Chapter 526
Crash!
“Step forward!”
Carriages surged toward the Hallin Duke’s estate. Not only Count Davion but his children and all family members were fully armed.
The Hallin household servants hurriedly retreated inside, while the steward led the guards to hold the main gate, facing the intruders. The tension was palpable—this was no casual visit; they had come prepared for a confrontation.
The steward swallowed a sigh and asked politely, “May I ask the purpose of your visit?”
“What purpose? What do you think this is about?”
Clang!
The eldest son of the Davion family slammed his sword against the iron gate with such force that sparks flew. The guards flinched in surprise, but the steward stepped forward calmly.
“To enter the estate, you must disarm. The Duke has permitted only the Count and a couple of his attendants inside.”
“To have the audacity to show such an attitude after leaving a noble lady’s face scarred like that! You’re no duke—you’re nothing but a common thug!”
“…Your words are excessive.”
“Tell the Duke to come out himself. If not, I will enter personally. I will not leave until that precious lady’s face bears the same scars as Chloe’s!”
“If you continue like this, we will have no choice but to proceed legally. We will call the guards and file a formal complaint.”
“Just what I wanted to hear! But before that, I want to see blood from Kayla—or rather, from the Hallin family!”
Though Lady Kayla had returned soaking wet and relayed the message roughly, this reaction was fiercer than expected.
The steward gave a resigned glance to a servant—a signal to bring the Duke and the family members. Just as they turned, the Hallin Duke appeared, his robe billowing behind him.
“…This commotion is unnecessary. Open the main gate.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
As the gates swung open, the Davion family members strode inside like warriors invading enemy territory.
“Oh, Your Grace, you’ve finally arrived. How did you raise your children to behave this way? To scar a noble lady’s face? Bring out Lady Kayla at once!”
“Kayla is drying her wet hair and clothes. Likewise, your daughter seems well-educated. Tell me, where did she learn such a vulgar trick as throwing water?”
One by one, the Hallin children appeared behind the Duke.
The steward stepped back quietly, watching the scene unfold. He had never witnessed anything like this in his life. Whatever else, the honor of both families was about to be utterly destroyed.
He crossed himself silently, praying, Please, let me keep my job.
“Wasn’t it your side that made the first mistake?”
Everyone knew the truth through the Imperial Court’s evaluations: the Davion family was effectively shackled like dogs. Yet, out of respect, no one had dared mention it—until Kayla broke that taboo.
The Hallin Duke scoffed. “And did you know your daughter had her friends steal Kayla’s valuables? Then you accuse her of colluding with Burgos? That’s treason. Lady Chloe’s tongue is not only loose but foolish. You should be grateful it was settled with a slap rather than silencing her permanently.”
Objectively, the Duke had a point. Linking the Hallin family to Burgos, who was on the brink of war, was more than mere rivalry—it was a grave accusation that could lead to the family’s ruin. The Davion side had declared war first.
Count Davion smiled bitterly and nodded. “If you’re so confident, I will request an investigation at the Imperial Court along with the jewels. If they’re dismantled and reassembled, does that make them different? You’re either reckless or foolish.”
“Count Davion, your words are also grounds for an additional charge of insult.”
“Gladly. I hear the Duchess is currently in Burgos. Frankly, that’s suspicious. I remember the Duchess—not someone who would lead business ventures abroad.”
The Hallin Duke clamped his mouth shut. Anything involving the Duchess was not to be made public.
A brief silence fell, then Davion jabbed his sword toward the Duke. “The Duchess cannot be excluded from the jewel’s chain of custody. She should return immediately for questioning. The dealings with Burgos were previously dismissed as business secrets, but now they must be fully disclosed! What exactly did you trade for this?”
“Count Davion! You’re acting as if the Hallin family has committed treason!”
“Step back, young lady! How dare you interrupt the heads of the families in conversation!”
“Count!”
“Silence!”
Clang! Clang!
The Davion eldest son pointed his sword threateningly at the Hallin side.
“One more word, and I challenge you to a duel.”
A duel was the only honorable way to defend one’s name and legally kill the opponent. Refusing would mean abandoning pride and submitting.
The Hallin men hesitated, swallowing hard.
“Enough.”
A soft voice calmed the crowd. Kayla appeared, her hair still damp but dressed neatly in fresh clothes.
“Everyone, please calm down.”
“Lady Kayla, unlike your usual escapades, I thought you’d be hiding this time.”
“Do you take me for Chloe?”
Kayla brushed her hair back, looking slightly tired.
“First, I apologize for striking Lady Chloe. This is different from the nonsense spoken before—it was a reflex to protect the family’s honor.”
“Is that an apology or an insult?”
“Words alone won’t change anything. Chloe is a strong candidate for Empress! To scar such a precious face and then act shamelessly—”
“Then would it comfort you if I bore the same scars?”
“What?”
Kayla stepped forward slowly. The Davion men glared threateningly, but she didn’t flinch.
“Strike me.”
“Hah!”
“But the wound must be exactly like Chloe’s—no more, no less. One strike, drawing the same blood.”
“You’re insane!”
“I’m offering compensation. Why refuse? I will give my blood for Chloe’s wound, but what can the Davion family offer for the insult to ours? Our lives are nothing but those of dogs without a single life to spare.”
“How dare you—!”
Clang! Clang!
The Davion eldest son swung his sword, but Kayla blocked it precisely. Though the force sent her sword tumbling, just blocking it shocked everyone.
“Stop this commotion and leave. If you want to proceed legally, so be it.”
Bring the Duchess? The real Duchess might still be in Bariel’s south, in Turstie. Swapping her out would be easy.
The Burgos jewel issue could be resolved too. Claiming ignorance of its royal origin and proving no intent could smooth things over with a simple return.
As Kayla turned to leave, Count Davion shouted, “Fine! But once the Duchess returns, the Imperial Court will handle the matter, and we will send people to Turstie. Are you okay with that?”
Kayla froze. Hearing “Turstie” from the Count’s mouth widened her eyes.
She wasn’t alone. The Hallin Duke and his children stiffened, bewildered.
Then a familiar voice came from behind Davion.
“Count.”
It was Ian. The carriage window slid open, revealing Beric and Romandro inside.
Count Davion bowed respectfully, and Ian smiled awkwardly.
“Don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions.”
“Apologies, Minister.”
“Ian Hielo, Minister…”
Ian stepped down from the carriage, waving off the formality.
“I just happened to pass by. No special intentions.”
He had casually dropped the possibility that the real Duchess might be in Turstie. Though the Count had blurted it out in anger, Ian seemed almost pleased by the idea, showing no objection.
Opening the carriage door, Beric and Romandro peeked out, munching on roasted gourd seeds, their eyes sparkling with amusement.
“What’s this—”
“Exactly as it sounds. On my way to see the Hallin Duke, I met Count Davion and had a brief talk. He shares my suspicions and spoke out, but to see it made public like this…”
Though his tone feigned reproach, Ian’s voice was warm. He reached out to Kayla with a smile.
“Lady, given the situation, we should discuss this thoroughly. Shall we go to the Imperial Court? We will send people to Turstie immediately.”
At that, the Hallin steward tried to turn away quickly, but Ian caught him by the collar with a single word.
“We will send a mage. No matter what is said, no one can arrive before the mage.”
Kayla looked at Ian for a moment, then resignedly took his hand. Beric and Romandro continued shelling their gourds, murmuring.
“This is interesting. It would’ve been even more fun if it had come to a duel.”
“So, who do you think would have won, Beric?”
“It looks like Davion’s side won. They got their payback good and proper. So does that mean Davion’s on our side? But judging by Ian teaming up with her like that, Hollin might be with us too.”
“Hmm. I think Hollin came out on top. After all, in a fight, the one who bleeds loses.”
“Oh, that was pretty manly just now, Romandro.”
“Ian’s coming. Clear the way!”
“Huh? Me?”
“Then should I go? Come on, move over to the coachman’s seat.”
Romandro gave Beric a shove on the back, and Beric reluctantly crawled over beside the coachman’s spot.
Shortly after, Kayla Hollin, escorted by Ian, stepped into the carriage. Romandro gave an awkward smile and greeted her, but she remained silent, staring fixedly out the window.
“This is a mess.”
Jin tossed the report aside with a light laugh of disbelief. Two women, both candidates for Empress, caught up in scandal at the same time—and a disgraceful brawl at that.
“There’s nothing more to see. Wrap it up.”
The conclusion was clear: neither was fit to be entrusted with Bariel. Jin pushed the report aside, deeming it unworthy of further attention, and Xiaoshi added,
“Understood, Your Majesty. Also, Lady Kayla Hollin just entered the palace with Sir Ian. They say they’re investigating her ties to the Burgos faction. Sir Ian reports that the Duchess of Hollin might be connected to the Burgos royal family.”
“The Burgos royal family and Hollin?”
When Ian said it so plainly, it was almost a settled fact. Jin tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, then chuckled as if amused.
“…It seems the gods are on our side.”
“Shall we mobilize the troops in advance?”
“No. That’s enough for now. Wait for Sir Ian’s signal. If possible, Lady Kayla Hollin will be sent to Burgos first, so prepare accordingly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“There’s less than two weeks until the coronation. Xia, make sure the Imperial Defense Department is thoroughly prepared to avoid any setbacks.”
“I will carry out your orders.”
With only a fortnight left until the coronation, that meant the same for the deployment ceremony. Xiaoshi bowed respectfully before leaving Jin’s office, silently hoping both events would proceed without incident.