Chapter 5

He stood steadfastly beside Stella, expression solemn, only extending his hand to pass her the appropriate autopsy tool when she reached for it.

The famously astute judge, willingly reduced to a supporting role in this moment.

Even Alice fell silent.

I took a deep breath.

Setting aside matters of the heart, Stella truly moved me.

Our current Emperor was progressive, allowing the establishment of women's academies in every province.

Yet the rules of our ancestors tell us that women learn to read, to appreciate arts... ultimately to please men.

But it turned out that a woman could also stand firm in this world by her own skill.

I began to understand, a little, why my husband of ten years, who cherished me, could change his heart in such a short time.

But if Stella was worthy of love, if Lincoln had his reasons...

Then what was the pain I'm enduring? What were those ten years of my life?

I admired Stella's brilliance, yet I wished she were like other favored concubines, only knowing how to vie for affection.

At least then, I could return the hurt they've inflicted on me without a second thought.

When I looked at Brother Solarius beside me, I could no longer hide the sorrow on my face.

Brother Solarius shook his head. "One attachment, one thought, one fleeting life. One sorrow, one joy, all in vain."

He fingered his prayer beads, gazing into the distance, finally offering advice tinged with personal concern。 "If your grandpa were still here, he would surely wish for you to come and go as your heart desires."

A sudden, hollow emptiness settled in my chest.

I had grown accustomed to the life of a wife, a mother.

To come and go as my heart desired... but where would my path lead?

Only after the autopsy concluded did Lincoln, informed by a subordinate, realize Brother Solarius and I had been waiting nearby.

His deep gaze found us, paused for barely a moment, then he handed his things to another and walked over.

After exchanging greetings with Brother Solarius, he naturally took the cloak from Alice's hands and draped it over my shoulders.

He was gentle as ever.

But only I knew: his fingertips never once brushed against me.

Now that his heart belonged to another, he instinctively kept his distance.

Just as, after our betrothal all those years ago, he had etched self-restraint into his very bones.

It was just that now, after all these twists and turns, the one being distanced was me.

A sudden sense of utter futility washed over me.

How could I grow old with someone so fickle?

This man, this affection... wasn't worth me scheming just to keep it alive.

I closed my eyes, steadying my emotions.

Then I bid farewell to Brother Solarius and turned to leave.

Lincoln's gaze remained fixed on me, but he didn't come after me to make things right like he used to.

Brother Solarius stroked his white beard, his tone profound. "Mr. Hart, do not let greed cloud your heart. One wrong thought can lead to a fate from which there is no return."

Lincoln paid it no mind.

He briefly informed Brother Solarius about the mountain closure for the investigation, then walked back toward Stella.

Since entering officialdom, every step he took was carefully considered.

Even if he strayed, he could bear the consequences.

Alice looked back with every step, desperately hoping he would come and offer some explanation.

But all she saw was Lincoln returning to Stella's side.

Even the usually lively Alice fell into a heavy silence.

In the following days, another major case broke in the capital, shaking the court.

Lincoln submitted a memorial requesting recognition for coroner Stella's merit, and once again petitioned the Emperor for a marriage decree.

Coroners were of lowly status. By dynasty law, those of lowly status could not sit for imperial exams, could not hold office, could not purchase land or property, and could not marry those of commoner or noble status.

Lincoln intended not only to petition for Stella's base status to be abolished based on merit, but also to have the Emperor issue a decree to elevate her status through marriage.

By now, Stella enjoyed high praise from scholars and officials across the Three Judicial Departments. Even the Emperor would find it difficult to refuse.

When the news reached the mansion, I was calm.

But Ruby was furious. "How can His Lordship act this way? Where does it leave your dignity, Mrs. Hart?"

As Lord Chief Justice overseeing penal matters, the more impartial Lincoln was, the more enemies he made.

Because of this, I often found myself targeted and excluded by the families of his political rivals.

Once this news spread, I would become the laughingstock of the entire capital.

Supporting my eight-month pregnant belly, I took a walk in the garden with Ruby's help.

I said, "The Crown Prince is young. Both my father and Lincoln are officials His Majesty has prepared to assist the future regency.

"Before issuing any decree, His Majesty will certainly summon me first."

Early the next morning, I entered the palace in my full court regalia, following the imperial summons.

Alice accompanied me, her head hanging low. "Such an important audience with His Majesty... and His Lordship didn't even send a word to ask about it."

As soon as she finished speaking, the carriage suddenly halted.

Alice lifted the curtain. Our guard outside whispered, "It's His Lordship. Shall we approach?"

I followed his pointing finger and looked.