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Sophie remained silent, her eyes filled with a trace of regret.
Every martial artist, at some point, likely harbored a dream-a dream of roaming the world with a sword, stepping in to right the wrongs they encountered, and having people call them “heroes” wherever they went.
Sophie had often dreamed of such things as a young girl, especially when she had first started her martial arts training and seen a glimpse of her own potential. In those days, she had been proud and certain that she was destined for greatness.
In her dreams, she was a peerless warrior, slaying countless evildoers. Even when they begged for mercy beneath her blade, she would still say, “This is for the sake of justice in the world.”
As she grew older, she realized that it wasn’t that simple. Being a hero, dispensing justice on one’s terms, was actually against the law. A heroine had no authority to enforce the law. She wasn’t a member of the official courts or government.
Also, to kill someone, there must be solid evidence. Even if one had personally witnessed a criminal committing a crime, one still needed to provide proof to the authorities. After the authorities reviewed the case, if the sentence was death by beheading, it still had to be confirmed by the Supreme Court before execution.
It was a tedious process, with investigations and checks designed to prevent wrongful convictions. However, it also allowed those with power and influence to manipulate the system to their advantage.
Sophie remembered how Winona had once talked to her about it. Even if the crime was proven beyond a doubt, if the criminal’s family had enough money, they could suppress evidence or discredit witness testimony. Whether the sentence was reduced or completely overturned depended entirely on the amount of money offered.
The realization had shattered Sophie’s ideals. How could the world be this way?
She hadn’t believed it at first, and argued with Winona for a long time. The law, Sophie insisted, existed to punish the wicked. How could it be twisted by money?
Officials were paid by the government, and the government’s money came from the people’s taxes. They were public servants, supported by the people, and should act on behalf of the people.
She had even gone to ask Adrian.
He had gently patted her head and said, “Winona is right. But in truth, the current system is as good as it gets.”
Sophie had been confused. “This is as good as it gets? That’s a sad thing to hear.”
Adrian had sighed and said, “There’s no such thing as an absolutely good world, because the world is made up of human hearts. There is good, there is evil, there is selfishness, and there is hypocrisy. Everyone blames the state of the world, but few consider how they themselves contribute to it. The world has become this way because everyone has a part in it.”
She then asked Adrian, “If this is the best world we can have, then what does a bad world look like?”
Adrian had thought for a moment before answering, “A bad world is one filled with endless war, with internal strife and external threats There will be natural disasters and man-made calamities, where people are scattered and displaced. The dead will pile up in the streets, and even the living are forced to eat the flesh of the dead.”
Sophie had been shocked. “Is that what war causes? But my dad still goes to war…”
Adrian had smiled gently. “Your dad goes to war not for rebellion, not for land, and not for conquest. He fights to protect his homeland and to reclaim what is rightfully the kingdom’s. Sometimes, war is fought to prevent further war.” Sophie hadn’t understood then, but now, she did.
At Edgeview Estate, Yuvan’s injuries were severe.
His head and face were swollen, though the damage was only superficial. However, his ribs were broken and his leg was fractured. Though the wound on his abdomen was shallow and merely bled a little, it left him particularly weak. Ultimately, the injuries were treatable.
Yet, after several physicians had examined him, including the one who had accompanied him on the trip, they agreed that his condition was grave. They all believed that he would never be the same again.
The physician Rafael brought in explained that, based on the details of the incident, the injury occurred because Xuvan had been attempting to assault the woman. At that time, his nether region was already engorged. When the unknown hero intervened to save her and kicked Yavan, the injury was exacerbated, making it more likely to cause serious damage or further complications.
The physicians were all regretful, saying that this particular injury was beyond repair. However, they remained oddly optimistic. One of them told Fiona and Wayne that the other basic function of that part-urination-should not be greatly affected.
Even then, the physicians couldn’t guarantee anything. They said there was a possibility that it wouldn’t be affected. If it was, the result might be difficulty or discomfort while urinating. However, this could be managed by adjusting positions-like squatting to urinate, which might help.
Rafael listened quietly, then sighed deeply.
“At least you’re alive, Uncle Yuvan. The unknown hero showed restraint. As for the rest… Well, nothing is more important than life. I’ll report this matter to the king myself. If the woman doesn’t press charges, then this will likely be forgotten.
“As for the hero who harmed you, there’s no need for me to pursue him unless you insist. Should that be the case, the Royal Citadel and the Capital Guard will cooperate fully. However, these men of the martial arts world are elusive. After all, none of you could even identify him. My suggestion? Let it be. Peace is the best outcome.”
Yuvan’s body trembled with a mixture of pain and rage. His eyes no longer hid the cruel, vicious look as he hissed through clenched teeth, “Leave!”
“Then, I won’t disturb you any longer, Uncle Yuvan,” Rafael said, putting on a concerned expression. “You should focus on resting. The capital is prosperous, so staying another month or two shouldn’t be a problem. But you just sent everything to Skye Embroidery earlier today, so the estate is empty. Do you need to have everything returned?”
Yuvan closed his eyes, veins bulging as he used every ounce of strength to suppress his pain. After asking Rafael to leave, he had no intention of speaking further.
Rafael looked deeply concerned for them. Since he didn’t get an answer, he had no choice but to call Wayne to the side hall to ask. When Fiona saw this, she hurried over to stand at the door to listen in.
Rafael took a seat at the head of the room, his tone gentle as he said, “As for who’s right or wrong in tonight’s events… Let’s put that aside. What matters is that justice has been served. In the grove, you said Uncle Yuvan only stationed himself near the tent for the woman’s sake, not for any ill intentions. I’ll make sure the king hears that, but whether His Majesty believes it is not something I can guarantee.”
Wayne pushed down his anger and said, “In the end, it’s just another one of Prince Yuvan’s affairs. It hardly warrants such a commotion.”
“Exactly,” Rafael agreed with a nod. “That’s exactly my thought. But people talk, and rumors spread. It’s not good for Uncle Yuvan’s reputation.”
“What exactly do you want to say, Your Highness?” Wayne’s eyes had returned to calm, and he looked at Rafael. He was careful not to let anger control him, wary of falling into a trap.
“I just want to assure you that my people are very careful with their words,” Rafael replied. “If word were to get out, it would be because of a lack of discipline at Edgeview Estate, not due to any lapse in my control.”
“You needn’t worry about that, Your Highness,” Wayne responded coldly. He narrowed his eyes and sneered “Or are you worried it might affect Ms. Spencer? With so many people talking, who knows what kind of rumors might spread?”
Rafael feigned surprise. “What does Ms. Spencer have to do with this? If she’s involved, this could become a much bigger issue! The Spencer family is not only a royal merchant, but they also provide warhorses and weapons for court. If you offend them, what do you think awaits you?”
Wayne’s voice remained composed as he replied, “Your Highness, there’s no need for further reminders. This matter has nothing to do with the Spencer family, nor does it concer Ms. Spencer. That will be the official stance from Edgeview Estate. As for any rumors floating around about Prince Yuvan, we’ll accept them. After all, there was indeed an attempt to forcibly take a common woman. Fortunately, no harm was done.”
Rafael gave a satisfied nod. “Yes, you’re right. Accepting responsibility is the best way forward.”
Once Rafael had left, Fiona hurried into the room, her face full of concern. “Mr. Wayne, what did he mean by that?”
Wayne let out a heavy sigh. “He intends to spread the news about Prince Yuvan forcefully attempting to take a common woman.”
Fiona’s eyes widened in disbelief. “But he just said his people are careful with their words!”
Wayne scoffed. “He wants to spread the rumors while blaming it on us, claiming it was our people who let it slip. This way, as Prince Yuvan’s nephew, he avoids being seen as the one tarnishing his uncle’s reputation.” Fiona’s fists clenched in anger. “How can he be so malicious? Mr. Wayne, isn’t there anything we can do?”
Wayne’s complexion was ashen. “What can we do? They caught us red-handed.”
Fiona’s nails dug into her palms, stifling a wave of bitter sadness. “Prince Yuvan was too hasty. If he intended to use the Spencer family, he shouldn’t have rushed it. He could’ve taken Violet away first!” Wayne glanced at her but said nothing. It wasn’t just about using the Spencer family-Yuvan clearly had his eyes on Violet as well.
But with how shrewd Fiona was, how could she not already know that?
When the palace gates opened, Rafael and Thomas entered to meet Salvador.
The king was in the midst of his breakfast, and he beckoned them to sit. Everyone, except for Derek, was waiting outside in the hall.
By the time Rafael and Thomas arrived, they had already coordinated their statements. They would tell Salvador everything, except for the fact that they had concealed the appearance of Alistair and Kevin outside the city.
Alistair was less of a concern, as he wasn’t accompanied by many men. However, Kevin had just been promoted and was now part of the king’s Nightsteel Guard. His reckless actions going out and attacking people without regard-might not draw the king’s immediate ire, but it would certainly cause discomfort. In time, it could even affect his career.