They cannot endure such humiliation.
Thus, Ruben, the most capable offspring of the old Earl, became their greatest hope.
Ruben was initially stunned upon hearing this. He hadn't expected his stepmother to say such words, but soon he realized the current situation was indeed critical.
Once the news spreads, other nobles would swarm like hyenas to carve up the entire territory, even though this carving would be conducted through various elegant and formal means.
However elegant and formal, it's still akin to them being sliced apart.
As for the hiding of the news and not leaking it out, this is probably impossible. Too many people know about it, and it won't be long before the body starts to rot.
Finally, Ruben could only nod and agree: "Alright."
What other choice did he have? There was only this path to choose from at this point, and there was no other way.
