Her Majestic Battle Cry

Guilt flickered in Yuvan’s heart, but so did a hint of impatience.

“Why do you speak like this, Mom? I can’t stay by your side in the capital, so of course, I hope the queen dowager will be kind and look after you. That way, I won’t spend my days worrying about you.”

“Enough. Don’t say any more. Just go. Be safe on your journey,” Ruth said, waving him off.

She had raised this son herself–how could she not know his temperament? How could she not see through his expression?

“Mom, forgive me for not being dutiful. It’s the peak of summer and the heat is

unbearable, so I can’t take you with me to my fief. Besides, what would His Majesty think if I brought you along? Even if I’ve done nothing wrong, with how suspicious he can be, he’d probably find some reason to accuse me.” Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

Ruth simply nodded. “I understand. Go now.”

Yuvan nodded before calling in Molly, Fiona, and his children to say their farewells. Ruth showed little affection toward her daughters–in–law and grandchildren, her expression distant and unreadable. Once they had all left, she coughed softly a few times.

Oscar Grant, the chamberlain who had served her for many years, knew how upset she was and tried to comfort her.

“The weather really is too hot for travel, Your Grace. Taking you along wouldn’t be good for your health. His Highness is thinking of you. Please don’t dwell on it too much–it’s not worth hurting yourself over.”

Ruth sighed heavily. “You watched him grow up. How can you not know what kind of person he is? If he were truly so dutiful, why didn’t he leave for the fiefdom back in March or April, when the weather was cooler? Why wait until the height of summer?

“All those fine–sounding reasons he gave–they’re just words. He’s always been like this since he was a boy. He doesn’t do what should be done, but is a master at finding excuses. He’ll spin a thousand reasons to make himself seem good, to make others believe he’s done the right thing.

“He cherishes his reputation too much. He won’t tolerate even the slightest stain on it. But with that kind of personality, combined with his scheming, he’s bound to fail. I’m just a woman who doesn’t know much about the world, but even I understand that great achievements require letting go of small things. If you want to pull off grand schemes but still crave a spotless reputation, you’ll end up losing both in the end.”

Oscar quickly shushed her. “Your Grace, please! You mustn’t say such things. These are treasonous words. If someone overhears them, it could be disastrous!”

Ruth waved her hand weakly and gave a bitter smile. “Do you still think it’s a secret? Now that Eleanor has been sent to the Heritage Bureau, many things have come to light. He didn’t want me to know, but do you think I don’t understand my own son? Or the daughter I raised? Why did Eleanor scheme and plot like that? Wasn’t it all for her brother and for her ridiculous revenge?

“I won’t meet a peaceful end. I should’ve passed last year. Instead, I’ve wasted so much of the palace’s fine medicine, not to mention the rare herbs and treasures Yuvan brought back from Valken to keep me alive. Was that really being dutiful? No, it was just a message to the king–to remind him that Yuvan wouldn’t dare act rashly because he still has his old mom here in the capital. But do you think such petty schemes fool anyone?”

Oscar knelt on the ground, his face pale. “Your Grace, please stop thinking about these things. It will only cause you more pain. You’ve already cried yourself blind in one eye over the former grand princess.”

Tears streamed down Ruth’s face. “She’s in the Heritage Bureau, living a life worse than a dog’s. Thank goodness she has Florence by her side. Think of a way to send her some food, or maybe a few pieces of clothing. Let her live a little more comfortably, won’t you?”

“It can’t be done, Your Grace. It’s far too dangerous to risk such a thing.‘

“What is there to fear?” Ruth said with a hollow laugh. “I’ve stopped caring whether I live or die. I know I won’t be able to see her again. While I felt a bit stronger these past two months, I made her two sets of clothes. If you can send them to her, it would at least let me fulfill this one last duty as a parent.”

She looked at Oscar intently. “I heard you have a younger sister who works with Lady Helen. Go and beg her for help. We don’t need to meet Eleanor–just ask your sister to deliver the clothes and some pastries for us. Since she’s at Hell Monarch Estate, it should be easier to get Prince Rafael’s help.”

Oscar knew it was almost impossible, but the pleading in Ruth’s eyes softened him. He nodded.

“Yes, Your Grace. I’ll speak to her soon.”

He thought to himself that whether or not Gillian agreed to help, he would return and tell Ruth the clothes and pastries had been delivered.