Her Majestic Battle Cry
Her Majestic Battle Cry Chapter 1036

Chapter 1036

Jessica thought back on all the years of tangled emotions and conflicts with Emma, who had since passed away. Death was like a light that had gone out, and in hindsight, most of the things that had angered Jessica seemed to be her own fault. She was always nitpicking and replaceing fault where there was none.

After a long silence, she finally spoke softly, “Actually, she was a good person. She was devoted, kind–hearted, and gave birth to an heir for the marquis. She managed the household’s affairs for many years. If she hadn’t miscarried last year, her health wouldn’t have deteriorated so quickly.”

“She miscarried last year?” Violet asked.

“Yes. Her health was always fragile. The physician advised her against getting pregnant again, but she unintentionally became pregnant. The child was frail and couldn’t be saved. After the miscarriage, her body was severely weakened. If it hadn’t been for that, she wouldn’t have died so young,” Jessica explained.

Carissa remembered asking Luke about Emma, but it seemed that he hadn’t mentioned this. He had only said that she had suffered a lasting illness after giving birth to her second child. It was clear now that Giles might know much more than he let on, but hadn’t told Luke everything–only selected bits and pieces

Violet sighed inwardly. It seemed that Emma was truly a good person. Even someone as sharp–tongued and venomous as Jessica spoke well of her, so it had to be true.

Such a capable and intelligent woman, yet she had been repeatedly harmed by pregnancy- related complications, ultimately leading to her untimely death. It was truly a tragic waste.

“You’re sure you never killed any of the servants?” Violet asked again.

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Jessica looked wounded. “No, I didn’t. I admit I’ve hit and scolded people, but not often. Madam Margaret didn’t like me, and most of the people around me were my own. If I needed to vent my frustration or anger, it was always directed at my own people.”

During the ride back in the carriage, Violet completely abandoned the idea of driving Jessica away.

Carissa spoke up, “Let’s each say who we suspect.”

“Alright,” Violet replied.

The two of them looked at each other, and the names came out in unison.

“Serena!”

“Lady Emma and Serena.”

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Chapter 1036

+25 BONUS

Violet stared in shock. “You suspect Emma? How could that be? Not to mention she’s dead, but even when she was alive, she was too sick to get out of bed. How could it have been her?

Carissa analyzed the situation with her, “If you were Serena…”

“Ugh, I’m not!” Violet spat.

Carissa nodded. “Fine. If Travis was Serena, after entering the marquis‘ household, she would’ve made an enemy of Jessica. Wouldn’t she have needed to replace a powerful backer?”

“Just say it’s Serena, don’t bring up Rod. I really don’t want to run into him later and feel the urge to punch him.” Violet tilted her head, considering. “You make a valid point, but didn’t Serena manage to get Jessica on her side?”

“Getting Jessica on her side wouldn’t really help. She didn’t have power in the household and was always bullying her. Serena couldn’t make a connection with Madam Margaret, and the Marquis of Ironridge didn’t like her much either. If Serena wanted to stand her ground, she’d have to rely on Lady Emma, who had authority over the household. Of course, this is just my guess. It’s not necessarily the truth,” said Carissa.

Violet agreed with this line of reasoning. “True Serena couldn’t have relied on Jessica. The marquis doesn’t like her either, and Serena is an opportunist. She must understand Emma’s value–someone who gave birth to the eldest son in the family and has control of the household.”

“Exactly. If we assume that is the case, Serena must have already been working with Lady Emma. But, for one, she couldn’t directly oppose Jessica, the primary wife at the time. Two, Lady Emma and Jessica didn’t have an open feud, so Serena played both sides. When Jessica asked her to administer the laxative, she immediately told Lady Emma, who knew her time was running out. With the Marquis of Ironridge liking Lady Flora, who was pregnant, Lady Emma had to plan for her children’s future…”

Carissa continued her analysis but then paused, realizing she was possibly assuming a lot of ill intent on Emma’s part without enough evidence to prove it.

“I’ve already instructed Claire to continue investigating. We’ll see what comes up and discuss it again,” she concluded.

Violet, who had been listening intently, suddenly went quiet before saying, “But you know, I think your reasoning makes sense.”

“Oh? So, now you agree with me? Who was throwing a tantrum earlier today?” Carissa shot her a playful glare.

Violet grinned mischievously. “I’ve forgiven you for today’s little outburst. Don’t bring it up again.”