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It seemed that in Clifford’s presence, he always felt weaker.
Clifford didn’t respond to him.
Instead, he turned his attention to
Sophie. “Lady Sophie, you entered the court, and started Skye Embroidery and Gracewood
Women’s Academy. Clearly, you saw how oppressive this world is for women. But tell me this-if women truly had no path forward would you rise up, take action, and fight for them?”
Sophie met his gaze, momentarily stunned.
The question seemed aimed at convincing Gerald, but it also set a trap for her.
Seeing her silence, Clifford’s sarcasm deepened. “I once had some respect for you. You knew how to resist, which proved you weren’t a fool. But now, it seems your resistance is all for the sake of fame. How utterly hypocritical.”
Gerald understood his intentions and frowned. “Why make things difficult for Lady Sophie? This has nothing to do with her.”
Clifford shot Sophie a provocative look. “The most disgusting face is the one that feigns sincerity. Can’t you speak for yourself? Do you need someone to defend you? What kind of commander are you? Not even brave enough to answer for O yourself? Are you mute? You live off your dad’s and husband’s military achievements, yet you strut about as if you’re the one in power.”
“Clifford, that’s enough!” Gerald stood abruptly, anger flashing in his eyes. “I came here out of old friendship, not to let you torment others!”
Sophie calmly motioned for Gerald to sit, then turned to Clifford.
“Honestly, I don’t owe you an answer. But since you’ve gone this far, it would seem like I’m hiding something if I didn’t respond.”
Clifford’s eyes gleamed with a sharp light. “Very well. Let’s hear some of your self-righteous words.” Salvador, ever the suspicious soul, had always been wary of the Hell Monarch’s household. Even if Sophie hadn’t risen for women’s rights, Salvador would still remain cautious of her.
How could Sophie not know Clifford’s intentions? From the moment he asked, she knew it was a trap. Before she could respond, Clifford sneered and added, “You can always start by flattering King Salvador. Praise him for how he treats women under his rule. As long as your conscience is clear, feel free to do
So.
Sophie was infuriated, but she wasn’t willing to be baited. She met his mocking, challenging gaze. “Don’t make assumptions. That’s not the same thing at all. You think people are ignorant and narrow- minded as they can’t understand your preferences, so you resort to extreme measures to gain their approval. But that’s your personal problem. You can’t speak for others like you, and you’re not fighting for their well-being. You’re only bringing them hatred and resentment. If people knew what you were doing, they’d condemn you even more.”
Clifford’s face paled instantly. For a moment, his expression twisted into a malicious grin. “You still haven’t answered. If women are oppressed to the point of being unable to survive, would you not have done the same as me?”
Sophie’s response was firm. “If it’s just a hypothetical, then it’s not a reality. I don’t need to consider it.” “In the end, you’re just too afraid to answer,” Clifford sneered.
Sophie retorted, “To equate ‘unable to survive’ with ‘not being understood by the majority’ is absurd, don’t you think?”
She locked eyes with Clifford, her gaze unwavering.
“The majority doesn’t understand you. And yet, you’ve lived for decades, enjoying a life of comfort and freedom. So why do you feel the need to go all out for everyone’s approval, understanding, or even admiration before you’re satisfied?
“You can face your own heart and stay firm in your choices. As long as you have enough courage and confidence, you don’t need to care about how others see you. But instead, you’ve turned this into some noble struggle for the ‘greater good’. But at its core, it’s nothing more than resentment born from unrequited love.”
She paused for a moment, then continued, “People like that-whether men or women-we call them resentful souls.”
Ignoring the shock in Clifford’s eyes, Sophie turned to Gerald. “Do you have anything else to say?” Gerald gazed at Sophie for a long moment, his thoughts swirling in a complex mix of emotions. She had struck right at the heart of it.
In the end, it was all just resentment from unrequited love.
“Let’s go.” Gerald stood up, his posture hunched with weariness.
Clifford suddenly turned to face them, as if he was about to say something. However, Sophie’s words kept echoing in his mind. His lips parted, yet no sound came out.
He slumped into his chair, as if all the life had drained out of him. His face was pale, and his gaze grew distant and vacant.
Sophie and Gerald walked out.
Behind them, Clifford’s voice echoed a haunting mix of laughter and sobs. Gerald paused for a moment, his lips turning an even paler shade.
“He was setting a trap for you with that question… He’s despicable,” Gerald finally said, his voice heavy with disappointment.
Sophie nodded. “I know, but those questions don’t require my answers.”
Gerald sighed. “You’re smart-you ret know just how to hit where it hurts. But that’s life, isn’t it? You can’t always get everything you want. If things don’t go your way, going to extremes like that only ends up hurting both yourself and others.”
Just before he got into the carriage, Sophie suddenly asked, “Did you already know what Clifford was up to when you asked me to find him?”
Gerald didn’t answer. He pulled the curtain down and signaled to the coachman to move.
Sophie watched the carriage leave. The reason she asked was simple-she knew, with Gerald’s abilities, there was no way he couldn’t find Clifford.
But there was no need to delve further into it.
The traitors accused of treason were being sent into the capital one by one. On a cold autumn day, even Lennon had arrived in the capital.
The family, except for Leona, was reunited in Astral Prison in this grim fashion.
Now that everyone had been gathered, the long-awaited reckoning could finally begin.
After thorough investigations by the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Capital Guard, it was confirmed that Yuvan, Nicholas, and his associates were indeed guilty of treason. The charges were indisputable. After such a long delay, it was time to list all their crimes for the world to see.
Yuvan’s entire family-except for Randall, who had provided valuable information-was sent to Astral Prison. However, Randall was also removed from the royal registry. He remained in his post at the Supreme Court, still serving as warden. Despite that, it was clear that any prospects for promotion were now out of reach for the next ten years.
Matthew had ordered Randall to take a temporary leave, telling him to stay away from Astral Prison and reflect quietly at home while the matter was sorted.
Matthew thought Randall was a bit slow, but at least the latter was honest and willing to learn. Over time, he had grown more decisive and was starting to think things through, which Matthew appreciated. So, Matthew was still willing to look out for him.
Matthew had mentioned Randall to Sophie before. Sophie had said that Randall had grown up with a timid nature, never daring to resist when faced with challenges. Fortunately, he had been raised by Avis, who had taught him well. This prevented his nature from being spoiled.
Sophie advised Matthew not to give Randall too much special attention. “Let him stay in the capital and live an ordinary life. Only then will the king feel at ease.”
Matthew understood this. Randall had only managed to get out of the situation because of the lead he had provided about Yuvan’s private army. But once everything settled down, Salvador would no doubt feel uncomfortable every time he thought of Randall.
That was why Salvador hadn’t stripped Randall of his post-he was being kept close, under constant surveillance. If he ever harbored thoughts of leaving the capital, he wouldn’t make it far.
In the morning court, Salvador announced the charges against Nicholas, Yuvan, and their co- conspirators. The list of offenses was staggering-over a hundred in total.
They were accused of plotting to overthrow the throne, fabricating royal attire reserved only for the king, training private soldiers, hoarding weapons and secretive escape techniques, inciting the people, spreading rumors about the court, embezzling taxes, supporting bandits, and raiding villages…
The charges were all grave, some of them almost unfathomably severe.