In truth, Zayn was lying. The wooden craving indeed blocked sound, but if someone held its paired counterpart, they could eavesdrop on the conversation. And that counterpart was in the hands of Josiah, the elderly man accompanying him.

"The fact that His Majesty values my talents is a great honor," Felix said with a polite smile. "However, I've always lived freely, and it was Harmony Clinic that nurtured me. I'm afraid I cannot accept the offer."

Zayn was inwardly pleased—this wasn't even something he had to lead Felix into saying.

"You don't have to worry about Harmony Clinic," Zayn continued smoothly. "We can persuade Mr. Whitwell. As long as you're willing, it's not an obstacle.

"Felix, let me be honest with you—no matter how much you've seen or heard about the power of the royal family, it's just the tip of the iceberg. If you join us, you'll receive the highest level of treatment—even above us princes.

"And surely, you've heard of the Empress? The strongest force in Martial C