Chapter 481
Sticking to the principle of politeness, Asher didn’t bother to question Mirabella’s words. Instead, he offered a smile and said, “Dad, even Mirabella admits it’s tough. Maybe we shouldn’t brag in front of everyone.”
The fool!
Nikolai took a deep breath to suppress the annoyance welling up in his chest, waved his hand dismissively, and said, “Just get out of here. Don’t dampen the mood.”
Asher noticed that his father was indeed getting heated. Having achieved his own goal, he quickly excused himself.
As Nikolai watched him leave, he let out a small sigh, no longer in the mood to bring up the Foxglove. “My son doesn’t know any better. I apologize for his behavior.”
“It’s alright,” Mirabella said with a pressed–lip smile, not taking it to heart. Then she stood up and excused herself, “I’m going to visit the powder room.” She soon left the main hall.
Nikolai’s gaze returned to the table, his aged face momentarily showing a bittersweet smile as he sighed, “So narrow–minded.”
James glanced at Nikolai, his serene face showing little emotion. “It’s just his nature.”
Nikolai shook his head. “Let’s not talk about him. It’ll only spoil the mood.”
With a deliberate calm, James poured Nikolai a cup of tea. “Have some tea.”
Nikolai took the cup, quietly sipped, and then raised his head to look at James again.
After a thoughtful moment, he said, “It seems, James, that you’ve recovered quite a bit. Has Mirabella given you any more acupuncture treatments lately?”
James leaned back in his chair, exuding a relaxed but impeccably polite air, and hummed in affirmation.
A knowing look crossed Nikolai’s face, and after a pause, he remarked, “Mirabella’s silver needle technique is truly extraordinary. I’ve never seen such a reversal of practice.” Although he had only witnessed the initial needle insertion and not the crucial probing phase, the points chosen for the needles were enough to demonstrate her exceptional skill.
James raised his eyebrows, a bit surprised. “You’ve never seen this method of acupuncture before?”
Nikolai nodded, “Indeed, her technique is quite unique, almost transcending the existing theories of alternative medicine.”
At this point, Nikolai’s thoughts drifted to the legendary Massolio family. While little was known about their secrets, it was rumored that
the family’s pride lay in their silver needle technique, a technique capable of pulling people back from death’s door.
However… these were just stories passed down by the older generations, with no one certain of their veracity. Mirabella’s method, though unique, probably had no connection to that family. After all, whether the Massolio family even existed in this world remained a
mystery.
Nikolai reeled in his wandering thoughts, choosing not to voice his baseless speculations. With a smile, he added, “Each generation has its talents. I must admit, I am getting old and must concede.”
James regarded Nikolai and simply responded, “You’re being too modest.”
Nikolai shook his head and then stood up. “Just sit tight, James. I’m going to check in on the kitchen. Knox’s grandson is head chef
today, and I want to see how he’s doing.”
James nodded slightly.
Soon after, Nikolai took his leave.
Meanwhile, Mirabella had asked one of the Mendoza family servants for directions to the restroom. On her return to the main hall, she ran into Asher again. He was in conversation with one of Knox’s apprentices.
