Backlund, Queens.
Audrey hurried to the door of Earl Hall's study. She took a deep breath, composed herself, and knocked.
"Come in."
Audrey pushed open the door. "Sorry, Father, for interrupting you. Is what the newspaper says true? Hob... Brigadier General Christine committed treason?"
Besides Earl Hall, Audrey's elder brother Hibbert and Earl Hall's good friend Earl Wolf were also in the study.
Earl Hall knew that his daughter was friends with Hobart, so he smiled. "Come in, dear. We were discussing this matter as well."
From everyone's expressions, Audrey already understood that it was true! Hobart had really committed treason! He had said at yesterday's Tarot Club gathering that he had been busy lately. Could he have been busy committing treason?
Audrey sat in the cushioned seat behind her father and heard Earl Wolf say, "I said long ago that some people were far too harsh on Christine."
"That's right," Earl Hall said. "Back then, it was he and Rex who stabilized the situation in Eastern Baylam, laying the foundation for our dominant advantage on the Southern Continent.
"Yet Christine, who enjoyed considerable prestige in the military, had gone more than ten years without a promotion. That had already caused much dissatisfaction."
Hibbert asked, "Father, who is Rex?"
Earl Hall ran a hand through his hair. "He was from our era. If only... Sigh, what's the point of ifs?"
"Perhaps Christine had other plans? Or some other scheme?" Earl Wolf suddenly said. "Otherwise, Christine would not have taken his eldest son along on such a risk. I've met that young man. His future achievements may surpass even his father's."
Earl Hall smiled. "With Christine's mind, I don't think he would do anything foolish."
"No matter what, they killed a Prince," Hibbert said. "They can forget about ever returning to