Published: July 4, 2025
The day after the wedding ceremony of Prince Lyun and Princess Shio Fen.
Today, there are no official events.
However, the entire Imperial Palace is bustling with activity.
Tomorrow, there will be a public presentation and banquet for the citizens of the imperial capital, and preparations are underway.
In front of a certain location adjacent to the palace, a crowd has gathered, eagerly waiting for the moment to arrive.
That certain location is the Censorate.
The crowd consists of Wei Feng and the vassals of Earl Matan Von Dobre, along with Ryo and Abel.
Of course, today’s pardon is not just for Von Dobre.
However, among those waiting for the pardon, the excitement of Wei Feng and the others is the most intense.
And then, at ten o'clock in the morning.
The inner gate of the Censorate opens.
The first to come out is...
"My Lord!"
The crowd kneels down in unison.
Ryo and Abel also bow their heads.
"I apologize for worrying you."
Although he looks a bit haggard, Earl Matan Von Dobre walks with steady steps and a smile on his face.
At the inner gate, Minister Shou and others are watching over the scene.
Ryo and Abel bow their heads towards Minister Shou.
Minister Shou raises one hand lightly and offers a smile in return.
There was happiness in the air.
The group returns to the Dragon Spring Residence.
After taking a bath and having a light meal, they are called into the room by the composed Von Dobre.
"I've heard that you two have been very active in various matters. Thank you very much."
Von Dobre bows deeply.
"Don't worry about it."
"We merely did what was expected of us as hired help."
Both Abel and Ryo respond with smiles.
Considering that their efforts have yielded some results, it is only natural to smile.
"Now, regarding future matters..."
Von Dobre begins.
"As for that incident, it seems the Censorate will continue its investigation. Therefore, I have been told to refrain from leaving the imperial capital for a while."
Ryo and Abel nod at Von Dobre's words.
It is only natural for them to say such things.
"However, the hospitality role that I was assigned by His Majesty is only until the wedding ceremony... so I will no longer be going up to the palace."
Given the incident, it would be difficult for him to enter the palace until he is fully cleared of suspicion.
Even Ryo understands that much.
"It seems that representatives from the Censorate will come to this Dragon Spring Residence to gather information, so, in fact, there will be no need for you two to provide protection anymore."
"Oh..."
Well, it is a natural flow of events.
"No, I’m not saying that you should stop paying for the accommodation at Dragon Spring Residence. I believe that my safe return is thanks to your efforts. I just wanted to convey that, since my protective duties have ended, you are free to move as you wish."
"Understood."
Abel nods at Von Dobre's words.
"Of course, we will cover all accommodation expenses during your stay at Dragon Spring Residence. It may be rude to say this as thanks, but... well, I would like to offer you a special reward."
As he says this, Von Dobre places two leather bags on the table.
When he sets them down, a heavy sound is heard.
"There are one million zhan, with one hundred gold coins each. In addition, I plan to transfer four hundred thousand zhan directly to your bank accounts. Please accept this."
"A total of five hundred gold coins? Are you sure about such a large sum…?"
"It’s my heartfelt gratitude. Please..."
"I understand, I will gratefully accept."
In the end, it is Abel who nods first.
When it comes to decisions like this, Abel is quick—quicker than Ryo.
"I think I will stay at Dragon Spring Residence for a while longer."
"Yes, thank you."
Abel says this, and Von Dobre nods with a smile.
"Abel is quick to accept money."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You should say something like... no, wait. Well, please, but... something along those lines, and then receive it...”
"That’s pointless. Wouldn’t it be rude to refuse? If that’s the case, you would end up accepting it anyway. It’s better to skip the unnecessary hassle."