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Sebasti?n was familiar with the crude methods used by those people.
“They likely used a smaller amount to avoid killing him outright. Since they already used Peony Bliss, they weren’t concerned about him escaping, so they opted for a lighter dose.”
Sophie harbored a deep hatred for those responsible, but she was somewhat reassured by Rafael’s report. The genuine Beggar Guild was coordinating with other provincial authorities to rectify the situation. They would rescue all the abducted children and severely punish those involved.
In truth, the Beggar Guild might have been aware of the situation. However, since those people didn’t openly use the Beggar Guild’s name to carry out their crimes, the Beggar Guild couldn’t be bothered about them.
Sophie recalled her master’s words about the current Beggar Guild leader not truly embodying the spirit of chivalry. That was why her master had little regard for the Beggar Guild and avoided interactions with them.
However, Sophie knew it was her master’s fellow apprentice in their guild who despised associating with the Beggar Guild. The eccentric man’s name was Everett, and he thought the Beggar Guild were dirty people.
In the Pathfinder’s Guild, even Sophie’s master didn’t dare offend Everett.
As Sophie saw Sebastian out, he sighed and said, “Being captured by human traffickers is undeniably unfortunate, but escaping the massacre of your entire family is a great stroke of luck amidst the misfortune.”
Sophie didn’t share his view.
Had Ryan delivered the candied apples to Valor Estate as planned, she would have personally ensured his safe return, though it would have likely meant staying a night at Northwatch Estate. If she had been there when the Westhaven spies attacked, she might have been able to save some of them, and the massacre might not have been so complete.
So, her hatred for the traffickers was deep and all-consuming. She hoped to see them utterly eradicated, and not a single one of them spared.
After sending Sebastian on his way, Sophie asked for a carriage to be prepared. She intended to take Ryan to the palace to meet the king and the queen dowager. Following that, they would visit the Klein family.
New clothes had been made for Ryan, as only a few of his old garments were left in the estate. During the funeral, many of his clothes were buried with his family, and only a few were left as keepsakes. Although Ryan’s new clothes didn’t fit perfectly, they were only slightly short. His facial injuries had healed, leaving only faint scars. After careful grooming, Ryan was dressed in his old finery, making it seem as though no time had passed and nothing had changed.
But in reality, it was only an illusion.
Holding Ryan’s hand, Sophie walked slowly outside. Ryan’s lamed leg made it difficult for him to walk quickly-he had to hop awkwardly to avoid falling.
Frederick watched them leave with tears in his eyes. The pain of broken bones was something he deeply understood; his own mobility was limited, though still much better compared to Ryan’s suffering. Salvador received the aunt and nephew in Victoria’s palace.
Victoria couldn’t hold back her tears as she beckoned Ryan over. He hopped awkwardly on one leg, the pain from his broken limb worsening after the long journey through the palace. Seeing his struggle, Victoria’s tears began to flow once more. She took his hand and guided him to sit beside her, gently stroking his cheek. “Oh, you’re so thin… You’ve suffered so much.” Ryan looked at Victoria, shaking his head and waving his hand as if to reassure her that he hadn’t suffered too greatly.
Upon seeing this, Salvador felt a pang of compassion. He offered words of encouragement and bestowed some gifts. His gaze held both consolation and sorrow as he looked at Sophie.
“No matter what, at least the Duke of Northwatch’s family has a trace of its bloodline left. Once his health improves, raise him well. With time, he will surely grow into a man like his father, strong and upright.” “Of course, Your Majesty. Thank you!” Sophie replied.
Salvador’s eyes lingered on her as he said, “You’ve lost weight yourself. Please take good care of yourself.
Sophie averted her gaze and murmured, “I will.”
Salvador turned his gaze away from her and asked, “Derek mentioned that the Klein family is skeptical. Have you visited them yet?”
Sophie answered, “Not yet. Once we leave the palace, I’ll take him there. Once they see him, they’ll believe.”
Salvador replied, “Shouldn’t the Klein family have someone come to see for themselves, rather than dismissing the matter with mere disbelief?”
Sophie suppressed the pain in her eyes. “Your Majesty, I understand their skepticism. They have seen the child’s body before. So, they might believe that I am simply presenting a look-alike to substitute for the heir of the duke.”
Victoria added, “It is not surprising they think this way. The Klein family’s former patriarch passed away after what happened with your family. Then, their matriarch has been bedridden for years. According to reports, she’s on the brink of death. They fear that if it turns out to be false hope and she can’t endure it, the Klein family’s descendants would be blamed for negligence toward their parents.” Victoria was reminded of Melanie as she held Ryan’s hand, and her tears flowed freely.
The Klein family wasn’t the only one. Even she couldn’t help but weep when she recalled that horrific
After leaving the palace, Sophie helped Ryan onto the carriage and headed toward Highcrest Estate. It was already evening, and the men of the Klein family would be finishing their duties and returning home. Inside the carriage, Ryan used Sophie’s palm as a writing surface.
He scrawled, [Going to Grandpa’s house?]
Sophie nodded and replied, “Yes, we’re going to your grandfather’s house. Don’t you miss them?”
Ryan nodded and wrote a single word, [Yes!]
Yet, his expression was tinged with worry. The child was sensitive, and the Klein family’s disbelief in his return made him fear they might not want to see him.
Sophie noticed his anxiety and reassured him, “Ryan, don’t worry. Your grandparents, uncles, aunts, and everyone else are very eager to see you. They just don’t believe you’re still alive. Once they see you, they’ll be very happy.”
Ryan leaned against Sophie, his sharp little chin raised slightly. He opened his mouth, trying to make a sound, but nothing came out. He looked disheartened.
Would they be repulsed because he was now mute and crippled?
After thinking it over, he wrote on Sophie’s palm, [Will they dislike me?]
Sophie’s heart ached at his words. She gently stroked his hair, and comforted him, “Silly child, they’ll be overjoyed to see you. How could they dislike you? Don’t think such things. They will be very happy.”
But Ryan had endured too many rejections, scorn, and beatings while he was a beggar. His confidence was shaken by the reports of the Klein family’s disbelief. He feared that their disbelief mea they despised him for being a beggar before this.
When they arrived at the entrance to Highcrest Estate, Ryan hesitated to leave the carriage. He hid behind the curtain and shook his head at Sophie, unwilling to step out.
Sophie patiently said, “Ryan, don’t be afraid. I’ve met your uncle before. He really wants to see you, and so does everyone else. It’s true.”
Ryan continued to shake his head, pointing at his throat and then at his leg, his eyes filled with frustration and sorrow.
Sophie sighed inwardly. It was clear he was feeling insecure.
She approached Highcret Estate’s gatekeeper and said, “Please inform them that Sophie Devin from the Duke of Northwatch’s family has brought Ryan to meet the elders.”
The gatekeeper peered in but didn’t see anyone in the carriage. However, it was clear that someone from the Duke of Northwatch’s family was present.
So he said, “My lady, please wait a moment. I will inform them right away.”
The gatekeeper went in to report to the steward, who instructed him to keep the visit quiet and discreetly notify Anthony, who had recently returned from his duties.
Anthony frowned upon hearing the news. “She’s brought that child beggar with her?”
The steward nodded. “Yes, my lord. They’re at the gate. I heard that the child is reluctant to leave the carriage, so Lady Devin is still outside.”
Anthony was displeased with Sophie’s approach. He understood her intentions all too well. If the Klein family recognized this child as Ryan Devin, Sophie’s chosen child could live as Ryan and become the heir to the duke’s title and estate.
However, Anthony was determined not to allow it. The Klein family would not acknowledge someone who was not truly Ryan as Ryan.