Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 502

Rowena's expression shifted slightly.

"...In that case, Elara wasn't wrong."

A soft laugh slipped from Elowen.

Sylvia, however, spoke with measured caution. "Even so, Wendy is Edmund's granddaughter. This happened here, in your residence, during your birthday gathering, and she's clearly been hurt. Edmund is widely respected and well connected. If this isn't handled carefully, it could leave room for criticism or resentment from the Myers family."

Elowen's smile remained calm. "I was planning to speak with Edmund anyway. I had been considering how to approach him. It seems Maerwyn and Elara have given me a reason."

She turned slightly toward them. "Why don't you both sit and have some coffee. I'll go speak with him."

They both nodded.

Elowen didn't head straight toward the front courtyard.

Near the study wing, she slowed and looked to Mira. "Did you check the front? Has the Baker family arrived?"

Mira nodded quickly. "I saw them clearly. All branches are here, especially the fourth and fifth. I've seen those two sons before when I accompanied you. I'm certain."

Elowen gave a small nod. "Good."

She stepped closer to the study entrance and called, "Josh."

Inside, Josh was speaking with Nikki. He looked up immediately. "I'm here."

Elowen smiled faintly. "I'm heading to the front to speak with Edmund. You studied under him, didn't you? Come with me."

Josh didn't hesitate. "Of course."

The front courtyard was filled with warm daylight.

Under the covered corridor, a high-backed chair had already been set in place as instructed.

Edmund sat there, composed, dressed in a simple blue robe, his white hair and beard lending him a quiet authority.

He had begun his studies at a very young age and rose quickly, earning top honors early in life. Later, he served in prominent academic roles and once taught within the Crown Prince's Wing.

After stepping away from official duties, he remained in Vanelle, occasionally taking on a handful of students.

It was widely noted that those who studied under him often performed exceptionally well in the court qualification trials.

Some had even counted that in recent years, nearly a third of successful candidates had attended his lectures.

With the emperor placing increasing importance on scholarship, families, especially those of status, were eager for their sons to succeed through the examinations.

Even without an official position, Edmund's influence remained substantial.

In recent years, however, he had grown more selective, rarely appearing in public and taking on fewer students.

Many sought him out, but few found a way in.

So his presence at Hale Manor today had taken many by surprise.

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