Wrong marriage and sweet love (Joyce and Luther)

Chapter 2056: The Predicament

Darrin replied, "Personally, I think it's possible."

Luther gasped. The royal family?! The Rohomes royal family was indeed formidable. If so, it would explain why no channels could find any information about Joyce.

Cecelia's face turned serious. "What did you say? The emperor only has a few days left? Are you sure?"

"Yes, there's no cure, but he is still conscious and not in a coma. This is the most accurate information I have. I reported the details to the Marshal half an hour ago. His instructions were for me to stay and keep an eye on Rohomes' movements," Darrin replied. "As for what exactly is happening in the East Palace, I really can't find out. Their security is too tight. Moreover, the Crown Prince is said to be ruthless and unpredictable; very few people can get information about the East Palace."

"Anomalies in the East Palace at this time are baffling. Is it related to the royal succession?" Luther asked.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

"Unlikely. The Crown Prince has no need to act now, which makes it even stranger," Darrin said, his voice filled with doubt.

Cecelia asked again, "Has the emperor announced a successor? Will the Crown Prince ascend smoothly? Do you have any more information?"

"Honestly, it's uncertain. Currently, Prince Reuben is very popular, overshadowing the Crown Prince. It's entirely possible that the Crown Prince could be replaced as heir. Until the last moment, no one knows for sure; everything depends on the emperor's decision. This is the biggest risk right now."

"I understand. Rohomes might be on the brink of change. Did the Marshal want you to stay?" Cecelia asked.

"Yes," Darrin replied.

"But if Rohomes falls into chaos due to a succession struggle..." Cecelia's heart sank. If Darrin couldn't return, Joyce wouldn't either. What should they do then?

"Madam Marshal, from the day I joined the military, I was prepared for this. I know what you're worried about. Even if I can't come back, this is my duty, and I'm willing to fulfill it. Please rest assured; I will complete the task given by the Marshal," Darrin said solemnly.

Luther suddenly stood up. He hadn't considered how a power struggle in Rohomes might affect him personally until now. If Rohomes fell into chaos and closed its borders, how would they get Joyce out? Even if they found her location, she would be trapped by the political turmoil.

His heart sank further into despair.

The situation was far more complicated than he had imagined. Besides finding Joyce, they had to consider royal changes as well.

"No, I must enter Rohomes immediately before it descends into chaos. If we delay and they close their borders, seeing Joyce will become even harder," Luther blurted out; he couldn't wait another moment. He needed to be as close to Joyce as possible.

"Aaron, arrange a private jet and apply for a flight route immediately," Luther ordered.

"Mr. Warner, I'll go with you," Aaron responded without hesitation.

"Don't be impulsive!" Cecelia stopped him. "Don't rush; we can't act recklessly right now. Luther, I know you're anxious to see Joyce and bring her back-I feel the same way-but we don't know where she is or who took her. Additionally, the royal situation is unclear. If there's no internal conflict, we might alert them unnecessarily. If there is a change in succession and Reuben takes over-he's friendly with us-he could help us instead. If worse comes to worst... we'll discuss our options then. I've heard that while the Crown Prince is ruthless, he comes from a legitimate lineage that values bloodlines despite modern meritocracy principles. Our country has never been on good terms with his faction and naturally doesn't want him to ascend the throne. If he does take over, border relations will likely tighten further with unpredictable consequences. However, if Reuben ascends, the Crown Prince won't give up easily, leading inevitably to internal strife."

Cecelia walked up to Luther. "Think about your four children. If both of you end up trapped in Rohomes, what will happen to them? Iris just reunited with her parents; you need to think this through." Luther fell silent.

Yes, what should he choose?

But he couldn't leave Joyce behind either.

"Darrin, do you have any contact with Reuben?" Luther asked urgently. "At this point, try to get information from him or contact Grizela by his side."

"Mr. Warner, it's difficult for me to reach Reuben right now. I've tried but his whereabouts are completely confidential lately; I have no way of knowing them. As for Grizela-l haven't seen her since Khebury," Darrin said dejectedly.

"We've also lost contact with Reuben. Before he left, he borrowed something from Joyce," Luther rubbed his temples.

Everyone knew what Luther didn't

say out loud: Reuben took the genuine anti-electromagnetic pulse blueprint with him and promised to use it correctly-they chose to trust him.

Now Reuben was their only potential ally in Rohomes.

But how could they contact him?

This wasn't as simple as making a phone call; all previous contact methods were now useless.

They had no choice but to wait.

"Darrin, hang up for now; I've understood the situation clearly-keep in touch and inform us immediately of any updates," Cecelia said.

"Yes, Madam Marshal," Darrin hung up.

The conference room fell into silence.

Luther felt an immense headache-should he call Kane back? With Rohomes in turmoil, they couldn't involve more innocent people-but would Kane be willing to return? Should he abandon his children and go to Rohomes for Joyce or stay and wait for news?

One wave had not yet settled when another arose.

He was confused and trapped in a predicament.

Cecelia was equally torn; every step now was crucially important.

If internal strife broke out in Rohomes leading to war between two countries-the Heath family's century-old military legacy would face an uncertain future amidst renewed conflict after less than a hundred years of peace.