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Sophie continued her analysis but then paused, realizing she was possibly assuming a lot of ill intent on Emma’s part without enough evidence to prove it.
“I’ve already instructed Claire to continue investigating. We’ll see what comes up and discuss it again,” she concluded.
Violet, who had been listening intently, suddenly went quiet before saying, “But you know, I think your reasoning makes sense.”
“Oh? So, now you agree with me? Who was throwing a tantrum earlier today?” Sophie shot her a playful glare.
Violet grinned mischievously. “I’ve forgiven you for today’s little outburst. Don’t bring it up again.”
Luke returned after speaking with Giles, confirming that Jessica had indeed mistreated the servants-beating and scolding them. When Luke brought up Emma, Giles broke down in tears. He said that Emma was well-liked at the estate and would have been a rightful wife if it hadn’t been for Jessica.
Claire had also returned, but hadn’t uncovered any new information. She had tried asking the servants at Ironridge Estate, but they didn’t say anything. This meant that, aside from the few servants who claimed they had been abused by Jessica and were seeking revenge, no one else had come forward.
Clearly, the management of servants at Ironridge Estate and the confidentiality of the inner workings of the estate were handled exceptionally well. It seemed those few people were intentionally going out of their way to tarnish Jessica’s reputation.
“By the way, while there were no new leads at Ironridge Estate, we did find out the reason the rumors were spreading so wildly. A few scholars wrote articles condemning the workshop, listing several moral violations it had committed,” Claire added. “What kind of scholars? Have you traced them?” Sophie asked.
Claire nodded. “Yes, the scholars are all students of Malcolm Quinton.”
“Malcolm Quinton?” Violet paused, not recalling the name immediately.
“The Civil Minister from the Quinton family, the queen’s dad,” Sophie reminded her.
“Ah, him,” Violet muttered, anger rising in her chest. “Why would he do that?”
Sophie wasn’t surprised at all. She sighed lightly. “To speak up for women and to help them find a way out-that should have been the queen’s role.”
“But the queen didn’t do it. And it’s a shameful thing to be doing. Why is the queen trying to steal that from us?” Violet snapped.
“It’s a shameful thing now, but Lord Quinton is thinking in the long-term. He must know that if the workshop continues, there will come a day when the people will recognize and praise it. In that case, as the Hell Monarch’s princess consort, I might overshadow the queen’s glory as the mother of the nation,” Sophie explained.
Claire nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Even if the queen doesn’t do anything, her position as the mother of the nation still earns her the people’s support. But now, if the queen isn’t stepping in and Lady Sophie is, that’s just not acceptable.”
“Then, why can’t she just show some support? What’s so difficult about that?” Violet retorted, fuming.
“She really can’t support it now. She can’t afford any criticism, not until the king officially chooses someone as crown prince,” Sophie said.
“So annoying,” Violet muttered, realizing Sophie had been right to consider things so carefully.
Whether it was sending Jessica away or keeping her, as long as the truth hadn’t been uncovered, it would give others leverage to use against the workshop.
“Claire, keep an eye on Lady Emma’s trusted servants and maids, and also pay attention to Giles,” Sophie ordered.
“Understood.” Claire nodded and left to carry out her tasks.
As the evening grew later, the sky darkened around them.
Violet sank back into her chair. “If Emma really arranged all of this before she died, my jaw would hit the floor.”
“It’s just a reasonable suspicion.” Sophie sipped her coffee. “Either way, we have to get to the bottom of this.”
“And the Quinton family? How do we handle them?” Violet asked.
“Tomorrow’s a day off. I’ll send Raf to the Quinton family to hint at some things face-to-face.”
“Do you think he’ll admit to anything?”
“No need for Lord Quinton to admit anything. We’ll have Raf go and make it clear that the workshop is a done deal. Once he sees my junior guild member at his door, he’ll know exactly what we mean.”
Violet gave a small nod. “Let’s hope so. I really don’t want every little nuisance coming out of the woodwork. And that Lord Quinton… Now remember, he took a Kingsley family daughter as a mistress and even had a daughter with her, right?”
“That’s him. His wife, Madam Marjorie, took the daughter back, saying she was going to have her raised by one of the concubines,” Sophie confirmed.
“Marjorie seems like a kind and loving woman. Why is it that all the good women end up with the wrong husbands?” said Violet, her voice tinged with frustration.
A shadow passed over Sophie’s eyes as she spoke softly, “That’s why we need to make sure the workshop opens smoothly. Just like the women’s academy, workshops will spread everywhere one day.”
“I won’t act on impulse again,” a deeply moved Violet replied guiltily.
Rafael didn’t return until nearly midnight. After exchanging a glance with his brother and laughing, Salvador entrusted him with a few matters to investigate. He had been busy with court duties during the day and still needed to carve out a few hours at night to offer advice to lan.
Of course, with tomorrow being a day off, he still had to go to the Quinton family’s residence for Sophie. He had been neglecting her recently, and his heart weighed heavily with guilt. When he heard that he could help his wife, he slapped his chest confidently and said, “Leave it to me.”
Ignoring the late hour, Rafael sent someone to the Quinton family’s residence with a notice of his visit the following day.
“Since he went against my senior guild member, he can forget about getting any sleep tonight,” the prince quipped.
Sophie’s lips curled into a smile. “I’ll go with you tomorrow to see Madam Marjorie.”
“Alright.” Rafael pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. His voice was a little rough as he whispered, “It’s April, and we still haven’t had a chance to go for a spring outing. Marrying me must be such a hardship for you.” Sophie rested her face against his chest, recalling the time he had tumbled down a mountain.
She couldn’t help but chuckle and tease him, “Do you still want to go skiing? I think the snow’s probably all gone by now.”
“N-no, it’s fine,” Rafael stammered, flustered.
He lowered his head and, with a possessive kiss, silenced her teasing.
At that moment, Sydney came in with a late-night snack. She was greeted by the sight of Lulu running out with a flushed face, nearly bumping into her.
Sydney couldn’t help but laugh and scold, “What are you rushing around for?”
Sydney stepped inside. Upon lifting the curtain at the door, she spun around so quickly that she nearly twisted her waist. Still holding the snack, she quickly retreated.
Who could possibly be bothered with this ordinary meal when there was something so much more enticing to look at?
She thoughtfully closed the door behind her, a smile on her face as she glanced up at the sky. The stars twinkled brightly, while the crescent moon hid behind thin clouds, shyly refusing to show itself to the world.
–
At the Quinton family’s residence, Malcolm sat solemnly in his armchair. The fact that someone from Hell Monarch Estate had sent a notice of visit in the middle of the night left him slightly vexed.
On the one hand, sending a notice of visit so late could be considered courteous. On the other hand, it seemed disrespectful to disturb him at such an hour.