The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 126

CH126 Morgan

I thought about that for a moment, the truth of it settling deep inside me. "We wear crowns, live in grand palaces, and that distracts from the truth,

"The truth?"

"We're

still just people at the mercy of an establishment that isn't always fair."

Lady Jun nodded, her expression softening. "Hayato... he's been kind to me, despite everything that's been happening. He never pressured me or abused me. He encouraged me to... pursue all kinds of education when my brother wouldn't let me... I want to make things right with him." She clenched her jaw. "I want to be free."

I grinned. "That's most of the battle, you know.' I turned. "Join me and the council for dinner tonight. Tsuneo will likely be there." I paused. "I suppose I should look into who is a part of his council other than Doctor Shang."

Her lips quivered as she smiled through her tears. "Thank you, Crown Princess... for the opportunity. I will be there."

I nodded. "I have other people to scold. I'll see you later. And, no matter what your brother and whoever else had led you to believe, you're stronger than you realize, Lady Jun. Don't let anyone Elia, your brother, or even yourself-convince you otherwise."

We stood there for a while in silence, the gentle rustling of the wind through the trees offering a strange sense of calm. She nodded and I left, walking back inside with Maya and Anya.

"Why did you have her come outside?" Anya asked, frowning.

She smiled and wiggled my eyebrows. "Later. For now, we go to who is next on the list. Who is...?"

""Lady Mei."

Great. I didn't think that was Keiji's mother, but I couldn't be sure. Her extravagant spending habits seemed suspiciously similar to Lady Maro's. I headed to Lad

Mei's room. The door was

open and I entered, finding her lounging in a similar position to Lady Maro, draped in a bathing robe. Her servant was fanning her. "What do you want?"

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CH126

hand to Anya. who handed me th tally I'd put together. "Here's the preliminary amount.

be put on trial to get answers, one way or another." I smiled. "And your family will be contacted to get the balance from

"You can't do

it is worse than I think,

She shuddered.

an

"None

I suggest you come

"I have nothing

"Then why don't I just have them collect

filled with fear and anger. She knew I was onto her,

afraid of anything," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

my voice barely a whisper. "You're afraid of

what will happen if

her expression one of pure hatred. "How dare you," she hissed, her voice barely

you're doing," I said, my voice firm.

Mei's face turned a deep shade of crimson. This was too

of menace and amusement. "I'll tell them about your affair with Elia. I'm sure you've angered enough staff members that they'll be glad

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CH126

what that would mean, she knew the consequences

I turned. "I'll take it in gold or coins."

I said, we'll take your

barely a whisper. "You can't. It's been- my family- we'll be disgraced forever! Exiled!

we can take in the children as wards... The adults however... Well, I'm sure comfortable in the human dungeons

"They didn't-It was just

you'll be

"Maya? Anya? Isn't she

so, Your

on two

nothing to do