Melody of Strength novel

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After Samuel settled down, he immediately began drafting a scathing article condemning the Hell Monarch. Once he finished, he reached out to his old scholar friends, inviting over a dozen people to join him. However, only three or four actually showed up.

Those who did come were stunned after reading his article. They quickly made excuses, claiming they had urgent matters to attend to, and hurriedly left.

Samuel was bewildered.

He chased after one of them, grabbing him by the arm and asking. “You all read how the Hell Monarch bullied me. Aren’t you going to help?”

The scholar’s name was Sean. He entered the National Academy last year and had once deeply admired Samuel–before Samuel brought a courtesan from a brothel into his home. Today, Sean had come merely out of respect for old ties.

Samuel’s article boldly and repeatedly denounced the prince who had just reclaimed the Southern Frontier. It accused the Hell Monarch of disrespecting women–specifically, of disrespecting Ruby.

Sean was left speechless.

Once that article was published, the whole world would criticize Samuel and curse his name.

Sean wanted no part of this mess.

In response to Samuel’s questioning, he merely said, “If you’re upright and set a good example, people will follow without orders. But if you’re not, no command will make them obey!”

With that, Sean nodded respectfully and left.

Samuel’s face turned red with rage. Not only was he one of the top scholars, he was an honored scholar chosen by the king himself. How could he be accused of being anything less than upright?

Turns out, his scholar friends were all just a bunch of spineless bootlickers. He used to think they had some integrity, but now it was clear–they were all terrified of the Hell Monarch’s reputation.

In his fury, Samuel smashed things in the coffeehouse. However, the coffeehouse staff weren’t about to indulge his tantrum. Despite his angry outburst and boastful claims of his lofty status, the shopkeeper remained indifferent and demanded Samuel pay for the damages.

Back at Hell Monarch Estate, Rafael had returned to his office. Meanwhile, Helen sat in a daze, waiting for Carissa to come to greet her.

The moment she saw her daughter–in–law, she grabbed her hand and asked, “Carissa, what’s the story with Ruby? Is she truly Grand Princess Eleanor’s illegitimate daughter?”

“Mother, it’s true. Besides Celeste–that’s Ruby’s real name–it’s likely that more women will be sent to various noble families in time,” Carissa replied.

“But why? Why would she send her own illegitimate daughter to a filthy place like a brothel? Isn’t that a disgrace to her own name?” Helen asked, still puzzled

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“If we hadn’t uncovered Ruby’s identity, who would have known? It was done in secret, so as long as it wasn’t exposed, it wouldn’t affect her reputation,” Carissa explained.

Helen racked her brain, trying to understand the situation. However, she couldn’t make sense of it.

“But why w

would she do it? Just to humiliate her husband’s concubines and their children? Yet, she was the one who arranged those concubines for him. She lost interest in her husband and no longer wanted to share a bed with him. Also, with her status, it’s hard to believe she would be so harsh toward his concubines‘ children. If this were to get out, her reputation would surely suffer.”

Eleanor had spent years carefully cultivating her image and maintaining close relationships with noble families. Despite being a grand princess, she had not only allowed her husband to take concubines, but had even personally arranged them, earning her admiration for her supposed tolerance and generosity. Although there had been some scandals in the past, they were quickly hushed up, and Eleanor managed to maintain her good standing.

Carissa smiled knowingly. “Some people appear gentle and generous on the surface but are full of schemes underneath. Don’t you already know that Grand Princess Eleanor is exactly that kind of

person?

“She took so much money from you under the guise of The Gilded Tower, claiming she was losing money when she was actually profiting. So, she acts like she’s tolerant and accepting of her husband’s concubines, but it’s very possible she secretly despises them.”

Carissa refrained from revealing too much.

The intricacies of the situation were too complex for her simple–minded mother–in–law to fully grasp. Helen just needed to understand the basics. After all, the truth would come to light soon enough, and Helen didn’t need to know more than what the general public would eventually learn.

Helen nodded vigorously at her daughter–in–law’s explanation. “Yes, you’re right. Some people are just like that–showing one face in public and another in private. Grand Princess Eleanor might be far more ruthless than we thought. We should limit our interactions with her.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Exactly. It’s best to keep our distance. Even when you do meet her, there’s no need to dwell on past grievances about The Gilded Tower. Just maintain the appearance of harmony,” Carissa agreed.

She didn’t want her mother–in–law to confront Eleanor directly. The two were not evenly matched, and it wouldn’t end well for Helen.

“I understand,” said Helen, taking the advice to heart.