At Oakspire Estate, all men with official positions had already left. Those without official positions were summoned to the main hall. They listened to the intermittent knocking that echoed from outside.


    Throughout his life, Norman had worn his emotions on his sleeve, never concealing his feelings. He was the illustrious Duke of Oakspire, a title he had earned through his own efforts. Though his sons and grandsons had served in court, their positions were modest. Their family avoided jealousy and suspicion from the king.


    As long as Norman hadn’t harmed anyone, no one dared to be disrespectful in his presence. The title ofmander of the Mystic Army meant nothing to him. He only respected the Mystic Army itself. To him, themander was simply trash.


    As the knocking came again, Norman leisurely picked up a cup of coffee. He blew <b>on </b>it before sipping, his gaze <b>fixed </b>on his anxious sons and grandsons.


    “Don’t worry about it. Let them keep knocking,” he said dismissively.


    Norman’s eldest son, Mikhail Whitfield, cautiously asked, “Dad, Isn’t it a bit inappropriate to keep outside? After all, she’s here on official business.”


    them


    Mikhail was also a military man who had once been the Royal Guard’smander. He had retired before thete king’s death. As the Duke of Oakspire’s heir, he was poised to inherit the title once his dad passed.


    Norman’s title could be passed down for three generations. Even if they did nothing, their wealth and status could endure for another three generations. However, Mikhail had a more gentle temperament and approached matters with caution. He was theplete opposite of Norman, hence Norman never liked Mikhail much. He thought Mikhail was too timid.


    Among his five sons, Norman preferred his fourth son, Gareth Whitfield. But as a concubine’s son, Gareth was at a disadvantage. With an eldest son, a second, and a third son in line, it was unlikely he would ever N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    inherit.


    “What’s inappropriate about it?” Norman shot his son a cold nce. “What are you afraid of? You’re too cautious, and youck the ambition needed to aplish great things. You’re scared of a mere woman.”


    “Yeah, what’s the worry? Let her knock. The door won’t open for her today. If she has the ability, she cane in herself,” Gareth quickly chimed in, supporting his dad’s view.


    Gareth held a low–ranking position as the armory officer in the Ministry of Defense<b>, </b>a role that may not seem prestigious but was crucial as it involved overseeing weaponry. Just as he was about to head back to the ministry, he heard that Carissa had arrived with her men. His dad immediately ordered everyone to stay inside, so he sent someone through the side door to request leave from work, <b>as </b>the others had already left.


    He shared a simr temperament with Norman–impulsive and fiery. His years of stagnation in promotion were undoubtedly rted to his explosive nature. However, Norman appreciated this trait, believing that decisiveness and a bit of anger were essential formanding respect.


    again.


    After Gareth spoke, Norman looked at him with approval before scolding his eldest son


    “When will you have half the guts of your fourth brother? Then, I might feel at ease. With your overly cautious demeanor, your children and grandchildren will be as timid as you if the title is left in your


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    hands.”


    Mikhail was used to his dad’s reprimands by now, so he didn’t get angry. Instead, he maintained his calm


    demeanor.


    “She’s here on official business, so there’s no need for us to oppose her. Our household is not the only one she has questioned. She’s been to other noble farrelles as well. It’s better to cooperate than to confront her unnecessarily, right?”


    “Pathetic!” Norman shot a re at his eldest son.


    Gareth snorted with a haughty expression. “Mikhall, our family has no ties with Grand Princess Eleanor. What could she possibly want from us? She just wants to show off–to let everyone see that she can waltz into Oakspire Estate without consequence. She’s trying to establish her authority here.


    *Prince Yuvan has been in Valken for years, so why did she question his household first before us? It’s because she’s a bully who picks on the weak, right? Just look–does she dare approach Lord Kendrick’s household? Lady Adide is from the Quinton family, after all. And what’s more, that woman didn’t even go to the Quinton family’s residence first, but came to ours instead<b>. </b>Isn’t it because she’s just looking for an easy target?”