The Most Mistaken Decision of Her Life
The grand palace gates saw a steady stream of house retainers and heads of major families making their way inside. They had received a summons; His Majesty the King was to announce a momentous decision.
The heads of these great families weren’t particularly concerned. As long as their interests remained unaffected, they were generally amenable to whatever decree the King issued.
Some of the retainers, however, viewed the King’s decision with apprehension. In their eyes, since the passing of Queen Eliana, His Majesty had grown increasingly autocratic, even going so far as to purge all who opposed him. This did not bode well for them.
“Who knows what the King intends to do now? Sometimes, it’s simply impossible to fathom his reasoning.”
“I’ve heard a secret,” one man murmured, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping before continuing in a hushed tone. “There was a minor disturbance at the palace the other day. Apparently, Her Royal Highness the Princess was dissatisfied with a decision of the King’s and stormed in, causing quite a scene. The result? The Princess was imprisoned in the Abyssal Prison.”
“What? Has the King gone mad? Imprisoning Princess Jessica in a place like that?!” his companion couldn’t help but exclaim. To them, it was sheer absurdity. What kind of king throws his own daughter into the same dungeons as the worst criminals? If this got out, it would severely damage the Empire’s reputation!
“Regardless, mind your words once we’re inside,” the first man cautioned.
Because of the importance of the matter, Lore Rumelter, who usually remained secluded within his estate, had also come to the palace. His unique aura drew the attention of many. This was Lore Rumelter, the head of the most renowned family within the Empire.
His magical power was profound, with rumors even suggesting his strength might rival that of Merlin, the Headmaster of Saint Nad Magic Academy. Of course, these were merely rumors, but they did nothing to diminish the widespread acknowledgment of his formidable power.
The incident where he had cast his own son out of the Rumelter Family had caused quite a stir previously. Perhaps, in his view, his son had tarnished the family’s honor, hence his expulsion of Henry. Such an action seemed excessively cold and ruthless.
Yet, no one dared to openly criticize him for it. No one was willing to jeopardize their own interests to speak up for a child with no future.
Though recently, whispers circulated that Lore’s son had managed to stay at Saint Nad Magic Academy and had even defeated Luning Rumelter mid-term—the very child hailed as the ‘Future of the Rumelter Family’. It was truly baffling what was happening within that family.
Lore walked calmly through the palace corridors, occasionally nodding or offering a brief word in response to the greetings of other family heads he encountered. To any observer, he seemed completely unaffected by the affairs concerning Henry.
“Well, if it isn’t our esteemed Lore! What a coincidence!”
A mocking voice sounded behind him. Lore stopped and turned to see Reina Noel approaching him, her eyes filled with undisguised scorn.
Lore bowed slightly in greeting. “A good morning to you, Lady Reina.”
“My morning was fine until I saw something unpleasant, which has rather put a strain on my eyes,” Reina retorted coldly.
Lore was far too astute to miss the barb directed at him. He was well aware of the recent news regarding Henry’s closeness to the Noel family. However, he had not intervened or attempted to stop it.
Knowing Reina’s character, she would likely scorn any proposed transaction with him, so he hadn’t bothered to approach her. Furthermore, Henry was now a student at Saint Nad Magic Academy and, notably, Reina’s student.
If there was one thing known about Lady Reina, it was her fierce protectiveness of those under her wing. Many graduates spoke of her with nothing but reverence and admiration.
“Is that so? It seems this ‘unpleasant thing’ has appeared at a rather inopportune time,” Lore replied with a light smile, showing no sign of anger.
But seeing Lore’s unmoved expression, Reina narrowed her eyes. “Lore, this entire affair must be your doing, correct?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know to which matter you are referring, Lady Reina?” he responded smoothly.
She knew all too well that he was an old fox, meticulous and leaving no traces.
“Is Henry not your own flesh and blood? Have you truly sunk to such depravity, that you would not even spare your own son?”
“I remain unclear on the specifics of what you speak. I have merely heard that Henry has been spending considerable time with your daughter recently. Perhaps you have misunderstood my intentions,” Lore maintained his genteel composure, refusing to engage in her accusations.
Reina, however, was not one to indulge his evasions. “Hah, I refuse to believe Henry’s imprisonment has nothing to do with you.”
“That is a matter for Henry to prove. The Rumelter Family has merely stated the facts as they are,” Lore stated impassively.
Seeing that Lore remained utterly unshaken, Reina felt that continuing this conversation would be a waste of breath. She made to stride past him with her long legs.
Suddenly, Lore’s voice halted her. “Lady Reina, a word of advice. I would recommend you not grow too close to Henry. For the Noel family, trouble is the last thing you need, is it not?”
Reina stopped in her tracks and slowly turned her head, her gaze fixed intently on Lore. His tone was earnest, sounding as if he genuinely had the Noel family’s best interests at heart.
A contemptuous smile suddenly spread across Reina’s lips, filled with utter disgust. “It’s truly hard to imagine that a man of your standing, Lore, would view his own son as nothing but ‘trouble’. In my eyes, you are utterly unworthy of the title of father. Henry’s mother marrying you was likely the most mistaken decision of her life.”
The smile on Lore’s face faded completely. He stared directly at Reina, a complex, unreadable emotion flickering in his eyes.
But just as quickly, Lore bowed slightly to Reina and then walked straight past her without another word.
Reina stared at his retreating back, a cold sneer curling her lips.
“Pretentious bastard!”
***
Joseph gazed at his reflection in the mirror, immensely satisfied with his appearance.
A knock came from the door.
“Your Majesty, the house retainers and family heads have all assembled in the main hall.”
“Acknowledged. Let them wait,” Joseph replied dismissively.
The sound of footsteps from beyond the door quickly faded away.
Joseph turned his attention to the woman lounging on the sofa behind him. She was calmly trimming her nails with a file.
“I am going out to meet my retainers. Ensure your performance is convincing,” Joseph said.
Selina raised an eyebrow, her seductive expression stirring a familiar heat within Joseph as he recalled their passionate night together. His mind flooded with carnal images.
“Before you go out, Your Majesty, I must inform you of some news,” Selina said, her voice a purr. “Princess Jessica has escaped from prison.”
Upon hearing this, Joseph’s previously composed demeanor shattered instantly. His face contorted with rage, and he looked ready to erupt from his seat.
“Escaped! How dare she! A princess, escaping prison! Does she have no respect for me whatsoever?!”
“Now, now, don’t be angry, Your Majesty,” Selina soothed, crossing her legs, a playful smirk on her lips. “Why would Princess Jessica possibly remain in a place like that? Besides, this matter is actually connected to that Henry.”
“That castoff? Wasn’t he sentenced to death?”
“As for him… he was bailed out by Headmaster Merlin.”