Making the second male lead fall in love with me, the villainess

The day was Wednesday, and the house of lords was having a session that morning. Charlton just wanted it to end already so that he could talk to Leonard and try to convince him to let him see his sister in secrecy. Although he could just send in his card, he did not want to alert Geoffrey. Aside from that, if Serena was not receiving his call, she would most probably refuse to receive his card too.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He should focus on the meeting. What were they talking about again? Oh yes, it was earl Cobalt reporting on the rebel forces that's beginning to rise. Honestly, what was the man doing? Yes, they have some camaraderie, but he could not help but question the man's competence. He holds the military force to subjugate those rebels, but it seems like he doesn't know how to use it. 

From the corner of his eyes, he saw the king frown. Well, it doesn't look like things would end well for Cobalt. When the earl was done reporting he sat down again.

"Duke Cobalt." The king called his voice interlaced with annoyance.

"Yes, your majesty?" The duke stood up from his seat.

"I recall you informing me that your son has studied military tactics and strategy since young. Am I correct?" the king asked with sarcasm.

"Yes, your majesty." The duke answered his eyes looking left and right.

"Then tell me, why is it that he seems to be the most incompetent fool who ever held the position vice minister of defense!?" the king this time did not hide his anger. He threw the document containing the report. Everyone in the room turned silent.

Duke Winston who was seating next to Duke Cobalt stood from his seat. "Your majesty, please quell your anger."

The king furrowed his brows and his eyes narrowed to slits. "Duke Winston, I know that you and duke Cobalt have been long-time friends, but I did not expect that you would stand up for him. Is there something you wish to say in defense of these fools?"

"Your majesty, my loyalty shall always lie with the crown, and the reason why I am standing now is because of that. Your majesty, my lords, I believe that it is no longer a secret that the rebel group has a strong backer. Perhaps, without trying to offend anyone, it may even be joined by some people in this room."

Everyone in the room started murmuring and whispering to each other. The way Duke Winston said it, it seems like something big would be happening soon.

The king laughed hearing Duke Winston's words as he hit his throne's arm rest with his hand three times. "Then duke Winston, pray tell. Who is it that you wish to accuse?"

Duke Winston shook his head, not wanting to point his finger. He just said those words as instructed. 

Then, the minister of justice, Royal duke Stephan William, stood from his seat. 

The king saw him do so, "Minister Stephan, you wish to add something?"

"Your majesty, I did not wish to raise this matter initially as the event happened a long time ago. I am not sure if it should still be relevant. However, Duke Winston's words might not be just pure conjecture."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Your majesty, a few days ago, I received a petition from an anonymous sender. I did not give it much importance as it arrived randomly. However, what was attached to it was a curious matter. If I may be so bold." He said as he fished out a set of documents from his robe.

The king understood what Stephan was doing, he glanced at his aide, and the aide went to collect the document from the royal duke and presented it to him.

He read through it, the more he read, the more his ire grew. The document was from 29 years ago and it may no longer be relevant as many things have already changed. He took a glance at Stephan and Winston. Were they putting on a play?

He knew a lot of these people hated Charles. He too hated the man, but he was not stupid enough to dispose of him. Aside from him being very useful, he was also married to his younger sister. However, if what this document was saying was true, then Charles may indeed be a sympathizer.  

"Inform the grand duke of Suffox that his presence is demanded on our next meeting." The king finally announced.

Charlton hearing those words was astounded. Based on the conversation earlier… were they accusing his father of being a sympathizer? 

Anyhow, after those words were announced, the king walked out of the room signifying that the session was adjourned.

Charlton stood from his seat and unlike the usual where many nobles would approach him right after the session, everyone was now looking at him warily as if afraid to be connected to his family. 

He sighed. His father was definitely not a sympathizer. However, the accusation has horrible timing. He has not even addressed his concern about Serena, now comes this. Gods, he had to talk to her.

He turned to look at Leonard who also stood up to leave.

"If you have something to say, just say it."

Charlton looked around. Seeing that many already left first and no one would hear their conversation he talked in a low voice.

"Leonard, I need to talk to Serena. Lend me a hand here, please?"

Normally, Leonard would only say no and that they should not involve him in their affair. However, he noticed that Serena has been acting strange as of late and he was concerned. Perhaps seeing Charlton would help?

In the end, Leonard relented. Thus, that evening, Charlton was able to find himself inside the Maxwell ducal mansion's drawing room. 

He sat on the sofa and looked around the room. He noticed that there were tulips and unopened gifts lying about. He sighed. He has no doubt they were from Geoffrey. 

--

TBC