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The next morning, the Vanguard estate was bustling with unprecedented activity.
Samuel, the ever-dutiful and notoriously brilliant scholar husband, was officially departing for the remote Vanguard ancestral temple in the mountains. To the outside world—and the gossiping servants—it was a profoundly romantic gesture. The terrifying Vanguard Madam was bedridden with illness, and her devoted husband was embarking on a week-long, isolated pilgrimage to pray for her health and their marital harmony.
Standing in the courtyard, Samuel looked immaculate in his traveling robes of deep forest green silk.
Heena stood on the steps of the manor, draped in a thick fur cloak, playing the part of the frail, touched wife to absolute perfection. She coughed delicately into a silk handkerchief, looking at him with wide, entirely fake teary eyes.
