Gerald and Clifford met in the Supreme Court's interrogation room. They sat across from each other, an old wooden table between them.

Carissa sat behind the scribe's desk, not far from them. Even if they spoke in hushed tones, she could hear every word clearly.

The only sounds in the room were the quiet rustle of breath, the steady beat of hearts, and occasionally, the almost imperceptible sound of a sigh.

Yet, no words passed between them.

Neither of them exchanged even a fleeting glance. It was as if they were two strangers who were forced to sit together-distant, indifferent.

Carissa wondered if it was her presence that made things so strained, though she could not leave. All she could do was endure the awkward silence alongside them.

At last, Gerald asked, "Why?"

Gerald was truly baffled, struggling to reconcile the person before him with the image of someone he thought he knew. No matter how he looked at Clifford, he could not align the two.

Clifford clasped his hands together and shook his head. "Why bother asking? History is written by the victors."noveldrama

"Is there not always a reason for things?" Gerald asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Clifford paused to think before responding, "I've realized that the things I've always wanted to do in life are out of reach. Didn't King Sigmund say it? I'm a rebellious person. I think my thoughts were never truly rebellious enough, so I resolved to do something truly reckless. Once that was done, nothing else seemed worth mentioning."

Gerald's eyes narrowed as he focused on him. "You led a rebellion this time. There are thousands dead, and countless more wounded. The stench of blood still hangs in the air. I don't believe this is something you would do. When did you start valuing human life so cheaply?"

Clifford pursed his lips and remained silent. He looked completely numb.

"Clifford, you're not like this," Gerald said. "What is it that has led you to this point?"

"I am exactly like this," Clifford replied, his tone tinged with bitterness. "The man you knew is nothing more

than a facade you created for me. You blindly believed I was as you imagined me to be."

Gerald stared at him for a long time, a bitter look creeping across his face. "We three were once such good friends."

Clifford seemed to find the

statement amusing, a genuine laugh escaping his lips. "You count a king as a friend? It seems the years have treated you well. Yes, a wise wife; obedient children, grandchildren aplenty-what more could you ask for in life? You have no regrets, do you?"

Gerald's lips parted, as if struggling for words. "Clifford, we're already at this age now. What's the point of saying such things?"

Clifford's expression darkened. "Our life's purpose is for the family. Some things are beyond your understanding. There's nothing more to say. Just go."

"But no matter what, you cannot bring ruin to the people!" Gerald said, his face pale as death.

It seemed that in Clifford's presence, he always felt weaker.

Clifford didn't respond to him.

Instead, he turned his attention to

Carissa. "Lady Carissa, you entered the court, and started Skye Embroidery and Gracewood

Women's Academy. Clearly, you saw how oppressive this world is for women. But tell me this-if women truly had no path forward would you rise up, take action, and fight for them?"

Carissa met his gaze, momentarily stunned.

The question seemed aimed at convincing Gerald, but it also set a trap for her.

Seeing her silence, Clifford's sarcasm deepened. "I once had some respect for you. You knew how to resist, which proved you weren't a fool. But now, it seems your resistance is all for the sake of fame. How utterly hypocritical."

Gerald understood his intentions and frowned. "Why make things difficult for Lady Carissa? This has nothing to do with her."

Clifford shot Carissa a provocative look. "The most disgusting face is the one that feigns sincerity. Can't you speak for yourself? Do you need someone to defend you? What kind of commander are you? Not even brave enough to answer for O yourself? Are you mute? You live off your dad's and husband's military achievements, yet you strut about as if you're the one in power."

"Clifford, that's enough!" Gerald stood abruptly, anger flashing in his eyes. "I came here out of old friendship, not to let you torment others!"

Carissa calmly motioned for Gerald to sit, then turned to Clifford.

"Honestly, I don't owe you an answer. But since you've gone this far, it would seem like I'm hiding something if I didn't respond."

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