Chapter 647
Samuel's trial began with the immediate severance of all ties between him and Leona, Duchess of Everpeace. This complete break disregarded the dignity of the Earl of Gracehold's family. Samuel was found guilty of brutally beating his wife, resulting in the death of their unborn child. Given Leona's royal connections and the King's edict supporting her, the Supreme Court's deputy minister sentenced Samuel to ten years' exile in Quarath, under the supervision of local authorities and forced to perform hard labor, including farming.
The ruling was immediate and effective the following day, leaving the Earl of Gracehold's family no opportunity to plead for mercy. However, Noah did not appeal. He had spoken with Yuvan, who had interceded with the Queen Dowager on Noah's behalf. Samuel would be the only one punished; Noah's title remained intact. Yuvan warned Noah against further trouble, lest things spiral out of control.
Noah did not tell Dorothy about Samuel's sentence. She only knew he was imprisoned and safe from hardship, but this did little to comfort her. Samuel was her beloved, spoiled grandchild.
When Samuel was escorted to Quarath, Noah and Abigail went to say farewell. A servant inadvertently revealed the details of Samuel's sentence, causing Dorothy to faint. Already on a two-day hunger strike, her age, anger, and heartbreak resulted in paralysis of her lower body, facial distortion, drooling, and severe speech impediment.
Noah and Abigail, unaware of the news, waited outside the city for Samuel's escort. When they saw the shackled Samuel—a hollow shell of his former self, with vacant eyes—they were shocked. Noah rushed forward, bribing the escort to allow a brief conversation with Samuel.
Tears streamed down Samuel's face as he begged, "Dad, Mom, save me! I don't want to go to Quarath! I can't bear the hard labor! I'll die! Please, save me!" All his arrogance and pride were gone, replaced by uncontrollable sobs. Abigail was overcome with grief and speechless.
Noah, restraining his tears, said, "This is your own doing. You had a bright future, but you ruined it. I'll arrange your journey to Quarath and ensure your safe arrival. But once there, whether you live or die is up to you. The King hasn't named a crown prince yet; a general amnesty might follow. That will be your chance to return. No matter how difficult, you must endure. Do you understand?"
Samuel felt despair. How long would he wait for a crown prince and amnesty? Ten years felt an eternity, especially with the King so young. His fear that the crown prince might not be named even after ten years intensified his plea: "Dad, please save me! I beg you! I can't last ten years! I won't survive until the amnesty!"
Noah's heart ached. He had wanted to question Samuel about his mistakes, but couldn't bear to press him further. Instead, he urged Samuel to hold on and promised to find a way to rescue him if possible.
An escort officer announced it was time to depart. Tears streaming down his face, Noah pressed a banknote into the officer's hand, bowing deeply and pleading, "Please take care of him. I'll reward you generously if he arrives safely."
The officer assured him, "Don't worry. It's autumn now, so the weather won't be harsh. He'll make it."
Relieved, Noah thanked him. The irony of an earl bowing to an escort officer wasn't lost on him. He had never felt so humbled. Wiping his tears, he turned to Samuel. "Do you finally realize your mistakes? If you do, I'll convey your apologies to the Duchess."