Chapter 91 Cressida is Not Simple
Cressida pressed her lips together and looked at the three boats on the water.
Sophie and Odette were at odds with each other, and choosing either side would put Cressida in a difficult position.
Cressida preferred not to offend anyone.
She spoke up: "I'll choose the black boat."
The people around her were surprised.
When Sophie looked at her questioningly, Cressida explained: "I just noticed that Prince Miguel's rowers had a more urgent rhythm and faster speed. Their timing was just off. Maybe they could win. Since it's a bet, I think taking a chance on luck would be better."
Odette smiled subtly: "You certainly know how to talk."
After Cressida placed her bet, the maid carried the tray to others.
Most people bet on Sophie's or Odette's boats. Only a few followed Cressida in betting that Miguel's black boat would win.
Even Jessica, after thinking it over, quietly bet on Sophie's boat.
At that moment, everyone watched as the three boats entered the rapid bend.
But then, the red and yellow boats accidentally collided!
The rowers on both boats pushed and shoved each other.
No one knew who started it, but they began fighting as they pulled at each other.
Jessica stretched her neck to see, then frowned worriedly: "Why are they fighting!"
Suddenly!
Both boats capsized, and all the rowers including the drummers fell into the water, making the scene even more chaotic.
At this point, the black boat shot ahead from behind, quickly leaving the other boats far behind and crossing the finish line.
The outcome was decided. Both Sophie and Odette looked surprised.
"How did this happen again?" Joseph spoke bluntly, "It was the same last year!"
Odette glanced at him, and he immediately shut up.
"That's how competitions are—there are winners and losers. As long as Sophie isn't upset, those rowers just don't know any better." Odette looked at Sophie with a smile.
Sophie naturally replied calmly: "It's nothing really, just a shame. I heard Odette's boat was newly made this year."
Miguel bowed: "Thank you, Aunt and Mother, for letting me win."
From the corner of her eye, Cressida saw Yosef staring at the water with a cold smile, wondering what he was thinking.
She slowly looked away.
In another boat cabin, Clio and Rose were also very surprised.
Rose: "Queen Odette's boat didn't win, and the rowers can't come up. Haven't we wasted our time?"
Clio's eyes were dark and gloomy: "Don't worry. Worst case, we'll have Isaac kneel in front of Lady Sophie's carriage later and make a big scene!"
Just then, Sophie said to show fairness: "Before leaving the palace, Doyle specifically said that all the rowers in this race worked hard. I should be generous too and have them all come up to receive their rewards."
Then she had the maids lead everyone to their seats to wait for the banquet to begin.
Cressida's heart sank.
Does this mean Isaac would still have a chance to appear before Sophie?
As soon as Cressida sat down at the table, a maid brought her a glass of wine.
Cressida noticed no one else had one and frowned slightly: "Just for me?"
The maid kept her head down: "A gift from Prince Yosef."
Cressida looked up toward the distance. In Odette's boat cabin, the beaded curtain was rolled up, and Yosef raised his wine glass toward Cressida.
His narrow eyes were full of mocking amusement.
He wanted to see Cressida publicly exposed and embarrassed.
However, Cressida remained completely calm and unruffled, simply raising her hands in acknowledgment toward him.
The guards went to rescue the rowers who had fallen into the river. During this time, Sophie and Odette rewarded each table with fine wine and delicacies, inviting everyone to celebrate the Regatta Festival together.
Just then, someone who looked like a guard hurried up and whispered something in Sophie's ear, then went to report to Odette.
Sophie asked in a surprised tone: "Really? Then please bring him up quickly."
Soon, the guard brought up someone wearing a robe.
Jessica sat next to Cressida and frowned, muttering: "Isn't that Master Conrad? How can he be here?"
Cressida explained in a low voice: "When His Majesty Doyle's mother, Queen Bronte, was still alive, she used to listen to Master Conrad's teachings. He's also the bishop of the Tower of Serenity, so it's normal for him to be given importance."
Clio and Rose exchanged glances, clearly neither had expected Rex to appear here.
They could only see Rex bow and greet Sophie and Odette in the boat cabin, but couldn't hear clearly what was said.
Soon, Sophie said with a smile: "Of course, this is a good thing. Thank you for your trouble, Master Conrad."
A moment later, Rex was led by Juliet, who was beside Sophie, accompanied by Odette's chief maid, going from table to table giving out colorful medicinal rope bracelets.
They said these were woven at the Tower of Serenity and had been through the ritual offerings twice, able to ward off evil and mosquitoes.
When they reached Cressida's table, Rex handed one to Cressida with both hands.
Rex said in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear: "Ms. Hamilton, what a coincidence to meet again. Yesterday I happened to meet a student of the late Master Merlin, and he mentioned you and General Hamilton."
Cressida asked: "Cameron?"
"You didn't know? When General Hamilton was born, he was weak and sickly. Master Merlin happened to pass by your family's estate, saw his unusual fate, and took him to the Temple. Mrs. Hamilton also knows about this."
Rex looked at Clio.
Clio, holding her wine cup, was stunned.
Had she said this? She seemed to have indeed said it. Back when she was explaining why Cameron hadn't lived at The Hamilton Mansion for so many years, she had spread this rumor.
She only said Cameron grew up in a Temple as a child, but she didn't say which Temple!
Clio felt something was wrong and couldn't help but speak: "Master Conrad, back then..."
Unexpectedly, Rex interrupted her and just kept bowing to Cressida.
"I just told Mr. Hamilton about this on the neighboring ship. If I had known General Hamilton was raised by Master Merlin, I would have insisted on properly paying my respects to you that day at The Hamilton Mansion. After all, you're General Hamilton's own sister, and your fate is equally remarkable."
Rex took out a jade pendant from his sleeve.
"This was carved by Master Merlin for General Hamilton back then, for him to wear. But after General Hamilton left the Temple, he left this jade pendant behind. Yesterday when I met Master Merlin's student, he asked me to return it on his behalf. It's finally back with its rightful owner."
Cressida accepted it: "Thank you, Master Conrad."
After Rex finished speaking, he was escorted away by the guards.
Odette suddenly said: "Ms. Hamilton, could you let us see that jade pendant too?"
Cressida immediately presented it.
The jade pendant was carved with seal script and protective symbols to ward off evil.
Odette examined it carefully and slowly said: "There's no mistake, this is something Master Merlin carved himself. My mother had one too when she was alive, and she gave it to me."
After speaking, Odette secretly gave Yosef a look.
Sophie's voice came: "Cressida, I didn't expect General Hamilton to have grown up with Master Merlin. No wonder he's so outstanding!"
Yosef's eyes were so dark they could drip water.
Who was Ronan Merlin? He was the important figure who had performed ceremonies for Doyle's deceased father, Lester Russell!
Ronan was highly respected!
With Ronan as a guarantee, how could Cressida's background be wrong?
Rose was already dumbfounded, especially after catching Yosef's glance at her, instantly feeling a chill down her back.
What's going on? Why is this happening?
When did Cressida meet Ronan?
Clio found it even more unbelievable. Ronan had been dead for five years! No matter how capable Cressida was, she couldn't have gotten his belongings, could she?
While they were confused, someone quickly came up to the ship.
Peter's hair was dripping wet, and he hadn't had time to change his clothes yet.
He walked up to Sophie and bowed angrily: "I want to report to Lady Sophie that a rower on the yellow boat was hiding a dagger and nearly hurt someone in the water!"