Return of the Crowned Heiress

Chapter 489

The mountain was steep, and climbing it at noon during the hottest part of the day was exhausting.

Felicia knew better than to rush to the top all at once. She paused periodically to rest, buying water from vending machines along the way and taking a few sips before continuing.

She had to admit that those who were well–trained were definitely different. Stanley was doing remarkably well. Despite the grueling climb, he wasn’t even out of breath. At one point, he found a sturdy tree branch and offered it to Felicia as a hiking stick.

She declined the offer.

She had never stopped training and strengthening her physical abilities. Her endurance had improved greatly, and climbing a mountain like this posed no real challenge.

By the time they reached the summit, a refreshing breeze swept over them.

Felicia first headed to the location of the old tower. The towering structure stood silently, its surface marked by the passage of time yet still majestic regardless.

A little further ahead stood the ancient tree, lush and full of life. Its branches were adorned with countless red ribbons and small wooden plaques, their varying shades a testament to how long they had been there. The plaques swayed in the wind, producing a crisp, melodious sound.

stood beneath the tree, gazing upward for a while before speaking, “Do you

Without hesitation, he leaped up, using the tree branch in his hand to dislodge the plaque, which

all those years ago. The handwriting, delicate and neat, had faded slightly but was

with her hand as she wrote with a serious expression. Felicia had teased her then, calling

of the wishes on

wish was for

wish for Felicia to be happy every day and that

for Felicia to face less hardship and

will

she read the last row of words, tears welled up in Felicia’s

a wish for yourself, you silly

her fingers over the faded handwriting, a mix of sorrow and guilt washing over her. These emotions churned

briefly, then pulled out a small knife and carved a line of words on the back of the wooden plaque. With a quick toss, the

knife and tucking it back into her pocket before turning to Stanley. She

had just carved, wanted to ask