Chapter 1171

“Randall, kneel!” Ruth’s voice rang out sharply. “You have been disrespectful. Ask Lady Carissa for forgiveness! She is both your cousin-in-law and aunt-in-law. Only her forgiveness can bring you peace with your mother in the afterlife!”

As Randall started to kneel, Carissa’s icy glare stopped him. “Go ahead. See if you dare kneel before me.”

The chilling command froze him. His bent knee straightened instantly.

Carissa rose. “If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave, Your Grace.”

From behind, Ruth called urgently, “Your Grace, no matter what happens, please protect my grandchildren!”

Carissa turned, her voice cold. “Lady Ruth, you have such a compassionate heart. It’s a pity my aunt never received such kindness from you. Therefore, I don’t think your grandchildren require anyone’s pity or protection.”

“Your Grace, they’re still your family—your cousins! You must look out for them!” Ruth cried.

“If they behave, why would they need protection? Do you honestly think the royal family’s offspring will become beggars? You’re overthinking this. If not, perhaps you should speak to your children and grandchildren—not me.”

Without waiting for a reply, Carissa turned and walked away. Randall hurried after her, blocking her path. “Cousin!”

“Aunt Avis didn’t give birth to you,” Carissa snapped, contempt lacing her voice, “so don’t call me that.”

Among Yuvan’s three sons, Randall wasn’t the most despicable. However, Avis, who raised him after his birth mother died, received no filial devotion. He never respected her in life, and now, after her death, he cried and claimed regret. How despicable!

“Your Grace, I sincerely apologize. I didn’t mean to cause offense,” Randall stammered, avoiding her gaze.

“What’s the point of saying that to me?” Carissa’s cold gaze was full of disdain. “Say it to the woman who raised you. Now, get out of my way.”

Randall’s eyes dimmed. “I know words won’t change things, but you know my position in my family. No one listens to me. I’m powerless.”

“That’s no excuse,” Carissa retorted. “You are Prince Yuvan’s eldest son. Even if no one listens, you could have secretly protected your mother. But you were too afraid of angering your father. You stood by and watched the woman who raised you die alone and forsaken. You and your sisters are worse than animals.”

If Carissa had been her old self, she would have beaten him.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry for what happened to Mother!” Randall cried, tears streaming down his face.

His breakdown only further enraged Carissa. It was pointless to get worked up over him. Sometimes, a rebellious son was preferable to a useless lump. Look at him—abandoned in the capital, and still lacking resolve.

Her voice sharp, she snapped, “Why are you crying? If you’ve made a mistake, rectify it! If you truly feel guilty, stop clinging to this notion of father-son affection. His Majesty kept you in the capital, not just as a hostage. Think about it and stand up for yourself!”

Then, she kicked him before walking away.

Randall remained frozen, Carissa’s words striking him like lightning, illuminating the dark corners of his mind.

Without thinking, he blurted out, “Lunvale!”

Carissa stopped. “Lunvale? What do you mean?”

Randall’s outburst was impulsive; he wasn’t prepared for the consequences. Meeting Carissa’s sharp gaze, he faltered, reverting to his usual timidity.

“I—It’s nothing,” he stammered. “I’m going back to care for my grandmother.”

He turned and fled.