Chapter 400 +25 BONUS
In the past, Augustus had been very fond of Chloe and, by extension, Eleanor. While Ruth raised Eleanor, Augustus showered them with continuous gifts and rewards. Now, Ruth had become the most senior of Augustus's concubines, though compared to Sigmund's, they were nearly inconsequential. Their primary concern was simply survival. Those of lower status who had not borne children were either buried with the deceased or sent to nunneries.
Augustus's concubines were among the oldest in the palace; however, seniority held little weight in the harem. Sigmund had sent Yuvan to his fief but kept Ruth in the palace to restrain him. Over the years, Yuvan proved inept, foolish, and infatuated with beautiful women, leading him to abandon his wife for a concubine.
Salvador had considered granting Yuvan a favor by allowing him to bring Ruth to Horizon Estate, planning to issue the edict after New Year's Eve. However, upon hearing of Avis's death, Salvador was displeased and postponed the matter. After all, Eleanor was considered Ruth's daughter, and it would be appropriate for Eleanor to fulfill her filial duties.
Yuvan, accompanied by his family, visited Ruth. Coincidentally, Eleanor was also present. Ruth's hair was streaked with gray, and she was overjoyed to see her son. After exchanging pleasantries, she eagerly summoned her family and inquired about their well-being.
Yuvan approached Eleanor. "Eleanor, it has been a long time."
The step-siblings were born just two days apart, in the same year and month.
Eleanor replied, "It has been two or three years since you last returned to the capital, hasn't it?"
"Yes. The last time I returned was because my late wife was handling the marriage of that Sinclair girl," Yuvan said, his gaze growing cold and distant.
Hearing about Carissa, Eleanor grabbed her cloak and left. Yuvan followed.
"What's wrong? Are you also displeased with that girl, Eleanor?"
"Displeased? I practically wish I could flay her and draw out her tendons," Eleanor said coldly.
Yuvan seemed thoughtful. "She is Hector's daughter."
At the mention of Hector, Eleanor's eyes flashed with intense hatred. Rage surged through her, causing a sharp, dull ache to spread through her limbs and body.
Her voice was cold and merciless. "I will never forget how Hector rejected me."
"That's in the past. Remembering is enough. There's no need to dwell on it too deeply, lest you hurt yourself," Yuvan said softly. He still cared for his step-sister.
"Hurt?" Eleanor sneered. "For him? Not at all! Everyone from the Sinclair family should have died, but they've resurfaced. Carissa even married Rafael and is enjoying such glory. It's truly irritating."
Yuvan stood beside her, the ambition in his eyes unmistakable. "Glory is fleeting. Once the grand plan is achieved, whether to kill or spare her—won't that be entirely up to you, dear sister?"
Eleanor suppressed her emotions and asked, "What is the situation in Stonebridge County?"
Yuvan curtly responded, "We lack people, weapons, and armor."
Eleanor frowned. The court had stringent controls over weapons and armor; it wasn't something that could be bought with money alone.
Yuvan added, "Let's see what the Spencer family decides."
The Spencer family in Ebonflow handled the Ministry of Defense's weapon and armor manufacturing. Naturally, Ministry of Defense officials oversaw the Spencer family's factory.
"If there's a shortage of people, continue recruiting soldiers. Have Fiona contribute more money. Carissa tricked me into one of her schemes, so I lost over two hundred thousand silver coins. Currently, I don't have much money left to mobilize."
Eleanor explained the situation to Yuvan, who was infuriated.
"Her again! When I arrived in the capital today, I first visited Hell Monarch Estate and found out that she had gone to Verdant Monastery. That was when I learned of that foolish woman's death. I had no choice but to inform the Queen Dowager and the King. Because of that, I must return to Valken early tomorrow morning."
Eleanor was unsurprised by Avis's death.
She remarked coldly, "When she was alive, she was of no help to you. Now, she chose to die at such an inconvenient time. It's unlucky. I had even planned a banquet on the third day of the New Year and invited many civil and military officials. I was hoping you could make an appearance. Now, that's all ruined."