When fate plays its hand

When Carissa returned to Hell Monarch Estate, Violet and Lulu had already brought Ryan back and were chatting with Cindy.

Carissa instructed her servants to prepare the carriage and have the Items she had ordered a few days ago–fine quilts, clothing, money, charcoal, and medicinal herbs for healing–loaded into it.

Lily had also made a variety of pastries that used to be served every time Dominic returned from Victory Pass. She had made plenty, filling up a three–tiered food container.

Having received Victoria’s special approval, Cindy also accompanied Carissa.

Keith and Carissa’s carriages arrived almost simultaneously at Sullivan Estate, Keith directed the Griffinblade Unit to assist in carrying the goods inside. Among the items were some of his personal clothing, as he intended to stay for a few days.

He was tactful enough not to intrude on the family’s time together, but he had an explanation for his presence here if the king asked. After all, Keith was a trusted figure under Victoria. Who would dare question his

presence?

Dominic was overjoyed to see Ryan. After the boy went through the formalities of greeting his great–grandfather, Dominic bent down and lifted him into his arms, laughing

“You’re as heavy as a little piglet! It’s clear you’ve been eating well.”

“I’ve been eating a lot and growing taller, too,” Ryan replied, putting on a cheerful, lively expression.

Carissa had asked him to be happy and smile more to put his great–grandfather’s mind at ease.

“Have you practiced martial arts yet?” Dominic asked with a smile, lowering Ryan gently before standing up.

As he supported himself with one hand on his waist, Carissa immediately noticed how much weaker his body had become.

“I haven’t started yet. Sebastian says my legs aren’t fully healed. He wants me to wait until the bones are in place and properly healed before I can begin training,” Ryan answered.

A flicker of concern crossed Dominic’s eyes. “That’s fine. For now, focus on your studies. Once your legs are fully healed, you’ll need to start practicing martial arts to strengthen your body. We must study well and train well. Learn to read and understand, keep your mind sharp, and build a strong body. That way, you’ll be able to carry the weight of the duke’s estate. Do you understand?”

“I will follow your teachings, Great–Grandpa,” Ryan said obediently.

Dominic ruffled Ryan’s little head gently and smiled at Carissa. “You’ve done a good job with him.”

Carissa shook her head modestly. “I can’t take credit. It’s the teachers at the academy and Lord Klein who’ve done well by him.”

Cindy privately mentioned Heather to Dominic, and he frowned upon hearing the news.

“I heard she came the other day, but didn’t ask to come in and see me,” Dominic said. “She’s both callous and weak. She doesn’t even resemble a daughter of the Sullivan family.”

“I planned to visit Hartstone Estate today, but upon thinking it over, with all that’s going on right now, it wouldn’t be appropriate to go and scold her. She’s a grown woman, so whatever she’s done, she must face the consequences. I don’t intend to get involved,” said Cindy.

Dominic nodded. “You don’t need to seek her out, but if she comes to see you, you should say what needs to be

said.”

“Yes. I understand, Father,” Cindy replied.

The three of them stayed at Sullivan Estate and had a meal with Dominic before leaving.

Rafael had spent most of the day at the Ministry of Justice. They had already interrogated Aurora using torture, but she stubbornly refused to stop blaming Dominic.

Zeke and several others had testified that Dominic hadn’t given orders to massacre the villages. They explained that Aurora had discovered that a group of Westhaven soldiers were hiding in a nearby village and had ordered the massacre on impulse to find them.

Still, she refused to change her testimony.

Rafael didn’t personally interrogate her, but after reviewing her confession, he immediately tore it up and ordered, “Continue the interrogation.”

The Minister of Justice, Patrick, had once received great help from Sebastian and was cooperating with Rafael. But after days of questioning, Aurora’s confession had remained unchanged. He believed that continuing the interrogation would lead to the same result. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

“Your Highness, I must have something to present to His Majesty,” Patrick said with a troubled look. “We’ve been interrogating her for days, but no new testimony has come forward. It’s becoming difficult for me to continue without results.”