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Eventually, it was Violet who urged Sophie to rest. After all, staying up all night couldn’t be good for her health.
Sophie was still riding high on excitement, but knowing she had to return to the Capital Guard headquarters later that evening to stand watch, she reluctantly agreed to take a break.
Meanwhile, Violet led Cynthia and Bun out for a stroll, and naturally, they couldn’t avoid overhearing the buzz about the shocking events from the night before.
The people of the city were all guessing which officials and aristocrats had been taken from the gentlemen’s retreats. It wasn’t hard to figure out, though. All they had to do was look at which families were gathered outside the Capital Guard headquarters.
The Marquis of Glandale’s family’s affairs couldn’t stay hidden for long. That morning, officials from the Supreme Court had already gone to search their estate. Less than a day later, their secrets were laid bare.
Rumor had it that someone had seen Fabian in his carriage, struggling with a handsome young man who was later tossed out of the carriage. Some of the servants from Fabian’s household spoke about his clear preference for men, claiming he only married women to produce heirs. Others, however, said he was fine with both men and women.
Whatever the truth, the Marquis of Glandale’s reputation was thoroughly tarnished.
At a nearby coffeehouse, Violet, Bun, and Cynthia spent a good while listening to gossip. One of the stories floating around was at
Malcolm, who had been seen entering and leaving the Capital Guard headquarters late last night. People wondered if some of the Quinton family’s younger members had ended up at the gentlemen’s retreats as well.
No one suspected Gerald. The common folk had vivid imaginations, but there were limits to what they could come up with, which was why no one thought to consider Gerald, a royal tutor.
The Quinton family, of course, was keeping a close watch on the rumors. If any talk started pointing fingers at Gerald, they would quickly find a way to shut it down.
The trio listened as the common folk continued to praise Sophie. They spoke of her efforts in establishing Gracewood Women’s Academy and Skye Embroidery, and how she had now even cleaned up such a filthy place. She was truly a remarkable woman.
Of course, where there was praise, there was also criticism. Some whispered that a woman’s place was in the home, managing the household as well as bearing children and raising them.
“Lady Sophie has been married for so long, yet she hasn’t even had a child. She’s neglected her proper duties as a wife, and worse, she’s doing a man’s work.”
Violet, having grown used to such talk, merely rolled her eyes. But Cynthia and Bun, ever protective of their friend, were quick to react. They were about to step forward to argue when Violet caught them by the arm.
With a smile, she said, “Let them talk. Don’t waste your breath. It’s nothing to lose sleep over. If we engage, we’ll only cause Sophie more trouble. Besides, there are plenty of people who will defend her. She has quite a following.”
And sure enough, voices soon rose in defense of Sophie.
Feeling reassured, Cynthia murmured, “Sophie is only growing more remarkable.”
Meanwhile, trouble continued to brew at the Capital Guard headquarters. Gerald hadn’t eaten or drunk anything all day. By nightfall, a high fever struck him. Despite the heat of two charcoal stoves and the weight of two thick blankets, he trembled uncontrollably.
Sophie sent word to Malcolm, who panicked and was at a loss. He was too afraid to call in any outside physicians, so he could only rely on the household physician from the estate.
Malcolm had already received a stern reprimand from Salvador and had his salary docked for a year on top of his original punishment. After leaving the palace, he was relentlessly focused on how to fix the situation, and now, another problem had arisen.
The situation he found himself in now was like a wildfire only blocked by a thin cloth. Whether that cloth was burned through or set alight, it would be a disaster for the Quinton family. The only thing he could be thankful for was that Salvador didn’t seem to want to see the Quinton family fall.
In his heart, Malcolm felt torn toward Sophie-grateful yet resentful. Grateful that she continued to shield the Quinton family from disgrace, but resentful that she hadn’t warned him sooner. But he couldn’t voice this resentment, especially since Kylie had originally opposed Gracewood Women’s Academy. Why should Sophie tell him anything?
Sophie had already said it herself-she hadn’t expected Gerald would make another trip to the gentlemen’s retreat so soon after just having been there. Maybe this was just bound to happen; the Quinton family had grown too strong, too quickly.
With a high fever, Gerald rambled incoherently. Sophie wouldn’t allow anyone near him except for Malcolm and the household physician. Naturally, she insisted on staying, wanting to know exactly how Gerald was faring.
His fever-induced ramblings made little sense to her. His words were muddled and soft, yet heavy with sorrow. It was as if he was longing for something he could never have, no matter how hard he tried. They fed him medicine, but by midnight, his fever still showed no sign of breaking.
The household physician explained that Gerald’s condition was brought on by the strain of emotional turmoil-an anxious heart, combined with two days without food or drink, had finally overwhelmed him. Simply put, it was his mind that had faltered first. The arrest had been a deep humiliation for him, something he could not bear to face.
By morning, Gerald’s condition hadn’t improved, and the household physician shook his head in dismay. Sophie called for Malcolm to step outside, then suggested, “I think we should call for Sebastian, or perhaps take Lord Gerald back to the Quinton family’s residence.”
Malcolm knelt, his hands pressed over his face, the weight of exhaustion heavy on him. He hadn’t slept in two days and was on the verge of collapsing.
He knew that calling for Sebastian meant that more people would be in the know. Taking Gerald back to the estate was an option, but it had its complications. Salvador could be appeased, but how could they bring Gerald back home in this state?
Not to mention, there were shops that opened early, and there were people hustling along the roads. There was also the chilly wind cutting through the air, making net impossible to let him out in his current state. With a fever that high, exposure to the cold could be fatal.
“Lord Malcolm, you should make your own decision. I’m just offering my suggestions.”
With that, Sophie turned away and returned to the building.
After a brief pause, Malcolm finally agreed to summon Sebastian. Sophie sent Max to personally handle the task.
And so, Sebastian, the renowned physician sought after by many, was called to the Capital Guard headquarters.
After examining Gerald, he retrieved a vial of medicine and administered it to him before performing needle treatment. Within 15 minutes, Gerald stirred and began to sweat, his fever finally breaking somewhat.
Sebastian stepped outside to speak with Sophie for a moment.
“His condition isn’t great to begin with. His health is already weak, and he looks like he’s gone without food or water for two days. His heart, lungs, and stomach are all in poor shape. But the biggest issue is the mental toll. That’s the hardest to treat.
“Every minute he stays here is another minute of suffering. He has no will to live. It’s better to send him back for treatment as soon as possible, or he might die here at the Capital Guard headquarters.”
“The problem is, how do we get him out of here?” Sophie asked, frustrated. “It’s already morning. And with his condition so bad, it’s risky for him to go out and be exposed to the cold. He might even refuse to leave on his own.”
Sebastian thought for a moment before suggesting, “Prepare a few hand warmers and wrap him up warmly. He can ride in my carriage with me, and we’ll head to Arcane Sanctum first.
“Then, when I’m about to see patients, have someone from the Quinton family come to Arcane Sanctum and loudly say that Lord Gerald has collapsed and needs immediate treatment. That way, I can take the carriage and accompany him back to the house to avoid attention.”
“That’s a clever plan! I’ll inform Lord Malcolm right away,” Sophie said, then hurried off.
When Malcolm heard the plan, he exhaled in relief. It was the best option-no one would question
Sebastian’s actions. Malcolm felt deeply grateful and thanked him over and over again.
Sebastian had already removed his coat and hat so that Gerald could change into them. With people already moving about outside, Gerald had to disguise himself as Sebastian. It was crucial that no one recognize him. They also needed to find someone to escort him discreetly.
Malcolm went to Gerald to explain the situation. The old man could stand, but his legs were weak. Though he could walk with assistance, reaching the carriage seemed impossible.
But this was the only solution they had.
When Gerald said it was impossible, Malcolm almost collapsed in frustration, saying, “You keep saying everything is impossible. Do you actually want the whole world to know what you’ve done?”
Gerald’s makeup had been wiped away, but his complexion remained ghostly pale, tinged with a sickly yellow. His cheeks were hollow, and the skin beneath his eyes sagged terribly. His hair had almost turned completely white, making him look much older than his years.
It was true what people said-stress or grief from a tough situation could make a person age rapidly.
Gerald didn’t look up. With a voice devoid of energy, he muttered, “There’s no need for me to go. Let me die here. Afterward, just wrap me in white cloth and say I went to the countryside to recover. Announce my passing six months later.”