Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 558

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 implication 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."

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.

What now...

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?"

Alaric's expression turned grim.

How did this get out... and this fast?

Quentin, seasoned enough not to lose his footing, stepped forward again. "Your Majesty, every year there are disappointed candidates who complain after the results are announced. Rumors like this are nothing new and rarely hold any truth."

He shifted the focus with practiced ease. "We are here to discuss the duchess abusing her authority. How did we end up debating the Crown Prince and the examinations instead?"

Archer caught on immediately. "Exactly! What happened outside the examination grounds was witnessed by officials, scholars, and townsfolk alike. That is not rumor. That is fact. No matter how Lord Gareth redirects the discussion, it cannot be denied."