The discovery of the accident brought the four boats to a halt. They docked along the shore, allowing everyone to disembark.
The two distressed young ladies, their faces veiled with tears, knew full well the implications of having their clothing forcibly torn and exposed before being carried ashore by a stranger.
Their reputations were irreparably tarnished, and the prospects of securing a good marriage were forever dashed. Their already modest family background now faced even greater challenges. Families of even modest prominence would recoil from allying themselves with women who had marred their reputations in such a manner.
Furthermore, should the Fifth Princess hold them responsible for their inability to execute such a straightforward scheme, their family would undoubtedly face repercussions. Retribution from the Empress's family, the wealthiest and most influential, was not to be taken lightly. Offending them was bound to result in severe consequences.
