Chapter 265
The death of a nation’s crown prince usually signaled turmoil at court and instability for the country’s fate.
Such a major event was bound to stir up waves in the court, with many lives lost in the process.
But this had nothing to do with Morales’s estate. Moreover, in Bernard’s view, Nathaniel’s death was for the best.
A person so eager for quick success and short–sighted; if he truly became the King, misfortune would surely befall the people.
Bernard regained his composure, sat down, and looked at Margaery. “You don’t seem surprised at all. Was this within your expectations?”
Margaery nodded. “Those below who wish to rise must first clear out the Eastern Palace.
‘Prince Nathaniel occupied this position, surrounded by danger, yet he never learned restraint, always acting impulsively. Today’s outcome was inevitable.”
Margaery was never ignorant of court affairs. She was simply confined to the rear courtyard, living as a frog at the bottom of a well.
However, she was perceptive, and with Dashnell’s deliberate guidance, plus her recent involvement in certain matters, she gradually came to understand the key issues.
Bernard sighed. “The Wallen family wasted your talents.”
“You’re right, but now I don’t see it that way. It’s not about letting the Wallen family off, they deserve their own karma, but that’s no longer my main concern.
‘I have my own path. I want to let myself off the hook, and look at past events from a different perspective.
‘If someone falls, shouldn’t they gain something from it?
“You always have to pick up something from the ground. The lessons I learned from the Wallen family are like hitting a wall and finally realizing that path can never be taken again.
“It’s trial and error. It’s also breaking free and gathering strength.
“If I hadn’t endured such setbacks with the Wallen family, I would never have developed ambition. I would have been like most women; obediently marrying whomever my parents chose, revolving around a man for the rest of my life.
“Bearing children, and then revolving around them for a lifetime.
“But now, I can see higher and farther vistas.” A relieved smile appeared on Margaery’s face, and under the candlelight, she seemed to radiate a dazzling brilliance.
Bernard was somewhat dazed as he listened. “I find myself at a loss for words.”
He added, “I suppose I understand now why you were able to enter the Chapel of Wisdom, and not someone else.
At that moment, Margaery smiled apologetically, “I have to go now. I’ll see you next time at Master’s place.”
Bernard stood up. “Although I’d like to chat with you a bit longer, thinking of the rumors outside, I can only restrain myself
He escorted Margaery out, half joking and half serious, “Although I wish you and Dashnell may end up together, if he proves
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Chapter 265
unreliable, you must remember to turn back.”
Margaery looked back at the doorway.
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Seeing the seriousness in his eyes, she could not bring herself to offer polite words, and finally said sincerely, “Thank you.”
She added, “But I also wish you to find a good partner.”
Bernard nodded. “Let’s take it one step at a time, one does not necessarily have to marry.
“We are first individuals, and only then do other things follow. If we lose ourselves, marriage cannot fill the gaps in our souls. I have learned from you.”
Margaery cupped her hands in salute. She felt fortunate and joyful to have a friend like this.
If Dashnell was a destination, a future, then Bernard showed her a different kind of brilliance; a boundless freedom, a kind of liberation.
Bernard watched her depart, feeling a bit wistful. “In such times, to encounter an emperor of both literary and martial prowess, hidden heroes, and talented beauties…. it’s worth having come here after all.”
As he turned, he was full of spirit. “Such an era is worth living well.”
Margaery felt that good people together could help each other achieve greatness and rise side by side.
But getting close to the wrong people would drag one into the mire, never to recover.
From now on, she would strive upward, gazing into the distance, never looking back at those people from the past.
The carriage once again passed by the gate of the Wallen family.
However, she and those within were already in two different worlds, and from now on, there would be no special intersection between them.
Even if her father and brothers ultimately died without a burial place, they would no longer be opponents capable of contending with her; merely filth beneath her feet, to be cast aside.
In the dense darkness of night, the death of Nathaniel ignited the undercurrents that had surged for years in Sinderin City. instantly flooding forth like a deluge.
The Inquisition Court intervened.
Quinn brought Nathaniel’s corpse to present it to the King.
“Your Majesty, Prince Nathaniel’s body has been brought, but… the injuries are too severe to be repaired; we can only ask an embalmer for assistance.” The words were spoken with great restraint, yet could not conceal the horrific state of the corpse.
The King stood beneath the eaves, gazing at the body before him, clenching his fists, his bloodshot eyes brimming with suppressed tears.
However, beyond that, there was also the rationality and composure required of someone in his position, which made him appear indifferent.
“Have the assassins been caught?” he asked, looking into the distant, pitch–black night.
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Chapter 265
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This was the struggle that must be endured by those of royal blood; it was not a matter of kinship, nor of etiquette.
Rather, this nation and its countless citizens required a ruler of exceptional skill and ability to maintain balance and harmony in the world.
His sons needed to demonstrate their abilities in this process. Only the one who prevailed in the end was worthy to sit in this position and safeguard these lands.
Looking back, he had sat on the throne for twenty years.
His only insight was this: he was not merely himself; every decision he made had to consider the largest possible group of people. He lived for the sake of the many.
Because he held so many lives in his hands, he had to maintain the bottom line of his heart and the clarity of his reason.
The death of Nathaniel was within his expectations.
He could only endure this pain, pressing it deep within, and make judgments about the event itself.
“The murderer must pay with his life.” The King closed his eyes, his voice hoarse and strained.
His heart ached, filled with guilt toward someone, but such remorse could not be spoken aloud. Sitting in this position, he could not cry out, be confused, or regret like an ordinary person.
Quinn cupped his hands and reported, “Fourteen assassins died, three survived. Two committed suicide on the way, and one is currently imprisoned in the Inquisition Court, awaiting trial.”
He looked up at the King. “Your Majesty, do you wish to personally interrogate him?”
“Keep him locked up for now. Prepare Prince Nathaniel’s funeral.” The King shook his head.
Then, he stepped forward and gently closed Nathaniel’s eyelids himself. “Call for the mortician to prepare his body.”
His throat was filled with the taste of blood. He turned and returned to the Imperial Study.
It sure was lonely at the top. But below, everything was already in turmoil.
The news of Nathaniel’s death reached Callum’s residence immediately.
Callum was still pretending to investigate the matter concerning Tessa, but in reality, he was waiting for news from the Eastern Palace. When he saw the guard enter, he asked excitedly, “Did it work?”
“It worked!” The person was also excited. “Our man survived and entered the Inquisition Court. As long as he accuses Marcus and exposes Marcus’s death squad, Marcus will be doomed!”
Callum nodded, a trace of ruthlessness in his eyes. “After all, we only sent one person, while Marcus’s death squad sent more than ten members. There’s nothing to fear from an investigation.”
He couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Then, he shouted loudly, “Prepare the horses! I will personally investigate Tessa and the Southcroft Empire spies. There is
no time to lose!”
He still had to keep up the act. Moreover, he indeed needed to capture Tessa to silence her.
Callum narrowed his eyes.
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Chapter 266
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
