Chapter 3971

After all, the Ernas had many enemies against whom they could defend solely due to their noble status as Archdukes. Without it, the Gernoff had no need to dirty their hands since someone was bound to kill Jirni and everyone who might restore the Ernas’ glory.

“Still. I want to thank you all for your efforts in keeping our family safe and together. Tulion, Gunyin, thank you for your hard work. You have my word, I’m doing my best to put an end to this situation.” Jirni gave her sons a small bow, flustering them to no end.

“Please, Mom. This is nothing.” Gunyin tried and failed to make her stand tall. “I’ve worked my whole life for the moment when I’d take your place in Court. I should be the one apologizing to you for my poor results.”

“And I don’t deserve this at all.” Tulion found himself incapable of straightening Jirni as well, as if his mother were a statue carved out of a rock. “I gave you and Dad countless headaches over the years.

“The little I’ve done doesn’t even start paying you back.”

“Your results aren’t poor, Gunyin.” Jirni replied. “If I weren’t for my prolonged and unexplainable leave of absence, our enemies in the Royal Court would have no leverage against you.

“They can push us around because my refusal to attend the events of the Royal Court borders on insubordination. For what everyone knows, there’s nothing that prevents your father and me from performing our duties, and we are just abusing our authority.”