Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1238

In the end, Malcolm left.

Watching his retreating figure, Carissa couldn't help but think how far he had fallen from the confident, imposing official he used to be. He hadn't seemed this defeated even after the scandal about his mistress. Now, it was as if the weight of the world had struck him down, leaving him utterly broken.

Though she stepped outside for a brief walk, exhaustion did not settle over her. Instead, she called for Michael to come speak with her.

"Your Grace, you can return home now. I can manage things here," Michael said.

"It's fine. It's already three in the morning," Carissa replied. "Better to avoid any complications. There are several prominent families outside, and some of them can cause trouble without a second thought. You won't be able to handle it. Plus, His Majesty never intended for them to make a public spectacle. If things get too out of hand and those detained get dragged out one by one, it'll be hard to explain to His Majesty." "That's true," Michael agreed, nodding in understanding.

The next day, neither Malcolm nor Carissa could move fast enough-the Marquis of Glandale was ahead of them.

Fabian entered the room carrying thorn branches on his back as a sign of his submission, then began to weep. He claimed that the gentlemen's retreats were originally Eleanor's. After her downfall, he had planned to shut them down, but had continued to operate them at Gerald's suggestion.

Essentially, Fabian had turned around and cast Gerald to the wolves.

He chose the path that would offend the Quinton family the most because he knew about the spies from Sandoria. He understood that someone had to take the fall for this, and it was clearly going to be him. The only way to save himself and his family was to drag Gerald down with him.

However, the cost was high-he had effectively ruined any chance of repairing relations with the Quinton family.

confession, Gerald was no longer just a guest at the gentlemen's retreat-he was also the reason the

of Sigmund's reputation, he would likely

a thud against his thick clothing.

forgive me!" he

know exactly what Fabian had said. But seeing the man kneeling outside with his thorn branches, Malcolm

momentarily confused, Your

utterly ridiculous! Outrageous!" Salvador seethed, barely able to contain his anger. "The Quinton family isn't just confused, you've gone too far! I've been lenient with you time and time again, turning a blind eye to many things, yet

and shaken, Malcolm didn't fully grasp Salvador's words. He

delivering the news that

down slightly as he snapped at Malcolm, "Go outside

blow. Humiliated and furious,

the hall and knelt on one

said, his voice

Sandorian spies and to serve as a warning to the officials and noble

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

behind her back. "You knew about Lord Gerald's visits to the gentlemen's retreat, didn't you?" Salvador asked, his

calmly and admitted,

why didn't you