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“Indeed, they’re both getting on in years. It’s best to finalize things sooner rather than later,” Gemma agreed.
“Alright, I’ll find someone to choose a favorable date for checking their horoscope. It shouldn’t be a problem, but we’ll still follow the proper procedures to ensure everything goes smoothly,” Alice said. Gemma nodded in satisfaction. “In that case, I’ll wait for your visit.”
After she left, Alice called Opal over and asked, “Opal, do you think this matter can still be delayed? Has Lady Sophie sent word?”
Opal smiled. “Aunt Alice, regardless of whether there’s news from Lady
Sophie or not, just look at it this way-picking a date takes a few days, and arranging for their k will horoscope compatibility check also take a few days. All in all, it will take about a week or more Lady Sophie wants us to drag it out for a reason. We can buy a few days without offending anyone or tarnishing Thomas’ reputation.”
“You’re right. Hearing that makes me feel more at ease. Thomas’ marriage has faced so many hurdles. It seems he’s on someone’s radar. If this doesn’t pan out, we’ll have to settle on another match for him sooner rather than later,” said Alice.
“Don’t worry, Aunt Alice. He likely knows the situation and won’t resist anymore after this,” Opal reassured.
Alice sighed. “Let’s hope that’s the case.”
Gemma sent word to Eleanor, letting her know that the Farrell family would be coming in a few days to check Thomas and Lisette’s horoscope compatibility. So, the matter was tentatively settled. Meanwhile, Eleanor had Henry staying at Harmony Palace for discussions.
When she received the report, she looked at him with a flat look and said, “Your family is dragging their feet. This matter should have been settled Hong ago, yet they haven’t even done the horoscope compatibility check. At this rate, how can I trust you with important responsibilities?”
Henry gazed at her solemn expression, then felt a wave of disgust when he recalled the lit lanterns from the past two nights. He had heard that the kitchen staff were preparing medicine for Eleanor as she planned to have another child.
Given the circumstances, Henry was willing to cooperate. Their son would bear the Kingsley surname, and he would undoubtedly stand united with the Marquis of Grovehill’s family in the future. “I’ll talk to them when I get back,” Henry promised.
“The Emberfest Festival is approaching. Have you invited Reverend Zane?” Eleanor asked.
“I have. This time, we’ve invited eight high priests, including Reverend Zane. I’ll go personally to escort them early on the day.”
Eleanor nodded and was extra gracious as she said, “Then, have your mother come as well, but you must tell her that it’s an all-nighter. If she can’t handle it, she shouldn’t come.”
“She can handle it. She’s been a devout believer for many years and has always wanted to participate,” Henry quickly assured.
Among the ladies attending the festival were Natalie, Mildred, and Hannah-all prominent matriarchs of distinguished families whose husbands or sons held significant positions at court.
Also, these women were known for being compassionate and generous. Since Gemma was familiar with them, her association with them could greatly benefit the sons of the Marquis of Grovehill’s family in the future. It would also reduce their reliance on Eleanor’s influence.
Eleanor didn’t consider her mother-in-law a truly devout believer. Yet, what mattered more than belief was what one could obtain.
These ladies, except for Natalie, had relinquished their household management roles over the years. Still, whenever they stomped their feet, their sons and grandsons remained noticeably attentive and concerned. Their words carried the weight of a fortune. Thanks to the rituals performed during the Emberfest Festival, these matriarchs had developed a deep respect for Eleanor. That is, with the exception of Natalie, who had criticized the grand princess regarding the incident involving Sophie.
The other ladies might have heard rumors, but their compassionate nature kept them from malicious speculation about others. They trusted only their own observations and dismissed outside gossip.
Such compassion was useful to Eleanor when it suited her, but she would dismiss it as foolishness when it didn’t. This year, she planned to let Molly and Fiona attend the festival celebrations, hoping the kind-hearted matriarchs would see that Yuvan’s wife and concubine shared the same compassionate spirit.
As for Heather, she was clueless and timid. She was also a member of the Sullivan family, which was potential trouble down the line. It would be best if she didn’t make an appearance at all.
After sending Henry away, Eleanor summoned the captain of her guards, Kurt, and commanded,
“Keep a close eye on Daniel tomorrow. As soon as he leaves the city, abduct him and take him to the carriage. Have the coachman and his servant settled at the estate outside the city, then bring Daniel back.”
Outside the door, Florence listened intently, feeling a slight heaviness in her heart. She let out a nearly inaudible sigh, realizing that Eleanor had ultimately chosen this path. Hector had truly ruined Eleanor’s life.
But who could she blame? Marriage required the consent of both parties, and even Augustus had not allowed their union back then.
Florence didn’t believe Eleanor truly wanted to bear a son. She just saw how much Daniel looked like Hector. Since she had never had Hector, she was just trying to deceive herself.
Ever since the Duke of Northwatch’s family had been exterminated and Melanie Sullivan died, Eleanor had been unsettled. Perhaps it was because the people she loved and hated the most were gone, so everything suddenly felt so bland and meaningless.
Once Kurt left, Florence stepped inside and gently asked, “Your Highness, are you truly going to do this? You know as well as I do that no matter how much he resembles General Devin, he is not him.”
“Of course he isn’t,” Eleanor said, wrapping herself tightly in her cloak, her eyes devoid of light. “Sometimes, I wonder what the point of all this is. Even if succeed, my dad won’t see it, nor will my brother. And Hector certainly won’t.”
Florence dared not pry into those matters or offer her opinions.
Eleanor let out a cold laugh. “So, I thought, why not bear a son? A son of the Devin family, just to spite him. Wouldn’t that be delightful?”
“Your Highness, this is merely an impulsive decision,” Florence said softly.
Eleanor’s gaze turned icy. “Perhaps. But I can’t think of any other way to find happiness. What I truly want to do now is this. Everything else I do will just be for someone else’s benefit.”
A carriage rolled out of the city, carrying Daniel on a trip to Serenvale. He was in a hurry as there had been a few issues at a factory there. Though it was nothing too serious, his dad had insisted he go personally to handle it.
Daniel had been living in Serenvale for some time, but since his wife was pregnant, he had sent her back to the capital to prepare for childbirth. He figured he could hand off the factory’s affairs to the shopkeeper and return to the capital to pursue some other business ventures.
Having married at twenty, he was already a father with two sons, so he hoped they would have a daughter this time. In his family, taking a concubine was rare, and he had no plans to do so. He shared a deep bond with his wife, whom he had always brought along on business trips. Now, as their focus shifted back to the capital, their little family of four-soon to be five-would settle in the city.
Daniel hadn’t visited Sophie, but had gone to the academy to see Ryan. His teacher was now the main lecturer there, so he could easily visit the academy.
He hadn’t gone to Hell Monarch Estate because his business had yet to stabilize. Theodore had advised him not to make any visits until his business was secure, to avoid any rumors that the Hell Monarch’s household was helping the Devin family’s business. Theodore was wise. He knew that prominent figures were often wary of too much association with merchants or powerful officials-even if they were family. Accusations could easily arise, so it was best to avoid the appearance of impropriety. If not careful, such connections could lead to ruin.
Thedore was very insightful, so everyone in the family asked for his advice when doing business and listened to what he had to say. The older man had advised them to maintain a distance during prosperous times and offered assistance when they fell on hard times. True families didn’t thrive or suffer together. Each had its own strengths, which allowed them to support one another when it mattered most.
As the carriage rolled out of the city, dust kicked up behind it. The dust gradually settled, but no one noticed that the coachman had changed. When the carriage reached a secluded area, the curtain was lifted, and both Daniel and his servant gasped in unison when they saw a stranger. “Who are you?”
A couple of muffled groans followed before the carriage continued to move forward. The original coachman had taken Daniel’s place in the carriage, leaving him and Daniel’s servant unconscious inside.
–
At Harmony Palace, Kurt reported, “Grand Princess Eleanor, the man has been brought back. Should we place him in the dungeon?”
Eleanor was copying scriptures when she looked up at Kurt. After a long pause, she said, “Don’t put him in the dungeon. Place him in Orange Blossom Hall.”
“Understood, Your Highness.”
“Prepare some muscle-relaxing powder for him.”
“I will, Your Highness. However, he hasn’t woken up yet.”
“Very well. Set things up first and send someone to attend to him. I’ll go check on him later,” Eleanor instructed.
“Yes, Your Highness!” Kurt saluted and exited the room.
Eleanor remained still for a while, then resumed her copying as she murmured, “May the gods ensure Hector Devin and Melanie Sullivan never meet in this life or the next…”