Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 548: Let Them Climb

Elowen listened quietly, her expression calm and composed.

"There's no need to worry," she said gently. "Some things are better left to unfold naturally. If the envoy favors the Crown Prince and wants to support him, that's not a bad thing. As heir, he should be taking on more responsibility for His Majesty."

Flowira understood immediately.

No interference. No resistance. Let it happen.

The higher he rises, the harder he falls.

Soon, the day of the court qualification results arrived.

Elowen's pregnancy had progressed enough that going out was no longer practical, so she sent Mira, Nikki, and Scarlet to see the results in her place.

Before long, the three of them returned together.

Mira rushed in first, cheeks flushed from the cold air and the crowd, her voice full of excitement.

"Your Grace, the city was packed today. Outside the Imperial Examination Hall, it was shoulder to shoulder. I could barely get close enough to see the results board."

She accepted a cup of warm water from Rosaline, took several quick sips, then continued, "Some people were celebrating, others were crying. I even saw an old man with completely white hair pushing through the crowd just to get a look. I don't even know if he made it."

Nikki came in a moment later, head lowered, her eyes red.

Elowen noticed immediately.

Mira lowered her voice. "Josh didn't pass. His name wasn't on the list."

Elowen wasn't surprised.

She simply asked, "Who placed at the top this year?"

Mira thought for a moment. "Albert, Liam, and Kaelan."

Elowen paused, almost letting out a laugh.

Alaric really wasn't even trying to make it look fair anymore.

Mira misread her reaction and quickly added, "It's alright, Your Grace. Even if the Baker family did well, it doesn't affect Hale Manor."

Nikki sniffed and forced a small smile. "My brother said it's fine. If not this year, then next year."

Elowen offered her a few gentle words, then turned to Scarlet.

"What about you? Did you hear anything interesting?"

Scarlet gave a respectful bow. "I can't read, so I didn't understand the list itself, but I did hear people talking."

Elowen leaned back slightly. "Tell me."

Scarlet organized her thoughts carefully.

"First, among the top ten, only two came from modest backgrounds. The rest were all from established families. Even the top three. Many candidates were saying privately that the results didn't seem entirely fair."

She continued, "Second, word is that the Crown Prince's Wing plans to host a gathering for the top ten candidates."

Elowen raised a brow slightly.

By tradition, the top three would be summoned the next day to the Hall of Imperial Grace, where Theodric would meet them personally before confirming their final ranks.

Now the Crown Prince intended to meet them first.

And not just the top three. All ten.

Scarlet added, "Some people said it was suggested by the Nordian princess."

Elowen let out a soft laugh.

Flowira had understood perfectly.

She lifted her hand slightly. "Go and repeat everything you just told me to His Grace. Ask him to go to the palace."

Scarlet hesitated. "Should His Grace advise His Majesty against approving this?"

Elowen shook her head. "No. He should make sure it's approved."

Scarlet paused, surprised, but nodded. "Understood, Your Grace."

Cassian never questioned Elowen's decisions.

The moment he received the message, he set aside everything and headed to the palace.

About half an hour later, Elowen was still in the study, casually flipping through a storybook, when she heard his footsteps.

She looked up just as he walked in.

He crossed the room quickly, picked up the cup beside her, and took a long drink.

Elowen set the book aside. "Well?"

Cassian smiled slightly. "When have I ever disappointed you? It's done. His Majesty agreed."

Elowen's expression brightened.

Without thinking, she reached out and brushed her fingers lightly along his cheek. "You're impressive."

Cassian turned his head, pressing a kiss into her palm. "That's it?"

Elowen smiled, her eyes soft. "You're good at persuading people. Getting His Majesty to approve something that clearly breaks protocol isn't something just anyone could manage."

Cassian looked at her, his gaze deepening. "Anything else?"

Elowen blinked, then froze for a moment.

She understood. Her heart skipped. She blinked slowly. "Are we really having this conversation in the middle of the day?"

Before Cassian could respond, hurried footsteps sounded outside.

Bran's voice followed, urgent.

"Your Grace, His Grace, someone has arrived from the Crown Prince's Wing."

Elowen raised a brow slightly. "Show them in."