Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 776

At Oakspire Estate, all men with official positions had already left. Those without official positions were summoned to the main hall. They listened to the intermittent knocking that echoed from outside.

Throughout his life, Norman had worn his emotions on his sleeve, never concealing his feelings. He was the illustrious Duke of Oakspire, a title he had earned through his own efforts. Though his sons and grandsons had served in court, their positions were modest. Their family avoided jealousy and suspicion from the king.

As long as Norman hadn't harmed anyone, no one dared to be disrespectful in his presence. The title of commander of the Mystic Army meant nothing to him. He only respected the Mystic Army itself. To him, the commander was simply trash.

As the knocking came again, Norman leisurely picked up a cup of coffee. He blew on it before sipping, his gaze fixed on his anxious sons and grandsons.

"Don't worry about it. Let them keep knocking," he said dismissively.

Norman's eldest son, Mikhail Whitfield, cautiously asked, "Dad, isn't it a bit inappropriate to keep them outside? After all, she's here on official business."

Mikhail was also a military man who had once been the Royal Guard's commander. He had retired before the late king's death. As the Duke of Oakspire's heir, he was poised to inherit the title once his dad passed.

Norman's title could be passed down for three generations. Even if they did nothing, their wealth and status could endure for another three generations. However, Mikhail had a more gentle temperament and approached matters with caution. He was the complete opposite of Norman, hence Norman never liked Mikhail much. He thought Mikhail was too timid.

Among his five sons, Norman preferred his fourth son, Gareth Whitfield. But as a concubine's son, Gareth was at a disadvantage. With an eldest son, a second, and a third son in line, it was unlikely he would ever inherit.

"What's inappropriate about it?" Norman shot his son a cold glance. "What are you afraid of? You're too cautious, and you lack the ambition needed to accomplish great things. You're scared of a mere woman."

"She's here on official business, so there's no need for us to oppose her. Our household is not the only one she has questioned. She's been to other noble families as well. It's better to cooperate than to confront her unnecessarily, right?"

"Pathetic!" Norman shot a glare at his eldest son.

Gareth snorted with a haughty expression. "Mikhail, our family has no ties with Grand Princess Eleanor. What could she possibly want from us? She just wants to show off—to let everyone see that she can waltz into Oakspire Estate without consequence. She's trying to establish her authority here.

"Prince Yuvan has been in Valken for years, so why did she question his household first before us? It's because she's a bully who picks on the weak, right? Just look—does she dare approach Lord Kendrick's household? Lady Adelaide is from the Quinton family, after all. And what's more, that woman didn't even go to the Quinton family's residence first, but came to ours instead. Isn't it because she's just looking for an easy target?"