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Derek remained uneasy. “Im only being considerate of the duke’s family. Now that only Lady Devin is left, it’s hard not to feel some sorrow. After all, the duke and his sons sacrificed their lives for the country.” Salvador sighed, his gaze reflecting a hint of sorrow. “It is indeed a loss for our kingdom. I’m deeply pained whenever I think of it.”
Derek sighed in sympathy, but dared not speak further.
Salvador’s intentions were difficult to predict. He had a special affection for the Duke of Northwatch’s family, but this affection was something that only he could give it couldn’t be demanded.
Just like when Sophie entered the palace to request a divorce, and then came back to see him again. He had grown impatient, then. In fact, he felt impatient even before knowing why she was there.
If Hector’s name wasn’t occasionally mentioned, Salvador might weigh his options more carefully. That would lead him to choose the easier or more conciliatory path, which could unfairly affect Sophie. However, bringing up Hector too often was also not advisable. Derek understood the need to tread carefully and maintain the right balance.
Upon arriving at Serenity Palace, Salvador saw Victoria seated in the center, her brow slightly furrowed.
Eleanor sat on the left side, her demeanor haughty and cold.
Helen was on the right side, her expression somewhat tense and cautious.
When Salvador entered, he first greeted Victoria and Helen. Victoria gave a slight nod while Helen stood, offered a respectful bow, and then sat back down.
Then, Salvador turned to Eleanor Noticing ter stem expression, he smiled and teased, “Aunt Eleanor, you are usually one to only vist mein Tiimitty Palace for important matters. What brings you here today? Trinity Palace was the man palace, and also served as Salvador’s residence.
Salvador was a younger member of the family. Yet he had not grested her properly, and Eleanor felt a twinge of displeasure however, he was the king, and she couldn’t citicize him harshly
She maintained a cold expression, her anger palpable. “Your Majesty, I have come today to request that you issue an edict to punish someone.”
“One Salvador looked at Derek as he arranged a chair next to Victoria, and then settled himself init
As the palace servants served chilled drinks, he took a sip before inquiring, Im curious. Who has such audacity to anger you to the port you would ask me to issue an edict to punish her?
Eleanor gritted her teeth, and spat out the name with venom, “Sophie Devin!”
At the mention of this name, Helen lowered her head slightly, her gaze becoming evasive.
She had sent someone to follow Sophie to see if she had gone to Harmony Palace. However, before the report could come back, Eleanor arrived at Trinity Palace and even summoned her.
From Eleanor’s demeanor, Helen could already guess that Sophie had indeed gone to Harmony Palace and must have said something outrageous but likely satisfying.
What exactly did she say? It must have been something to infuriate that old vixen! Helen had never seen Eleanor come to the palace to seek Salvador’s intervention before.
Victoria frowned. “Sophie? What happened? Why does Salvador need to issue an edict to punish her?”
Eleanor’s voice was full of fury as she replied, “She trespassed into my palace and insulted me!” Victoria had always been protective of Sophie, and disapproved of Eleanor. “If she trespassed into your palace, you should have had her driven out. As for the insults, what exactly did she say? Tell me more about it.”
Eleanor’s face darkened, and she could not reveal the exact words. Instead, she clutched her chest and said angrily, “She caused a commotion at my birthday banquet. I was lenient, considering her youth and ignorance, and chose not to hold it against her. But today, she came directly to my palace and verbally abused me. She even threatened to never let it go.”
Verbally abused her?
Helen’s eyes brightened. She was keen to hear more about what was said.
Victoria furrowed her brows deeper. ‘This seems rather unfounded. Why would she came to provoke you? You’re the grand princess, and everyone knows your reputation. How could she dare to act so recklessly?”
Eleanor sensed a hint of sympathy for Sophie in Victoria’s tone, and was further enraged.
“It’s because she’s relying on her military achievements and her upcoming marriage to Rafael. She thinks she’s risen to a higher position, and thinks I’m insignificant! Regardless, I won’t stand for it. I demand an explanation!” Eleanor spoke with terrible fury. Her eyes were dark and venomous, and even Helen felt a shiver of fear.
However, Salvador asked, “Is it an explanation from Sophie that you seek, Aunt Eleanor? If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to go directly to Northwatch Estate? Why come to my mother? How can she intervene in your personal grievances?”
“This is not a personal grievance. Sophie has insulted the royal family! This is a grave disrespect!” Eleanor’s eyes were filled with rage.
Victoria’s expression darkened. “How has she disrespected you? You haven’t provided any details. What exactly did she say? Why did she trespass into your residence? What happened at your birthday banquet? And is there any truth to the matter of the miniature chastity belt sculpture?”
Eleanor’s sharp, menacing gaze fixed on Helen, who hurriedly said, “I didn’t speak a word about that incident.” Seeing her own sister being scolded so fiercely, Victoria’s irritation grew. She was also speechless to see her sister, who seemed to stir up trouble in the palace and disrespect everyone, being so fearful of Eleanor.
“She didn’t need to say anything. The entire capital knows of this matter,” Victoria said, her gaze stern as she focused on Eleanor. “And now, I’m asking you. After Hector and his sons sacrificed themselves on the Southern Frontier battlefield, did you send a miniature chastity belt sculpture to the Devin family? If not, then her disrespect is inexcusable. If you did, then you are unworthy of the honor and privilege of being a princess.”
Eleanor sneered. “I almost forgot that you and Melanie were close. I thought you could get justice for me, but that was foolish of me!”
She turned to Savaldor, and said sharply, “Your Majesty, Sophie is a fifth-ranked general appointed by the court. She is not yet royalty, yet she dared trespass into my residence and insult me. According to the law, what should be the punishment for such a crime?”
Before Salvador could respond, she added coldly, “As for the miniature chastity belt sculpture, whether it’s true or not has no bearing on her trespassing and insulting me. Not to mention, it is a baseless fabrication she made up to slander me.”
The miniature chastity belt sculpture was already shattered, and Eleanor denied its existence.
So, what could be done about it?
Salvador raised a hand to calm the room, and said, “Aunt Eleanor, please try to calm down. It is indeed improper for Sophie to have trespassed and insulted you-it shows a lack of the grace expected from a noble lady.
“What exactly did she say to you? Are there any witnesses? If you provide details, I will take charge. As for the accusation of her fabricating the miniature chastity belt sculpture, I’ll have the Royal Citadel officials investigate. If it turns out to be false and an attempt to slander you, I’ll ensure she is punished accordingly.”
“Witnesses? There are plenty! The entire staff of my palace can testify. She barged in without any restraint, and the guards couldn’t stop her. As for her insults, the people in my palace also heard them,” Eleanor replied in a firm tone.
She paused before continuing, “As for the sculpture, having it investigated by the Royal Citadel officials is unnecessary. Conducting a large-scale investigation would only stir up more commotion. The common people are easily swayed. They might believe any scandal that arises, even if it is later proven false. Clearing my name would be nearly impossible then.”
Victoria grew impatient, and demanded, “What exactly did she say to insult you? Just tell us.”
Eleanor scowled. “The specifics of her insults are not important. What matters is that she dared to insult me. I am the current Grand Princess. Even if she marries Rafael, she will still be a younger member of the family. Disrespecting an elder is a punishable offense. And since she isn’t married to him yet, her actions are a direct affront to the royal family-a grave disrespect!”
Victoria waved her hand dismissively. “Stop with the talk of grave disrespect. You haven’t specified what exactly she said. Are we to believe if she had called you stern- looking, that would be an insult? If that’s the case, it’s just stating the truth. I need to know exactly what she said to determine if it was truly an insult.”
Eleanor’s face turned a deep shade of anger. “Victoria, you’re clearly biased in her favor.”
Then, Eleanor said to Salvador, “Your Majesty, you must understand that even if it were a high-ranking minister insulting the royal family, it would warrant punishment.” Salvador noted Eleanor’s unwillingness to clarify the nature of Sophie’s insults, and he made up his mind.
“You’re right. That’s why I suggested you provide evidence, Aunt Eleanor. At the very least, you should state clearly what Sophie said or have the witnesses from your residence come here. We can then summon Sophie for a direct confrontation. This way, the matter can be clarified, and we avoid punishing her based solely on your word, which could undermine the morale of our loyal subjects.”
“You want me to confront her?” Eleanor suddenly stood up, her face furious. “Your Majesty, do you know what you’re asking? Who do you think she is? How dare you suggest that I confront her directly?” She suddenly grasped the implication, her gaze snapping to Salvador. “Wait, are you suggesting you don’t believe me? Do you think I’m fabricating accusations against her?”
“Aunt Eleanor, why would I think you’re lying?” Salvador replied calmly. “However, every matter requires evidence. You claim she insulted you, but haven’t provided any specifics. When I said to summon her to the palace for a confrontation, you say she’s unworthy of it. So, on what grounds should I punish her?”
Eleanor responded harshly, “It’s about her trespassing into Harmony Palace and insulting the grand princess-acts of grave disrespect!”
Salvador smiled slightly, and asked in a probing tone, “Aunt Eleanor, are you sure you want me to punish her on these grounds?”