Olivia gently held Doreen's hand and placed it on her own abdomen.
Doreen's eyes filled with tears as she nodded excitedly. "Good! Good!"
At this moment, Albert was even more confused. When did Olivia have such a good relationship with his godmother?
And did he just hear the name "Avril"?
Avril?
Wasn't that the name of Queen Blanchett's lost daughter?
Why?
How could his godmother like Olivia so much that she even gave away the name "Avril"?
Something did not seem right.
Her godmother had always been very concerned about this "Avril." In fact, they even planned this trip just to search for Avril.
How could she casually give this name to Olivia?
What on Earth was going on? While Albert was still confused, a guard's report came from outside. "The Queen has arrived!"
Everyone instinctively looked outside upon hearing his proclamation.
Alice strode in gracefully and had already changed into a simple dress. There wasn't even a hint of solemn regality on her face as she had in the palace hall.
She even smiled at Olivia when she caught sight of Olivia.
Of course, she first squatted in front of Doreen's wheelchair and affectionately called out, "Godmother!"
Doreen's eyes were full of approval as her eyes turned into crescents in her joy.
Alice held Doreen's hand and coaxed, "How are you? I heard from Albert that you can speak now. Can you say something to me?"
It was clear that Doreen was thrilled as she struggled to say to Alice. "Alice!"
Alice felt her nose twinge as she threw herself into Doreen's arms, hugging her waist with both hands. Her voice was choked with emotion as she whined, "Godmother, you're finally getting better. You don't know how those Consuls have been bullying me when you aren't around!"
Doreen wanted to pat her head, but she couldn't lift her hand. In the end, she could only enunciate each word carefully, "Don't... be... afraid, Alice. You... have grown!"
Alice hugged Doreen tightly, her voice turned muffled as she spoke against Doreen's neck, "Hmm, you used to protect me all the time. So, now it's my turn to protect you, Godmother. I won't allow anyone to bully you, and I will definitely cure you!"
Doreen's face was filled with contentment.
Alice spent some time collecting herself as she embraced Doreen. Once she could maintain a semblance of control over her emotions, she rose to her feet and looked at Olivia.
Olivia looked at her, and in addition to the joy of seeing the little girl in her memories growing up, there was also heartache in her eyes.
No one knew how much pressure this little girl had endured when they were stuck in an impasse in the hall earlier. Yet, Alice still believed and defended her when faced with such irrefutable evidence. Even Albert was swayed!
Although there was that possibility that she could cure Doreen, and perhaps Alice had the intention to confront Beatrix, the undeniable fact was that they were only safe due to Alice's support.
"Queen Alice."
Alice smiled and walked over, holding Olivia's hand affectionately. "There's no need to be like this in private. I have always remembered you ever since we parted ways that time. I didn't expect you to become Doctor Bailey."
Olivia took a deep breath and smiled bitterly. "It's a long story."
Alice said, "Then, let's go inside and talk."
She looked at Doreen and said, "Godmother, let me push you back."
Doreen nodded in agreement. "Okay."
Alice glanced at the servant before casually asking, "Why did you come out when the wind is blowing so strongly?"
The servant was frightened and hastily explained, "Mr. Nolan and Mr. Bleu fought. The Governor General was worried, so she wanted to take a look at the situation."
Alice stopped in her tracks, tilting her head. That was when she remembered that she had forgotten something. It turned out that when she came in earlier, she had caught a glimpse of Albert's swollen face. Alas, her attention was focused on Doreen, and her mind was utterly occupied by the joy that Doreen was recovering. So, she forgot about it.
This time, she turned to look at Albert fully. It was just as the servant had said, Albert had definitely gotten into a fight. Considering his condition, there was also no doubt that he had lost. Nonetheless, just what was the expression on his face?
One could say that he was utterly dazed and looked rather foolish. Still, none of them seemed quite right.
It was more like he was so shocked that he had trouble accepting reality. It also seemed as though he was so guilty that he couldn't bring himself to face the fact that he had messed up. In short, it was something she couldn't really describe.
"Albert..."
Strangely, Albert completely ignored her, causing Alice to direct her attention to Eugene.
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