Chapter 1689: Primogeniture

"I... I want to leave quietly, not seeking treatment anymore." The King spoke weakly as if accepting his fate, his meaning crystal clear. Catherine’s heart ached with reluctance, tears of sorrow streaming down her face.

She saw the King clutching the bedsheet, gradually soaking it with sweat, fine beads appearing on his forehead...

He continued with difficulty, "I know my own body well enough... But... regarding the matter of the succession, I want to make it clear here, it must follow the primogeniture system, and Louis should take the position. The day I leave will be the day he takes office."

Catherine’s heart sank, and her spirits dampened half, but at this moment, she couldn’t say a word.

After all, the King was gravely ill, and Taylor didn’t even know where he had run off to.

Justin Kingston stood erect, observing Eden’s inner thoughts with the keenest insight, his gaze fixed on Eden.

Eden, at this moment, had all his attention on the King, staying by the bedside with a nervous and worried look.

But in Justin Kingston’s eyes, this turned into him carefully observing the King’s condition.

Upon hearing about the succession, Justin Kingston noticed Eden’s expression was somewhat subtle, and at this moment, he had formed an opinion in his mind.

"I want to rest." The King felt a chill on his chest, sighed, his face still pale, his breath still weak, "Let Louis accompany me in my final days."

His tone was filled with regret, as if this had become his sole wish.

Ian Shelby looked at his father with immense sadness, as if a weight of a thousand pounds was pressing down on his heart. He watched Catherine gently lay his father down and finally released his father’s hand.

After the King lay down, he opened his eyes and directly looked at his son by the bedside, his voice weak, "Louis, move your belongings over here, from today onwards, stay with me. We’ve missed... missed too many years, just... accompany me through this final journey."

Every word his father uttered stabbed Ian Shelby’s left chest like needles, the pain so distinct.

In the opulent and luxurious bedroom, the air was filled with overwhelming sorrow, the air of parting by life and death.

The servants knelt down, crying softly yet restraining themselves from being too loud.

This scene also deeply moved Jocelyn Morgan; she felt equally distressed, tears welling up in her eyes. Even though the antidote had been obtained, with the King’s current condition... it was uncertain how much longer he could hold on.

"Everyone leave, only Louis stays..." The King softly commanded, gasping, "I want peace."

Catherine felt very jealous and unwilling, but in the King’s current state, she couldn’t bring herself to cause trouble; in fact, she wished to stay as well.

Besides, she thought, Taylor is also a son, so why should only Louis stay by his side? He didn’t even mention Taylor and outright announced the succession of the throne.

Catherine felt discontent in her heart.

At this moment, Justin Kingston gently pulled Jocelyn Morgan, then stepped out, Jocelyn’s worried gaze lightly brushed over Ian Shelby before following Justin Kingston’s steps out.

At this moment, her heart truly was a mix of emotions.

Following them, the servants and guards slowly stood up and exited the King’s sleeping quarters amidst the heightened sorrow.

On the bed, the King weakly closed his eyes, breathing through his slightly opened mouth, no longer speaking, just silently listening to the gradually receding footsteps.

Eden and Arthur also exited, and the entire room instantly fell silent.

Yet Catherine remained, standing tearfully by the bedside, her nose stinging, her vision blurred by tears, "Bertie..." She was very sad, and at the same time very worried. If he left, her situation... would certainly become particularly difficult.