Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 511

Celeste’s eyes were cold and contained a hint of disdain, even when addressing her father.

She replied, “How could a mere concubine in the Earl of Gracehold’s family possibly have any private dealings with the Hell Monarch’s princess consort? If Mother doesn’t trust me, I don’t mind drinking a glass of poisoned wine to alleviate her concerns.”

Henry frowned. “What nonsense are you talking about? If she wanted you to drink poison, why would she spend so much money on your upbringing? Don’t forget your mission–your mom is still in her hands.”

Celeste’s eyes glinted with mockery and bitterness. “If you truly loved my mom, why didn’t you stand up to Mother? Instead, you let me suffer and be mistreated just to keep her by your side.”

Henry’s face darkened. “You’ve thrown the Earl of Gracehold’s family into chaos. Grand Princess Eleanor is pleased with the turmoil. She’s merely displeased that your identity was exposed. Your sister has already set out and will encounter the Hell Monarch on the road. With her exceptional beauty and her skills in martial arts, which the Hell Monarch favors, she will likely gain his favor. If she can enter the Hell Monarch’s estate, our plan will be halfway successful.

“Let’s hope my sister can successfully kill Lady Carissa A ruthless glint flickered in Celeste’s eyes.

Hector was the source of her tragedy and that of all her sisters. Hector was dead, but Carissa still lived.

Henry fell silent, his eyes reflecting a mix of complex emotions.

Finally, he sighed. “Your sister’s martial skills are not as good as Lady Carissa’s. She can only try to poison and sabotage from within after entering the estate. But if she’s discovered, she’ll lose her life.”

“As long as she is favored, she won’t die.” Celeste smiled derisively. “The Hell Monarch and Lady Carissa have no real affection for each other. Didn’t Mother say so? Their marriage is merely a political alliance. The Sinclair family needs the Hell Monarch to maintain the public image of the Duke of Northwatch’s reputation, while the Hell Monarch needs Lady Carissa’s military power to support him. Although Lady Carissa is only an honorary deputy commander of the Mystic Army now, if she truly returns to command the Mystic Army, she will still have many followers.”

Henry frowned, and instinctively wanted to avoid the topic. That has nothing to do with us. In fact, I opposed your sister approaching the Hell Monarch. It’s too dangerous.”

“Does it matter if you oppose it?” Celeste nearly spat the words “useless coward” at him, Her eyes brimmed with unmasked disdain and contempt.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Henry’s hair was already graying, and he looked at his daughter. He couldn’t blame them for their resentment. He had fathered them, only for Eleanor to use them as tools.

And he himself was just another tool.

“I have opposed it,” he said. His voice was barely a whisper, fraught with weakness and guilt. “But I was powerless.”

Çeleste’s expression remained impassive. “Enough with the useless talk. What instructions does Mother have next? What do I need to do?”

“The Earl of Gracehold’s family has been ruined. Samuel is expendable. You need to find a way into the

Earl of Silverstone’s household. The current Earl of Silverstone, Oliver, only has a concubine, but he’s leading troops outside. You won’t be able to reach him, so you’ll have to deal with his younger brother.”

Henry produced a sheet of paper detailing information about Kenneth Prince, the Earl of Silverstone’s younger brother.

Celeste took the paper with a pinch of her fingers. The fact that so little could be written about Kenneth showed he was also a useless person.

She was thoroughly disgusted with these ineffectual individuals. She would rather approach someone like the Hell Monarch, someone truly capable and influential. Such a person was worth her effort.

She had hoped Samuel, as a top scholar, would amount to something. Unfortunately, he turned out to be just a pampered and inept figure, unable to discern right from wrong.

It was truly disappointing.

“Can you sever ties with Samuel cleanly?”

Celeste’s tone was indifferent, “Although he redeemed me, I never received the proper status of a concubine, and I’ve already reclaimed my freedom with the necessary paperwork. All that’s needed is for you and Mother to restore my status as a free person. As for severing ties with him, that’s a simple matter. Now that he has lost his title, he’s in a state of panic. If my departure will allow him to return to the earl’s household to manage his affairs again, he would be happy inwardly, even if he outwardly opposes it.”

“Alright, then.” Henry had nothing more to say. He only lingered for a moment in thought before asking, ” Do you want to visit your mom?”

“No need!” Celeste replied coolly. “She can enjoy her life with you.”

Henry wanted to retort that she was not enjoying herself but was confined in a dungeon, but the words died on his lips.