could be a warning," Marcellus replied, his tone devoid of emotion, as if merely stating a fact. "Or they may need me to remain alive but incapacitated."
Hearing this, Elias furrowed his brows even deeper, his gaze sharp. "A warning? That means… they still want something from you."
He paused, sorting through his thoughts before continuing, "You're injured now and won't be able to lead the expansion project in the short term. It seems their goal is to force you to step down—at least temporarily."
Livia's eyes widened as realization struck her. She turned to Marcellus in shock. "Then what about your position? Who's taking over?"
Marcellus lowered his gaze slightly, answering in a steady voice, "Eryx."
The moment that name was spoken, the temperature in the room seemed to plummet.
Livia's expression changed drastically, her eyes flashing with a sharp glint. "Him?! That makes him the prime suspect!"
Eryx had previously infiltrated the castle in an attempt to steal classified documents. He had even sent people to kidnap her. And now, in the wake of the explosion, he conveniently took over the expansion project? The coincidences were far too many.
She was almost certain—this was Eryx's doing!
Elias's expression darkened as well. Clearly, his thoughts aligned with Marcellus's.
But he quickly regained his composure, his voice calm yet firm. "The problem is, we have no evidence."
His tone was rational and measured. "No matter how much you suspect him, without proof, there's nothing you can do. The most pressing issue now is preventing Eryx from seizing real control over the project."
Marcellus narrowed his eyes, his voice steady. "I can still lead the project."
As he spoke, he tried to sit up, but the moment he exerted force, a sharp pain radiated from his spine. He clenched his jaw, beads of cold sweat instantly forming on his forehead.
Livia's heart tightened, and she quickly supported him. "Don't push yourself! You can't—"
"You're in no condition for this," Elias interjected coldly.
Marcellus fell silent for a moment. His expression remained unchanged, but his fingers clenched ever so slightly.
"Then what about you?" He suddenly lifted his gaze to Elias, his voice eerily calm.
Elias was momentarily stunned before letting out a low chuckle, tinged with mockery. "You really don't know my situation?"
His tone carried a hint of sarcasm. "You know they would never allow me to take over."
Marcellus didn't respond. He simply gave him a deep, searching look.
Livia watched the silence between them, her mind in turmoil. This explosion wasn't just an unfortunate incident—it was a carefully orchestrated scheme. The enemy was forcing Marcellus out of power, and Eryx was clearly the biggest beneficiary.
But the problem was, Marcellus was injured, and Elias was out of the question.
Who could stop Eryx?
The hospital room was filled with a stifling tension, and yet, the real crisis had only just begun.
"I'll do it."
The air seemed to freeze for a moment. Both Marcellus and Elias turned to her in surprise, clearly not expecting those words from Livia.
Her voice was firm, unwavering, carrying an undeniable strength.
Marcellus snapped his head up, his deep gaze locking onto her. "You?!"
Elias also frowned, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief. "Do you even realize what you're saying?"
Livia met their gazes head-on, her expression resolute. "Yes. I'll take over the expansion project."
She took a step forward, sweeping her gaze over both men. Her tone was calm but clear. "First of all, I am the daughter of the City Lord, a status that commands enough authority in this city. And legally, I am Marcellus's wife. Acting in his place to oversee the project presents no issue."
Marcellus narrowed his eyes, listening intently as she continued.
"Moreover, my mother was once the commander of the First Legion. The education and training I received since childhood are no less rigorous than anyone else's." Livia's gaze was sharp, her voice resolute. "Can either of you say that I'm incapable of handling this?"
Elias opened his mouth but found himself unable to argue.
She wasn't wrong. Her identity, background, and even combat capabilities made her a formidable presence—far more so than Eryx. More importantly—
"You're injured, not dead." Livia's voice was steady as she looked directly at Marcellus. "I'm not taking over for myself. I'm doing this for you."
Her words carried an undeniable conviction. "I can publicly announce that due to your injuries, I will be managing the project temporarily. But you will remain the final decision-maker. Every action I take will be reported to you, and once you recover, I will hand full control back to you. Isn't this the simplest solution?"
Silence filled the hospital room.