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She paused, gauging Lionel’s reaction before continuing, “But I still recommend that you go back and speak with Lord Malcolm. Whether or not he’s aware of this situation is something he must address himself. We only want to ensure he isn’t left in the dark. We still need to liaise with him regarding whether this mistress will remain under his care or if the Capital Guard will manage her. Both options are viable??t ultimately depends on Lord Malcolm’s choice.”
As Lionel listened, a chill settled deep in his heart.
This wasn’t mere gossip. Once the case reached the Supreme Court for questioning, every testimony would be scrutinized and presented for Salvador’s review. Unless the informant had ulterior motives and intended to frame the Quinton family, the validity of this information was beyond doubt.
However, if the Informant did aim to frame the Quinton family, it wouldn’t be an easy task. Once the testimony was given, the Supreme Court would certainly launch an investigation. As Sophie had mentioned, they had indeed conducted an inquiry, confirming that Malcolm was keeping a mistress.
Lionel took a deep breath, forcing himself to keep his emotions in check. “Can you tell me where this mistress is now?”
Sophie shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t disclose that Information.”
Lionel stood and bowed his head in gratitude. “Understood. Thank you for your insights, Commander Devin,”
Sophie finished her coffee, leaving not a drop behind. I have other matters to attend to and can’t stay any longer. Given that I’m currently Investigating a treason case, it’s best to limit my contact with Her Majesty. Please extend my apologies to her.”
With a slight bow, she left the room without waiting for Kylie to emerge.
every word exchange
As soon as Sophie stepped out, Kylie appeared from the inner hall. She had heard Her steps faltered and she leaned on Lydia for support, tears brimming in her eyes. Why? Why would Dad do this? It’s not as if there aren’t concubines in our household. If he has someone he likes, why keep her outside? Does he know that woman’s identity?”
Lionel sighed heavily. “A second??ank official is allowed up to four concubines. Since Dad already has four, taking another would exceed the limit. While many officials bend the rules, His Majesty expects his ministers to set a proper example. Since Dad is a model civil servant, he wouldn’t want to tarnish his reputation.
Kylie’s expression darkened, her voice trembling slightly as she exclaimed, “It’s foolish! If he takes a liking to someone and brings her in as a maid, wouldn’t that leave him free to do as he pleases? With how things are now, the love between our parents will become a laughingstock, and Dad’s reputation will be ruined!”
She gripped the armrest tightly, fury shining in her eyes “And the Hell Monarch! Why did he have to announce it publicly?”
Lionel felt a knot of confusion in his chest. He was unsure of how to face his dad. However, he felt compelled to explain further, given Kylie’s distress.
“His Highness already sent word that he would be coming last night, but Dad didn’t wait and left directly. The Hell Monarch grew impatient after an hour and simply tossed that remark before he left.”
Lionel smiled bitterly. “We were too arrogant. We thought we could dismiss Sophie as insignificant, so we deliberately made things difficult for her. Ultimately, we ended up hurting ourselves. It’s our own fault.”
Kylie shook her head. “But that doesn’t mean he has the right to expose others’ secrets. Why should Dad have to wait for him at home just because he decided to drop by?”
“Your Majesty, don’t hold a grudge against the Hell Monarch or Commander Devin,” Lionel said sternly. If we stir up more trouble now, it could really turn into a feud between families. The Hell Monarch is well- loved by the people, and Commander Devin is a role model for women…”
“What kind of role model? The true role model for women is me, the queen!” Kylie snapped.
She disliked hearing that phrase the most. It made her genuinely unhappy.
Lionel pressed on, “You are the queen, the mother of all citizens. That’s beyond dispute. Is it worth it to compare yourself to a mere subject? Your Majesty, don’t lose sight of this.”
With only Lydia present in the hall, Lionel adopted a more authoritative tone as an elder brother. “Remember this??is Majesty has never fully trusted neither the Hell Monarch nor our family. As the queen, you should align yourself with His Majesty’s sentiments. At the very least, you must present a united front on the surface. Show respect for those he promotes. Don’t engage in petty schemes, or you’ll only bring harm to yourself and others.”
Kylie had always held a deep respect for her dad and elder brother, so she didn’t argue back. Instead, she simply said, “I understand. Don’t worry too much, Lionel. But your wife used to enjoy attending Eleanor’s gatherings, so we should be cautious. The Supreme Court might use that against us.
pital Guard has “It won’t come to that. If they wanted to act, they would have done so already. The visited many residences, most of them tied closely to Eleanor. This time, the Hell Monarch only mentioned the issue of the mistress and didn’t bring up my wife. Clearly, they don’t see that connection as significant,” Lionel replied.
He didn’t say much more. By now, Malcolm had probably returned. Since the situation had already happened, they could only discuss how to respond. Lionel wondered how their grandfather and mom would react to this news.
Meanwhile, Malcolm and his wife, Marjorie, had returned to the Quinton family’s residence. Once inside, Herbert pulled Malcolm into the study and bronched the subject.
ur name.”
“Malcolm, is this true or not? If it’s false, I’ll risk my life to clear your
Malcolm took a seat at the head of the table. Though He was more than capable, the news was staggering enough to leave him momentarily stunned.
“Please say something, Malcolm!” Herbert urged, panic creeping into his voice. “Everyone is worried sick. Lionel even went to confront Sophie for clarity on the situation. Just tell us what you know!”
“What is there to say?” Malcolm replied hollowly, lifting his gaze to meet his brother’s. “If you believe it, then it’s true. If you don’t, it’s false.”
Herbert froze, confusion etched on his face. “What do you mean by that?”
Malcolm slowly regained his composure, explaining, “There is indeed a woman, but she isn’t my mistress. I placed her outside. I don’t know her identity, but I know she’s been lying to me. I sensed something was off, but had no way to investigate further. So, I thought it best to keep her outside while trying to uncover her intentions.”
Herbert stared at Malcolm, momentarily speechless.
Malcolm shut his eyes, his mind racing as he spoke methodically. “After I settled her, I looked into her background but didn’t find anything suspicious Gradually, I forgot about her I only instructed the servants to keep an eye on her. I never laid a hand on her, which the servants there can testify to it was my oversight. I’ve been too busy and let her slip my mind. had no idea she was actually Lord Henry’s concubine’s daughter.”
Joy flickered across Herbert’s face, but it quickly faded as he realized this was merely a facade?? crafted by his brother to placate him.
He knew Malcolm well. If there was a suspicious individual nearby, he would have ordered an investigation. No matter the results, that person would never be allowed to stay. They would definitely be chased away or kept at a distance, never allowed to get close.
Herbert’s heart grew heavy, and disbelief crept into his voice as he asked, “Why would you do this?”
Malcolm pressed his lips together, keeping his eyes closed, his face a mask of anger and disappointment. He had made a grave error, one he found hard to accept. Even worse was the realization that she was the daughter of one of Henry’s concubines, sent to him by Eleanor.
“Why would you do this? You and Marjorie have been affectionate for years. She is virtuous and devoted. and she even arranged early on for you to have concubines to extend your lineage..
“Arranged early on,” Malcolm echoed, rubbing his brow as he slowly opened his eyes. The loneliness in his gaze seemed to swell, dark and overwhelming. “The youngest of my concubines is nearly forty this year, and the others are in their early forties. Meanwhile, this girl is just nineteen.”
The reality of the situation struck him hard. Though he felt ashamed to speak of it, his younger brother’s. relentless questioning forced him to continue.
“In recent years, I’ve felt overwhelmed, yet the king has relied on our family. I had to push through. It was a moment of folly. I wanted to recapture my youth and didn’t thoroughly investigate her background,” he added.
Outside the study, Lionel listened to his dad’s conversation with his uncle, his emotions a tangled mess. After a long moment, he steeled himself and knocked before entering.
The instant their eyes met, Lionel felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him. He was unsure how to face the complexity swirling in his dad’s gaze. But he had formulated a plan.
“Dad, let me take two maids to verify that woman’s purity. If she’s proven to be chaste, you can stand tall in front of Grandfather and Mom.”
At his age of well past fifty, Malcolm felt a lingering awkwardness at the idea of his son handling such personal matters. Yet, if Lionel was suggesting it, he must be certain that the result would be that the woman was pure. Regardless of the truth, once it reached Malcolm’s father and wife, it would be reported that she was untouched.
That same argument would also be acceptable to Salvador.
He instinctively avoided his son’s gaze. “She has a daughter, and I’ve already instructed that she be taken away. Go ahead.”
With a slight bow, Lionel excused himself and stepped out into the crisp early winter sun. He had felt an overwhelming sense of suffocation whilst inside.
He brought along two elderly maids who had served his grandmother and were well??espected in the household. Their words carried weight. However, as they rode in the carriage, Lionel felt compelled to clarify the situation with them. No matter what they discovered, there could only be one answer??he woman was still a virgin.