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Sophie finally turned to Norman. “Lord Norman, keep an eye on her yourself. Until this treason case is fully investigated, she’s not allowed to leave the estate
The silence thickened as they all stared at Sophie in shock.
That was it? She wasn’t even taking Cecilia with her?
“Might I have a word with you in private, Lord Norman? Sophie asked.
“Of course,” Norman responded, his voice uncharacteristically low.
A man known all his life for his short temper, whose voice usually boomed even in casual conversation, now spoke for the first time in a tone utterly drained of power.
Sophie turned to Michael and instructed, “I’ll step outside with Lord Norman. Ask Cecilia under what circumstances she handed over those two blueprints see if she was under any kind of coercion.”
When Gareth heard this, he felt a glimmer of relief. The tension in his chest eased a bit, and his eyes turned red??immed.
He had earlier struck Cecilia because he wanted to make it clear that his family had nothing to do with this matter. He also wanted to gain a bit of Sophie’s sympathy as a woman by showing his supposed resolve in disciplining Cecilia. That way, Sophie might not be too harsh with Cecilia if she took her away.
Norman stood up and gestured for Sophie to follow him to his study.
After taking a few steps, he turned back and asked, “Would it be alright if my eldest son came along?”
Sophie knew the duke was referring to Mikhail, whose nature she understood well. She was aware that he wasn’t as valued by Norman as his younger brothers
“That’s fine,” she replied.
Stunned, Mikhail hesitated. He knew his dad never favored him and thought him to be too mild and lacking passion. Norman always chose to discuss important manners with his third and fourth sons. But instead of calling Gareth this time, Norman had unexpectedly requested that Mikhail join the discussion.
In the study, Norman instructed his servants to light a candle with a calming scent. His temper often ran high, so this candle was a staple in his study. However, it wasn’t for his benefit today. He hoped the calming scent might help Sophie overlook the hour wait outside and the indignity of almost being splashed with water.
Once they were seated, Sophie got straight to the point, saying, “I’ll be direct with you, Lord Norman. I’ve already reported yesterday’s findings to the king. His Majesty has officially declared that all of Lord Henry’s concubines’ daughters are victims. I only came here after he made that decision.”
Norman took a moment to process this, then asked, “What are you saying?”
However, Mikhail understood immediately. He rose from his seat and bowed to Sophie. “Thank you for your mercy, Commander Devin.”
“No need to thank me,” Sophie replied calmly. “I didn’t do it for your family alone. The women are truly victims. Eleanor held Lady Cecilia’s mom’s life in her hands, and she could only save her by following Eleanor’s orders. Like Lady Cecilia, many were forced to carry out different tasks under threats.
“However, Lady Cecilia’s role was the most sensitive, given that the weapons and armor found in Harmony Palace closely matched those produced by the Ministry of Defense. If I had come to Oakspire Estate before reporting yesterday’s findings to His Majesty, every single person involved would have been considered an accomplice. That would implicate not just the concubines’ daughters, but also everyone in the residence where they live.”
Finally, Norman grasped the full weight of her actions. He gave Sophie a complex look, still unsure of her motives. What she described wasn’t the perspective of an ordinary woman. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she had an ulterior motive.
“Why did you help us? What are your conditions?”
already told you?? wasn’t helping you. I just don’t want to see the innocent suffer.”
Norman shook his head. “Impossible. Every official investigating a treason case hopes to implicate as many people as possible. The more families involved, the more credit they’ll earn.”
Sophie looked him straight in the eye. “Do you remember what happened with the Earl of Gracehold’s family? When that courtesan stirred things up, she wrecked the marriage between the Duchess of
Everpeace and one of the top scholars, Samuel Langley. He was stripped from the National Examination Register and lost his position as heir, causing the Earl of Gracehold’s family to fall from grace.
“That was Eleanor’s goal??o drag the loyal noble families down, one by one. The truly powerful families are hard to topple from the outside, so she worked to break them down from within. And she did it in a way that ensured no one would sympathize with them when it happened. The people even applauded it.”
She continued, “In reality, the noble families are the least likely to support rebellion. They thrive only if the kingdom is stable. If there’s a regime change, the new ruler will target them first to gain public favor. That’s why, if someone attempts treason, the noble familles will rally with the court to oppose it.
“Eleanor spent years laying these traps to undermine them. If I implicate every household connected to the daughters of Lord Henry’s concubines, I’d be falling right into her hands. Why would I let her win? Neither my household nor Prince Rafael’s household is in need of more credit.”
Her words struck a nerve in Norman, leaving him deeply conflicted.
He had assumed Sophie’s perspective would be narrow, as she was the first female official in such a high position. He thought she was likely keen to use this treason case to solidify her standing. But her vision went far beyond that and was free of personal gain.
Now, Norman understood why Salvador valued her so highly, even though the Hell Monarch’s household had enough military accolades to overflow.
At that moment, Norman found himself impressed, but pride held him back from an apology. However, while a father might not have understood his own heart, a son often did.
Sensing Norman’s restraint, Mikhail stepped forward and bowed deeply to Sophie.
“Thank you for safeguarding our family and the other noble families, Commander Devin. I apologize for keeping you waiting outside and for the discourtesy shown today. Once this case concludes, I will personally visit to extend our formal apologies.”
Sophie smiled and shook her head. “That won’t be necessary.
Sophie didn’t feel relieved even after leaving Onkspire Estate. She still needed to face the Quinton family. tomorrow. And beyond them, there was also Hayden, to whom Eleanor had also sent someone.
Sophie didn’t plan on bringing the Capital Guard to Hayden’s residence, Willowbrook Estate. Instead, she intended to visit him with Rafael in the evening and fill him in. After all, the elderly prince had returned to the capital alone, with all his descendants serving in far??ff territories.
However, Salvador was still understandably cautious of him, especially since the person backing Eleanor remained unidentified. Without proof, the king would be wary of all his vassals.
That night, Rafael arrived at Willowbrook Estate with Sophie, carrying a gift to keep up appearances. The old prince certainly knew how to enjoy himself. After dinner, the household songstresses took turns performing for him, serenading him with music.
When Rafael and Sophie arrived, Hayden was reclining on a lounge chair, eyes closed, tapping a rhythm on the armrest as he listened. The songstress, her face veiled, played a string instrument as she sang. Her voice was as clear as a nightingale, sweet and Illting.
Her slender, fair fingers glided over the strings, each pluck and strum filling the room with pure, ethereal music, like streams flowing through high mountains. The music was enchanting, and it felt as if one’s troubles faded away after listening to it.
Rafael and Sophie listened to the song from the doorway, fully captivated despite not knowing what piece was being played. When the song ended, Hayden opened his eyes, and they stepped inside.
“Coming so late??ardly seems like you’re bringing good news,” Hayden greeted with a smile.
Rafael raised the gift in his hand with a grin. “Great??ncle, since when is a gift not good news?”
Sophie smiled and greeted Hayden politely, “Good evening, Great??ncle.”
Hayden’s eyes narrowed as he looked her over, a smile spreading across his lips. “Ah, here’s our kingdom’s first female official??old and spirited, every bit a match for the men.”
“You flatter me, Great??ncle,” Sophie replied with a smile.
“Sit down!” Hayden said with a wave.
The songstress bowed and took her instrument with her as she left. Meanwhile, servants streamed in, bringing coffee, pastries, sweets??nything they could possibly need. Having been on the move for hours, Rafael and Sophie happily took the opportunity to relax. They sipped their coffee and sampled the delicacies without reserve.
Hayden looked to be in fine spirits. He glanced at Sophie as he said, “I asked Rafael to bring you here ages ago, yet it’s only now that you come. Makes me wonder if you had any sincerity at all. There’s another reason for your visit today, isn’t there?”
Rafael chuckled. “Nothing slips past your sharp eyes, Great??ncle. Yes, we’re here today because of the treason case. Eleanor sent someone to your estate. Are you already aware?”