Chapter 623
Gabriel sat on the balcony with Noah on his lap in the afternoon sunlight. It wasn’t strong but mild.
The Moon Goddess didn’t come to me, he mused, staring out at the horizon. I made a selfish choice, but it feels as though the heavens have been equally unjust. Why should she be punished for being the only one who dared to love?
A soft snuffle broke his reverie. Gabriel lifted the edge of Noah’s cap, finding the boy fast asleep, his tiny face softened by dreams. Smiling faintly, Gabriel stood and carried the sleeping weight back into the bedroom. He lowered Noah into the crib, ensuring the blanket was tucked just right.
“Your Highness,” Ashna’s quiet voice drifted from the doorway, “Carlos is here to see you p>
“Stay with Noah,” Gabriel instructed, gesturing toward the crib. “He’s deep in his nap p>
He stepped out into the hallway, his posture shifting from a father to a prince as his eyes landed on Carlos. The man offered a respectful bow.
“I thought you would stay another day at Karmen’s place,” Gabriel said, settling into the sofa.
“I wanted to, but I didn’t have any of my things with me. Besides, I didn’t want to overstay my welcome and disturb his family,” Carlos answered, his tone practical as he took the seat opposite the Prince. He leaned forward slightly, his expression growing more serious. “Gabriel, did you return the sword to the grave p>
“No. Why do you ask p>
“Its blade carries a heavy power. I was curious where it ended up,” Carlos stated.
“Amelie suggested I shouldn’t disturb the grave a second time. I decided to keep it,” Gabriel explained.
“I see. Just make sure you keep it hidden, especially from the witches. You know how quickly word travels. A blade like that is a magnet for the kind of people you’d rather not have at your door,” Carlos advised, his voice dropping to a cautious whisper.
Gabriel narrowed his eyes, sensing the unspoken warning beneath his friend’s words. “What exactly are you referring to, Carlos? Be clear with me. And why would the witches even want it? The blade can annihilate them p>
“To harness its power,” Carlos answered. “Mona will keep quiet about it as I bound her with a magical promise. As for the others, you have to make sure they never speak of it,” he added.
Gabriel nodded in understanding. “I will make sure no witch finds out about it,” he assured him.
Casaio and Zilia were sitting in the dimly lit hall of their temporary residence. Their gaze was fixed on the grieving parents of a young man whose life had been snuffed out by the crushing weight of debt. Across from them stood Lord Theo, the moneylender. He was a man who lived by the ledger, firmly believing that his predatory interest rates were justified by the fine print of a contract.
“Your Highness,” the father began while joining his hands. He leaned heavily on a worn cane with pleading eyes. “Our son was the only one keeping this family afloat. I cannot work with this leg, and my wife… Her spine is failing her. We have nothing left but these debts, which Lord Theo claims are still unpaid. My boy gave every drop of his sweat to pay back what was owed while he was still breathing. He did his best before… Before he took his own life p>
“The contract mentioned everything in detail,” Lord Theo countered without showing any empathy. “Death does not dissolve a legal obligation. The interest continues to accrue. And Prince Casaio, if I show leniency on one, then others would ask for the same. I am not a philanthropist p>
Zilia’s composure snapped, her heart aching for the broken couple standing before them.
“If it were your own son who had lost his life under the weight of such a debt, would you still speak of contracts?” Zilia demanded, a sharp frown marring her delicate features. “You are liable to pay for your sins, Lord Theo p>
“Sins?” Theo let out a dry, mocking chuckle, his eyes raking over her with thinly veiled disdain. “I believe Lady Zilia fails to grasp how business works. Moreover, you are hardly in a position to lecture me on morality. Everyone knows that you once p>
“Theo, shut your mouth!” Casaio’s voice boomed through the hall. “How dare you speak so ill of my wife, my mate p>
The lender’s face paled instantly. Realizing he had overstepped the bounds of survival by insulting the Princess, Theo was prompt in offering a frantic apology, bowing his head.
“We have thoroughly analyzed the contracts you make the debtors sign.” Casaio glanced at Estelle, who stepped up and presented a heavy leather file. “You intentionally keep the most predatory terms in print so small they are invisible to the naked eye. Theo, you will reimburse every family you have bled dry through these illegal interests,” he declared.
“Your Highness, this is an injustice! I will take this matter to the Council,” Theo spat. He had no intention of parting with his gold, and his eyes glimmered with the knowledge of his own influence among the senior council members, men who were just as greedy as he was.
“Do it. I will not waver,” Casaio affirmed.
Theo threw a final glare at the Prince before turning on his heel and storming out of the hall.
Ian watched him go, his brows furrowed in deep concern. He knew Theo’s reputation well; the man wouldn’t just go to the Council, he would begin pulling strings to sabotage Casaio’s standing in the palace.
Casaio turned his attention back to the elderly couple, his expression softening from the hardness he had shown Theo.
“You will both be granted a monthly pension from the royal treasury. Estelle will visit your home to finalize the details once the formal order is signed. Do not fret. I will not let your son’s sacrifice be in vain; I will ensure his parents live comfortably, even in his absence p>
The weight of their grief seemed to lighten, if only slightly, by the promise of security. Tears of relief flowed as the old couple thanked Casaio and Zilia repeatedly, bowing their heads in deep gratitude before the guards gently escorted them out of the residence.