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. It'll be collected tonight. Lady Mei's face flushed

smiled. "And your family will be contacted

eyes bulged. "You

if it is worse

She shuddered.

my head. "I'll give you an opportunity

grumbled. "None of your

lie, but I suggest you come clean before it's too

scoffed. "I have nothing to

my voice barely a whisper. "Then why don't I just

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

voice barely a

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

what will happen if the truth gets

pure hatred. "How dare you," she hissed, her voice barely a

you're doing,"

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

with Elia. I'm sure you've angered enough staff members that they'll be glad to tell exactly how often you vanish to

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her expression one of pure terror. She knew what that

enough to know that I'm right." I turned. "I'll take it in gold or coins." "Wait!"

take

her voice barely a whisper. "You can't. It's been- my

however... Well, I'm sure comfortable in the

her head. "They didn't-It was just

you'll be

"Maya? Anya? Isn't she

so,

traitor on two

had nothing to