79 Probing
Selma Payne’s POV:
“Don’t be surprised, Selma. I’m not so useless as to use my daughter’s happiness in exchange for benefits.”
“I must admit the witch is very powerful, but werewolves are not bad either, right? We don’t have to use marriage to please her. There’s no need. She’s not worthy.”
There were many moments when I realized that my father was a great king, but only this time did I realize what he was shouldering.
Other than fighting for the safety and benefits of his people, he also fought for the dignity and glory of the entire race.
I was ashamed of my cowardly thoughts.
At this moment, Kara reported, “The Queen had invited Miss Carolyn for a walk in the garden. I have been ordered to invite the southern Duke here under the name of the ‘Lycan King.’ He is waiting outside.”
We looked at each other, and my father said, “Please invite my friend in.”
A few seconds later, the southern Duke strode in. He was still as tall and strong as ever and did not look like he was controlled by a witch at all.
He saluted my father and Duke Frank, “Good day, Your Majesty, Devin.”
Then, he nodded to Aldrich and I, “Good day, children.”
We had a meaningless conversation, and the topic gradually shifted to the engagement between Carolyn and Aldrich.
“In fact, I’ve come to you today for this matter,” said my father, a little embarrassed. His acting skills were really good. “Regarding Carolyn and Aldrich, I’m afraid I can’t do as you wish, old friend.”
“Why?” The southern Duke did not understand. “I think Carolyn and Sir Aldrich are a match made in heaven. If it’s too soon, the children can get along first.”
“That’s not the problem,” Duke Frank said. “In fact, we only found out this morning that Aldrich has secretly fallen in love with someone, and the mate is sitting in front of you.”
The southern Duke looked at me and then asked in surprise, “Are you saying it’s Miss Selma?”
“Yes, she’s my niece,” my father nodded. “This morning, I was also shocked by the news. The young people these days are bold and smart, aren’t they? They were right under my nose, but I didn’t notice anything.”
The southern Duke looked like he wanted to say something but didn’t know what to say. After a long time, he could only smile bitterly. “I understand. The younger generation paves their paths. We can’t force this kind of thing.”
We continued to exchange some unnecessary pleasantries. Finally, he got up to leave, but my father asked him to stay.
My father asked, “Do you want to stay and enjoy some extra hospitality? Helena made a lot of black tea cookies. I remember that you liked to secretly eat some black tea cookies during our war when you were on sentry duty. I don’t know where you got them from, but we were in short supply back then!”
The southern Duke was stunned for a moment, then he sat down and nodded.
“Then, I’ll… Accept your invitation.”
Kara brought out a three-story pastry tower and a few cups of hot lemon tea. The elders reminisced about their glorious years when they were young with the help of hot tea and snacks. Aldrich and I listened quietly and learned many secrets that had never been mentioned in history classes.
“But there’s one thing. I think Duke Frank has already told Father about the old relationship between the southern Duke and the pure white witch, but neither of these insiders mentioned it. When talking about the Backwater War, they only fought against the legendary wizard Fitch against a common enemy and had a tacit understanding to spare the pure white witch.
Furthermore, the southern Duke’s favorite had not had a single ‘black tea cookies’. Not a single one!
“I think it’s time for me to go back,” the southern Duke finally said. “Carolyn must be looking for me.”
Duke Frank smiled. “You’re still the same, Lennon. Carolyn is already sixteen years old. You should give your daughter some freedom. Otherwise, she’ll become a loathsome of you.”
The southern Duke was expressionless. He mumbled, “You don’t understand…”
“You’re not staying for lunch?” My father invited him. “There’s a new head chef in the palace. You haven’t tried his cooking yet. The vanilla lamb chops are amazing.”
“No,” the southern Duke replied politely. “Carolyn has made a reservation at a restaurant she likes very much. It’s not a good habit to miss an appointment.”
So we exchanged a few more pleasantries and watched him leave.
God! I had to admit that I was about to suffocate. Although the elders put on an act of familiarity and talked loudly, the real embarrassment still couldn’t be ignored.
Were they really good friends?
“As expected,” my father rubbed his forehead tiredly, “Did you catch Lennon’s hint?”
Duke Frank’s expression was not very good either. “Although I was certain, seeing the truth, I still… Sigh.”
What were they talking about?
