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“I see. Keep searching. We need to find them all and ensure they’re not being used again. They’re all unfortunate souls,” Salvador replied.
Salvador’s words had Sophie letting out a quiet sigh of relief. In truth, they had nearly found all the concubines’ daughters. She just hadn’t had the chance to visit some, such as those in the Whitfield and Quinton families.
As for Tabitha, she had admitted her identity herself. When Sophie visited Stillcrest Estate, the woman immediately knelt and confessed her identity, so this needed to be reported.
Eleanor had sent the concubines’ daughters out, and even the person responsible for overseeing them had to be changed every so often. This proved that the one lurking in the shadows couldn’t directly contact them.
That was why Salvador could only utter the word “unfortunate”. If Eleanor hadn’t acted that way, those women would likely have become accomplices.
That was also why Sophie hadn’t revealed Celeste’s trip to the Southern Frontier to seek out Oliver. If she had mentioned it, those women would face dire consequences. The identity of Oliver, the marshal of the Southern Frontier, was far too sensitive.
Salvador would never allow anyone who had been in contact with Oliver to escape unscathed. All of Henry’s concubines’ daughters shared the same fate. Celeste was identified as an accomplice,
Salvador would treat everyone else, including Carmen, the same way.
Throughout history, those in power have preferred to k the innocent rather than let a guilty party slip through their fingers.
After leaving the palace, Rafael asked, “Have we already sent someone to the Southern Frontier?”
A steward from Harmony Palace had told them that Celeste had inquired about Oliver’s preferences, and Matthew had been in charge of that particular interrogation.
After Matthew showed the testimony to Rafael, the latter tore it up. He believed it shouldn’t be reported because it involved the lives of those women and their biological mothers.
“Violet has sent someone.” Sophie hesitated, feeling uneasy. “You know His Majesty well. If you told him about Celeste’s trip to the Southern Frontier, what do you think he would do?”
Rafael lifted his chin slightly and peeked out the carriage window. His expression darkened. “That would be a gamble with an almost certain loss.”
Sophie sighed softly. “We’ve uncovered quite a bit. We’ve more or less established their identities. But in the end, we still have to present this list to the king, and we can only say that Celeste’s whereabouts are unknown.”
Tabitha had been sent to a monastery, and most of the others would soon follow. Even if they had given birth to children, the noble families couldn’t afford to keep them. Anyone even remotely connected to the rebellion would not be allowed to remain, especially since the purpose of these women entering the noble families had been so clear.
Even if Salvador described them as unfortunate souls, no one would be willing to take the risk. Salvador was unpredictable. Who could say that him calling them unfortunate today wouldn’t lead to a different conclusion tomorrow?
Rafael agreed with Sophie’s approach. After all, these were innocent people caught in the crossfire.
From the moment they were born, the daughters of Henry’s concubines had been destined to be used.
That alone demonstrated that Eleanor had harbored trensonous thoughts for many years. If Eleanor claimed Rafael was the mastermind behind the rebellich, Salvador wouldn’t believe it, nor would the officials or the common people.
“If we’re going to protect them, we need to keep a close watch on them. Some of then have spent many years in noble households and know each of those familles’ weaknesses. We can’t allow them to be exploited again.” Rafael said.
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing,” Sophie replied confidently.
The royal edict was delivered to Ironridge Estate, stripping Jessica of her title, reclaiming her lands, and removing her from the ranks of the inner court. Jessica was condemned to a life as a commoner, without the possibility of regaining her title. This meant that even if it was eventually confirmed that she hadn’t been involved in anyone’s death, Leopold could not request a title for her.
If it was discovered that she had committed murder of had incited others to do so, she would face legal repercussions according to the law.
Derek was the one tasked with delivering the royal edict to Ironridge Estate. When he arrived and made the announcement, Jessica flew into a frenzy.
She lunged at him as she shouted, “You might as well just kill me!”
The royal guards blocked her path and kicked her away, sending her sprawling to the ground, blood spilling from her mouth:
Margaret didn’t immediately cast Jessica out. Instead, she chose to investigate the matter internally, confining Jessica under house arrest until the inquiry was complete.
But the outcome was already decided. Given that Jessica had nearly caused Leopold’s death, there was no way anyone in the Marquis of Ironridge’s household would tolerate her.
The next day, Sophie arrived at Oakspire Estate with Michael in tow.
Norman had previously cursed Sophie, accusing her of disregarding the royal family’s dignity by bringing the Capital Guard to Edgeview Estate without evidence. Norman was known for his upright character, and he had a notoriously explosive temper. Even in his old age, he would roar like a thunderstorm whenever he encountered something he deemed unjust.
He had once declared that if Sophie dared to bring the Capital Guard to Oakspire Estate, she would be allowed to enter but not to leave. However, after waiting several days and seeing that she hadn’t shown he assumed she was wary of the estate and would stay away.
up,
Then, today, just past seven in the morning, he received word that the commander of the Mystic Army had arrived.
He immediately ordered, “Don’t let her in.”
In his youth, Norman had once led troops to the Southern Frontier, hoping to drive out the people from Sandorin. Unfortunately, he had failed to accomplish that mission before his retirement Throughout his life, he had amassed a formidable record in battle, but the repeated defeats he suffered at the Southern Frontier were a source of immense embarrassment for him.
As a fellow military man, he naturally respected Hector but grudges were clear??ut. Hector was one thing, and Sophie was another. Even if Sophie had participated in the campaigns to reclaim the Southern Frontier, he didn’t believe a woman possessed such strength
The real hero was the Hell Monarch, Rafael.
While Norman admired Rafael, the same rule applied??afael was Rafael, and Sophie was Sophie. Even as a couple, they couldn’t be lumped together.
The heavy doors stayed shut, and Sophie exchanged a glance with Michael. They were both mentally prepared for this closed??oor reception.
They knew the Duke of Oakspire’s family and the Quinton family were formidable adversaries, which was why they had saved this visit for last.
“We can’t get in, and it’s not like we can just crash through the door,” Michael said, looking a bit troubled. This was a duke’s residence, after all. Even though they were here on official business, they were merely seeking information. So, the people in the household should be treated with due respect. Otherwise, if Norman complained, Salvador would likely placate him at the expense of the Capital Guard.
“Let’s wait. I’ll knock every once in a while. If the door remains shut after an hour, I’ll go in myself,” Sophie said resolutely.
“That’s not advisable. It’s too dangerous for you to go in alone,” Michael quickly protested.
“Dangerous? Not really. I’ll just get yelled at, which is a given anyway.” Sophie shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I have a mouth too. If they yell at me, I’ll yell back. If they hit me, I’ll hit back.”
Michael smiled wryly.
If Sophie yelled back or fought back and angered Norman, wouldn’t that just escalate the situation? Wouldn’t Norman then bring this matter to Salvador’s attention?
At Oakspire Estate, all men with official positions had already left. Those without official positions were summoned to the main hall. They listened to the intermittent knocking that echoed from outside.
Throughout his life, Norman had worn his emotions on his sleeve, never concealing his feelings. He was the illustrious Duke of Oakspire, a title he had earned through his own efforts. Though his sons and grandsons had served in court, their positions were modest. Their family avoided jealousy and suspicion from the king.
As long as Norman hadn’t harmed anyone, no one dared to be disrespectful in his presence. The title of commander of the Mystic Army meant nothing to him. He only respected the Mystic Army itself. To him, the commander was simply trash.
As the knocking came again, Norman leisurely picked up a cup of coffee. He blew on it before sipping, his gaze fixed on his anxious sons and grandsons.
“Don’t worry about it. Let them keep knocking,” he said dismissively.