Chapter 776

At Oakspire Estate, all officials had already left. Those without official positions were summoned to the main hall, where they listened to the intermittent knocking from outside.

Norman, the illustrious Duke of Oakspire—a title he’d earned through his own efforts—had always worn his emotions on his sleeve. Though his sons and grandsons held modest court positions, the family had avoided attracting the king's jealousy or suspicion. As long as Norman hadn't harmed anyone, no one dared disrespect him. He cared little for his title as commander of the Mystic Army; he respected the army itself, but considered the commander position "trash."

As the knocking continued, Norman leisurely sipped his coffee, his gaze fixed on his anxious sons and grandsons. "Don't worry," he said dismissively. "Let them knock."

His eldest son, Mikhail Whitfield, a retired Royal Guard commander and heir to the dukedom, cautiously asked, "Dad, isn't it inappropriate to keep her waiting? She's here on official business."

Norman's title was hereditary for three generations, ensuring the family's wealth and status even without effort. However, Mikhail's cautious nature contrasted sharply with Norman's, a difference that led to his father's disapproval. Norman preferred his fourth son, Gareth, though Gareth, born to a concubine, was unlikely to inherit.

"What's inappropriate?" Norman retorted, his glance cold. "What are you afraid of? You're too cautious, lacking the ambition for great things. You're scared of a mere woman."

"Yeah, let her knock," Gareth, the armory officer at the Ministry of Defense, chimed in, supporting his father. "The door won't open today. If she has the ability, she can come in herself." Gareth, having learned of Carissa's arrival, had sent someone to request leave after his father ordered everyone to remain inside. He, like Norman, possessed an impulsive and fiery temperament, a trait that had hindered his career advancement but which Norman admired.

After Gareth spoke, Norman looked at him approvingly, then scolded Mikhail again. "When will you have half your brother's courage? With your cautious demeanor, your children and grandchildren will be as timid as you."

Mikhail, accustomed to his father's reprimands, remained calm. "She's on official business; there's no need to oppose her. She's questioned other nobles. Cooperation is better than unnecessary confrontation."

"Pathetic!" Norman snapped.

Gareth snorted. "Mikhail, we have no ties to Grand Princess Eleanor. What does she want? She's showing off, trying to establish authority. She questioned Prince Yuvan's household first—a clear sign she picks on the weak. Does she dare approach Lord Kendrick's or the Quintons? She came to us because we're an easy target."