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“Yes. And he has known this fact for five years. He also never approached the Duke with this information so the Duke has no idea that he knows the truth. He hated the Duke from the moment he found out, though. So this protest was more of a reaction from an aggrieved illegitimate child to his father. He just seemed angry while telling us this. And almost relieved that he finally could tell the truth.”
“He’s been caught?” Kenneth asked simply, his mind still reeling from the revelation.
“Yes, he has. And we’ve gone ahead to process him for jail pending when we can charge him to court,” Detective Cooper responded.
“And the protests?” Kenneth asked again.
“They are dying down. After we picked up Leonard in front of parliament, we also took the liberty of arresting most of the names on that list. I am sure it would also interest you to know that one of those names was responsible for the Cyprian’s murder we were investigating some time ago. We only found out after he confessed voluntarily to this crime and more.”
“So a commoner was responsible after all. Who was it?” Kenneth asked.
“Henry Percival, the wealthy merchant,” the detective responded simply causing Kenneth’s eyes to grow wide with shock.
After a brief moment, Kenneth finally spoke.
“And the ones you didn’t arrest?” he asked.
“The rest are at large but we are closing in on them as we speak.”
“And?”
“With the main instigators out of the way, the protests have lost their fuel. The fires are slowly going out, even though there are still a few incidents we are trying to curtail. I guess, it’s safe to say that we caught the perpetrators in the nick of time, before the protests took on a life of their own,” Detective Cooper responded.
“It isn’t over, unfortunately. Leonard and his band might have been stopped, but the underlying reasons why they were able to amass such support, remains. Sooner or later, the flickering embers of a revolt will be reignited.”
He turned to face Lord Rockgonie.
“Unless there is a major reform.”
“With the events of yesterday and today, there is bound to be one. The Lords have not only seen the power of the masses but have also been cowered into fear and silence. Your bill will see the light of day,” Lord Rockgonie responded.
Kenneth looked like he hadn’t heard a word that was said about his bill. His face revealed his daze and confusion.
“So Leonard is my half-bother.”
There was no response as silence fell on them.
“May I see him?” he requested solemnly.
* * *
The next morning, Elsa burst into the room excitedly, startling Rose.
“My Lady, a message has just arrived for you.” After a brief pause, she added, “It’s from Lord Walsrock.”
Rose was on her feet in an instant.
“He’s been freed? What did he say?” She asked excitedly.
“Well, the messenger said, Lord Rockgonie has asked that you meet him at the manor.”
“Lord Rockgonie? I thought you said it was news from Lord Walsrock?” Rose responded dejectedly.
“It is, My Lady. The messenger also said Lord Rockgonie asked that you come ready to get a surprise. And that he knew you’d love this one as you have been waiting for it,” Elsa said beaming.
It took her a moment to understand the code in the message that Elsa was alluding to.
“Oh, my goodness!” She jumped in excitement. “It is Lord Walsrock.” She ran to get ready to meet her lover.
