Chapter 122 --122
After a moment, she opened them again, looking surprised.
"You’re... remarkably clear. Most people’s magical resonance is clouded with layers of deception, social performance, hidden motives. Yours is almost transparent." She tilted her head. "You meant what you said. About not feeling emotions, about the strategic marriage, about respecting my father. All of it was genuine."
"Why would I lie?"
"Most people lie constantly. Little social lies to smooth interactions, bigger lies to protect themselves, layers upon layers of performance." Helena sat back down. "You don’t do that. You just... state facts and observations without filtering them through social expectation. It’s oddly refreshing."
"That’s what the Medical Council said. Eventually. After they determined I wasn’t mentally deficient."
"The Medical Council evaluated you?" Helena looked alarmed. "Why?"
Duke Romian explained the First Consort’s attack and Elara’s successful defense.
Helena listened, her expression growing more serious. "The First Consort sees you as a threat. That’s dangerous. Her family is vicious when threatened."
"Acknowledged. Which is why we’re gathering evidence to destroy their power base before they can mount effective attack." Elara pulled out the documents about Lady Chen. "Your father mentioned you’re practical and strategic. Would you be willing to review our plan?"
For the next hour, they discussed the investigation into Lin Mei’s murder, the evidence in Lady Chen’s safe, the strategy for turning her grandson, the timing of eventual exposure.
Helena listened carefully, asked sharp questions, and occasionally pointed out flaws in their logic.
"The grandson is a weak point," she said. "If Lady Chen discovers you approached him, she’ll know you’re investigating. You need insurance."