Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 721

Felicia's palms were covered in sweat. She didn't dare move recklessly. She used the opportunity to observe her surroundings and the terrifying-looking snake that, for some reason, wasn't attacking her.

They stared at each other for a long time. Then, the golden-eyed snake flicked its tongue, releasing a faint, putrid scent.

The smell was distinct—different from the fog that had covered the island before but definitely toxic or hallucinogenic.

In her shock, Felicia immediately tried to hold her breath, but it was too late. A heavy wave of exhaustion crashed over her.

Her mind remained completely alert, but her body refused to obey. She slumped to the ground, her eyelids falling shut against her will.

And just like that, she slipped into a dream—or perhaps a bout of hallucination.

…

In this surreal vision, Felicia saw the history of the island. She witnessed its transformation over time, and then… an old man.

The old man sat on the water's surface, unmoving, holding something that resembled a fishing rod. The line was simply woven grass, and the end of it had no hook, much less a bait.

How did he expect to catch anything like that?

But that wasn't the important part. Felicia's priority was to figure out how to wake up.

She tried pinching herself, but she felt no pain. If she wanted to break free from this strange dream, she would need to find another way.

Thus, she approached the shore. Just as she was about to speak, the old man beat her to it, saying, "This is not a place you should be."

Felicia blinked. Her lips twitched slightly, but she quickly responded, "Gramps, I think so too. So, can you send me back? Or at least point me in the right direction?"

The old man shook his fishing rod slightly, then turned his face to look at her and smiled. "Sure, but you need to answer one question of mine first."

Was this a test?

"Go ahead." Felicia nodded.

The old man raised a brow. His question, however, seemed completely unrelated to anything. "How long do you think it'll take for me to catch a fish?"

Felicia's first instinct was to say never.

There were no fish in sight. And even if there were, his so-called fishing rod had no hook. Unless he was some legendary mythical fisherman, he was never catching anything with that setup.