Chapter 23
"Good morning, Lady Aurora. We hate to intrude, but we would like to discuss the investigation with you," Brian said.
Aurora nodded, "Of course. This way."
The three walked toward the manor.
"How are things in the Vale of Shadows?" Aurora asked politely.
Brian sighed, "The same as always. Training, patrols, and preparing soldiers."
His expression darkened slightly, "We recently sent another group of troops to the border."
Aurora's fingers tightened around the riding gloves in her hand. The border. Her father. The word alone made her stomach twist.
According to her memories, Duke Owen Ambrose would be returning soon—and injured. Every passing day felt like a countdown she could not stop.
Charles noticed the tension that flashed across her face.
"Will you be attending Lady Selene's coming-of-age banquet?" he asked, attempting to lighten the conversation.
Aurora forced a small smile, "I'm not sure. My mother's condition is my priority at the moment."
"How is the Duchess?" Brian asked.
"Stable," Aurora replied quietly. "I'm hoping she'll wake up soon."
Neither duke missed the exhaustion hidden behind her calm expression.
For the past few days, Aurora had been investigating theft, uncovering corruption, handling murders, caring for her injured mother, and preparing for her father's return.
For a fifteen-year-old girl, it should have been impossible. Yet somehow, she continued moving forward.
When they reached the drawing room, Aurora stopped, "I hope you don't mind waiting for a short while. I desperately need a bath."
Charles chuckled, "I think you've earned one and we also came without an appointment."
Aurora almost laughed, "Thank you for your generosity."
Even Brian's lips twitched slightly, "We'll wait."
Aurora turned to Philip, "Please have breakfast prepared for three."
"Yes, My Lady."
Half an hour later, Aurora returned.
This time she wore a simple bottle-green gown trimmed with gold embroidery. Her long brown hair hung loosely over her shoulders, and she wore no extravagant jewellery. The simplicity suited her far more than the elaborate outfits she used to wear.
Both dukes found themselves momentarily surprised. This version of Aurora seemed more mature, composed, and somehow impossible to predict.
"My apologies for the delay," Aurora said as she entered.
Philip bowed, "Breakfast is ready, My Lady."
The three headed to the dining hall.
Aurora sat at the head of the table, with Brian on her right and Charles on her left.
The maids quietly served breakfast.
"Please, help yourselves."
For a few moments, only the sounds of cutlery filled the room.
"How are things in Diamondstead?" Aurora asked.
Charles shrugged, "Quiet. Nothing much has changed."
"And the Vale of Shadows, how often are sending troops?"
Brian let out a tired breath, " We sent more men to the border this week, this war does not seem to be coming to an end......At the beginning we sent troops every two to three weeks but recently we been sending a troop every week."
Again, Aurora felt anxiety claw at her chest.
Every mention of the border reminded her that her father was somewhere far away, fighting a war she already knew would leave him injured. She lowered her eyes and took a sip of tea.
"You should consider attending Lady Selene's banquet?" Charles asked.
Aurora smiled faintly, "I may not attend if Mother hasn't recovered."
"You're quite devoted to the Duchess," Brian observed.
Aurora's expression softened, "She's, my mother."
For a moment, neither duke knew how to respond. There was something unusually sincere in her voice. Once breakfast was finished, they moved to the study.
Aurora took her seat behind the desk, "Please sit."
The two men sat opposite her.
"Emily," Aurora called.
"Yes, My Lady?"
"Send a message to the palace. Cancel tea indefinitely."
Emily blinked, "Are you certain, My Lady?"
Brian and Charles exchanged a glance.
The famous Lady Aurora was voluntarily cancelling meetings with the Crown Prince? A few months ago, nobody would have believed it.
"Yes."
Aurora then picked up another letter.
"And send someone to the Hazelwood Duchy immediately. Purchase as much Gotu Kola as possible."
She handed Emily a pouch of coins.
"Yes, My Lady."
After Emily left, Aurora looked back at the dukes, "My apologies. Now, what was it you wished to discuss?"
Brian placed Aurora's sketches and notes on the desk, "These."
Aurora immediately recognized them. The drawings she had made of the victims.
"Where did you learn to do this?" Brian asked.
Aurora paused. For a moment, memories flooded her mind.
Late nights with Mike. Medical textbooks scattered across the floor. Endless discussions about anatomy, injuries, and medicine. His patient voice explaining things she never thought she'd need. A sharp ache settled in her chest.
She missed him....More than anyone at this moment.
"I've spent a great deal of time reading," she answered carefully.
Brian clearly wasn't convinced, but he let it pass, "I understand the drawings record the victims," he said, "but how exactly will they help us find the killer?"
Aurora leaned forward, "The wounds tell a story."
Both men immediately became attentive.
"The depth, width, smoothness, and angle of the wounds help determine the type of weapon used."
Charles frowned, "But nearly everyone carries a sword."
"Exactly.", Aurora nodded.
"Which is why most investigators stop there."
The two dukes exchanged looks. She wasn't wrong.
"However," Aurora continued, "many noble families commission custom-made weapons. Different blade shapes leave different marks. From this we can discover if the perpetrator is either a noble, commoner, soldier or a bandit."
Realization slowly dawned on their faces.
"You mean the weapon itself can leave clues?" Brian asked.
"Precisely."
The duke stared at her with growing admiration. The idea was simple. Yet no one had ever suggested it.
"Even if we discover the weapon, how would we remember all those details?" Charles asked.
Aurora smiled slightly, "That's why records are important."
The two men leaned forward.
For the next several minutes, Aurora explained methods of observation, note-taking, comparisons, and documenting evidence. The more she spoke, the more fascinated they became. It was unlike anything they had ever been taught.
Just as Aurora was about to continue, a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter."
Philip stepped inside, "My apologies, My Lady, but His Royal Highness has arrived."
The room instantly felt colder. Aurora's expression hardened. She was exhausted. Her mother lay unconscious upstairs. A murderer was still roaming free. Her father was fighting at the border. And the last person she wished to entertain had arrived.
Philip sensed the shift immediately, "He has questions regarding yesterday's incident," he added carefully.
Aurora stared at the desk for several seconds before answering.
"Very well.", Her voice was calm. Too calm.
"Show him in."
Philip bowed, "Yes, My Lady."
Aurora then turned to Brian and Charles.
"Would you gentlemen mind if we move to the sitting area? It seems our discussion is about to gain another participant."
Charles smiled, "Not at all, Lady Aurora."
Brian's gaze drifted toward the door.
For some reason, he had a feeling this meeting was about to become very interesting.
Aurora's outfit
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