Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1233

Staring at the steaming coffee, Malcolm had no desire to drink it. It didn't matter that his throat was dry and his mouth felt like it was on fire.

Noticing that Carissa didn't respond to his mention of Gracewood Women's Academy, his eyes shifted. "I've heard that His Highness has a few capable men around him. Perhaps I could recommend someone..."

Carissa raised her hand to stop him. "Lord Malcolm, let's not stray from the topic. Rest assured, Lord Gerald's identity hasn't been revealed to anyone. When he left the gentlemen's retreat, I covered his head with a cloth. Even now in prison, he is still covered."

Her directness caught Malcolm off guard, making his face flush with heat. He didn't know how to respond.

If he looked at it objectively, the matter was deeply embarrassing.

If it had been anyone else from the family—any cousin or nephew—he would have ordered them beaten within an inch of their life and tossed to a remote estate to fend for themselves.

Once the truth was laid bare, he had no leverage left. He lowered his voice and quietly asked, "Commander Sinclair, is there any way you could release my dad? He's old and in poor health. He cannot endure this punishment."

Carissa replied, "Lord Malcolm, to be frank, this operation was carried out under His Majesty's orders. The Capital Guard and the Garrison Unit were sent to raid the gentlemen's retreats. Those detained will only be held for two days, as the focus isn't on them, but rather on the Sandorian spies hidden in the retreats. You may not know this, but there were over a dozen Sandorian spies concealed in the retreats, all brought here by Eleanor. Your dad himself has spent time with them."

The blood drained from Malcolm's face, and he sat frozen in shock.

If that was the case, this was far more serious than a mere breach of propriety.

How could his dad have been so reckless?

Carissa's straightforward approach had thrown him completely off balance. He took a sip of coffee to steady himself, his hand trembling slightly as he placed the cup down.

"Commander Sinclair, does this mean His Majesty knows my dad visited a gentlemen's retreat?" he asked, his voice low.

Carissa shook her head. "No, he doesn't know. His Majesty didn't want to know the names of those involved. He only issued the order to imprison everyone present at the scene for two days."

A glimmer of hope appeared in Malcolm's eyes. "Then, is it possible to have him imprisoned separately?"