642.Chapter 642
Before Nolan’s return, Magnus had always been at odds with Godfrey. Taking advantage of his youth, Godfrey constantly restrained him with royal traditions and
laws.
Magnus had long wanted to get rid of him. But ever since his uncle’s return, that sly fox had kept his head down and didn’t dare make a move. And thus, Magnus hadn’t found a chance to deal with him–until today.
The opportunity was handed to him by the Holy Lady herself, complete with the perfect excuse. How could he not be pleased?
“Godfrey,” Magnus said coldly. “You’ve truly disappointed me. Though not for your achievements but for your effort and years of service, I will allow you to return to your hometown in honor, together with your family, and live out your days in peace.”
Godfrey dared not utter a word. Had it not been for the words “together with your family,” he might have spoken up to defend himself. After all, he had given years of loyal service to the royal court. ‘No achievements? How could that be true?‘ he thought.
Clearly, the King had found a reason to undo all his accomplishments–his son, who had recently gotten himself into trouble.
Knowing that his youngest and favorite son would be spared from further consequences, Godfrey had no choice but to accept the outcome.
At that moment, Nolan spoke coolly, “Godfrey, before you go, make sure your family arranges a divorce for your son and daughter–in–law.”
Eliza, who had been about to say the same thing, glanced at Nolan in mild surprise, then fell into thoughtful silence.
Last night, a sealed letter had been left at the gates of the Padilla residence. There was a sharp knock on the door before a figure vanished into the dark.
Her venomous bugs had initially followed the messenger. However, the person didn’t just slip away but left the city entirely, moving farther and farther away as if afraid of being caught. They didn’t stop for even a moment throughout the night.
In the end, the pursuit had taken them so far that her bugs had no choice but to return. Though the messenger’s whereabouts remained unknown, the letter turned out to be very helpful.
Its contents were brief, with only a single sentence, “Allies of the Duke of Mowbay.”
Beneath that was a list of names, and one of them was Godfrey Jones.
Eliza hadn’t believed it at first. She had ordered Vexara to send the bugs out to investigate every name. Once the facts were confirmed, she used this new intel to refine a plan already underway.
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642 Chapter 642
With that, one of her father’s strongest allies had fallen.
Eliza turned her gaze toward her father and met his eyes across the hall. She smiled faintly. Gabriel, however, showed no emotion.
But she could tell from the flicker in his eyes that he wasn’t nearly as calm as he appeared. She imagined him sneering in his mind, thinking, ‘Don’t get ahead of yourself.‘
Theodore Fairfax, the royal tutor, suddenly stepped forward and bellowed, “Your Majesty, while Godfrey is indeed guilty, I must say his earlier objection to the Holy Lady‘ s request to change her last name was not without reason.
“Given her unique identity, she is essentially a symbol of Bortenland. Precisely because of this, she should hold herself to the highest standards, prioritizing family traditions and the laws of the land rather than acting impulsively.
Magnus paused, his brow furrowing as he said, “Theodore, you know full well the countless acts of the Holy Lady–her prayers, her efforts in times of crisis, all in service to the country. Her contributions are obvious to everyone in this court. Now, she asks for only a small wish. Must we refuse it?”
Theodore’s status was worlds apart from that of Godfrey. He was a scholar who had served under three successive kings and earned the highest respect in court. Even the King and the Empress Dowager afforded him deference.
When Magnus saw him step forward, his expression hardened.
‘What exactly had the Duke of Mowbay done to sway Theodore?! he wondered.” Moreover, Eliza was merely hoping to change her last name. No matter how much Gabriel disliked her, there was no need to blow things so wildly out of proportion. Could this act really pose such a threat to him?‘
Magnus wasn’t the only one taken aback by Theodore. The military officials were equally unsettled, many frowning as they watched the exchange, secretly worrying for Eliza.
As the King mulled this over, Theodore said solemnly, “Your Majesty, pardon my boldness. While the Holy Lady has indeed done excellent service, merit and punishment must be kept separate. You may reward her for her contributions, but you cannot excuse her transgressions on that basis.
“Changing her last name over a grudge against her father is abandoning her roots. If she denounces her family for a personal grievance, what is to stop her from turning her back on Bortenland if you ever deny her a request? She might-”
“That’s enough, Theodore,” Nolan interrupted, his voice cold and sharp. “You’ve crossed the line.”
Julius, known for his hot temper, couldn’t hold back either. “Exactly! Let’s not forget, she’s just a sixteen–year–old girl.”
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642.Chapter 642
With that, one of her father’s strongest allies had fallen.
Eliza turned her gaze toward her father and met his eyes across the hall. She smiled faintly. Gabriel, however, showed no emotion.
But she could tell from the flicker in his eyes that he wasn’t nearly as calm as he appeared. She imagined him sneering in his mind, thinking, ‘Don’t get ahead of yourself!’
Theodore Fairfax, the royal tutor, suddenly stepped forward and bellowed, “Your Majesty, while Godfrey is indeed guilty, I must say his earlier objection to the Holy Lady‘ s request to change her last name was not without reason.
“Given her unique identity, she is essentially a symbol of Bortenland. Precisely because of this, she should hold herself to the highest standards, prioritizing family traditions and the laws of the land rather than acting impulsively.
Magnus paused, his brow furrowing as he said, “Theodore, you know full well the countless acts of the Holy Lady–her prayers, her efforts in times of crisis, all in service to the country. Her contributions are obvious to everyone in this court. Now, she asks for only a small wish. Must we refuse it?”
Theodore’s status was worlds apart from that of Godfrey. He was a scholar who had served under three successive kings and earned the highest respect in court. Even the King and the Empress Dowager afforded him deference.
When Magnus saw him step forward, his expression hardened.
‘What exactly had the Duke of Mowbay done to sway Theodore?‘ he wondered. ‘ Moreover, Eliza was merely hoping to change her last name. No matter how much Gabriel disliked her, there was no need to blow things so wildly out of proportion. Could this act really pose such a threat to him?‘
Magnus wasn’t the only one taken aback by Theodore. The military officials were equally unsettled, many frowning as they watched the exchange, secretly worrying for
Eliza.
As the King mulled this over, Theodore said solemnly, “Your Majesty, pardon my boldness. While the Holy Lady has indeed done excellent service, merit and punishment must be kept separate. You may reward her for her contributions, but you cannot excuse her transgressions on that basis.
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