Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 558

Chapter 558 The Blade Turns Back

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Finished

Archer wasted no time piling on. “The Censorate has always stood apart from factional disputes. Gareth has upheld that standard for years. It would be a shame to see that reputation dragged into unnecessary conflict now.”

They closed in from both sides, trying to box Gareth into their narrative.

Gareth didn’t rise to it. If anything, he seemed to consider their words, giving a small, thoughtful nod before answering.

“I’ve spent more years in this court than either of you, and most of them within the Censorate. So allow me to offer a bit of advice. In this hall, there is only one role that matters. We are servants of the Crown.”

He turned his gaze to Quentin.

“Has the Crown Prince addressed His Majesty as ‘Father‘ here? Of course not. This is a place of state. Titles matter. Roles matter. Personal ties do not. The same applies to the rest of us. There are no uncles or nephews here, only officials. We are paid to serve the Crown, and that is where our loyalty belongs.”

Quentin’s face drained of color.

Gareth shifted his attention to Archer.

“And yet both of you have spent the better part of this discussion circling Piers’s connection to Duskmoor Manor, while avoiding the real question. Did the Crown Prince act improperly, or not? Every argument you’ve made points back to personal motives, to factional fears. It makes one wonder why you’re so eager to steer the conversation away from the issue at hand.”

His voice remained calm, but the implícation cut deep.

“It almost sounds like you’re trying to shut down any voice in this room that doesn’t favor the Crown Prince’s Wing.”

For a moment, neither Archer nor Quentin could find a response.

Gareth rarely spoke, but when he did, he left no room to maneuver.

Theodric finally spoke, his tone measured. “Gareth, since you’ve raised the matter, what is your

view?”

Gareth bowed his head respectfully. “Your Majesty, I wouldn’t presume to claim special insight. I only intend to fulfill my duty. As head of the Royal Censorate, it is my responsibility to call out misconduct and maintain order in this court.”

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17:21 Fri, May 22 N

Chapter 558 The Blade Turns Back

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71

Finished

Theodric regarded him. “So you believe the Crown Prince was wrong to meet the scholars. early?”

“Not only that.”

Gareth straightened, his expression turning grave.

“On my way to court this morning, I heard troubling rumors in the streets. I felt it necessary to report them.”

A flicker of unease passed through Alaric’s eyes.

What now…

Theodric leaned slightly forward. “What kind of rumors?”

Gareth answered without hesitation. “There’s growing talk among scholars and townsfolk that this year’s royal examinations were not conducted fairly. Some even suspect corruption.”

The hall erupted into noise.

Alaric’s head snapped to the side, his expression darkening.

Gareth continued, unhurried. “I even heard children chanting rhymes in the streets. They sing that the Baker family’s festival lights can’t illuminate true talent, but the Crown Prince’s favor can unlock any gate. It’s a crude way of saying that influence matters more than merit.”

He paused briefly before adding, “There are also whispers that examiners weigh coin heavier than ink. None of it reflects well on the court.”

Alaric let out a cold laugh. “So now you’re accusing me of rigging the examinations?”

Gareth met his gaze evenly. “Your Highness, I am reporting what I heard. His Majesty has always valued the voice of the people. When such rumors spread this widely, they cannot be ignored.”

He continued, steady and precise. “The Baker brothers have taken these exams for three years. They failed twice without distinction. This year, under your oversight, they suddenly rose to the top ranks. It may be coincidence, but it is a striking one.”

His gaze flicked briefly toward Archer and Quentin.

“Earlier, when Piers raised concerns about Your Highness’s conduct, both of you were quick to accuse him of factional bias because of his ties. If this matter involving the Baker family continues to spread, do you not think people will begin to suspect the Crown Prince of building his own faction?”

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