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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budget. I held out my 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 crimson, her eyes filled with anger. "You can't

another." I smiled. "And your family will be contacted to get the balance from their estate, even if that means

eyes bulged. "You can't do

said. "And if it is worse than I think, you'll

She shuddered.

you an

"None of

but I suggest

"I have

barely a whisper. "Then why don't I

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

stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "And you can't

replied, my voice barely

will happen if the truth gets

of pure hatred. "How dare you," she hissed, her

know what you're doing," I said,

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

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

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one of pure terror. She knew what that

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

I said, we'll take your family

It's been- my family- we'll be disgraced forever! Exiled!

sure we can take in the children as wards... The adults however... Well,

shook her head. "They didn't-It

you'll be

I believe that?" I asked. "Maya? Anya? Isn't she related to one of the dead Elders?" Her eyes

so,

traitor on two

to do