Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 532: Her Protection

Liam was the first to react, stepping forward and bowing. "Your Grace... Lady of Grace and Virtue."

Albert struggled through the pain, forcing himself to follow, though his movements were clumsy.

Elowen didn't spare him a glance.

She lifted a brow slightly. "Just now, who exactly were you planning to lay hands on?"

Liam's heart tightened. He assumed she was here for Kaelan and quickly explained, "Your Grace, we wouldn't dare offend Kaelan. It's this man. He acted without regard for law or order, attacking my brother in broad daylight and leaving him in this state. I was angry and only meant to discipline him lightly."

Elowen tilted her head a fraction. "You mean Josh?"

Liam nodded immediately. "Yes, him."

He let out a cold huff. "Whoever is backing him must be quite bold, letting him attack a noble like this. It's outrageous."

Josh felt tension rise in his chest.

She had taken his sister in, treated her kindly, even supported him when he came to take the exam.

Did I just create trouble for her by acting without thinking?

Elowen spoke calmly, "You're asking who's backing him?"

A faint smile curved her lips. "That would be me."

Liam froze where he stood.

Elowen turned to Josh, her voice gentle. "Josh, think carefully. That day outside the Imperial Examination Hall, the ones who mocked your background, point them out one by one. I have a few words I'd like to share with them."

Josh was momentarily stunned.

She wasn't blaming him. She was standing up for him. He looked at her.

Her eyes were clear, steady, encouraging. "Go ahead."

Josh took a deep breath. If she was willing to stand behind him, then he would speak plainly.

He raised his hand and pointed directly at Albert on the ground, his voice firm and clear. "Your Grace, he was the one who led it. Yesterday, he mocked my family for dressing poorly."

Liam's expression shifted instantly. He stepped forward. "Your Grace, even if my brother spoke out of line, that doesn't justify being attacked in public. Look at him, he's been beaten so badly his face is practically ruined—"

Elowen lowered her gaze, studying Albert. "He is quite badly hurt."

Relief flashed across Liam's face. "Exactly. You see it too. Josh was far too ruthless—"

Elowen continued evenly, "Still deserved it. He shouldn't have run his mouth."

Liam stared at her, stunned.

Elowen withdrew her gaze. "Since he's already been beaten like this, and the injuries are serious enough, I won't pursue it further today."

She turned back to Josh. "Aside from this Baker son, who else spoke out of line? Point them out one by one. I'd like to see who we're dealing with."

Josh straightened, his gaze sweeping across the crowd.

The same young nobles who had laughed and mocked earlier now shrank back, avoiding his eyes, wishing they could disappear on the spot.

Josh raised his hand again and pointed at a pale-faced young man. "Your Grace, yesterday outside the hall, he mocked my mother. Said she smelled like a pig pen."

The young man's face turned white instantly. His first instinct was to turn and run, but the guards had already sealed off every exit. There was no gap, nowhere to escape.

Sweat broke out across his forehead. His legs felt weak.

Elowen gave a small nod and lifted her chin slightly. "Bring him here."

"Understood."

Two guards stepped forward, one on each side, gripping his shoulders and dragging him out of the crowd, forcing him to stand in front of Elowen.

She looked him over from head to toe, her tone mild. "You're quite well put together."

Then she turned her head slightly and gave a calm instruction. "Take him nearby. Find a pig pen. Throw him in and let him get a proper sense of what that actually smells like. Make sure he stays there for thirty minutes. Let him fully appreciate it before bringing him back out."

"No, please, Your Grace! I was wrong! I won't do it again!"

He struggled desperately, panic taking over, but it was useless. A guard covered his mouth and dragged him away.

Elowen shifted her gaze back to Josh, signaling for him to continue.

Josh felt something surge in his chest, his voice steady as he pointed again. "And him. He said if Nikki were given to his household as a servant, he'd have her beaten and thrown out."

Elowen let out a soft, almost thoughtful sound. "Oh?"

Her gaze fell on the man in the blue robe. "So you were planning to take someone from my household?"

The man stiffened instantly.

The punishment from moments ago was still fresh in everyone's mind. Any arrogance he had was gone. He forced out a strained smile, panic clear in his eyes. "Your Grace, that's a misunderstanding, a complete misunderstanding. I was just speaking carelessly, I didn't mean it like that at all."