Her Majestic Battle Cry

Carissa went to Jacob with the news.

He was clearly taken aback before instinctively asking, “How did the Sandorians get into the capital, and why are they staying here?”

“That’s exactly what we need to figure out. We’ll need to check out the remaining gentlemen’s retreats and find their owners. If they’re allowing Sandorians to be patrons there, they must know more than they’re letting on,” Carissa replied.

What they needed to uncover was when the Sandorians arrived, who brought them, and what their purpose was in the capital.

Carissa decided to personally investigate the remaining gentlemen’s retreats, and of course, she took Violet and Isaac along. Over several days, they visited the five gentlemen’s retreats. Of the five, three were hiding Sandorians, with a total of 15 people.

By their breathing and movements, it was clear that all 15 were skilled in martial arts.

Though they didn’t all look entirely like typical Sandorians, they resembled average Southern Frontier people. It was evident they had been carefully selected for their roles.

If the lighting had been a little dimmer, one might not have noticed. Their Stellish accent was flawless, with particularly precise pronunciation, which probably explained why no one suspected anything.

The same person owned all three gentlemen’s retreats–the Marquis of Glandale, Fabian Schmitt.

After discussing their next move, Carissa and the others decided not to act too hastily. Instead, they quietly sent people to keep an eye on the gentlemen’s retreats and observe the Sandorians

intentions.

As for Fabian himself, Jacob launched a fresh investigation into him.

Fabian was known to indulge in male companionship, though that didn’t mean he wasn’t interested in women–he was married, with children and a harem. Hailey was his daughter.

youngest

This was a surprise to everyone, as the Marquis of Glandale’s household was so discreet. Apart from a few incidents involving Hailey and Jocelyn causing a stir at Gracewood Women’s Academy, they hadn’t caused any scandals.

The family’s reserved nature was such that it was easy to forget they even existed.

Who could have guessed that behind the Marquis of Glandale’s unobtrusive demeanor, he had established three gentlemen’s retreats, harboring a total of 15 Sandorians?

After visiting gentlemen’s retreats several times Carissa began to notice the patrons. Many powerful figures from court and the sons of noble families frequented these establishments

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for drink and pleasure.

That evening, Carissa encountered someone she never imagined she’d see in such a place, not even in her wildest dreams.

Gerald Quinton, the royal tutor of the previous king!

He was being helped upstairs, and he was disguised with makeup that made his face pale and white. His once–grand appearance now looked frail and sickly, which under the dim light, gave off a creepy vibe. Dressed in the lavish silks of an old wealthy gentleman, he lacked the ethereal grace he once possessed. His usual scholarly demeanor was nowhere to be found.

In that disguise, Carissa almost didn’t recognize him. If it weren’t for the emerald pendant with the Quinton family crest hanging from his waist, she would never have believed it. That night, she had a nightmare of Gerald being surrounded by a group of handsome men, and she woka

up terrified.

The next day, she was still shaken. noveldrama

After a quick wash and freshen–up, she decided to visit Gracewood Women’s Academy. It was a special day–exam results were being announced, and students who had excelled would receive rewards. Afterward, the school would be closed for the holidays until the eighth of January.

Without Jocelyn’s disruptive presence, the atmosphere at the academy was far more peaceful. While the young women still;formed cliques and made fun of each other’s appearances and clothing, the malice that once.filled the air had significantly lessened.

However, just as the award ceremony was concluding, chaos erupted. A group of men burst into the academy, rushing toward the students. Screams filled the air as everyone scattered in panic.

Today, it was Claire’s turn to be on guard duty. She had just finished using the restroom when she saw a middle–aged man reaching for Courtney. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward him, landing a punch square in his face. Grabbing him by the collar, she hurled him out of the building.

When she turned back, she saw Courtney frozen in terror, her face pale and her feet seemingly rooted to the ground, unable to move.