Chapter 65: The Misunderstanding Deepens

After everything was over, John felt that this whole entanglement was utterly absurd.

"Render unto God the things that are God's, and unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's," John said, hooking Margaret's chin. "If you talk like this, God will not be happy."

Margaret lay on John's chest, as if still recovering from the earlier passion. John felt the soft touch against his body and couldn't help but think that his life was incredibly strange.

This is a nun, after all.

Though she didn't wear one of those particularly seductive nun outfits, she was indeed a genuine nun.

Her explosive figure made John's pleasure soar to the heavens, and her melodious, bird-like gasps made him feel he would never forget this moment for the rest of his life.

John pinched her cheek again and asked, "You mentioned earlier that you had something to discuss with me. What is it?"

When business was mentioned, Margaret's head shrank back, but she couldn't escape from John's embrace.

"It's about the county magistrate."

Edward?

Margaret's words instantly piqued John's interest. He released his embrace around Margaret, propped his head up on his side, and looked directly at the nun's delicate face.

This made Margaret feel a bit shy, and she lowered her head, not knowing where to hide. John, skilled, pulled the nun back into his arms and gently patted her back.

"The county magistrate harassed our convent before. If it weren't for Brother Guy calling on Roger and the others to intervene, we might have been in serious trouble," Margaret's voice was soft and sweet, making it hard for John to refuse her words.

She said, "None of us like Edward. He always acts recklessly..."

Before Margaret could continue, John interrupted her.

"You want me to remove Edward from his position as county magistrate and make him disappear from Lancaster, is that right?"

When he said this, there was not a trace of emotion on John's face. To him, Edward was a worthless person.

At this moment, Margaret didn't know how to respond. She had never thought about solving the Edward issue in such a way. In other words, she simply disliked Edward and hadn't considered truly getting rid of him. To someone of her status, Edward was already a high and mighty person.

Moreover, she chose to bribe John in this manner only under the instigation of Jacques.

With John's cunning, it wasn't hard for him to deduce Jacques' role in the whole affair.

But it was also John's cunning that made him think one step further about Brother Guy's position in the whole event.

Brother Guy himself hadn't participated in this matter, but his father-son-like relationship with Jacques made it hard for John not to think of the underlying intricacies. Perhaps Jacques was just a pawn, and the real mastermind was Guy. Thinking of this, John was filled with emotion.

This seemingly impartial and upright cleric turned out to be just a mundane person, concerned with his own image. 

Indeed, one cannot judge a book by its cover.

John shook his head and said, "Anyway, Margaret, don't worry. I will handle this matter properly. Edward will be held accountable for his crimes. Of course, this will take some time."

Margaret smiled at the reassuring reply and once again lay down on John.

Watching Margaret nod like a little chick, John's conviction grew stronger that Guy was definitely involved in this matter.

With such suspicions in mind, John waited until Margaret fell asleep before he dozed off. Meanwhile, Guy, who was mistakenly thought to be the mastermind, announced the end of the banquet when he saw that John had not returned for a long time.

And the real mastermind was still waiting in the corridor outside.

It could only be said that John thought too badly of good people and too well of bad people.

The next day, when John emerged from the room, Jacques, with an almost uncontrollable anxious look on his seemingly harmless face, said, "Your Highness, the royal guards are all waiting for you."

Jacques's anxiety was partly feigned and partly real. The fake part was to show John. The real part was because the royal guards waiting in the convent were genuinely causing trouble. These veteran soldiers had an almost obsessive dedication to ensuring John's safety.

But how could Jacques let them see John? Let them see their master had slept with a nun?

If such a scandal spread, John's reputation would be at risk. If John blamed Jacques for this, Jacques' head would not be safe either.

Jacques could only rely on his relationship with Guillaume to temporarily appease the royal guards.

But this was only a temporary solution, and Guillaume did not fully trust Jacques, especially when it came to John's safety.

As time passed, the patience of the royal guards wore thin. These rough soldiers gathered around Jacques, demanding an explanation from him.

"Where is our prince?"

"Why haven't we been allowed inside yet?"

Guy was also drawn to the commotion. After understanding the situation, he calmed the soldiers down and then ordered Jacques to find John.

Thus, Jacques appeared before John.

"You know what you did was unreliable," John said as he walked. "What happened between Margaret and me yesterday, besides you, no one else knows. I hope you can keep this secret, Jacques."

Jacques nodded. "I understand, Your Highness."

John said, "Good that you understand."

Both Jacques and John were well aware that if the matter were ever leaked because of Jacques' loose tongue, it would be detrimental to everyone involved.

But the immediate priority was to settle the royal guards gathered at the convent's entrance.

As soon as John appeared before them, they instantly calmed down. After all, their goal was to protect John, and seeing him unharmed, they had no further concerns.

As the royal guards gradually dispersed, Guy also relaxed.

"Your Highness, it's a good thing you showed up in time; otherwise, this misunderstanding could have caused a conflict today," Guy said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Where were you last night?"

Hearing Guy's question, John thought he knew everything and was just pretending not to, so he smiled.

Seeing John respond with a mysterious smile, Guy sensed that John didn't want to elaborate, so he didn't press further. The two continued their conversation under this misunderstanding.

"I'm planning to go to Lancaster. Edward is indeed not suitable as the county magistrate. He hasn't done anything right in that position. I need a new magistrate."

As John said this, he observed Guy's expression.

But Guy showed little reaction. "He is indeed an unqualified magistrate."

In John's mind, his assessment of Guy deepened. Guy was indeed very good at pretending.

However, no matter how well he disguised himself, John was determined to deal with Edward. After all, Guy had fronted him the money, so John considered it a favor to repay.